Outsmart holiday mishaps!

Sail through Thanksgiving with super-simple solutions for the most common hosting 'uh-ohs'

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Tablecloth spills? Grab hair spray

To keep cranberry stains from setting in and ruining your tablescape, spritz your tablecloth with hair spray the day before Thanksgiving, says Beatrice Flores, cleaning expert at Living Pristine. The alcohols in the spray form an invisible protective layer to prevent stains.

Also smart: End the night with oily gravy stains or green bean casserole spills? “Mix 1 part baking soda with 2 parts water and pour over the stain; let it sit for a few minutes before blotting. Baking soda will lift grease out of the material,” says Flores. Then wash the tablecloth as usual—just check it before throwing it in the dryer. If there’s still a hint of grease, repeat the process until it’s gone.

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With a few chef secrets, there’s no cooking challenge you can’t overcome.