Tempe, Arizona (NAPSI) - It’s “the most wonderful time of the year,” but the holidays can also be the busiest.

The holiday season is filled with family and guests, parties and presents, food—and more food. With so much to do, it can overwhelm even those who have mastered the art of multitasking.

The experts at Whirlpool’s Institutes of Kitchen and Fabric Science recommend the keep it simple approach to the holiday hustle. From the appetizers at the office party to that stunning little black dress and perfectly wrapped presents, these home experts have been helping to streamline chores for over 100 years.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind this holiday season:

The One-Tray Wonder

To be the perfect guest (and host), find one quick and easy ingredient that’s also versatile. Keep plenty of prepared phyllo tartlets in the freezer. They’re easily thawed and delicious when baked in the oven and filled with specialty cheeses, veggies or even fresh fruit or a rich, chocolate mousse. Pick a different filling each time, arrange on a serving tray and guests will wonder how you manage it all.

Give that LBD a Little TLC

The classic little black dress gets a lot of wear at this time of year. With a little TLC you can ensure a classic and sophisticated holiday look. Choose the right cycle if you plan to wash it yourself or skip the dry cleaner by refreshing in the dryer.

If you do plan to wash, do so with like colors, make sure zippers and hooks are closed so they won’t snag, and double-check pockets for lint or other items. Don’t overload the washer. More room means less wrinkles. Finally, when in doubt, hang dry.

The Multipurpose Laundry Room

If you find you are often hiding under the stairwell or wrapping gifts at 3 a.m. to keep them hidden from curious eyes, here’s a tip:

Try turning your laundry room—or other out-of-the-way space—into an organized wrapping station. Having a designated space means all your gift wrapping essentials will be right where you need them.

You can store essentials, such as wrapping paper, gift bags and tags, scissors and tape, close at hand but out-of-the-way. One great option, if you have them, are laundry pedestal drawers. If you don’t have storage drawers, use an extra laundry basket as a place to corral your tools for when you want to wrap presents.

For more tips from the experts, visit www.instituteoffabricscience.com or www.instituteofkitchenscience.com.