(NAPSA)—Are you enjoying the holidays as much as you should? These tips from IKEA, the leading home furnishings retailer, can help you stay sane and save moneythis season. That Special Touch—TIf you're tired of grabbing the sameold decorations out of the attic every holiday season, add a festive looking pillow or fun contemporary stock- ing to refresh your holiday decor. Create a warm and inviting ambiance with uniquely shaped scented candles. Just a small change can give your home and season a whole new look andfeel. Making Guests Feel at Home—lIt’s thelittle details that make people feel loved and welcome when staying in your home. Greet your guests with a pair of new holidayslippers or a stocking filled with candles and treats. Even decorative towels can help bring on good cheer. You can also help set the mood by playingholiday music in your guest room. The Stress-Free Gift— Headache-free shopping is as simple as putting a plan into action. First, makea list of everyone you want to buy a gift for, and, if possible, what gift you’re hoping to find for them. Even if you put the type of gift, such as “clothing” or “video,” it can help you map out your store visits, rather than visiting the same store several times during the season. Try to avoid going to stores at peak hours, wear comfortable shoes and try not to go shoppingtired or hungry. For that relative who’s impossible to shop for, buy a simple frame, decorate it yourself and insert a family portrait. You'll be surprised how muchit will be appreciated. The Perfect Holiday Feast— Take the same approach to food HOLIDAY TREASURES—By mapping out store visits with a gift list, you can avoid visiting the samestore several times. shopping as gift shopping: Have a list, be organized and leave yourself enough time to get the inevitable last minute ingredient. When cooking for a large crowd, keep in mind the different tastes of your guests. Try to have one simple vegetarian plate without too many spices. This might be a good alternative for some of your guests. You can add a dash of whimsical magic to your holiday mealjust by making a few small changes, such as placing a holiday bow on the back of each guest’s seat. The Best Tip Of All—Just remember that the most important part of the holidays is sharing it with the family andfriends. Enjoy the holiday season as best you can and don’t stress over every single detail. Since its founding in 1943, IKEA has offered a wide range of home furnishings and accessories of good design and function, at affordable prices. For more information, visit its Web site at wuww.ikea-usa.com.
