* Save the peel on oranges and grapefruits. You can toss them on a fire for a nice smell.

* Fold and snip a coffee filter into a paper snowflake. Lay over an iced cookie or cake to sift a sugar design on top.

* "When there are big family jobs to be done (like getting ready for the holidays), we write all the tasks down on slips of paper and put them in a hat. We take turns choosing tasks until all the paper is divvied out. Sometimes we trade, but we all get a fair chore list." -- V.O. in Oregon

* Make a holiday cheese ball: Combine a package of cream cheese with a cup of finely shredded che...