Tips for a Stress-free Holiday

Save decorating time and money this Thanksgiving. Use these tips throughout the holiday season (and also get a jump on Christmas):

1. Use white Christmas string lights to drape around the room; the mantle, tables, shelves or even add to plants.

2. Create an illuminating centerpiece with 12 clear votive candle holders. Tie a ribbon around each one and make a bow. Form a circle with the candle holders; bows facing out to give it the appearance of a wreath. Add white votive candles or use other colors that coordinate with your table. A smaller arrangement can be used for cocktail or end tables. Keep out for the holiday season or give them away to guests as they leave.

3. Create taste, function and visual appeal using small, well-shaped pumpkin gourds. Scrape out the inner meat to make pie or soup. Then create soup bowls from the shells. Or fill a large, hollowed-out pumpkin with flowers and use as table decoration.

4. Too busy for your usual workout? Try slipping in some exercise ahead of time and give your kids something to occupy their time as well:

• The day before or early Thanksgiving morning, take the kids for an early morning walk around the neighborhood.
• Turn your walk into a nature-gathering hike and round up colorful leaves, pine cones and small branches from holly berry trees.
• When back inside, lay the leaves out to dry completely. Have the kids create personalized place cards out of the leaves by inscribing guests' names in brightly contrasted marker colors. Place at each person's setting. Decorate tables, shelves and the mantle using the remaining treasures found during your walk.

Use these tips to adorn your house naturally, keep you in shape, and keep the kids occupied while you plan the greatest Thanksgiving Celebration your family has seen.