Easy tricks to make your guests think you've been planning for months!

You've invited 20 people over to ring in the holidays with style -- only problem is whipping your house into shape in time for next week's gathering. You don't have to spend weeks cleaning and preparing to look like you've spent weeks, well, cleaning and preparing. Follow a few of these fail-safe tips and party proof your place in just a few sweeps 'round your house.

At the Ready
For surefire ways to be instantly prepared when your friends show up with friends (who have also brought friends), just turn and the shove extras discreetly in every nook and cranny you can. Fill your ordinarily trinket-packed armoire with extra wine glasses and cups. For emergency seating, slide folding chairs and tables under your bed. This way, when cousin Meg shows up with her third boyfriend this year, he's got a place to sit.

In a Jam
The food is always the trickiest part of hosting -- you don't want to create waste with way to many goodies that will never be eaten, but running out of snacks is the biggest party fowl out there. Luckily, you're resourceful. Pack your cupboards with non-perishable items like marmalades, spreads and canned goodies for antipasto plates -- like artichoke hearts and olives. Also, to save on your beverage bill, there are plenty of boxed or jugged wines that are perfectly acceptable, especially after a few glasses of the good stuff. To prevent your crudite-like items from getting too icky, put a tray out, but keep some in the fridge in plastic bags and refill as needed.

Surprise Slumber Party
If the wine is going to be a-flowing, you should always plan to offer couch space just in case. Prepare in advance by putting your blow-up bed in an easily reachable space. Keep some breakfast items like cereal on hand, but if you know people are spending the night in advance, make a dish that can easily be turned into a breakfast frittata or omelet.