If that's the vision dancing through your head as the holidays approach, think about hiring a little help for the season. In exchange for some cool currency, honest-to-Christmas professionals will perform many of the more troublesome chores crowding your holiday to-do list.

More people are taking that path, says Noada Carpenter, floral designer at Ruttle & Neltner in Fort Mitchell.

She credits the trend to the elderly who can't do it year after year, popular looks that require a designer's touch, and everyone's lack of time.

"And since 911, people are paying more attention to family and friends and spending more time together," Carpenter says. "They want their homes to look good."

Finding the right decorator, calligrapher or caterer for holiday duty can be tricky, so experts advise getting recommendations from friends and seeing examples of the professional's work before sealing the deal.

Peggy O'Farrell