In the beginning, there was the television set. And it had one cord, which plugged into an outlet. Then came the VCR, then the DVD, which hooked up to the stereo for better sound. And no longer was there just one cord — there was a temperamental nest of cables. All before you'd plugged in a single strand of holiday lights.

And unless you live in a brand-new house — whose high-traffic rooms have outlets installed nearly every six feet to meet National Electric Code standards — it's doubtful you have enough outlets to go around. This explains the proliferation of power strips and extension cords, which pick up the power slack but contribute to the jumble of wires in the back of the entertainment center, on countertops, beside your bed. Here's how to manage the mess.