Hack Your Holiday

Expert Tips For Dressing, Hosting And Gifting Like A Pro This Season

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'Tis the season for nonstop social events, entertaining friends and family, shopping for thoughtful gifts and so much more. ¶

With our already hectic lifestyles, it's easy to feel anxious when Thanksgiving ends and December is suddenly upon is, with its seemingly endless list of things to do. ¶ But don't stress - we've got you covered. We spoke to local experts in different fields for their top tips, tricks and hacks to help you navigate the holiday season like a pro. Hopefully, the following advice will help you keep your cool and allow you to fully embrace the spirit of the season.

DRESS TO IMPRESS

Styling consultant Ashley Martini of Martini Fashions, LLC, helps men and women look and feel their best and stay on top of the latest trends. She's also the author of "Styletini: Shake Up Your Style Stir Up Your Confidence."

The Gulf Stream resident graduated from Lynn University in Boca 

Raton with a business degree, specializing in fashion marketing and merchandising, and she then earned an MBA in international business. She also studied in Paris, interned with Jennifer Lopez's fashion company and served as brand ambassador at Saks Fifth Avenue for Reed Krakoff.

Here, Martini offers women tips on dressing for social events this season.

Dress up an LBD for neighborhood gatherings. Throw a shawl, shawl sweater or print blazer over a little black dress. Add sparkle with earrings and a necklace; wear booties or flats; and, if it's chilly, go for booties with tights.

Think festively conservative for office parties. With a black dress, opt for a closed-toed pump; go for red or blue accents in a shawl or blazer; or wear a funnel-neck scarf, faux fur or faux fur cuffs.

Go glam for black-tie events. Choose luxe fabrics and textures, such as velvet or lace. Look for sequin accents, or tie a jeweled belt over a long jersey gown.

Don't sweat it. It's no fun melting in Florida's tropical temps with a wintry wardrobe. Seasonal trends - including leopard prints, texturized metallics, faux fur, and '80s and '90s looks - can be incorporated into holiday outfits as lightweight accent pieces.

Have fun with color. Pops of red are perfect for the holidays.

Give your feet a break. As an alternative to stilettos, go for a jeweled ballet flat or a low mule with a pointed toe. Peep-toe shoes are appropriate for many occasions, Martini says, and sneakers with pearls, jewels, furry puffs and other embellishments are fun and chic.

Info: ashleymartini.com

RAISE THEIR SPIRITS

As cofounder of Death or Glory Bar in Delray Beach, Isaac Grillo specializes in innovative seasonal cocktails with a farm-to-bar approach. The award-winning mixologist was named Ultimate Miami Bartender by Magic City Casino for his work at Haven in South Beach, and he opened the popular Repour in South Beach in 2015.

The Colorado native was drawn to the industry by his love of "bringing family and friends together with food and booze," he says. That camaraderie and hospitality can be found in abundance at Death or Glory.

Read on for Grillo's hacks to keep your guests in good cheer.

Embrace seasonal flavors. Create a holiday vibe by infusing your drinks with winter flavors, like cinnamon, cranberry and peppermint. Use the freshest ingredients for best results.

Create a libation station. A communal punch bowl will draw people together and keep the conversation flowing. Make a batch of Christmas-inspired Cosmopolitans using gin instead of vodka (for the piney juniper aromatics) and fresh-pressed cranberry juice.

Remember that gin is in. Spain's "gin tonic" bars have spurred a revival of the classic spirit. Take your G&Ts to the next level with a variety of artisanal tonics, like Fever Tree. Genever, the Dutch forebear of modern gin, is also trending right now. Serve on its own, or mix with club soda (never tonic).

Don't forget this one essential. Bitters are to cocktails what seasonings are to food - a quick and easy way to add flavor.

Upgrade your presentation. Using nice glassware will set an elegant tone, and unusual ice molds - like spheres for whiskey drinks - will also impress guests.

Info: deathorglorybar.com

PARTY ON

Want to be the host with the most? Then meet Rachel Vondell, director of catering operations, and Andy Cohen, managing partner of E&M Culinary, Events & Creative, LLC, an affiliate of E&M Munchies Restaurant Group, the founders of Rebel House in Boca Raton and El Jefe Luchador and Charm City Burger Company in Deerfield Beach.

In its third year, E&M is an evolution of Chef Michael Saperstein and business partner Evan David's entrepreneurial efforts, providing full-service catering, event production and creative services with in-house expertise.

Entertain like a pro with Vondell and Cohen's advice for hosting a memorable holiday party.

Skip the sit-down dinner. Passed and stationary hors d'oeuvres will bring more flavors into the evening, add color to your event and keep the flow moving throughout.

Work the trends. Healthy fare - such as vegan and gluten-free foods - can still be fun and flavorful. Offer chilled curried-carrot shooters; roasted squash and snapper ceviche; or profiteroles filled with blue cheese mousse.

Downsize traditional dishes. Transform classic holiday foods into bite-sized starters, such as mini beef wellingtons with green peppercorn sauce and lamb lollipops with garlic mint jam.

Consider mini desserts. An assortment of bite-sized desserts allows guests to sample different flavors. Consider mini fruit pies and cakes, seasonal cookies and brownies, a baked brie en croute or a fruit tray.

Create a hot chocolate bar. Make a large batch of cocoa in a crock-pot to keep it warm throughout the night. Serve with flavored marshmallows, candy canes, mint- chocolate cookies and adult libations.

Deck the halls. Fill empty wine bottles with string lights for a soft, elegant glow. Add rosemary, cranberries, water and floating candles to mason jars. Fill a three- tiered dessert stand or punch bowl with ornaments. Wrap empty boxes to use on food or beverage displays as elevations or as additional décor.

Info: emcaters.com

WRAP IT UP

The Container Store, which has stores in Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens, Miami and Hallandale Beach, is best known for its storage and organization products.

But its holiday department is virtually a one-stop shop for all your gift-wrapping needs. Not the best wrapper? The brand also offers online DIY projects, gift wrap inspirations and videos showing how to make Instagram-worthy presents.

Emily Holt, The Container Store's buyer of gift packaging and Christmas, and Alissa Wentz, assistant buyer, offer these tips for wrapping with panache.

Stock all the trimmings. Purchase eye-catching, tear-resistant paper and gorgeous bows. If you're gifting for Hanukkah as well as Christmas, consider metallic papers that work for both holidays. When you're traveling with gifts, opt for wired ribbon because it can be reshaped easily.

Pick the perfect package. Save time by having a variety of boxes on hand as well as white and colored tissue paper. Items that are difficult to wrap can be presented nicely in a gift bag or a drawstring sack.

Learn to layer. Layering one or more beautiful papers in bands across a gift box enhances visual appeal.

Add a little something extra. Package tie-ons - like little bells, ornaments or even cookie cutters - provide extra oomph and allow you to personalize the gift for the recipient.

Have a clear surface to spread out supplies. Clear off a large, scratch-proof work surface before you begin wrapping to make the process easier. (Clean it first so packages stay pristine.) Working on carpet might result in gifts punching through the paper.

Remember the essentials. Standing, weighted tape dispensers leave your hands free to cut and fold paper. Double-stick tape provides invisible adhesion and is great for attaching gift tags. Super Tape, a clear double-sided tape, is best for wrapping gifts with heavy handmade paper. Scissors with titanium- fused blades are ideal for cutting through heavy materials and wired ribbon.

Info: containerstore.com

SHOP STRATEGICALLY

Based in Miami, New York and Los Angeles, Cristina Cellini is a fashion stylist, personal shopper, costume designer and creative consultant at her company, Nobody's Ugly. Among the clientele she has styled are Kim Kardashian, Lauryn Hill and Paulina Rubio.

Cellini is a dual national, American and Italian, who has also lived in Amsterdam, London and Nairobi. She channels this international lifestyle into her work, offering a fresh perspective on cultural trends and introducing clients to new designers.

Here are Cellini's tips for making the most of your holiday shopping and selecting gifts for everyone on your list.

Know your recipient. Take stock of the hobbies, lifestyle and occupation of your recipient. Then, when you're ready to shop, make a list of stores to visit to save time. Although online shopping is increasingly popular, Cellini prefers in-person shopping so she can touch and feel items.

Consider visiting these go-to stores. Cellini's favorite Miami shops are The Webster (for elite clientele) as well as Violet & Grace and Babalu, both of which offer a unique variety of gifts. (Babalu also has a Palm Beach location.)

Don't forget experiential gifts. Many of us already have enough material possessions. So consider gifting gym passes; spa days; restaurant gift cards; or tickets for music, sports or arts events. Bonus: These gifts usually support the local community.

Go sentimental for loved ones. For older relatives, memorabilia- related gifts and baked goods are appreciated because they show that you put in time and effort making them. For partners in a new relationship, creating a playlist of your significant other's favorite music or planning a picnic shows affection without going overboard.

Splurge on tech for teens: Anything Apple is acceptable, but younger teenagers could benefit from a gift lesson at the Genius Bar so they can learn where their interests truly lie with technology.

Info: nobodysugly.com O