For easy dressing on a family trip, pack a child's suitcase full of ready-to go getups. Put outfits in separate resealable plastic bags; use stickers to label with day or type of outfit (such as "for rain" or "for special occasion").

Tall-growing orchids need a little extra support to stay upright, but the stakes they lean on are usually an eyesore. For ones that won't detract from the beauty of the blooms, purchase precut 16- to 18-gauge floral-stem wire from a crafts store. Bend into a 90-degree angle 4 inches from the top. Curve the top portion to form a U. Plant the stake next to the orchid, and hook the U around the stem.

Paperwhites are a favorite for the season -- until they grow too tall and flop to one side. To rein them in, root the bulbs in gravel with a solution of 1 part rubbing alcohol and 10 parts water. They'll stop growing at about two-thirds their usual height.

Rectangular baking sheets make perfect receptacles for wet shoes and boots. The pans move easily in and out of cubbyholes, taking their contents out of the way. Once the shoes are dry, the pans can be washed and replaced.

The holidays may be over, but with this arrangement you can extend the season's charms -- and its fragrant greenery. Just snip some branches off the Christmas tree before it heads to the compost heap, and place them in a vase. To offset the fir's stiffness, add cedar and seeded eucalyptus. Finally, the luxurious touch: a few dozen white tulips from your florist. Voila: a fresh display to welcome the New Year.

A tall, egg-shaped vase such as this ceramic one supports the weak-stemmed tulips and emphasizes the arrangement's loose, natural feel. Verso vase, in Sage, calvinklein.com.