Home Fixes to Fake

Home Fixes to Fake

Nicked Table

You've got two choices: Marker it or cover it. For the former, try the Good Housekeeping Research Institute's favorite furniture markers, the Guardsman Touch-Up Pen Kit ($5 for three, guardsmen.com). Apply to scratch, buff with a soft cloth, and top with a coat of furniture polish. Or just institute your own cover-up: For coffee or end tables, arrange books, coasters, or nibbles on top, or drape with a nice scarf. For the dining room table, need we even say it? Haul out that holiday tablecloth.

Home Fixes to Fake

Scratched Baseboards

Your best bet: A stain-repair stick like Minwax Blend-Fil Pencil in a close hue (assorted colors, $4.49 each, minwax.com for details) -- it's like concealer for your baseboard's blemishes. Second best: A Crayola marker can help stained-wood boards.

Home Fixes to Fake

Stained Tablecloth

Maybe the covering is a little worse for the wear, too. Have your kids cut out paper snowflakes to discreetly tape over problem areas. Scatter a few extras, so the look seems intentional. If all else fails, set serving trivets on top.

Home Fixes to Fake

Beat-up Wood Floors

No need to sand and seal when a quick mop job will do. In Good Housekeeping Research Institute tests, Orange Glo Hardwood Floor Refinisher ($15 for 32 ounces, woodfloorcare.com), applied with a microfiber mop, minimized deep scratches, erased small ones - and dried faster than you can say "12 drummers drumming." And may we introduce you to cheap holiday rugs and runners? If needed, pick up some under-pads to keep them in place.

Home Fixes to Fake

Water Stain on Ceiling

As long as your ceilings are white, you can "make" paint by smoothly sponging on Wite-Out (however, you may want to keep the lights low for that particular dinner party). And don't draw attention upward - keep decorations at eye level or lower.

Home Fixes to Fake

Grungy Carpet

The Good Housekeeping Research Institute gives top marks to the Woolite Pod tool from Bissell ($4, woolitecarpet.com for info), which cleans and fluffs fibers in minutes. Also, see previous rug fix for wood floors.

Home Fixes to Fake

Out-of-Control Junk

If the clutter has grown beyond container proportion, corral it in a corner under a sheet or blanket (or in a spare room, if possible). Add a sign, such as, "Secret Santa Work in Progress: Keep Out!" You'll get chuckles and probably some sympathy.

Home Fixes to Fake

Broken Floor Tile

Plop a poinsettia on top and have a glass of eggnog. The exception: If it's in a high-traffic area, clear loose pieces, and point it out so guests don't trip. The explanation: "Hey, it's been a busy year!"

Home Fixes to Fake