Here's a Tip

* Got plastic packaging that's a pain to get open? Use your can opener. Run it around the sides to break into your packages.

* For every side dish that requires extra preparation time, plan for one or two that don't. For instance, if you are preparing a casserole with many ingredients and complicated instructions, serve a package of vegetables that require nothing more than steaming.

* Wine buyers tip: Experts say to multiply the number of adult guests by a half bottle to determine how many bottles of wine to buy for your holiday gathering. Add an additional glass of wine per guest for every h...