Writing exclusively for Celebuzz, Carter Oosterhouse — lifestyle expert and host of HGTV’s Million Dollar Rooms, Carter Can and Celebrity Motor Homes — shares her secrets on how to festively glam up your home for the holiday season:

The holidays are my favorite time of year, especially since I’m on the road so much. To make things even sweeter, this year I’m doing something I’ve never done before — I’m providing design insight and inspiration to a life-size gingerbread house at Great Wolf Lodge. Throughout the month of December, when families dine inside these edible creations, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Some of the design inspiration that I’ve added to these sweet treats include, icing icicles dripping from the roof, candy button wallpaper, poinsettias made of gingerbread and a sled out front giving the houses some candy curb appeal.

Families that visit one of the 11 Great Wolf Lodge properties nationwide can get inspired to create their own winter wonderlands at home.

A really easy, fun and inexpensive decoration families can do together is a festive holiday photo frame.

With a simple wood frame found at your local craft store, kids can get creative by decorating with glue sticks and candy. Red and green Pop Rocks, Nerds and peppermints are some of my favorites.

This is a great indoor project kids can do when it’s too cold to play outside, and the finished project is a perfect treat to hold your holiday family photos all season long.

Additional tips and tricks for turning your home into a winter wonderland this year include:

· When decorating your Christmas tree, use fake snow, clear lights, and ornaments adorned in white and silver alongside glass icicles, to give a snowy, outdoor feel. Don’t forget to use spray snow or flocking before you light and decorate the tree!

· In the dining room, lay a white tablecloth across the table and add a centerpiece of red and silver ornaments or pine cones sprinkled with silver glitter. Include subtle light with candles atop a festive table runner. Adding a dimmer switch in the room will really set the mood at dinnertime with your loved ones.

· Spread cheer throughout the house by introducing new seasonal colors with throw pillows or blankets. Red, green and silver accents will give your home an updated holiday feel without breaking the bank.

· Decorate the windows with spray frost or stickers and place a flameless candle in each window to shimmer on the snow at night.

· To put the finishing touches on your holiday home both inside and out, take the decorating outside by lining the driveway with white lights and hanging icicle lights from the rooftop.

For more winter wonderland design inspiration, head to your nearest Great Wolf Lodge, or visit greatwolf.com/Snowland.

All is merry and bright for Mariah Carey.

With Christmas only four days away, the American Idol judge got a head start on the festivities with hubby Nick Cannon and their adorable twins, Monroe and Moroccan, 20 months — and gave fans a sneak peek into their cozy celebrations on Twitter.

The family jetted away to Aspen, Colo., retreating to a getaway tucked away in the snowy mountains. “So beautiful! Christmas begins for me today. God Bless!!!!,” she tweeted.

And Cannon has caught the holiday spirit as well: Carey shared a photo of her husband dancing around their home, donning headphones (listening to “All I Want For Christmas (Is You),” perhaps?) and a pair of fuzzy lamb slippers.

After catching up on family time, the pop star engaged in a little retail therapy with a trip to a Gucci store and a jewelry shop in the legendary ski town’s shopping district. Happy Holidays, indeed!

Season 12 of American Idol premieres Weds., Jan. 16 at 8 PM on Fox — with Carey as one of its new judges.

What are some of your favorite family holiday traditions? Share your stories in the comments section!

You may know her as Elijah Wood‘s hot neighbor and the owner of the eponymous dog Wilfred in the aptly titled FX show, Wilfred. But for our 30 Days of Giving and Receiving, Celebuzz spent some time talking to Fiona Gubelmann about life off-screen, and how she’s planning to spend the holidays this year.

“Christmas stockings are really big in my family, we always go crazy with them,” the former pre-med student told us. “Also, my mom grew up in England, so we always do crackers at Christmas dinner which is always fun.”

So, how else will the star spend her holiday season? Watch the video above to find out.

Celebuzz’s 30 Days of Giving & Receiving is in full swing and today, Hollywood’s hottest makeup artists and hairstylists are sharing the secrets of the stars.

Get inspired by the latest looks seen on the red carpet for your next holiday party.

“The right products and techniques make it easy to have your client keep that just out of the salon look,” says celebrity hairstylist David Babaii. As the the longtime “mane” man behind stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Kate Hudson and Nicole Kidman, he would know.

In the midst of his client’s busy schedules, the stylist is right there with them to create all of their looks. In addition to having the right materials on-hand, there is another mantra that he adheres to: healthy, shiny hair is always a style must. And, like styling hair, Babaii asserts that anyone can have achieve long beautiful hair with a few simple tips.

Ready to create a red-carpet look this holiday season? Launch the gallery to learn how.

Stay logged on to Celebuzz as we continue to count down to Christmas with more holiday tips, DIY projects and celebrity gift guides during our 30 Days of Giving & Receiving.

It’s the time of year when temptation seems to be lurking around every corner. With all of the holiday parties and family obligations that revolve around food, it’s easy to pack on the pounds. But, staying healthy and celebrating with friends doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive.

For Celebuzz‘s 30 Days of Giving & Receiving, Biggest Loser chef and host of the America’s Chefs on TourDevin Alexander is sharing one of her delicious yet surprisingly healthy recipes that’s perfect for any holiday fete.

Want to make Alexander’s low-calorie mini tacos for your holiday gathering?

Watch the video above and find out how.

For more recipes and tips, check out Alexander’s personal site.

Stay tuned to Celebuzz as we celebrate 30 Days of Giving & Receiving with the stars this holiday season!

Celebuzz‘s 30 Days of Giving & Receiving continues and today, the stars are sharing everything their favorite holiday memories, family traditions and the ways they plan to relax this year.

Why does birthday girl Taylor Swift get nostalgic every time she sees a Christmas tree? What holiday album plays on repeat during the holidays at Ryan Gosling‘s house? 

Find out in the gallery — above.

We’re shopping, crafting, cooking, drinking and decorating with the stars all month — so be sure to return to Celebuzz for more holiday coverage.

The holiday season has arrived, and with it comes gift giving of all kinds. In celebration of our 30 Days of Giving & Receiving, Celebuzz has been asking the stars about the presents on their shopping lists, as well as those they’d like to find under the Christmas tree.

“This year is very exciting for me because it’s Cam’s first Christmas,” new mom Kristin Cavallari told us.

Want an inside look at what’s on the star’s holiday wish list?

View the star’s favorite gift ideas (and how you can get your hands on them) in the gallery above.

From D.I.Y. projects and celebrity gift guides, Celebuzz’s 30 Days of Giving & Receiving is bringing you everything you need to know to plan the best holiday ever, so stay tuned.

Celebuzz continues to celebrate 30 Days of Giving & Receiving with the stars and today, we’re talking holidays — past, present and near future — with singer Lance Bass.

“I’m a holiday freak!” Bass, 33, told us at CHILL at Los Angeles’ W Hotel in Westwood, where he kicked off the festive season with an evening of ice skating and healthy snacks with pal Maria Menounos.

“It doesn’t matter what holiday it is. It could be Columbus Day and [I'd still] decorate,” he continued. “I think it’s fun to be able to celebrate all kinds of things. Christmas is definitely my favorite.”

But why will this Christmas be more special than ever before for the former N’Sync singer?

See what he has to say — and get details on how he’ll be celebrating with his family this year — in our video interview, above.

Celebuzz will continue to celebrate the season with the stars every day until Christmas, so be sure to stay tuned for D.I.Y. decorating tips, gift guides and celebrity Christmas memories during our 30 Days of Giving & Receiving.

Ali Fedotowsky doesn’t need a Bachelor to count down to the New Year.

The former 2010 Bachelorette, who called off her engagement to Roberto Martinez last November, is planning on spending the last day of 2012 toasting to… herself.

“I’m gonna go home to Massachusetts with my family. My little niece is just over two months old and I’m just going to cuddle on her and love on her the whole time. That’s really all I plan on doing,” Fedotowsky told Celebuzz.

“I think I’ll come back to L.A. for New Year’s and I plan on sitting at my apartment by myself with a bottle of champagne and watching the ball drop,” she added.

“I’m not a big like go out and party New Year’s person. I’ve stayed in like the past few years, actually. Normally, I had someone with me. This year I’ll probably be alone — but you know what, I’ll be celebrating me and a great 2012 and hopefully a better 2013!”

The reality star may not have had her fairytale ending, but she still knows true love when she sees it.

Fedotowsky, who now hosts the NBC’s travel show 1st Look, got a front row seat to Ashley Hebert and J.P. Rosenbaum‘s “I do’s” last weekend in Pasadena, Calif. and was in awe at their unmistakeable chemistry.

“I saw them walking around the hotel all weekend holding hands,” she told Celebuzz at the Cell Phones for Soldiers Voli Light Vodka Party on Dec. 6 at Hollywood’s famous SkyBar.

“They found it, they found what everyone is looking for and I’m so happy for them.”

As Celebuzz revealed exclusively, the 28-year-old was among the 200 guests, including many other Bachelor and Bachelorette alums, like season 12 Bachelor Jason Mesnick and his pregnant wife Molly, season 5 Bachelorette Jillian Harris and season 1 star Trista and Ryan Sutter who celebrated at the Langham Huntington Hotel for the wedding special, The Bachelorette: Ashley and J.P.’s Wedding, scheduled to air on ABC Dec. 16.

What will be her resolution for 2013? Watch the video, above, to find out more.

Celebuzz continues to countdown the days to Christmas with some more holiday do-it-yourself ideas from celebrated chef Wolfgang Puck. Responsible for serving 1,500 of the Academy’s guests at the Governors Ball each year, Puck continues to delight Oscar winners, nominees and presenters with his delicious culinary bites and creative cocktails. “Celebrating the past, present and future of the industry and the Academy, the Governors Ball is always an unforgettable experience,” said Puck. “Awards season in Hollywood is coming up again. This year we poured over 1,000 bottles of champagne at the Academy Awards alone!”

Want to create a memorable experience at your party this holiday? Puck shares his A-list worthy tips for setting up a champagne cocktail station your guests won’t soon forget.

DIY Entertaining: Champagne Cocktail Station

Step One:
Set up your bar with a framed “recipe” for each cocktail.

Step Two:
Have a nice Prosecco or champagne ready to serve with various other ingredients.

Step Three:
Prepare a selection of garnishes like pomegranate seeds, thinly sliced citrus and mint leaf.

Champagne Cocktail Variations

-Prepare a seasonal, holiday version with pomegranate juice and crème de cassis, a sweet, dark red liqueur made from blackcurrants.

-To make a classic champagne cocktail is easy. Simply drop a sugar cube into a glass and pour the bubbly over it.

-Serve up Bellinis by using 2 ounces of peach nectar and 4 ounces of sparkling wine.

-Make a Kir Royale by mixing champagne and crème de cassis.
For more recipes and entertaining ideas, check out wolfgangpuck.com.

Stay tuned to Celebuzz, as we continue our 30 Days of Giving & Receiving.

Forget dreaming of a White Christmas — bring on the waves!

Instead of celebrating the holidays in the brisk temps, Trevor Donovan plans to spend Dec. 25 with his parents on the sunny beaches of Mexico, where he hopes to catch a wave (or two).

“I’ve been taking a surf trip every year pretty much for the past 16 years over Christmas down to this little place [in Mexico],” the 90210 actor told Celebuzz. “My mom lives there over the winter, so I’m gonna go down, my dad’s gonna go down. We’re all gonna go surfing.”

And it seems like Donovan is getting a head start on his resolutions for 2013.

“I haven’t spent the last two Christmases with my parents and we’re all going to be down there together, so my New Year’s resolution is to spend a little more quality family time,” he said.

On Monday, the actor stepped out at the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights’ 2012 Ripple of Hope Awards Dinner in New York City. The fifth season of 90210 is currently airing on CW.

What are your plans for the upcoming holidays? Sound off in the comments!

As Will Ferrell infamously states in Elf, “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear” – and nothing puts us in the holiday spirit more than hearing our favorite celebs cover some Christmas tunes! Whether you’re cuddled up in front of the fire or outside having a snowball fight, these songs are just what you need!

American Idol alum Scotty McCreery put his deep, soulful voice to work in his beautiful countrified cover of “The First Noel” .

Even though it’s not a traditional holiday song, we can’t help loving Justin Bieber‘s latest song “Mistletoe.” Instant classic!

Michael Buble‘s jazzy cover of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” is exactly what the season is supposed to be about – fun!

“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” is one of our favorite Christmas classics, and Kelly Clarkson definitely does the song justice!

We love New Girl star Zooey Deschanel, and when she joins with Matt Ward to form She & Him, we can’t stop smiling! Their cover of ”Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” is amazing!

Yes, the Biebs makes the list twice. But just listen to his “All I Want for Christmas is You” duet with Mariah Carey and you’ll see why!

Last but not least, we have Darren Criss and Chris Colfer‘s fast and flirty duet of ”Let it Snow”, which will be on Glee‘s 2011 Christmas album! They sound great together, and we love the new take on the holiday hit!

Which is your favorite celebrity holiday song of 2011? Be sure to take a listen to all of the songs and play music critic in the comments below!

This Christmas, all Celebuzz wants is more pictures of celebrities looking adorable in holiday-themed costumes and outfits.

Whether it’s for a role or just for kicks, a handful of famous faces were in the holiday spirit in recent weeks, throwing on some Santa Claus red to show their fun side.

Check out the festive get-ups here!

All Sandra Bullock needs to get into the holiday spirit is a glance at her own little elf – almost 1-year-old son Louis!

Mom and Louis prepped for his first Christmas with a trip to a friend’s holiday party on Sunday in Santa Barbara, California. Louis looked the part of Sandy’s Santa baby with a fur-trimmed hat and green polo shirt.

Click through to check out Sandra and Louis’ Christmas cheer and tell us in the comments – who’s your favorite celebrity baby? For more celebs getting into the spirit, check out our photo gallery of Stars in Santa Suits.

The holiday season is in full effect and mommy-to-be Mariah Carey showed off more than her pipes at a of the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade. Clad in her version of a Santa suit, the diva debuted her baby bump to a crowd of adoring fans.

Mariah and husband Nick Cannon announced in October that Carey is pregnant with the couple’s first child.

Mariah sings “All I Want for Christmas” at Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade:

Checkout Mariah’s video for her single “Oh Santa!”

Santa Claus may not be coming to town just yet, but Carey’s new Christmas album, Merry Christmas II You, is currently available in stores.

What do you think of Mariah’s festive (and form-fitting) frock?

The very pregnant Mariah Carey sits down with Extra where she dishes on who cooked the best Thanksgiving meal, her winter white Christmas plans and latest pregnancy cravings. 

Carey who is expecting with her first child with husband Nick Cannon remains hush-hush on the latest rumors that she’s expecting twins but was very opened about her food cravings and swelling in her fingers:

My fingers are obviously, right now, swell a little bit. I can’t even get this ring off if I tried. I’d have to cut it off…[and] I don’t know what it is but I’m just about fruit.

I guess she wasn’t eating a bowl of ice cream with a pickle in hand over Thanksgiving weekend. In fact, Carey proclaimed that she cooked the best food on the table:

What I cooked was the best thing of the holiday, I’m sorry but it was. I cooked mashed potatoes, I cooked corn. 

She also opened up on having to cancel her annual plans to Aspen for Christmas but where ever she goes must be white and festive:

I can’t go there this year because of the altitude for me. Figuring it out, looking at different options..it’s got to be snowing…I need snow.

Luckily, Carey has a few more weeks to pick the perfect place to spend Christmas at. Watch the rest of the interview below where she talks about wearing heels while pregnant, her jewelry line and more. 

Where do you think Mariah Carey should celebrate Christmas? Comment Below.

The holiday season hasn’t officially begun until David Archuleta gets involved. 

The American Idol helped spread holiday cheer at The Grove in Los Angeles on Sunday, performing for the clamoring masses at The Grove’s tree-lighting ceremony. Joining Archuleta for the holiday kickoff was “Pyramid” singer Charice Pempengco.

Dive into the photo gallery and allow David Archuleta to immerse you in the holiday season. What would you get Archie for Christmas if he was a member of your family? Let us know in the comments section.

When you wish upon a star, Blake Lively appears in New York’s Rockefeller Center!

The Gossip Girl bombshell unveiled the Swarovski crystal star that will top the famed plaza’s behemoth Christmas tree on Thursday. With her shimmery jacket and lovely smile, Blake was shining almost as brightly as the star!

Click through to check out Blake spreading Christmas cheer in NYC and tell us in the comments – what do you think of her sparkly jacket?

‘Tis the season to be Glee-ful! There were no ugly sweaters in sight as singing sweethearts Lea Michele and Cory Monteith filmed scenes for an upcoming holiday episode of Glee at a tree lot in Pasadena, California on Thursday. The on-screen golden couple even seal their Christmas cheer with a kiss!

Allow these seasonal photos to get you into the spirit for the forthcoming Glee Christmas album, which will feature Lea singing “Merry Christmas Darling,” presumably to Cory!

Click through to check out Lea and Cory’s Christmas kiss and tell us in the comments – which Glee holiday tune do you want to hear?

Nothing says Christmas like a bunch of ugly sweaters, but at least these ugly sweaters are being worn by the hot cast of Glee.

To help celebrate the most wonderful time of year, the New Directions gang is releasing a CD and sent out this pic to get everyone in the holiday mood.

We can’t wait!

Will you guys pick up the Glee X-mas album? Hit the comments and let us know!