25 Days of Best-Ever Holiday Hints
Giada’s advent calendar doesn’t hold chocolate this year – it’s full of tips for the best holiday season ever.
Even though it’s not an Italian custom, I love advent calendars at this time of year. They’re such a fun way to count down the days till Christmas and make every day of the holiday season feel extra-special. Traditionally, these calendars hide a piece of chocolate or small treat for each day of December through the 25th; some families now make their own versions with small inspirational messages or prompts to do good every day.
Use Post-it notes to label platters and serving utensils so you’re never left empty handed.
Dec. 5. Deck the halls (and tables) with wrapping paper to create a festive, fuss-free table runner!
Dec. 6. Put paper snowflakes to sweet use as baking stencils.
Dec. 7. Aunt Raffy’s swears by this two-buck Chuck Sangria recipe.
Dec. 9. Keep an easy recipe in your back pocket and never stress about entertaining again.
Dec. 10. The absolutely cheesiest, gooiest, meltiest mashed potato recipe ever.
Dec. 11. Flavored ice cubes keep your cocktails cold without watering them down.
Dec. 12. Skip the store-bought gifts and bring a tasty treat you know they’ll love.
Dec. 13. More hands in the kitchen means less work – and more fun – for everyone
Dec. 14. Run out of time? Doctor up a store-bought angel food cake for an impressive finish.
Dec. 15. Keep wine where it belongs – in your guests’ hands – by tagging their glasses.
Dec. 16. Don’t drive yourself crazy trying to guess what people will eat – just ask!
Dec. 17. Cook like the pros and serve a main dish that can be done the night before.
Dec. 18. Simmer a pot of holiday aromatics to make your home festive and inviting.
Dec. 19. Turn your roast into a centerpiece with some herbs and a little decorative flair.
Dec. 20. You’ll get a whole new dish out of this 5-minute fix – and make that panettone last a little longer.
Dec. 22.Save time – and mess – by enlisting the help of a local bakery to throw a cookie decorating party.
Dec. 23. Pump up your cocktail party with a sweet and savory snack that’s as simple as 1-2-3!
Dec. 24. Give guests a job to make them feel at home when they’re in your home.
Dec. 25. Happy Holidays!

A great day and a very explicit information. [fun brain games](https://games.lol/brain/)
You probably can't do this in CA Giada, but how about taking your decorating OUTSIDE by gathering PINE CONES, be careful of getting SAP on your clothing....I.E. BRING A BASKET! I LEARN FROM EXPERIENCE!
ALSO, acorns, evergreens and other greens from plants and trees make a great centerpiece in a very large vase or decorative basket.....or buy an Amaryllis Bulb Kit or an Amaryllis that is already in bloom - these tall, slender Majestic Red flowering plants look oh so AWESOME on a mantle! Feel free to use all or an of these suggestions!
From the Cucina of Tina Canali
Cool!