HOLIDAY PICK-ME-UPS

Although stores have been filled with holiday decorations for weeks, for most of us the holidays don't truly arrive until today. And with them come a gaggle of guests to your home.

Don't fret. Despite the hustle and bustle that comes at the end of each year and our everyday hectic schedules, there are still plenty of quick and easy projects to get your home ready for visits by family and friends, as well as make them sparkle, shine and help you spread holiday joy.

"Since your front entry is the first thing people see when they arrive, you want to express your style and make a welcoming statement," said Elaine Griffin, a leading New York designer and author of "Design Rules." "Hardware can be the diamond earrings of your front door."

She said that for about $75 you can transform your front door into a knockout. Choose a paint color to match the architectural style of your home, install a kick plate, dynamic door numbers and door knocker and then flank your door with matching topiaries at least 4 feet tall. If you want to add a finishing touch, she suggests an oversized wreath.

Marsha Grigsby, manager of the Home Depot at South Fort Apache and Flamingo roads, suggests starting in the powder bath because it's a place guests are sure to visit.

"One of the easiest things to do is change a toilet seat or faucet," she said. "You also can completely change the look of the room by changing a regular lavatory basin sink to a pedestal sink or changing the door fronts on existing cabinets. You can even paint existing cabinetry, add borders or window treatments to freshen and brighten a room for the holidays."

It's also a good idea to consider whether guests will have any special needs.

Whether your guests are pregnant, in a wheelchair or have knee and back trouble, the height of a toilet seat is important, say the folks at Moen, whose Home Care line includes a locking elevated toilet seat that decreases the amount of stress put on the legs, knees and back. The seat, which is compliant with American with Disabilities Act regulations, attaches to the bowl and can be easily removed when guests leave.

Another consideration are hand grips on the wall next to the toilet. These are available in a variety of designer styles so they can enhance the look of the bathroom while adding safety and support.

"In the kitchen, one of the easiest things you can do is change the light bulbs that you have. Just changing the lighting makes a huge difference. You can go from incandescent to soft lighting or dimmable bulbs," Grigsby said.

Other kitchen pick-me-ups include painting or replacing your appliances with energy-efficient models.

Lowe's offers Modern Master Countertop Transformations, an innovative countertop coating that gives laminate the high-end look of natural stone and goes on like paint.

Changing the cabinetry hardware instantly changes the look of the room, and most pulls are priced at less than $4 each, according to Lowe's.

If a remodeling project sounds like a bit more than you want to tackle right now, you can bring in some holiday spirit with new decorations.

Grigsby said anything with earth tones is popular this year.

Also popular are economical decorations, including those you can make yourself, said Sandy Sandler of Henderson, creator of Bowdabra and founder of the nonprofit Crafters 4 Kids.

"The whole idea behind everything I do is projects you can do in under five minutes and for less than $5. Most of us are time challenged and money challenged," she said.

One of her favorite projects takes fall leaves, old holiday cards, family photographs or children's drawings and attaches them to the bottom of a tray with shellac. "All it is is decoupage. You take the goop and paint it on. The hardest part is waiting for the decoupage to dry," she said.

To make a table festive, Sandler likes to make personalized place setters by covering an apple with tulle, a big bow and adding embellishments such as stick-on rhinestones that can be purchased at a craft store. "Then, you can eat the apple afterwards," she said.

Apples also can be used as tea light holders by coring them, Sandler said. "They're really pretty if you lay a row of them on the table."

Another way to help guests feel welcome is to create a comforting stay. The experts at HGTV suggest giving guest bedrooms the feel of a bed and breakfast, making sure there are activities or reading material for guests of all ages, keeping the pantry stocked with easily prepared meals or snacks, and making sure everyone knows the day's schedule and weather forecast.