First, Clear Out the Clutter

Tynesia Hand-Smith, whose Metro Design Interiors in the District has furnished dozens of model homes, recommends painting a single accent wall in a room to make it pop. If that's too daunting, conduct a housewide search for mirrors and artwork that can be moved from one spot to another to change the look.

Hang a mirror over a dining room sideboard for drama and to reflect light from windows or flickering candles. Or replace an existing mirror with a painting, print or piece of fabric. Swap tired curtains or shades for new ones. Hand-Smith's favorite sources for bargain art, mirrors, toss pillows and window treatments include Marshall's, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Kirkland's, Z Gallerie, Pier 1 and Ikea.

Welcoming aromas can set the mood for a party. Hayes suggests simmering spices on the stove. She likes Williams-Sonoma's Mulling Spices, but you can make your own using cloves, cinnamon, allspice and orange peel.

Decorator Matthew Swingly, owner of McMaster Wallace Interiors in the District, is also a fan of candles with a seasonal aroma. He is careful not to use them near the dining area, however, where the fragrance can interfere with the food.

He buys lots of "disposable house plants" such as orchids, cyclamens and paperwhite narcissus from the grocery store or Ikea: "They make people feel important." For inexpensive cut flowers, he hits Costco, which sells two dozen roses for $14.

Other suggestions by Swingly:

* Decorate the table with (free) evergreens, berries, pine cones and nuts from your own yard or that of friends or neighbors.

* Get new pillows or a throw in warm wintry colors (he likes the selection at Marshall's) and, for a change of scenery, try swapping the living room and dining room rugs.

* And if you have a fireplace, always light a fire for guests because "nothing sets a mood better."