Home Front
By JUDY STARK, Times Homes Editor
© St. Petersburg Times
published December 7, 2002
Briefs and news of note
Illuminating thoughts
As you untangle lights for the tree this weekend, do the math. You need a minimum of 100 lights per foot of tree height, according to the elves at Lowe's. That means 700 to 800 lights for a tree 7 to 8 feet tall. If you really want to max it out, make that 150 to 200 lights per foot. You can get a special extension cord that runs up the tree along the trunk and plug the light strings into that instead of attaching them to each other end to end. If you're adding garland to the tree, figure 75 feet for a tree 7 to 8 feet high, 120 feet for a 9-foot tree.
Cards on display
Here's a better idea than taping holiday cards to a mirror or putting them a mantel. Hang a garden trellis on the wall with mirror clips, then tuck cards into it or tie them to it. Add ornaments or greenery to dress it up.
Regifting rules
Pay attention to these rules on "regifting," the practice of passing on to another a gift you've received and don't want or like. (Even Miss Manners gives regifting her blessing.) Remove all tags bearing the names of the original giver and recipient. Wipe off fingerprints. If it's edible, make sure the "sell-by" date hasn't expired and the item hasn't been crushed into crumbs or become overripe. Never give a gift back to the person who gave it to you, the Washington Post advises. Don't give it to someone who knows the original gifter (imagine how mortifying for everyone when Original Giver visits Ultimate Recipient and sees, on the coffee table or bookshelf, the gift he or she gave to you). Don't regift to someone who was there when you opened the gift (a guest at a shower, for example). Fresh wrapping paper and ribbon are mandatory.
Preventing holiday fires
Fire safety tips for the season from TV home handyman and Clearwater native Ron Hazelton: Don't burn wrapping paper in your fireplace. It can produce harmful fumes. Avoid pressure-treated or painted wood for the same reason. Green wood and softwood, such as pine, can cause creosote to build in the chimney, a major cause of fires. Don't throw the branches you trim from your real Christmas tree into the fireplace: They can flare up unexpectedly and start a chimney fire if creosote is present. Never use candles on Christmas trees, live or artificial. Keep candles away from flammable surfaces and out of areas where curtains might blow into the flames. Never leave candles unattended, and be sure everything is out before you leave the house or go to bed.
-- Compiled from staff and wire reports by Homes Editor JUDY STARK
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