Holiday Hosting Hacks

No time to deck the halls? Simply set out this Framed Felt Letter Board in your foyer with a festive greeting. Set comes with letters and emojis. The bonus? You can use this all year round to display different welcome messages. Available at Crate & Barrel

If you don't have a tree or you put up an artificial one, spritz Tree Scents holiday room spray just before guest arrive. There’s nothing quite like the scent of fresh evergreens to put everyone in a merry mood. Available at Saje Natural Wellness

Whatever your décor style – classic, vintage or modern – rely on floral design experts to create an Insta-worthy centerpiece for your dining room table. To save time, you can even have it delivered right to your home. Available at Blossom Moments

While you’re baking cookies or in the shower, you can also be cleaning your floors just by turning on the iRobot vacuum. It comes with an automatic dirt disposal bin, so it can keep on cleaning without interruption. Available at Hudson’s Bay

The Google Nest Hub Max is like having your very own personal assistant to search recipes, set timers, update shopping lists and more. Place it on the dinner table to video call anyone who can’t get home for the holidays. Available at The Source

Simply brilliant! Swap light bulbs in your home with Merkury Innovations Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulbs. Compatible with smart phones, customize to 1000s of colours and control the brightness, dimming for festive mood lighting. Available at Walmart

No time to wash you hair before your guests arrive? No worries! With Shu Uemura Dry Cleaner Shampoo, micro-fine translucent powders absorb oils while moisturizing ends. Suitable for all hair types and textures. Available at Sephora

Scrambling to get dressed only to realize your festive frock or party pants are full of creases? The Rowenta Master Precision 360° Garment Steamer heats up in just 45 seconds to freshen up clothing by smoothing out wrinkles and removing odours. Available at Hudson’s Bay

Spend less time mixing cocktails and more time mingling. Stock up on ready-made cocktails, such as J.P. Wiser’s Manhattan Canadian Whisky. Just pour over ice and garnish with a maraschino cherry. Cheers! Available at LCBO

When it’s time to dine, Butternut Squash and Golden Cauliflower are both excellent as a first course before turkey dinner. The bonus? Your guests will assume these premium-quality soups are homemade. Just heat and serve. Each jar contains 3 to 4 servings. Available at Ma’s Best Quality Soup

No time to prepare a traditional turkey dinner, let alone shop for all the ingredients? Order a complete ready-to-serve festive meal for 2 to 12 people, complete with sides, desserts and more. Hanukkah and vegan holiday dinners also available. Order online and then pick up at Whole Foods

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with wine choices, especially when you’re in a hurry. For an elegant white wine to pair with turkey, consider none other than the Late Autumn Off Dry Riesling 2018 VQA from Trius. Available at The Wine Shop & Tasting Room

Why bake it when you can fake it? If you love Cranberry Bliss Bars, buy an entire tray! Take home, cut up into bite-size portions serve with coffee or tea, letting guests think you made it yourself. Available at Starbucks

Hosting14 If you haven’t mastered the art of making a light and flaky pastry, get dough to go. Just roll out pre-made pastry and add with your own filling for a sweet or savoury pie to serve warm from the oven. Available at The Pie Commission

Let’s them eat cake! This outstanding Fruit Cake is made with organic maple syrup and loaded with walnuts, dried cranberries raisins, dried apples, orange peel and cinnamon. Be prepared for guests requesting seconds. Available at Fruit Of The Land

Go from holiday hostess to brilliant barista with the Nespresso Vertuo Coffee Machine and Milk Frother, allowing each guest to enjoy a custom-made coffee. The milk frother is also great for making excellent hot cocoa for wee ones. Available at Hudson’s Bay.

If you plan on offering tea after dinner, take things to a whole new level with the ultimate holiday chai – Glitter Chai Latte or Tea au Lait. This spiced black tea with ginger, clove and cinnamon adds instant glam to any occasion. Available at DAVIDsTEA

For those who just can’t get enough of classic holiday fare, cap off the night with some good clean fun! The Mmm Ahh! Gift Set with Yog Nog shower gel and Cookie Dough shower scrub offers is a treat without the calories! Available at Lush