Good Housekeeping Dec-14

AS THE HOLIDAYS APPROACH, I start to feel a mounting sense of anxiety: I need to do this, buy that, bake this, make that — and wrap it all up with a pretty bow! When you put it that way, it seems impossible to pull off. Enter the amazing team of experts here at GH (or maybe I should call them elves). They have the power to solve all our holiday dilemmas, from what to hang over the mantel (page 126) to the most delicious, foolproof recipes (page 175) and even how to make the party rounds without gaining a pound (page 91). Amazingly, when I look through the stunning ideas and inspiring shortcuts on these pages, I go from stressed to excited. And that's why I can't wait to…

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FASHION FINDS. BEAUTY SECRETS. STYLE FOR LESS. You might have seen Beyoncé rocking the temporary bling. Metallic tattoos, the grown-up version of kids' washable tats, are the newest way to create an arm party. Apply a few and mix with delicate bangles, a cutout cuff or even an oversize watch. They last up to six days and can be easily removed with baby oil. Bling 'em on! Flash Tattoos, $22 for four sheets, flashtat.com. Ring, $55, Rue Gembon. Arrow bracelet, $78, House of Harlow 1960; glamboutique.com. Gold bangle, $155, Holst + Lee. Wrap bracelet, $55, Chan Luu. Sweater, $130, Kate Spade Saturday.…

LORI BERGAMOTTO Style Director STYLE SCOOP DEEP BREATHS: The holiday season is here! Sure, there's some anxiety about shopping for gifts and navigating the party circuit, but fear not. No need to stress about spending gobs of money on gifts; we've done the work for you (see ideas at right and on page 22). Great gifts at "Whoa, really?" prices (with a few splurges to put on your wish list — I'm talking to you, sparkly pumps!). Uncertain about what to wear to those bashes? Got ya covered (page 30). Most important, have fun — even if you have to don silly headgear from Target to do it (like the Style team did in our pic above). FOLLOW ME @loribergamotto Illinois! STATE-MENT NECKLACE Customized gifts feel so special, which is…

BEJEWELED TOOLS A showstopping brush set in 24-karat plated gold, Lucite and Swarovski crystals by jewelry designer Alexis Bittar. Alexis Bittar for Sephora Liquid Gold Beauty Brush Set and Stand, $175 COOL FOR SCHOOL This crystal-pearl chain necklace is a high-impact gift with a low-impact price tag (read: the Holy Grail of gifting) from our fave teen mag. Necklace, $24, Seventeen; sears.com PERFECT TEN High-tech fingertips let you text, tap, scroll and stay toasty. Gloves, $25 with code GH15, Veraloop SNOWBALL EFFECT Tie a mani gift card onto this sparkly polish, and your teacher gifts are done. Gwen Stefani Holiday for OPI Nail Lacquer in Snow Globe trotter, $10, Ulta Snowflake glitter! TINY WONDERS A mix-and-match batch of everyday studs. Bonus: The cute box means it's already wrapped. Earring set,…

Coat, $198, Lou & Grey; Loft. Sweater, $149, Club Monaco. Pants, $98,The Limited Collection Inspired by Scandal. Sunglasses, $149, Bobbi Brown. Bag, $40, JustFab. Shoes, $135, French Connection. A tan bag is seasonless! MAKE IT SPORTY ACCESSORY SWITCH-UP GET A LITTLE EDGY Bag, $69, Pink Cosmo. Sunglasses, $60, Polaroid. Shoes, $68, New Balance. Cuff, $75, ABS by Allen Schwartz; saks.com. Bag, $64, Nila Anthony. Boots, $90, Sole Society.…