PlumParty's holiday calendar: one month of easy ideas for hosting, guesting, giving, relaxing and enjoying.

thursday, december 1 - we've got spirit

So what if your neighbors have had their holiday decorations up since Halloween and you still haven't gotten around to hauling out your winter coats from under-bed storage. Just a few quick touches will transform your space into an elegant and welcoming bastion of holiday spirit. Snag a festive dazzler to hang on the front door-our hot holiday felt wreath makes a hip statement. Display red tin buckets filled with clementines or walnuts in their shells. Group votive and pillar candles atop silver lacquer coasters. Consider your halls decked.

Saturday, december 3 - greetings, salutations and shout-outs
If you plan on sending holiday cards or party invitations, this is the weekend to do it. Post offices are slammed and social calendars book up faster than Uncle Mel downs a cup of eggnog, so the earlier the better. Save stamps and time by sending holiday cards only to faraway friends and relatives. Invite the others to a holiday shindig where you can spread the good cheer in person. Our "happy" card covers all of the season's bases and our "la flame" and "jingle, jingle" invitations set a lively tone for holiday gatherings.

wednesday, december 7 - wish list, hold the mayo
Get your holiday shopping done on your lunch break. Without ever leaving your desk. No fighting over parking spaces, no waiting in line - online shopping makes it easier than ever to snag the perfect gift for every name on your list. From splurges to stocking stuffers, some of Plum Party's top picks:

 For hipsters: French Bull salad servers
 For little ones: Action Sample Camera, Ice Cream Sundae Kit
 For green thumbs: Bulb in a Bag kits
 For gamers: Roulette/Blackjack game
 For rock stars: Shuga Bud Earphones, sponge microphone
 For the chess club: How to be Popular book
 For budding baristas: Coffee Smarts game
 For movie buffs: 75 Years of Oscar book

sunday, december 11 - kitchen claus
One little afternoon in the kitchen nets gifts for the masses. Making a large batch of edible treats is affordable way to spread holiday love to a large group of people (co-workers, neighbors, fellow Lost fan club-members). Simply separate the goodies into cool containers and they're ready to give. Try star-shaped sugar cookies with blue sprinkles in gray takeout containers, peppermint bark in clear favor boxes, or glass bottles of infused olive oil presented in felt snowman wine bags.

wednesday, december 14 - wrap-sody chez you
Invite pals over for present-wrapping and pizza. Have each guest bring one roll of wrapping paper and a spool of ribbon. Stock up on creative crepe, fun fringe and gift boxes, bags and tags. Make sure to have plenty of tape and scissors on hand. Crank up the holiday tunes and get wrapping!

thursday, december 22 - winter solstice shindig
Because everyone throws parties on Saturday nights and on New Year's Eve, plus the shortest day of the year also means the longest night! Mix it up with a Winter Wonderland cocktail fete on the Winter Solstice. Primp your pad in silver and white-silver lanterns, silver star garlands and white feather boas. Serve champagne cocktails and white cranberry cosmos in disposable plastic flutes and martini glasses. Tempt guests with ice cream "snowballs" rolled in sprinkles, nuts and silver balls.

sunday, december 25 - chrismukkah
It's Christmas Day, the first night of Hanukkah... there's a lot going on. Take a break from tearing into gifts and partying to do something that truly embodies the holiday spirit. Invite friends over to make stockings, bags or baskets to drop off at a church, shelter or synagogue. Start with our cute red & white felt stockings and stuff with candy canes and chocolate snowmen. Or, fill our Star of David felt bags with wooden dreidels and gelt. Keep the elves in your workshop warm and happy with MarieBelle spicy hot chocolate.

monday, december 26 - moo shu holidays
Stay in bed until 4pm and order Chinese delivery.

thursday, december 29 - in de-stress
Organize a spa night to de-stress from holiday mayhem and catch up with the girls. Go for a yoga class, or, better yet, massages or pedis, and then re-fuel at your place over edamame, a simple seared tuna salad and green tea. Pass out "Positive Energy" drink spots to keep the good vibes flowing.

saturday, december 31 - new year's eve
Host an intimate dinner for 6 before you hit the party circuit. Create beaded charms with guests' initials - napkin holders, place cards and favors all rolled into one. White poinsettias in pails and mirrored balls make striking centerpieces. Serve a simple, stick-to-your-ribs supper of caprese salad, sauteed broccoli rabe and spaghetti and meatballs to help get you through a night of champagne toasts.

sunday, january 1 - see december 26
New year, new you. Not yet. Why fight crowds at the gym? It'll still be there tomorrow. Happy 2006!