100 Quick & Easy Holiday Party Ideas from IKEA

IKEA isn't just great because it's cheap, although we aren't going to hate on a $250 eight-drawer dresser. The Swedish powerhouse really wriggled its way into our design-loving hearts because IKEA products are the heroes in those fraught moments when there seem to be no good solutions. Like when you have the tiniest kitchen known to man and there's just no. space. anywhere. for your pots and pans. Enter the rail-and-hooks system. Problem instantly solved. All this to say, it's not surprising that IKEA would become an essential resource for holiday entertaining, too. The company managed to squeeze 100 holiday tips into a 100-minute Facebook LIVE segment and it was one of those open-Notes-and-start-frantically-typing-ideas moments. Below are 10 of our favorite tips; find the rest by watching IKEA's video.

Use trays to whip your bar cart into shape

Those glasses and garnishes (not to mention your bottle opener collection) won't organize themselves! And IKEA makes a good point: Trays also do double duty as last-minute serving dishes.

SHOP NOW: ROMANTISK tray in white by IKEA, $10, ikea.com
SHOP NOW: ROMANTISK tray in white by IKEA, $10, ikea.com
Photo: Courtesy of IKEA

Switch out candles for strings of lights

They're just as cheery but last way longer. "String them on the wall in fun designs like a tree or a snowman," says IKEA.

SHOP NOW: UTSUND LED string light with 24 lights by IKEA, $30, ikea.com

An ottoman makes for the comfiest extra seating

Folding chairs that actually look nice are also great to have around.

SHOP NOW: SÖDERHAMN ottoman in Samsta dark gray by IKEA, $159, ikea.com
SHOP NOW: SÖDERHAMN ottoman in Samsta dark gray by IKEA, $159, ikea.com
Photo: Courtesy of IKEA

The holidays are when nesting tables really prove themselves

Need more space for drinks? Separate them and scatter as needed. Dying for a little breathing room? Stack 'em in a corner to open up the space.

SHOP NOW: GRANBODA Nesting tables by IKEA, $60 for set of 3, ikea.com

You can never have too much task lighting

Because the coffee table/console/desk you turned into a mini dining setup for the night shouldn't be hidden in shadow. "Adjustable lamps help you direct lighting where you want it so you can set the perfect mood," IKEA notes.

SHOP NOW: TERTIAL work lamp in white with LED bulb by IKEA, $13, ikea.com

Turn a jar upside down and you've got yourself a snow globe

If you're not the crafty type, just stick a succulent and some metallic garland in there like IKEA did and call it festive.

SHOP NOW: SINNERLIG jar with cork lid by IKEA, $15, ikea.com
SHOP NOW: SINNERLIG jar with cork lid by IKEA, $15, ikea.com
Photo: Courtesy of IKEA

Swap wrapping paper for an…oven mitt?!

You read that right. Up your gift-giving game and "wrap" that cheese knife for your mom in another handy kitchen item.

SHOP NOW: VARDAGEN oven mitt by IKEA, $4, ikea.com
SHOP NOW: VARDAGEN oven mitt by IKEA, $4, ikea.com
Photo: Courtesy of IKEA

Hide your summery floral pillows with cozy removable covers

No one will ever be the wiser.

SHOP NOW: BJÖRKSNÄS 26"x16" sheepskin pillow cover in gray by IKEA, $35, ikea.com
SHOP NOW: BJÖRKSNÄS 26"x16" sheepskin pillow cover in gray by IKEA, $35, ikea.com
Photo: Courtesy of IKEA

Not just any tea lights will do on your table

Shiny ones are where it's at. According to IKEA, "Metallic tea light holders give a soft glow to the room when the light reflects off the brass color."

SHOP NOW: GLITTRIG tealight holders by IKEA, $5 each, ikea.com
SHOP NOW: GLITTRIG tealight holders by IKEA, $5 each, ikea.com
Photo: Courtesy of IKEA

A faux sheepskin is your secret weapon

Chairs, benches, the foot of the bed in the guest room…you name it and a fluffy sheepskin will make it 10 times cozier.

SHOP NOW: RENS sheepskin in white by IKEA, $30, ikea.com
SHOP NOW: RENS sheepskin in white by IKEA, $30, ikea.com
Photo: Courtesy of IKEA

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest