Holiday party prep guide

An after-party spot check

With people mingling at the party, bits of food and drink can easily find their way onto your upholstery or carpet, and leave nasty stains. Remember to do a quick run-through once guests have left so that you can spot treat any stains before they set and become a permanent problem.

Solutions to your cleaning conundrums

What's the best way to remove red-wine stains from my grandmother's tablecloth? Sprinkle salt over the stain right away to keep it from setting. Then try Wine Away Red Wine Stain Remover; it often removes the stain on contact. $7.99, drugstore.com.

How can I get the melted candle wax out of candleholders without scratching them? Place your favorite candlesticks or tea-light holders in the freezer for a couple of hours. Once it's been chilled, the hardened wax should slide out relatively effortlessly.

My guests' shoes have left scuff marks on the linoleum. What will get these out? First, try rubbing a fabric-softener sheet over the marks. If that fails, use a dry steel-wool pad or Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to remove the pesky black scuff marks.

Wet glasses have left my table covered with rings and water marks. Can it be saved?To restore the moisture to the wood, massage a mixture of mayonnaise and salt into the surface. Let the wood absorb it for 24 hours and then wipe away. Clean the table as usual.