"I keep most of my rolled gift-wrap in a tall glass vase at the Style at Home office. I can see exactly what I've got and the vase holds the rolls snugly so they don't get damaged once they're open."  -Christine Hanlon, design editor

"Every year I have an advent party on one of the four Sundays before Christmas -- it’s essentially a cookie party. I can’t possibly bake all the cookies I need just before the party, so I start baking at least 3 weeks in advance, making treats that can be frozen."  -Laurie Grassi, executive editor

"To keep myself organized during the holiday season, I make lists (and check them twice!). From shopping lists to event itineraries to food and preparation, if I write it all down, I won’t forget a thing."  -Claire Hinkley, intern

"A friend and I make truffles together for presents and hostess gifts. We book a December date in advance so that the time is set aside, then work together to make enough truffles for both of us to divide up at the end of the day. It’s a great way to spend time with a friend while getting ahead on making gifts."  -Julia Armstrong, senior editor

"I'm a gift-wrapping fanatic and often spend more time wrapping than shopping for the gift itself. Every Christmas, I organize my supplies in assigned boxes so I never lose track of where the ribbons, gift tags or craft punches are. It also stops a gigantic mess from forming around me!"  -Lauren McPhillips, web editor

"Start early! Sit down with your calendar and get a jump on things by planning ahead. Determine menus for any holiday gatherings, then cook, bake and freeze whatever can be made in advance."  -Suzanne Hartmann, copy editor

"For holiday entertaining, Whole Foods Market is my secret source. I’ll buy prepared meat or fish and a side dish -- I’d rather spend time setting a pretty table than fussing and stressing over the food."  -Margot Austin, senior design editor

"Christmas is the only time of year I allow myself the pleasure of pushing a shopping trolley around the liquor store. One trip mid-December, carefully planned and leisurely executed, lasts well into the new year."  -Doug Wallace, senior editor

"T’was the night before Christmas and you’re in a frantic, last-minute gift wrapping frenzy! An easy solution is to use an adhesive wrap to save some time. I like the options that Hallmark carries -- the inside is sticky, so you just cut and wrap!"  -Vanessa Bottoni, design intern