It's a week before Christmas, and your house is a flurry of activity. There are gifts to be shopped for, purchased and wrapped. There are cookies to be made. Gingerbread houses to be frosted. Parties to be planned. Cleaning to be done.

But one thing you don't have to worry about in the coming week is what to wear. We've got that all planned out for you. From Christmas Day through New Year's Eve, here's a fashion-lover's guide to keep you looking stylish, polished and festive. And, because we know you're scrambling for time, we've even thrown in seven days worth of great host and hostess gifts for all your upcoming soirees.

Now, get back to your shopping, baking and cleaning! Sorry, we can't help you there.

Christmas Day

Thursday, Dec. 25

Semi-formal dinners with family and friends call for something a little dressier than usual, but add something flirty to avoid looking stiff.

The outfit: BCBG white dress shirt ($78) and pleated wool skirt ($98), Antonio Melani red suede belt ($37.80) and HUE capri lace tights ($12). All at Dillard's, FlatIron Crossing.

The gift: Cute socks and slippers are comfy, fun and useful. Betsey Johnson red heart-print over-the-knee socks ($40, at village-shoes.com).

Shopping the sales day

Friday, Dec. 26

Be prepared to battle the crowds for deep discounts during day- after- Christmas sales.

The outfit: Absolutely orange knit cardigan ($38), Lush printed crocheted top ($38) and gold chain belt ($48). At Nordstrom. Dean Jean jeans ($48) and necklace ($32). At Francesca's Collections, Twenty Ninth Street Shopping Center, Boulder.

The gift: Shopping buddies will swoon over a Christmas ornament that doubles as a gift certificate (any amount, at Anthropologie) or a gift certificate from Anastasia Eyebrows (minimum $30, at Nordstrom or 303-917-5259).

Family get-together

Sunday, Dec. 28

A sweet little dress, a pretty coat and a kicky cap, and you're set to play cards with Grandma, read books with the little ones or sip cider with Dad. All in high style, of course.

The outfit: JJ Basics gray knit sweater dress ($48), Tulle winter white coat ($89), HUE argyle tights ($24) and D&Y gray knit beret ($24). All at Nordstrom, FlatIron Crossing.

The gift: Calm her nerves with Origins' Peace of Mind gumballs ($10 per jar, $20 per box).

Cocktails with friends

Monday, Dec. 29

It's the holiday season, so forget the jeans - it's time for a party dress.

The outfit: Velvet Torch dress ($54). At Nordstrom.

The gift: What better gift for a cocktail hostess than cocktail rings or other sparkly accessories? Teal ring ($18), cluster crystal ring ($24) and black ring ($24). At Francesca's. Betsey Johnson rhinestone mouse pin ($75) and pink flower brooch/hair tie ($35). At betseyjohnson.com.

Get back in shape day

Tuesday, Dec. 30

So, you overdid it with the eggnog, the cheesecake, the pecan pie. Join the club. Now, it's time to join a buddy and burn a few calories so you don't feel guilty about tomorrow's champagne.

The outfit: Peace workout top ($44) and Interval black reflector running pants ($78). At Lucy, Twenty Ninth Street, Boulder.

The gift: She'll love striking a yoga pose in peace tank tops ($38). At Lucy.

Snow fun day!

Saturday, Dec. 27

Grab your sled, the kids and a thermos of hot cocoa for an afternoon of outdoor silliness.

The outfit: Volcom snow trench ($249.99) and pink snow pants ($149.99), Burton beanie ($26.99) and Coal scarf ($44.99). All at BC Surf & Sport, FlatIron Crossing.

The gift: Keep your outdoorsy pals warm with a cool new beanie. From left, Volcom tassel beanie ($26.99), DK Kids hat ($24.99), Neff pink beanie ($26.99), BC Surf & Sport beanie ($18) and Billabong multicolor beanie ($26). All at BC Surf & Sport.

New Year's Eve

Wednesday, Dec. 31

It's the perfect day to dress up in your finest and show a little shine. Rock in a frock in of-the-moment purply-blue and carry a star-worthy bag to ring in the new year.

The outfit: Kensie peacock satin dress ($118) and HUE navy leggings ($12.50). At Dillard's. Betsey Johnson rhinestone mouse pin ($75) and silver star wristlet ($39). At betseyjohnson.com.

The gift: Something red lends a festive feel to your New Year's party hostess gift. Try a red and white peace bracelet ($14.25). At Papyrus, Twenty Ninth Street, Boulder.

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