Holiday entertaining for less money with IKEA

CHICAGO -- The holidays are fast approaching and entertaining family and friends can be stressful and expensive. But if you want the "wow" factor, without the big price tag, IKEA is the place to go. Amanda Preston, product specialist for IKEA is here to give us some great tips to make the day go smoothly, even if extra guests show up.

To find everything you need for holiday entertaining visit the IKEA website: ikea.com.

Dining - The More the Merrier

No matter how many times you go over your holiday guest list, you can always count on a few last-minute guests to join the celebration. To avoid any day-of scrambling for extra seats, move away from the traditional multiple course meal at the dining room table and plan to serve your meals buffet-style. Buffet style - you can enjoy the holiday too, set the buffet once with serving trays and large bowls of food, limiting the trips back to the kitchen.

An extendable table is the best way to make even latecomers feel welcome. Maximize space with folding chairs and strategically placed serving trays throughout your home. This allows guests to eat wherever they're seated - whether that's at the dining room table or on some throw pillows around the coffee table.

Keep it Comfortable: One way to help guests feel at home is to keep table settings casual and functional. But when preparing for a holiday feast, you don't have to use paper plates or use your whole budget on fine china. Use an affordable IKEA dining essentials, like the OFTAST plate, just $0.99, they are space saving and an affordable, reusable option, saving you from putting paper plates in the trash.

Add festive and colorful touches to your table that embrace the season by using decorative elements. Candlelight can help create a festive atmosphere, there is something about the warm glow of a fire that invites guest to gather, and a candle add the perfect flickering light.

Family Room Entertaining

Since the weather outside is frightful, cozy is key for holiday décor. Guests will delight in luxe and cushy textures that help them feel at home, like plush pillow covers and throws.

Give guest a pleasant (and useful) place to sleep off the holiday meal with a clean, cozy bed of their own with a warm duvets and fresh pillows. Keep it easy and store all of your overnight guest linens in the sofa, right at hand and out of the way until you need them.

'Let's Play for Change' campaign and donation to Toys for Tots

IKEA believes all children have the right to play and need a safe space to be a child. The Lets' Play for Change campaign specifically focuses on children's rights to play and development, highlighting the benefits of play for all children. For every toy, book, game and selected Children's furniture sold now through Dec. 24, the IKEA Foundation will donate $1 for projects that support children's development and learning. To celebrate this locally IKEA is donating soft toys, book, games and toys to Toys for Tots.