11 Ways to Straighten Up After a Party

Quentin BakerYou had a merry little party. Now you have to deal with the remains.

Wine
Freeze cubes of leftover wine and save them for recipes that call for vino, like Slow-Cooker Red Wine Short Ribs. Or consolidate half-consumed bottles to make a boozy syrup that you can drizzle over waffles, ice cream, pound cake, ricotta, or fruit.

See More: 10 Delicious Recipes for Leftover Wine

Water Rings
Try rubbing a bit of nongel toothpaste onto a water ring, then buff with a clean cloth. Or substitute full-fat mayonnaise for the toothpaste; leave it on for at least an hour before wiping clean and buffing.

See More: The Entertainer's Guide to Stain Removal

Club Soda
Use flat club soda to hydrate houseplants. It usually contains a phosphate, which promotes growth and root development, says Deb Donaldson, a blue-ribbon winner at the Philadelphia Flower Show.

See More: Entertaining New Uses for Old Things

Mark WeissCandy Canes
Enlist extras as stirrers to infuse drinks with peppermint; crush them and add a minty layer to s'mores; or create heart cupcakes.

See More: 10 More Cupcake Ideas

Fallen Needles and Branches
Repurpose needles as mulch; use sprigs in lieu of gift bows; and in temperate areas, cover delicate outdoor plants with branches to protect from frost.

See More: The Stress-Less Dinner Party

Bread
Slice into cubes and prepare a hearty winter panzanella with butternut squash and fennel.

See More: 11 Ways to Straighten Up After a Party

Don't Miss:
How to Solve 19 Kitchen Cleanup Conundrums
Carpet Stain Solutions
How to Store an Open Bottle of Wine