Simple holiday prep: stress-free ways to wrap gifts and eliminate dust

With so much to do around the holidays, gifts can be wrapped incorrectly and household chores are sometimes neglected. Here's how to make the most out of your time by wrapping and dusting the right way.

You will need

• Strong wrapping paper that won't tear
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Transparent double-sided sticky tape in a dispenser

The paper should be wide enough to wrap right around the package, plus five centimetres (two inches). Its length should be the package length, plus the package depth, plus 2.5 centimetres (one inch).

1. Centre the package, top down, on the paper and wrap the paper around it. Put tape beneath the top part of the overlap and press it down.
2. Fold the top of the paper over one end, pressing it in at the sides so that the side flaps slant down. Pinch the slants into sharp creases.
3. Fold the slanted sides inwards and press them in firmly at the base so the bottom flap slants in at the sides.
4. Fold the bottom flap of paper up and tape it into place. Repeat for the other end of the package.

• Jar or bottle: Cut two squares of pliable paper, such as tissue or foil, with sides as long as twice the height of the jar or bottle plus three times its width. Lay one on the other with their corners alternating. Centre the jar or bottle, draw up the paper all around and tie it with a ribbon.
• Tubular shape: Cut a piece of paper 15 centimetres (six inches) longer than the tube and wide enough to wrap around the tube, plus five centimetres (two inches). Use sticky tape to fix the paper in place lengthwise as for a box (above). At each end tie a ribbon to gather the paper. Spread the gathers evenly.

Prepare your home for the holidays by giving it a quick dust. The aim of good dusting is to remove dust, not disperse it.

• Vacuum as many surfaces as possible before you dust.
• Use a just-damp microfibre cloth for most surfaces. For a highly polished surface, on which water may leave a permanent mark, use a dry cloth and furniture polish.
• Dust from the top of a room down so settling dust can be removed.
• A feather duster is good for blinds, but must be shaken outside frequently as you work. Or wipe slats with a cloth dampened with vinegar (which also disinfects).
• For tricky crevices, use a small, medium-bristled paintbrush.
• To remove stubborn dust from upholstery or clothing, wind masking or packing tape around your hand, sticky side out, then rub.

The holidays can be a busy and stressful time. Remember these tips and you can wrap your gifts and dust your house in no time!