With Thanksgiving just around the corner, followed quickly by holiday parties, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, ‘tis the season for family gatherings, football viewing, turkey basting, pumpkin pie baking, and more. And whether you’re a first-time host or a veteran party-thrower, you can benefit from some smart preparations to make the holidays smooth this year. Here are a few tips.

1. Create ideal kitchen conditions

The kitchen is the heart of your home, and it’s going to get a lot of traffic between now and 2017. Make it easy to prep and store food with simple but smart contraptions like a Slide-Out Pantry 5-Tier. It’s specifically designed to give you extra storage where space is limited, freeing up your counters, shelves, pantry, and more.

2. Streamline food prep and storage

Cutting down on dishes wherever you can will keep your kitchen running smoothly. Eliminate the need for a big colander this year by simply clipping the Easy Pour Strainer securely onto any pot or frying pan so you can drain safely and hands-free:

Only used half an onion, but need it in a day or two for stuffing? Food Huggers are the perfect way to keep food fresh and visible without creating more waste with foil or plastic wrap:

Finally, de-clutter your Tupperware drawer with the nesting Joseph Joseph 12Pc Storage Container Set. Plus, since each has its own color, you’ll never have to guess about which lid goes where again.

3. Make it easy to host guests

Part of good hosting is having plenty of room for everyone who comes to visit. Save yourself from air mattresses that can leave guests deflated and gain a cozy way to relax with the family with the Yogibo Max. A modern take on bean bags, this supersized sack works as a guest bed, sofa, or family chair, holding up to 4 people and 500 lbs., yet storing in less than 4 sq ft.

4. Decorate like an ace

Give guests a warm and festive holiday atmosphere with unique and beautiful decorations, like the Poinsettia Lighted Garland. Its velvety red flowers and green foliage twinkle brightly, and it's cordless so you can put it anywhere:

Finally, keep your front or back porch cheerful and bright with Solar Bling Lights that harness the power of the sun and require no cords, batteries, or maintenance on your part.

Happy holidays!