3. Garbage disposal: A quick cleaning might be in order to remove any odors that are getting in the way of your holiday cooking. Just slice up a lime or a lemon and add about one cup of ice and salt and pour it into the disposal. Turn it on while running the hottest water your sink can muster. This concoction will help remove most odors in a matter of minutes. If you accidentally clog your disposal and it shuts down, it may just need to be reset. First, turn off the water and the switch to the disposal. Then look underneath the sink at the unit—there should be a red reset button or a hole where an Allen wrench fits. Either way, give the button a push or the wrench a turn and you will have a reset (and likely operational) disposal to work with.

4. Fill holes in the wall: Let's say that company is on the way and you notice you've neglected to patch that small—but ugly—hole in the wall. If you don't have any spackle handy and your walls are white, use a dab of white toothpaste. Smooth it on with your finger or a butter knife and hope your guests don't ask about that minty essence wafting from the walls!