Holiday entertaining is all about making memories for family and friends, creating new traditions and revisiting those you look forward to year after year.

Even the busiest person can host a holiday gathering to remember — with a little help from life and style expert Sandra Lee.

As a television host and best-selling author of 13 cooking and entertaining books, Lee offers a time-saving, "Semi-Homemade" approach. Lee's formula of 70 percent readymade items and 30 percent custom touches makes holiday entertaining eminently doable, from elegant tablescapes to signature drinks, do-ahead main dishes and celebratory desserts.

To keep the holidays spirited, festive champagne cocktails are as easy as pouring bubbly into cranberry juice — don't forget that swizzle stick of fresh cranberries! Your holiday ham can look especially appetizing with an easy, stir-together marmalade glaze.

A crown roast is perfectly adorned with a special savory sourdough and sweet Italian sausage stuffing. Store-bought angel food cakes can be customized for Hanukkah or a Nutcracker themed party with prepared frosting, food coloring, flavored extracts and seasonal decorations.