Now that you've decided what to wear for Thanksgiving dinner (thanks to this, this, and this), it's time to prep yourself and your holiday dinner outfits for the inevitable — spills, stains, broken zippers, etc. This day, more than any other, puts your ensemble most at risk because instead of keeping it polished throughout the evening, you'll be highly focused on stuffing your face with, well, stuffing and turkey aplenty. While that's totally okay in our book, there are certain things you can do to fix those unfortunate clothing mishaps.
How to Remove a Wine Stain
Accept it. You're going to be slinging bottles of red like you're Tyrion Lannister, which only increases the chances of it getting on to your skirt/shirt/sweater. If (or in my case, when), that happens, act quickly. Drop your fork, grab the salt shaker and proceed to the nearest bathroom. First, flush the stain with cold water from both the front, but more importantly, the back. Then, take the salt and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes. After you've waited for the salt to soak, rub it with your fingers under cold water. Repeat this step until the stain is removed. If the stain still appears to be there, ask the hostess for some laundry detergent. Rub some of it onto the stain, let it sit for 3-5 minutes and then rinse with cold water.
How to Remove an Oil/Sauce Stain
So, you missed your mouth and got some gravy on yourself. It happens to the best of us. Here's how to bounce back from it. Again, drop the fork immediately, grab some dish soap and head to the nearest sink. Rinse the stain with lukewarm water until most of the stain appears to be gone. Next, dab it with some dish soap. Let it soak for 2-3 minutes and then rinse. Repeat until the stain is gone. If it's a super-serious gravy stain, try opting for the laundry detergent instead.
How to Replace a Lost Earring Back
Conversation got a little crazy at dinner and you somehow managed to lose the back of your earring. There are several easy fixes for this. Your first option: wine cork (there should be plenty lying around). Chop a small piece off and voilà, good as new. Your next option: the eraser back of a pencil. If you can't locate either of those alternatives, a fruit snack could also work. Just remember to take it out immediately when you get home before your dog discovers your ear has suddenly become cherry flavored.
How to Re-attach a Loose Button
In the event that a button has somehow mysteriously loosened during your gluttonous feast, don't just put it in your pocket and save it for later. Find a twist tie (like the ones that come on loaves of bread or with trash bags) and use that like you would a thread. Lace it through until your button is securely back in its place.
How to Free a Stuck Zipper
Maybe it's been a while since you've worn your sweater/skirt/shirt and the zipper has stubbornly decided that it's not going to move for anyone. With a No.2 pencil (perhaps the same one from which you stole the eraser), rub the teeth of the zipper on both sides with the graphite tip. Keep trying until it loosens up again. If that doesn't seem to work, apply a little bit of soap or lip balm to lubricate the teeth of the zipper.
Image: joeri_van_veen/Flickr
