HOLIDAY DECOR IDEAS: If you’re throwing open the doors of your house for all to see, you want it to look smashing. Here are some easy tips from Ed that will turn your house into a warm winter wonderland.

BAR ESSENTIALS: When you have an open house, you have to be prepared for the inevitable guest who totally ignores all the work you’ve done laying out a spectacular spread and heads straight for the bar. Here’s some recipes (and tips) that will wow everyone from your trendiest friends to Miss Buttoned-Up from down the street. Your guests will think you’ve been secretly bartending at some swanky downtown joint!

EASY FOOD IDEAS: Start with an array of appetizers, complemented by wines or cocktails. Then, bring out a buffet menu, like a ham, and a roast and/or turkey with salads and vegetables depending on your crowd. Let guests help themselves to easy-to-serve foods and wines. Later bring out desserts, coffee and after dinner drinks. If you want the night to continue on, bring out your refreshed appetizer and cheese selections again and offer cocktails and good music.

THE SWEET TABLE:If you can’t loosen your belt a little at the holidays, when can you? Temp everybody with a scrumptious variety of desserts. You may get scowls from the dieters as they munch away at your confections, but you can’t be blamed: they’re so easy to make and so good to eat!

GREAT GIFTS: Here are all the fun things in 2’s Holiday Open House feature that also make fabulous gifts. Whether for your host/hostess, a special someone, or for yourself, these great gift ideas are bound to give even the most discriminating giftee a thrill.

WE'VE SHOPPED FOR YOU!: Hosting this party is easy with Grocery Gateway. Visit the 2 Magazine aisle at grocerygateway.com, where you can order all the groceries for this party in minutes and have them delivered to your door! (Available to Greater Toronto Area residents only.) grocerygateway.com