We know you’re busy. We’ve heard it all before. But if you are planning to buy a Christmas tree what are you waiting for?

Oh, yes, and while you are arguing with your family about the shape of the tree, don’t forget these tips from the National Christmas Tree Association.

Which tree is fresh and which is not? Gently grasp a branch between your thumb and forefinger and pull it toward you. If the tree is fresh, few or no needles should come off in your hand. Also, look to see how many green needles have dropped to the ground under the tree.

— If you don’t have time to decorate right away, keep the tree in a sheltered area such as a porch or garage to protect it from the sun and wind.

— Right before you put the tree in the stand, make a fresh, straight cut across the base of the trunk – about one-half inch up from the original cut. Add two or more quarts of water to the stand and be sure to check it and add more when needed.

Digging for china

Congratulations, you have inherited grandma’s Haviland china. You’re thrilled until your first dinner party… Wasn’t it supposed to be service for 12? Why are there only eight salad plates?

Inevitably, it’s gonna happen. Not even sedate grandma could keep dishes for 50 years without breaking a few. But finding replacements for old china is easier than it used to be with two tableware replacement directories, which list businesses that stock and locate discontinued and hard-to-find china.

— The 8-year-old International Association of Dinnerware Matchers offers a directory of more than 50 of its members in 24 states. The directory includes the names, addresses, phone numbers and the manufacturers they stock. Send a check or money order for $2 to: IADM, c/o American Communication Exchange, 312 E. Wisconsin Ave. #601, Milwaukee, Wis. 53201.

— The Discontinued Tableware Replacement Services Directory was started by two schoolteachers in Ocala seven years ago as a summer project. The directory, which comes out every two years, lists more than 50 services that can help you complete sets of china, crystal and silver. It contains names, addresses and phone numbers of services listed under brand names. Send a check or money order for $5 to: Directory, Joyful Ventures, P.O. Box 4995, Ocala, FL 34478.

Deck the kitchen, too

Your kitchen doesn’t have to be left out of your holiday decorating plans.

Here’s an easy wreath idea from the recently published Mary Englebreit’s Christmas: The Mary Englebreit Look and How to Get It (Andrews and McMeel, $24.95) by Charlotte Lyons. (For more on the book, see story this page.) You will need: fresh or faux evergreen wreath, dish towel, 3 wooden spoons, miscellaneous products and produce from the kitchen (tomato paste cans, garlic, nests of angel hair pasta, sweet red peppers, a jar of pesto sauce and jar of artichoke hearts), fresh parsley, floral wire, wire cutters, acrylic paints and brushes.

How to do it:

1. Tie the dish towel in a loose knot; it should resemble a big bow.

2. Cut about 6 inches of wire and feed it through the back of the knot. Wire the bow to the wreath.

3. Paint the handles of the wooden spoons in a variety of patterns and colors. When they dry, wire them to the bottom of the wreath.

4. Attach the food decorations. When using cans, make and twist wire loops around the tops so they can be attached securely to the wreath. Garnish with sprigs of fresh parsley.

Our variation: If you don’t like Englebreit’s earthy design, start with the dish towel and wooden spoons and add culinary-style holiday ornaments – dried fruits, vegetables and kitchen utensils. Garnish with baby’s breath or small red dried flowers.

Submit items to Charlyne Varkonyi, Home & Garden Editor, Sun-Sentinel, 200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33301-2293.