prepare for shipping gifts by mail

• Not all giftables are suited to shipping. Obvious ones are any perishables (have those sent directly from the vendor) or items that are so large or heavy as to be cost-prohibitive. Soft goods travel well, are lightweight, and won’t set you back on shipping costs.
• Plan to ship by regular (ground) service at least two weeks before Christmas Eve—factor in weekends, too. UPS and USPS list holiday delivery dates on their websites—mark those dates on your calendar and set up digital reminders.
• Use only sturdy boxes with flaps for fragile items; recycled boxes are fine for soft goods. Too-large boxes are prone to getting punctured or ripped when stacked, so get the right size for each gift.
• Wrap breakables individually in packing paper, then fill the box with shredded or balled-up paper or biodegradable packing materials—but don’t overstuff lest the box come apart at the seams. Use strong packing tape when assembling boxes, reinforcing the bottom for extra security.
• When giving jewelry, consider wrapping that in a padded travel case—it will keep chains from getting tangled and be a bonus gift. Wine bottles can be sent in insulated sleeves (still adding lots of packing materials)—have them shipped by the retailer.

3. set a festive table

What do birthday bashes, baby showers, graduation send-offs—and, of course, Easter, Passover, Ramadan, Christmas, and Hanukkah—have in common? The communal table takes center stage. Make it your own.

Highlight your style

If your home conveys a casual vibe, there’s no need to get fancy when creating your tablescape.It’s perfectly okay, for instance, to use every-day earthenware and skip the tablecloth. Even placemats are not de rigueur—just be sure to add soft touches such as cloth napkins and a table runner.

Consider the audience

Who will be seated around the table matters—a lot. If it’s a big multigenerational group, and you know certain people will expect your very finest, then you may want to pull out all the stops by using your china and crystal. Otherwise—as in a party for thirtysomethings or a bunch of close family friends—you can likely skip the formalities.

Pick a palette

Modern dinnerware easily mixes with classic pieces when they’re in neutral colors such as white or putty. They’re also a good backdrop for bright splashes of color. You can mix and match patterned plates or napkins, too—but keeping them in the same shade helps prevent it from looking jumbled. Napkins don’t even have to match—just use related colors (and/or fabrics).

Think logistically

Big, bulky centerpieces take up too much space on the table and impede conversation. Arranging smaller vases and/or candles around the table keeps things simple and flexible. You can also forage for materials in your own backyard. Sculptural twigs and branches provide a surprising alternative to flowers and convey a natural beauty.

Personalize the place cards

Putting your own spin on the individual settings makes such a big impact—it’s what people will notice first. Tailor it to the season or the occasion—working in natural elements or even your own collected trinkets.

Don’t overlook the kids’ table

Keeping little hands occupied will buy precious time until the food arrives. Get kids to gather backyard leaves or smooth stones to make their own (or everyone’s) place cards, writing their names with a silver or gold paint pen. Or line their table with coloring placemats (page 78).

Martha Must

I send many gifts by mail and have discovered a way to keep bows from getting crushed in transit: Cut a tall-enough strip from a cardboard box, tape it into a round that’s larger than the bow, and place it around the bow before cushioning and sealing up the box.