Tip: Inexpensive Napkin Rings

Inexpensive napkin rings can be made from shower curtain rings. There are a lot of colors and designs that can be used for a casual table setting.

Tip: Inexpensive Christmas Light Clips

Try using traditional, springloaded clothespins to clip lights to trees. They are barely noticeable, inexpensive, and easy and fast to use.

Tip: No-Drip Candles

Prevent drippy candles at your next holiday party by freezing them for a couple hours before lighting them.

Tip: Make Packing Easier

Make packing for a trip easier. Create and save your packing lists on your computer when you are planning a big trip. Then, whenever you are packing, you can print out a list and check off the items you usually need.

Tip: Sweet-Smelling Fridge

Vanilla is a great scent to mask odors in the fridge. Pour vanilla extract on a cotton ball and place in a small bowl inside the fridge.

Tip: Easy Banana Bread

Thanks Megan for this tip!

Have over-ripe bananas and don't know what to do with them? Put them in the freezer, peel and all. They freeze well and are easy to add to banana bread after thawing.

Tip: Organize With Baskets

Try using baskets in the kitchen to keep small things together. It’s so much easier to take out a basket and set it on the counter than to have to take out several individual items.

Tip: Keeping Kid's Toys Clean

Thanks to Amy for sending in this tip!

Use a large plastic bucket to store children’s plastic toys. Drill several drainage holes in the bottom of the bucket, and you can wash the toys in the bathtub or outdoors with the hose

Tip: Keep Produce Fresh Longer

Place a paper towel or napkin with fresh produce when storing it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. The paper absorbs moisture and helps produce last longer.

Tip: Fun Way to Give Money

Tape money in a nice arrangement and then put into a picture frame with glass. Write “Just in Case of Emergency” on the glass. 

Tip: Emergency Hem Fix

Need to fix a hem? Try using a piece of doublestick tape, works like a charm!

Tip: Clothing Exchange

Consider having a clothing exchange with your friends. Gather up all your old
clothes, shoes, accessories, purses, etc. Hostess provides shopping bags and drinks. Everyong brings an appetizer or dessert to share. And the leftover clothing can be donated to a local women’s shelter.

Tip: Clever Mirror Notes

Buy dry-erase markers and use them on the bathroom mirror. Easy way to remind everyone of errands, etc. Wipe clean with tissue or rag.

Tip: Removing Wax From a Table

Holiday candle drips? To remove wax spills from tabletops heat wax with a blow dryer for a few seconds, then gently scrap it off with the edge of a credit card.

Tip: Deodorize Plastic Containers

Plastic food storage containers can get smelly. Try using baking soda! Just add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda to the container with hot water. Allow containers to soak a few minutes then wash and rinse. Works like a charm!

Tip: Cute Birthday Cake Idea

To dress a child's birthday cake and keep their candles in place, try using Lifesavers as edible candleholders. Not only are candles held in place, but it makes the cake look so colorful!

Tip: De-Bug Your Car

Live in a buggy area ie. by lakes, ocean, etc? Try using dryer sheets, wet
them and use them to debug your car without using any special product. Rinse the car and you are all set!

Tip: Frugal Wrapping Paper

Cut open a brown grocery bag and you have an unprinted piece of very heavy Kraft paper, perfect for gift wrapping. You can rubber stamp the paper, or leave plain and top with a plaid ribbon.

Tip: Working With Old Photos

Have old photos stuck together? Try using a blow dryer to pry them apart. Set it on low and hold a few inches away, aiming at the back of the pictures. The sticky stuff will warm up and you will be able to detach the photos, without ruining them.

Tip: Saving @ After Christmas Sales

If you wait until after Christmas to buy food storage bags and plastic wrap you can usually find those with holiday motifs dis-counted 50- to 75-percent off. And use coupons for an even better deal.