Hotels and resorts really pull out the stops this time of year, a busy one for pastry chefs everywhere. At home, there are ways to recreate some of their tricks without spending hours in the kitchen. Here are a few holiday recipes and tips:

• Twinkie Tiramisu from Disney World's Pop Century Resort
• Easy Gingerbread House - even the kids can help
• More ideas for great gingerbread houses right from the pastry chef at the Grove Park Inn Resort

^{Image copyright Charlyn Keating Chisholm, licensed to About.com}

I'm not exactly crafty. My ambitions for Christmas decorations extend to hanging lights outside and plugging in the illuminated snowman. On the other side of the spectrum, my neighbor does the all-out, computer-controlled lights from his rooftop to the mailbox, all synch'd to music you can pick up on your radio.

I put together some tips from the Historic Hotels of America, and they're a lot more naturally creative -- using fresh greenery for wreaths, citrus fruits for a centerpiece, and cinnamon sticks, cloves and paperwhites to add a holiday scent. Lots of tips, too, on keeping poinsettias fresh throughout the season. Top 10 Tips for Christmas Decorations from the hotel experts.

^{Image courtesy Bellagio Las Vegas}

I spent last year away from extended family for the holidays, so this year I'm looking forward to seeing everyone. But what if you're dreading the holiday whirlwind at home? Brian Peters makes a compelling case for going somewhere, anywhere, for the holidays. He spent the end of last year in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Macau, Ethiopia, London and Paris. This year, staying home will taste even sweeter.

If you need to get away this year to appreciate your family more next year, it's not too late. Take a look at some of these holiday packages that are still available -- or start dreaming your escape for next year.

P.S. If you just can't swing a Christmas getaway, check the freshly updated hotel package deals page for promotional rates and package deals all throughout 2010.

Christmas and New Years' Hotel Deals:

• Romance in Old Montreal at the Hotel Le St-James
• Windham Hill Inn Holiday in Vermont
• The Enchantment of Christmas in Naples, Italy
• Santa's Little Helper package at The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto
• Holiday Lights and Breakfast Delights at The Fairmont Washington, D.C.
• Be There When the Ball Drops - New Year's Package in Times Square

^{Image courtesy Windham Hill Inn}

Heading for Disney World for the holidays? I have to admit, it's not my favorite time of the year to be in the theme parks. It's a little too crowded for me. Still, I love the Christmas decorations in all the parks and resorts, and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is always a lot of fun.

I'm not one for burgers and chicken strips every meal, so I love to sit down and enjoy one of Disney World's diverse restaurants. The crowds, however, most of them armed with Disney Dining Plans, make it tough sometimes to get a table. Over the years I've found a few secrets to getting into a good restaurant at Disney World, even during the most crowded times. Here are my 6 Insider Tips for Dining at Disney World.

More Disney World:

• Overview of Disney World Hotels
• Top 10 Disney World Hotels
• Recipes from Disney World

^{Image courtesy Walt Disney World}