Lifestyle

A short collection of ready-to-use Christmas card messages, the kinds of wishes to choose from, and how to personalize a greeting for family and friends.

Decorate a tree in three passes: lights first, then garland, then ornaments, with the four common types of tree light and how to space each layer.

Four reception venues around New Jersey and Long Island, each with its indoor and outdoor guest capacity and the quoted wedding cost for 100 guests.

Nine small reception ideas: a lounge between dances, guest greeters, novelty transport, welcome bags, a bubbly bar and a room set aside for babies.

Four wedding color palettes - jewel tones, azalea and blue, navy with cream rose, gray with green - and the season and mood each one is suited to.

Money-saving wedding steps that add up: hand-painted invites, online RSVPs, vendor discounts, a standing ceremony, family-style meals and double-duty flowers.