By Nicole Levison

Let's see, between caring, working, cooking, cleaning, and the general chaos of living, how in the world will I find the time and energy to host a holiday? Oh yes, and let's not forget the limited space and funds. Sound familiar? So I came up with these strategies for having a splendid, stress-free holiday at home.

Be Resourceful

• Decide what your time is worth. Be fearless and humorous about asking for aid, which people sometimes offer before you even broach the subject. I intend to go with a combination of potluck and "doctored" dishes. I shall ask loved ones to bring something they do well -- for example, "enough of your favorite cocktail makings to loosen up at least 6 guests" -- plus I'll create my own concoctions using as many shortcuts as I can scrounge up. People generally love to contribute and it makes for an eclectic meal everyone will have fun eating and talking about.
• Ordering out and delivery services are an option. It may be better to have a delicious meal to present (and save your sanity at the same time), than be too proud and stress yourself out taking on more than you should. Grocery stores or smaller restaurants may have reasonable ready-to-serve options, and the cost may be worth the time and energy saved.
• Who says you have to go traditional? I'll never forget the year we gorged on the best Chinese food outside of China. We sat at a coffee table surrounded by floor cushions, laughed at each other's chopstick technique, and made memories we talk about many moons later.

Simplify and Serve with a Side of Style

Gourmet taste, minimal labor, and homey presentation are my goal. Many of the recipes and ideas I use come from family or friends. Some tips that have worked for me:

• Baste turkey (or chicken) with ginger ale. It really kicks up the flavor and moist meters.
• Meat can be expensive and not everyone loves it. Pad the menu with a variety of side dishes (better yet, have your guests bring side dishes for you). This way you'll satisfy a range of tastes. This tactic works especially well when you're feeding a crowd that may have to cater to young, sick, or elderly people.
• Consider splurging for items like already-grated cheese, relish trays, pre-cut vegetables, and bakery items (I personally can never make any of these quite as well as the professionals do anyway).

Borrow and Enhance

Don't be afraid of taking the semi-homemade route. For instance, it is not a crime to start with store-bought gravy and develop your own blends from this foundation. I add broth (and/or bits of meat), spices, and wine -- my own flavor.

One of my much loved comfort foods comes from my Grandma's holiday table. I garnish it with a variety of olives or pretty fresh herbs, and -- like nearly everything I enjoy making -- I regularly change things up, like use a different cheese or variety of potato or add something like garlic, mushrooms, bits of bacon or sausage. Here's the basic recipe:

Cheesy Potatoes

1. 2 lbs of thawed "southern style" hash browns
2. 1 tsp salt
3. ½ tsp pepper
4. ½ c chopped onion
5. 2 c shredded cheddar
6. 1 pint sour cream
7. 2 cans of a creamy soup (Grammy likes cream of chicken)
8. 2 c of corn flakes
9. 1/3 c melted butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients except corn flakes and butter in 9x13 ungreased baking pan. Mix the flakes and butter together and dribble over the potato mixture. Bake for about an hour.

How easy is that?

Be a Hostess

Advance preparation is a must. For us, this can range from getting my sister to come over and lovingly assist me and entertain my child, to filling the bathtub with ice for drinks, desserts -- things we just can't fit in the fridge. While this may not be your precise situation, I'm just saying when I figure out the logistics ahead of time, I'm a lot less frazzled come the big show.

When it comes to a theme, use what's available. Recycling and budget drive my adornments. From foliage and seasonal vegetables used to decorate the table, to using my youngster's art for placemats. Being creative doesn't have to be complicated, and your guests will appreciate it more. If you're looking for inspiration, Martha Stewart always blows my mind.

No matter what your personal approach, I've learned being a good host comes down to grace and consideration.

Whatever you do: own it, laugh about it, and enjoy those moments you only live once.