Dear Heloise: Here’s a hint that’s helpful to remember over the holidays: Thoroughly clean out your fridge and freezer before you start to cook holiday meals. Save plastic containers that are still durable and in good condition, and recycle those that aren’t. By cleaning out both your fridge and freezer, you will make room for those delicious leftovers that you can use later, like chopped turkey, ham bones and veggies.

Also, by setting aside clean plastic containers, you will have something readily available to put the leftovers in, whether you are sending them home with guests or just keeping them for your own family.

Here’s to wishing everyone a joyous holiday. Remember, it’s not about everything being perfect! It’s about being thankful for whatever we have, especially those non-tangible gifts like faith, family, friends, and the special feeling that comes from celebrating a meal and gathering together. — C.H., in Ohio

POUND CAKE

Dear Heloise: I love to make pound cake, and my family really enjoys it, too. Lately, my kids asked if I could come up with some kind of topping to add a bit of new flavor to it. I tried several, but none were a big hit. Got any hints that I can use? — C.W., in Georgia

C.W., this is one of my favorite toppings for pound cake, angel food cake, and bundt cake: Heat about 1/4 cup of preserves and 1 tablespoon of flavored liqueur in a small saucepan. Dribble it over a slice of pound cake for a yummy dessert topping. — Heloise

POTATO TOPPING

Dear Heloise: Thank you for all of your handy hints! A different addition to baked potatoes and potato skins is topping them with French onion dip instead of sour cream. Yummy! — K.P., in Arkansas

REUSING OUTDATED ­SPICES

Dear Readers: Do you have expired spices in your spice rack? Here are some uses for them:

— Make some potpourri. Boil water on your stove, then add cinnamon sticks, ginger and citrus peels to freshen your home for the holidays.

— Make spice sachets. In a square piece of cheese cloth, add bay leaves, thyme, ginger and oregano. Tie up the sachet and keep it handy in places such as a basement, attic or garage. Let it soak up any musty smells.

— Make candles. Just melt some soy wax and add things such as coconut oil, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla beans all ground up. This creates a wonderful scent when the candle is lit.

— Keep insects away by making a sachet out of scents that they hate, such as bay leaves, basil, rosemary and garlic. Place in areas where insects seem to gather or enter your home. — Heloise

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.