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  • Cozy Winter Decor Ideas That Will Delight Until Spring

    Are you searching for winter decor ideas to keep you feeling cozy and inspired during the frosty months ahead? Winter decorations go far beyond the traditional holiday delights. From candle lanterns to versatile porch styling, there is a wide range of options for anyone who wants to give their space a refresh that won’t feel dated when the new year arrives. Read on as we reveal some of our favorite (and easy to implement) winter decor ideas. 

    Introduce a Soft Glow

    There is something remarkably inviting about the soft glow of candlelight in the winter. In fact, it inspired one of Better Homes & Garden’s favorite winter decor ideas: Garland candle lanterns. The Magazine recommends taking your hurricane lanterns out from storage (or thrifting them) and encircling the glass with fabric wire. From there, they suggest that DIYers “use greenery and white berries or even fresh herbs or juniper berries to decorate.” This is such a simple DIY project, but you’ll love seeing their cozy presence on mantels, buffets, and dining tables throughout the season.  

    Add Textile Wall Hangings

    Do you have an empty white wall that has been hard for you to decorate? Consider adding a natural textile wall hanging. If you are interested in purchasing something for the space, pick a piece made from natural fabrics like wool, hemp, or even bamboo. In fact, you might be surprised to learn how popular 1970s-inspired macramé is right now. There’s a cozy nostalgia to these knotted art pieces made thoroughly modern with a reclaimed wood support beam. If you are looking to DIY the hanging textile, Better Homes & Gardens reveals: “Simply loop chunky yarn pieces around a piece of driftwood and cut ends at an angle to form a center point. Embellish with beads and tassels to add color or add knots to add structure to the wall hanging.” Before you know it, that empty wall will be so eye-catching, you will wonder why you didn’t try this project sooner.

    Ward Off the Winter Chill

    As soon as the temperature dips, it’s time to wrap yourself in luxurious textiles made from natural fabrics. Midwest Living recommends “[replacing] bright summer florals with subdued blanket plaids, or [nestling] into tactile fabrics in soft colors,” as well as “[draping] a couch with a fuzzy angora throw (and [wrapping] up to watch TV)….” Flannel sheets are always a delight to sink into, and you’ll love sleeping in a room darkened with thick velvet drapes. Not only will the fabrics help you ward off the chill, but this winter decor idea brings instant visual warmth to your space.

    Layer Textured Blankets

    Real Simple describes this time of year as a “season of nesting,” which makes it the perfect time to enjoy “‘chunky knitted blankets, cozy throws, and lots of textile layering, [to add] warmth and coziness to the home in the colder months,’” according to home design expert Justina Blakeney. If you have a metal frame bed, you can embrace this winter decor idea by draping a folded earthy-hued blanket over the frame to create a cozier looking headboard. You also can achieve a layered look even with your summer-weight duvet. As Real Simple explains, you can just as easily “layer a knitted cotton throw over your linen duvet” before snuggling in for a much-welcomed nap or some serious reading time.  

    Transition Your Accessories

    Small changes can transform your space into a haven during the blustery winter months. Midwest Living loves the idea of replacing a simple lampshade with “a velvety suede alternative.” Soften your lightbulbs so that you can enjoy a subtle golden cast in late winter afternoons and evenings. You can even “skirt a table and layer on a nubby wool throw” in warm earth tones to bring visual interest, as well as a general feeling of being cocooned and insulated against the elements.  

    Spray a Calming Scent

    A particular scent can inspire memory, a sense of comfort, and peace. If the winter season has you feeling stressed, Justina Blakeney tells Real Simple readers that it may be time to spray aromas that are calming – like Lavender. Blakeney is also a fan of “‘earthy scents like myrrh, frankincense, and sandalwood [which] are great for the winter because they are grounding, promote balance, and are the next best thing if you (like me) don’t have a fireplace to cozy up next to!’” Every person has one or two scents that they respond to more strongly than others. Vanilla is also a classic choice, and it might just inspire you to start baking to brighten a wintry afternoon.  

    Bring Your Winter Decor Ideas Outside

    Design experts at Martha Stewart Living are urging readers not to forget their favorite summer perch: The porch. With a few quick changes, you can create a snug nook to enjoy even when the temperatures plummet. Of course, adding cozy throws is among the Magazine’s favorite winter decor ideas, but they also applaud the additions of versatile wooden benches, which can be made “seasonally appropriate by changing out your summer or fall outdoor pillows for a set that feels more wintery.” They also love adding handcrafted doormats that “can withstand the heaviest dirt, mud, snow, and more,” log hoops for some rustic charm that is “both functional and stylish,” lustrous string lights, and a welcoming wreath. 

    While it is true that wreaths are often associated with the holidays, Martha Stewart Living suggests trying a fragrant wreath that will instantly put you in a positive mood. Among their favorites is the Creekside Farms Fragrant Pod Wreath. It’s a picture-perfect winter decor idea “made up of three kinds of eucalyptus leaves, nigella flowers, and sculptural lotus pods.” You might love it so much that you may be tempted to leave it up long after the snow has melted.

  • Make A Difference

    Open your heart and discover several ways you can make a difference and give back. Remember, something that feels small to one person might significantly impact another. Consider donating unused gift cards to charity or buying a child a set of building blocks they can play with for years to come.

    Here are five ways you can give back this season:

    1. Many of us have a stack of unused gift cards in our wallets or a few collecting dust in our junk drawers. According to Bankrate, 51% of U.S. adults have unused gift cards, and the average person is leaving $116 on the table. Instead of leaving the cards or money behind, donate them. There are several websites and companies that can take the remaining balance and provide money to those in need. It’s easy, fast, and can help others that are not as fortunate. charitygiftcertificates.org
    2. Get out there and give back! Whether you are interested in donating your time, money, or skills, check out volunteermatch.org for a variety of ways you can help others. If you prefer volunteering virtually, there are plenty of options for that as well. See how you can make a difference in someone else’s life.
    3. Put a smile on a child’s face and donate gifts and toys to those less fortunate. There are many children whose parents or caregivers cannot afford to buy them gifts during the holiday season so let’s make sure every kid has something to enjoy. When purchasing a toy, consider buying items that can be used many times. Here are a few recommendations:
      a. Boardgames
      b. Arts Supply Kits – with markers, crayons, or pencils they can continue using
      c. LEGOS
      d. Building Sets and Blocks
      e. Playdoh
      f. Animal Toy Sets
      g. Lite Brite
    4. Write holiday cards to people in nursing homes who might not have family or friends that reach out. A letter or card can go a long way and make people feel heard and valued.
    5. Do you enjoy baking? Whip up desserts and tasty treats for a neighbor, coworker, or friend. Unwrap a few yummy recipes below:

    a. Chocolate Caramel Monkey Bread
    b. 26 Classic Christmas Cookie Recipes
    c. Brownie Pops
    d. Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies
    e. 25 of the Best Cupcake Recipes

  • Decorating with Holiday Lighting

    As the season of celebration arrives, your home’s festive spirit can shine with dazzling holiday lighting. This doesn’t mean that you need to have lights on every inch of your rooftop or trees – although we support that! Even small accents, from window treatments to nightstand accessories, can make an impact. With a little bit of planning, the possibilities for glowing good cheer are endless. Read on as we share some of our favorite ideas for bringing the season alive with joyous holiday lighting.  

    Send a Message with LED Rope Holiday Lighting

    LED rope lights allow you to send a message in a way that is “bright, energy-efficient, and easy,” according to Martha Stewart Living. The Magazine offers templates, including their gorgeous “Joy” sign, that allow you to write out your season’s greetings in style. The lights are attached to “a grid of wire wreath forms with heavy-duty cable ties” and can be quickly displayed on windows, garage doors, and across porch railings, as well as throughout your home. In fact, they are so easy to create, you may want to hang more than one. 

    Say It With Snowflakes

    Speaking of rope lights, you can create stunning hanging snowflake ornaments, perfect for decorating gazebos, trees, and porch beams. You can craft this glimmering holiday light display by “hand-twisting rope lights” in a pattern available through Martha Stewart Living and then hanging them by their cords, which are artfully hidden by ribbon. This wintry decoration is perfect for celebrating the holidays, but it is so welcoming that you might want to keep these snowflakes up until spring.

    Stage Mason Jar Strands

    Whether you are hoping to add holiday lighting to bedroom nightstands or want to illuminate walkways for guests, mason jars may be the key to your winter decorating. The idea is a favorite of the pros at Real Simple. “Fill a large Mason jar with a strand or two of battery-powered lights to add whimsy,” and you are done.  It’s that easy. We also love seeing them on tables for outdoor entertaining – those cold nights by the firepit take on an extra magical quality when you can see these lights twinkling in the darkness. Plus, it makes seeing your fabulous snacks even easier. 

    Display a String-Light Christmas Tree 

    Would you love to add a Christmas tree to your child’s room but don’t want to deal with the potential mess and expense? Holiday lighting can also help you create an ideally festive atmosphere in kids’ rooms. String lights are the key. The decorating experts at Martha Stewart Living love the idea of creating string-light Christmas trees using five strategically-placed adhesive hooks. “Felt star ornaments add to the twinkle effect and can be made using the template.” While white decorations are sure to delight, you and your kids can craft the felt ornaments using any color that makes you smile.  

    Create Unique Holiday Glass Candle-Holders

    Do you have pretty glassware that you can spare? Consider turning glasses, everything from whisky tumblers to chalices, into charming candle-holders by filling them with votives. If they are deep enough and solid, you may want to use votives with wicks that you can light. However, if they are placed in an area where they might be disturbed, you’ll want to use battery-operated votives. You’ll still have the beauty of the illumination but without the safety concerns. Midwest Living loves this idea and suggests taking this holiday decoration a step further by “[topping the glasses] with mini-wreaths, being sure to use non-flammable materials or to keep candle flames well away from fresh greens.” 

    Hang Glowing Topiary Lanterns

    Making them into stunning holiday lighting is a snap if you already have topiary lanterns. All you need to do is wrap your lights along the wire bands that form the lantern, securing them with staples or small adhesive hooks as you go. If you don’t have topiary lanterns, you can easily purchase frames at craft stores that can be wrapped with string or LED rope lights (and use twist-ties to secure them to the edges). The experts prefer the latter at Martha Stewart Living: “Rope lights, which look as if they’re filled with liquid beads, provide a smoother, more defined look than the standard string variety.” Want to go for some extra sparkle? The Magazine recommends wrapping tinsel in between the light bands and hanging these dazzling orbs from trees with thick, colorful ribbon (which will also help hide the cords). 

    Drape Crackle Ball Garland

    Crackle ball holiday lighting is trendy right now and with good reason! Not only do they add a sparkle in whatever space they appear, they also feature an eye-catching texture that sets them apart from traditional lanterns. It’s not surprising that Southern Living is raving about crackle ball garlands from West Elm. The Magazine loves the shimmering options and its affordable price tag. While the editors are making a plan to drape the garland along their stair rails, it also would look lovely sitting across fireplace mantels, as window treatments, and on porches (provided they can be secured against the elements). 

    Light a Mistletoe Chandelier

    Finally, if you want to add a sense of romance to your holiday lighting, and are up for a little DIY fun, consider creating a gorgeous mistletoe chandelier using the instructions from Martha Stewart Living. As the Magazine reveals: “Although it looks as though it has been cast from silver, the piece is made of faux mistletoe and dainty rice lights attached to a branch.” The look is refined and delicate, although by using the Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Faux Mistletoe, it’s sturdy enough to last throughout the holiday season and into the new year. It’s so lovely that you’ll want to put it up again next year!

  • How to Transition Outdoor Living Spaces from Fall to Winter

    More and more, people enjoy their outdoor living spaces even after the snow begins to fall. Modern conveniences and some classic options have allowed homeowners and renters to transition from fall to winter without missing a step. And they can do this while still focusing on the comfort of their family and friends. Read on for some of our favorite tips for making much-loved outdoor living spaces winter-ready.

    Shine a Light on Your Outdoor Living Spaces

    As fall transitions into winter, there is no getting around the fact that it gets darker much earlier. When getting your outdoor living spaces winter-ready, the first thing you need to do is to add appropriate lighting. If your yard or patio is already reasonably well illuminated, you can focus on making small changes – adding solar table-top lanterns that can be moved where needed, installing path lighting, and assessing how weatherproof your existing lamps are. Southern Living advises those prepping their outdoor spaces to consider the elements before making purchases: “Rain dripping on an ordinary light bulb will cause it to crack. Bulbs designed for exposed outdoor use, such as PAR lamps, feature heavy-duty glass that withstands breakage.” 

    Are you interested in having your space take on a romantic tone? Picture draping ball bulb lights from tree branches, across pergolas, or from your home to the back garage or shed. The editors at Martha Stewart Living are fans of the affordable LTD Commodities Bulb Solar String Lights: “Available in both white and multi-colored, these ball bulb lights are an easy, festive way to light up your yard.” And while they are a delight for the holidays, they aren’t so season-specific that you can’t keep these magical lights up all year long.  

    Winterize Your Outdoor Furniture

    Do you know if your outdoor furniture can withstand the elements? If you were like many people who bought new patio or yard furniture in the last year, you might want to check to see if the furniture can handle rain and/or snow. If you are thinking about buying new furniture to make your outdoor living space into a wintertime oasis, make sure it is made from sturdy, weather-resistant materials like teak, coated iron or steel, or recycled all-weather plastic/resin. 

    Real Simple points out that “you’ll get the most life from your cushions if you bring them inside as much as possible.” If you can’t do that, consider investing in cushion covers so that you don’t have to worry about drying cushions out every time you want to use them during the winter (or a rainy spring). If you are in the market for new cushions, choose ones that are durable and made from “solution-dyed acrylic, which is designed for outdoor use and resists UV rays, moisture, mildew, and staining,” or “spun polyester with a UV-protective coating [which] dries quickly and is less expensive, but isn’t as resistant to fading.” 

    Turn up the Heat

    Have you been eyeing firepits with longing for the last couple of months? Now is the time to install one in your backyard or on the patio. While years ago, you may have been limited to one particular style of wood-burning fire pit, today, you have dozens of options for wood-burning and propane models. If you plan on doing a lot of entertaining in your outdoor living space (and you have the room), choose one that offers a table-like surround that can support drinks and snacks. If you are searching for something smaller, with a more rustic feel, consider something like “Martha Stewart’s Bedford Wood-Burning Round Fire Pit [which provides] intimate, cozy, wood-burning warmth for an evening in the backyard.” 

    Standing liquid propane heaters are also terrific for directing heat to your guests. You have undoubtedly seen the larger industrial models at restaurants, but home-use standing heaters are easily moved and can be situated wherever you need to turn up the heat. They are ideal for outdoor dinner parties and other sit-down celebrations. Couple the heaters with a hot cider toddy or cocoa and a fleece blanket, and your guests may never want to leave.

    Are you thinking about making a more permanent addition to your outdoor living space? It may be time to invest in building an outdoor fireplace. Midwest Living raves about the idea and celebrates today’s options. Among their favorites: a “three-sided fireplace [with] views [that] are hot from almost anywhere in the yard,” an outdoor fireplace with “flowing lines of brick and stone [turning] the back of a house into a thing of beauty and warmth,” and a “Spanish-style two-sided fireplace, [which] heats two seating areas.” 

    Take Cover

    It’s not too late to add cover to your outdoor living spaces. Heather Napier, Marketing Director for Backyard Discovery, tells Martha Stewart Living, “‘[investing] in a pergola or covered gazebo is also a great way to offer protection from the elements and create an inviting outdoor space.’” Pergolas and gazebos can often be constructed over a weekend and are an affordable way to enhance your outdoor experience, even during the winter months. 

    If you already have an outdoor living room that boasts a roof or fabric cover, try incorporating curtains as the season changes. Curtains can help guard against the icy wind as the temperature drops. They also help you retain the heat that you are generating from your outdoor fireplace, fire pit, or heaters. Just be sure to weight them so that they do not blow near the flame, should the wind pick up while the fire is lit.

    Prepare Your Garden 

    When transitioning outdoor living spaces from fall to winter, you want to prepare your garden. Preparations now will make your space feel festive and alive, even during the dead of winter, and they can make your transition into spring that much easier. Southern Living recommends bringing in your tender plants, turning off sprinkler systems, and “[mulching] over marginally hardy plants.” Cleaning up the vegetable garden will get it ready for spring, and planting winter-friendly specimens like Winter Jasmine, Camellias, and holly bushes will make your space look like it is thriving. 

    Finally, Southern Living cautions gardeners to remove all their clay pots from their outdoor gardens. Why? The Magazine warns: “Clay pots absorb and release water — they “breathe” — which is why plants grow so well in them. But when wet clay pots freeze, they develop small cracks that eventually become big cracks and the pots shatter.” Store them inside to avoid the worst of winter so they will be ready when spring arrives and a new cycle of planting (and entertaining) begins.

  • Holiday Decorations with Max Wilker

    Create stunning holiday centerpieces with things you can find around your home. From cookie stands overflowing with beautiful presents to snowy candles with tree silhouettes, discover a few simple ways to make your tables shine with Max Wilker, Style Director of Better Homes & Gardens®.

  • New Year’s Crafts, Activities, and Recipes – Home, Hearth and Holidays with BHGRE®

    In the blink of an eye, it’s almost 2022! Ring in the new year with sparkling craft and décor ideas, activities and games people will have a blast playing, and of course, unforgettable recipes.

    New Year’s Décor and Crafts:

    • You’ll be set to celebrate with these easy New Year’s crafts. Make personalized party favorites like confetti poppers and place settings, then decorate your home with celebration accents.
    • Create a candle that will shine bright and sparkle all night. Take a glass vase and spray the bottom half with adhesive. Then, pour your favorite glitter onto a newspaper, turn the vase on its side and roll the part of the vase with glue on it in the glitter. Voila!
    • Click here for 8 brilliant New Year’s Eve decorations you will enjoy making.
    • Recycle old bottles and turn them into a centerpiece! Spray paint old wine bottles black and gold, and once they have dried, use glitter paint pens to add designs. You can also tie metallic ribbons around the necks of each bottle.
    • Your yard will look incredible with these DIY string-light planters.
    • Use gold sequin fabric as a table runner to give your table some flare.

    A+ New Year’s Activities:

    • All that glitters is gold. Here you can find everything you need to host a glittery New Year’s Eve cocktail party. Find ideas for dazzling decor, a satisfying holiday menu, even a DIY photo booth!
    • Here’s how you can celebrate New Year’s Eve at home as you ring in 2022.
    • Get your game on with these New Year’s Eve party games.
    • Try setting some feel-good resolutions to help you find joy while focusing on your physical and mental health. These mood-boosting New Year’s resolutions are worth checking out.
    • Make your very own photo booth! To construct your props, you’ll need scissors, heavy-weight cardstock, a glue gun, and either chopsticks or plain art sticks. Use the cardstock and cut out silly mustaches, talking bubbles to write funny sayings, silly glasses, and goofy hats. Then glue the end of a stick to each shape. Create a backdrop by hanging up a fun sheet or curtain and add metallic balloons or streamers to liven it up. Say cheese!
    • Take a card and write down your favorite five memories from 2021 or a few things you appreciated during the past year. Then write down five things you hope for in the coming year. Place your card in an envelope and read it on the last day of 2022.

    New Year, New Recipes:

    • Check out these finger-licking good finger food recipes. There are fancy flower-topped fruit pizzas as well as a variety of irresistible snacks and poppers.
    • Your friends will not want to dip after trying these 17 scrumptious and easy party dips.
    • Get ready for the ultimate dining experience. Here are several New Year’s Eve menus perfect for any shindig.

    • New Year’s Eve party recipes to help you celebrate and munch away until the clock strikes 12.
    • Make your favorite flavor of cake pops and let them cool. Then pipe “2-0-2-2” onto 4 of the cake balls using icing or chocolate. Roll the remaining cake pops in gold and black sprinkles for a festive feel.
    • This dark chocolate German cake will have your guests unable to put their forks down.
    • Decadent desserts are a must-have when ringing in the new year. Here are 38 delicious desserts, including cakes, creamy and rich truffles, cheesecakes, and even amazing confetti cookies.
    • We all enjoy different tastes and flavors, so create a sundae bar for your guests. Put out cute mason jars that your guests can fill up while making their way down the table, choosing which ice cream and toppings they want to layer in.
    • These toast-worthy New Year’s Eve cocktails will have you yelling cheers. ?

     

  • 10 Holiday Baking Gifts Home Bakers Will Love – Home, Hearth and Holidays with BHGRE®

    If someone on your holiday shopping list has become passionate about home baking, now is the perfect time to shop for gifts that range from practical to whimsical. From cooling racks to five-speed hand mixers, there are great options to fit every gift budget and personality. Read on as we reveal gifts that will delight anyone who loves holiday home baking or wants to start the new year ready to bake.

    Colorful Cake Stands

    The celebration season is upon us, and displaying particularly festive creations takes on added importance. Kick the season off right by gifting your favorite holiday home baking fan a Mosser Glass Cake Stand. Martha Stewart Living loves this option; “Every cake needs a pedestal, and these iconic glass cake stands are just what a baker needs to show off a frosted creation or a stack of cookies.” The stands now come in six different colors, so you can choose the perfect pedestal in your loved one’s favorite hue. 

    Ultra Power Hand Mixers

    Stand mixers are a wonderful invention, particularly when bakers are working on big batches of dough. However, there are times when you are whipping up cookies or cooking at the stove where you want to use your own bowls, or you need multiple bowls going at once. This is when a hand mixer can be a baker’s best friend. If you are shopping for someone who will be doing a lot of holiday home baking this year (and the next), they will love getting a hand mixer like the affordable 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer from KitchenAid that Southern Living adores. It’s lightweight, but it gets the job done. And it comes in some very festive holiday and tropical colors, sure to brighten up any home baker’s kitchen. 

    Sourdough Crocks and Starters

    Has someone on your holiday gift list started baking sourdough at home over the past year? They may have struggled with storing their starter and experienced the dangers of too-tight lids. King Arthur Baking to the rescue! Martha Stewart Living adores gifting not only their fresh sourdough starter but also the company’s gorgeous stoneware crock. The Magazine explains: “A sourdough starter deserves a beautiful home, and this American-made stoneware crock fits the bill. Its height and shape give the starter room to grow, and its loose-fitting lid allows gases to escape.”  

    Oak Double Oven Gloves

    You might not think of an oven glove as being among the most exciting stocking stuffers, but this holiday gift will leave anyone who loves home baking dancing when they receive it. In fact, these oven gloves by Emma Bridgewater are so popular that they made Real Simple’s holiday favorites list. Why? The Magazine raves: “This double oven glove is great for handling heavy casserole dishes and doubles as kitchen decor since it can hang on the oven door.” You can even gift multiple designs so that your loved one can swap them out depending on the season.  

    Copper Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set with Silicone Bottoms

    There are few more frustrating things when baking than having your mixing bowls skid across your workspace as you mix, blend, and stir. How many times have you heard about your favorite baker dancing with disaster while pouring batter from the bowl into a pan? These are among the reasons that Southern Living sings the praises of these 4-Piece Copper Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set with Silicone Bottoms from Home Depot. This affordable set is easy to clean, non-reactive, lightweight, and fitted with “lipped rims [to] make it easy to pour batter into your baking pans.” The silicone bottoms prevent skidding as they help keep the bowls anchored to your countertop as you use them. Plus, they are so gorgeous they are likely to find a place of honor on the counters even after the holiday baking is done!

    Ceramic Baguette Bakers

    If your loved one has moved into the advanced lane of home baking, baguettes are probably on the horizon. If you give them a gift that will help make this notoriously challenging bread easier, they will absolutely reward you by sharing. Real Simple loves the Emile Henry Ceramic Baguette Baker from Williams Sonoma. The trick behind the ceramic baguette dish is that proofing and baking can be done in the same vessel. Real Simple shares: “It’s designed to turn out three evenly sized baguettes, and its simple steaming technology makes it easy to achieve that oh-so-famous crisp, brown baguette crust.” Yum! 

    Oven-to-Table Bread Warming Trays

    Speaking of bread, do you know a home baking fan who loves hosting friends and serving warm bread along with a selection of charcuterie and cheese? If so, get them a holiday gift that they will use all year long. The Oven-to-Table Bread Warming Tray from Uncommon Goods is another favorite of the editors at Real Simple. Why do they refer to it as a “genius serving tray?” The Magazine explains: “It comes with a clay warming stone that keeps bread toasty at the table. Just wrap a tea towel around a fresh loaf, place it on the stone, and it’ll stay warm throughout happy hour.”

    Wilton Tiered Cooling Racks

    If your loved one often has multiple bakes going at once, from cookies to sponge cakes, they could definitely use more cooling racks. In fact, all holiday home bakers can use more racks, but people often lack the necessary counter space. The Wilton Perfect Results Non-Stick Three-Tier Cooling Rack neatly addresses both of those issues, and it won the hearts of the editors at Martha Stewart Living. These versatile racks give bakers the option of stacking them, should space be scarce, or sitting them next to one another for cooling each delicious bite.  

    Dolly Parton Holiday Cookie Cutter Sets

    Add a bit of whimsy to your holiday gift-giving by honoring country music fans with Dolly Parton’s Holly Dolly Cookie Baking Kit. Not surprisingly, this fun baking set made Southern Living’s holiday guide. The Magazine reveals: “The 26-piece set comes with 12 icing bags, 4 decorating tips, a storage box, a plastic coupler, and 8 cutters (guitar, angle, house, musical notes, butterfly, Christmas tree, wreath, and star).” It’s a wonderfully complete set that will have your favorite holiday home baking expert smiling and singing from the moment they open it. 

    Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat

    Silpat may be the gift that your home baker doesn’t know that they want but won’t know how they baked without it once they receive it. As Martha Stewart Living exclaims: “Leave it to the French to invent one of the ultimate baking accessories!” Silpat essentially takes the place of parchment paper. It’s a reusable, non-stick baking pan liner that comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes to fit cookie sheets, molds, and cake pans. It also virtually eliminates the need to use cooking sprays while baking. From holiday pavlovas to homemade puff pastry, the Silpat works wonders. And it cleans like a dream. Truly a gift that your holiday home baking pro needs for this season and years to come. 

  • Easy Ways to Refresh Your Home for the Holidays

    Welcoming friends, family, and other loved ones into your home for the holidays can be exciting, particularly if it has been a while since you’ve played host. As you look around, are you concerned that your entertaining spaces might not be as ready as you’d like them to be for the season’s celebrations? No problem! We reveal some of our favorite tips to help refresh your home for the holidays. 

    Elevate Your Entryway

    Start with a light cleaning at your threshold (inside and outside). This means sweeping up the fallen leaves, sprucing up the holiday wreath, dusting off the welcome mat, and removing the excess clutter from around the door. After that is done, it’s time to assess two critical areas: the front door and the entryway. Martha Stewart Living’s home editor is a fan of starting with an easy fix; “Lorna Aragon sprays her entire front door—glass, frame, and handle—with Windex glass cleaner.” It’s inexpensive and makes your door instantly ready for holiday lights and decorations.

    Inside, if the hall or entryway baseboards are filled with dark scuff marks, you can quickly get them pristine with a product like Mr. Clean Extra Durable Magic Eraser. But if the space still doesn’t sing, you may want to make a small investment by buying a longer hall or entry rug. As Martha Stewart Living reveals, the “[rolling] out of a longer rug (with its XL footprint) … stops more dirt than the average doormat and won’t stain. Plus, it adds a finish to the space that will make your home feel pulled together and ready for company. 

    Lighten Up Home Entertaining Spaces

    New lighting can make a world of difference, particularly if you are swapping outdated fixtures or ones that don’t reflect the ambiance you want in your entertaining spaces. The experts tell Real Simple that one of the easiest ways to refresh your home for the holidays is to “try a multibulb pendant over a dining table or a decorative flush-mount fixture in the entryway.” They also love the idea of giving “table and floor lamps a modern update by trading bell-shaped or pleated shades for crisp white drum shades.” 

    Do you have a spare mirror that you’ve been planning to hang? This is the perfect time. Not only can mirrors make entertaining spaces feel larger, but they maximize light. Interior designer and home decor maker Jana Bek suggests to Real Simple that those adding a mirror for seasonal festivities (and beyond) should strive to “[hang] one opposite a window, a piece of artwork, or wallpaper to increase the impact of these elements in your space.” Mirrors will amplify the impact of holiday lights and decorations, allowing a few decorations to go a long way. 

    Rearrange the Furniture

    Don’t underestimate the impact of rearranging your home’s furniture before the holidays. If you plan on entertaining a lot during this festive season, consider bringing in a long side table from another room to serve as a buffet or moving out items that might block the flow of guests. If there are club chairs in your bedroom that fit with the decor in your entertaining space, bring them out and arrange them in such a way that will encourage comfort and conversation. 

    Once the furniture is in place, look at their accessories. Are your cushions or pillows on your sofa or side chair looking a little limp? Interior designer Katie Raffetto advises Real Simple readers to “give [cushions] new life by upgrading your inserts.” Raffetto recommends “an insert made of ’25 percent down and 75 percent feather that is two inches larger in length and width than the pillow jacket.’” 

    Finally, how are your throw blankets looking? Sprucing up your cozy throws is a quick and easy step towards refreshing your home. You can swap out your throws for ones that feature holiday themes or colors or simply give them a good cleaning. Martha Stewart Living loves the idea of “[tossing throw blankets] in the dryer on the steam setting with a few wool dryer balls, [and sprinkling] the balls with a few drops of essential oil to infuse the whole load with a soft scent.” 

    Revive the Rugs

    Consider steam cleaning your rugs, particularly those that cover high-traffic areas. Professional cleaning services will get your entire home done in just hours, and they will even include upholstery cleaning in the deal. You can also easily rent machines at businesses like Lowe’s and focus your steam cleaning efforts on the areas you know need it most. It’s a holiday refresh that will yield benefits well into the new year. 

    Awaken Your Walls

    Are your walls feeling less than inspiring? The good news is that it is easy to awaken them. If you have the time, money, and inclination, choosing a new paint color for the walls in your entertaining space will give your home a lift for the holidays. However, you don’t need to make that significant of an investment to feel an impact. In fact, Real Simple suggests that revitalizing your walls might be as simple as changing your artwork. The Magazine applauds the idea of “[introducing] a new piece or simply [rearranging] your frames.” 

    New York City interior designer Libby Langdon tells Real Simple that she enjoys the idea of “[installing] a photo ledge, [leaning] a few pieces against the wall, and [swapping] them out each season so your room stays current.” Of course, if you want a wall refresh that is Christmas-specific, consider covering a painting, mirror, or flat-screen TV with wrapping paper and a bow for your holiday events. It’s a decorative step that is simple and easily removed when the celebrations wind down.

    Stock Welcoming Provisions

    Martha Stewart Living recommends stocking up on sweet, salty, and crunchy “shelf-stable” goodies if you have guests staying with you over the holidays. You can put them out in the kitchen in seasonal storage containers, set them on side tables in your entertaining spaces, or put together a decorative basket of options that can sit in the guest room. You’ll also want to make a pitcher of craft beverages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic options) that are easy for your guests to grab themselves from the refrigerator or off of your bar cart. If you know that they have a favorite wine, you can either stock up for your drinks or dinner hour or set aside a bottle with a bow on their nightstand as a holiday welcome gift. 

    Prep the Powder Room

    In addition to giving it a good scrubbing, you can refresh the powder room that guests are most likely to use by injecting a sense of the holiday spirit into the decor and styling. The pros at Midwest Living agree that “carrying the seasonal theme throughout the house is a thoughtful touch.” What are some of the Magazine’s favorite touches? “Fir-scented soap and winter-motif hand towels are an easy way to make even the powder room glow with holiday spirit.” 

    Stage a Holiday Shelf

    Speaking of carrying holiday cheer throughout your home, Midwest Living also recommends adding small, festive touches throughout your living and working spaces. While you may already have decorations set up by the chimney with care, you’ll be amazed at how cheered you will feel by having a holiday shelf in your family room, office, or dining room. When refreshing your home for the holidays, the Magazine suggests that “[transforming] a bookshelf into a cheerful display with pinecones, candles, and spruce greenery can change the aesthetic of an entire room.” It’s an easy, affordable change to make that can incorporate decor pieces from other places in your home. And if you have kids, they’ll love putting together crafts or pictures to add to your very merry shelf.

  • Holiday Décor, Crafts, and Recipes – Home, Hearth and Holidays with BHGRE

    The holidays are right around the corner! Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or a festive party, you can find ideas for spectacular crafts, inspirational decor, and recipes everyone will enjoy. 

    Holiday Décor and Crafts 

    • Hanukkah is the festival of lights, so create something that will illuminate any room. Take large glass vases, fill them with string or fairy lights, and place dreidels around the sides. It would also make a beautiful centerpiece. 

    • Have a magical feast and decorate the Hanukkah table, complete with beautiful centerpieces, napkin ideas, and decor in traditional blue and white—perfect for any celebration.  
    • Help this year’s celebration glow a little brighter and make a modern marbled menorah using concrete and copper. 
    • Pour blue gemstone vase fillers in the bottom half of different sized vases. Fill them up with water and then place floating candles on the top.
    • Discover festive DIY Christmas garland ideas for every room in your house.  

    • These Christmas decorating ideas for small spaces bring the merriment of the holiday season into even the tiniest corners, thanks to simple accents like miniature Christmas trees, homemade garlands, and pretty place settings. 
    • Spruce up your outdoor space to bring the merriment of the holidays to your home. There are plenty of holiday outdoor décor ideas for a beautiful and cozy winter to help you create a warm and welcoming beautiful scene.
    • Get your home ready for the Christmas season with these easy snowflake crafts. From snowflake wreaths to simple gift tags, these crafts shine with holiday spirit.
    • Place cinnamon sticks around a candle and wrap a piece of burlap or twine around the sticks to keep them in place. 

    • Dress up old Mason jars like jolly gnome cookie jars to deliver the sweet gift of Christmas desserts or use them to liven up your kitchen. 
    • Make a memorable Kwanzaa tabletop decoration. Add a pop of color to the table by placing fruit in a basket to represent the beautiful harvest. Some things you can incorporate to add a mix of texture are straw mats, ears of corn, and of course, the Zawadi for the last night. Make beaded napkin rings using red, black, and green beads on a wire.   

    • Buy air-dry clay to shape and construct your very own kinara. Mold yellow or brown clay into a rectangle. Before it dries, use the bottom of a candle and push it into the clay so when it dries, you can pop the candles in easily.    

    Scrumptious Holiday Recipes 

    • ‘Tis the season for easy Christmas appetizers that are ready in 25 minutes or less.  
    • Making a Caprese Christmas wreath is quick and easy to make, plus it looks incredible. Lay basil leaves in a ring to shape the wreath and place cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls on top of the leaves to look like ornaments. Before serving the dish, drizzle on extra virgin olive oil and top it off with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. 
    • Your family may forget to leave room for dinner once they taste this jalapeno cornbread. 
    • The best Hanukkah brisket will fall apart in your mouth. It’s so yummy; don’t be surprised if they are no leftovers.  

    • Every holiday celebration needs a moist 5-star rated cinnamon-apple cake. 
    • Donut knock it until you’ve tried these donut muffins. They are mini muffins that taste just like cinnamon sugar doughnut holes with a beautiful touch of nutmeg. 
    • Instead of assembling a gingerbread house, make gingerbread cookies and blow the roof off your party by placing the cookies around the sides of a cake as décor. 

    • Cookies are cool, but Santa gives two thumbs up to these Christmas cake pops. 
    • A chocolate-berry wreath cake draped in homemade chocolate frosting makes for a doubly delicious dessert recipe. This chocolate cake gets dressed up for the holidays with fresh berries placed to look like a festive wreath.
    • This peach cobbler will have your guests going for seconds… or thirds. Don’t forget to add a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream. 
    • Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel, I made it out of marshmallow. Take a chocolate kiss, dip the bottom into melted chocolate, and then press it onto one end of a marshmallow. Place it into the fridge for 10 minutes until it sets. Create the dreidel top by pressing a pretzel stick into the opposite end of the marshmallow. Dip the entire bottom of the dreidel into a bowl of melted chocolate and after it sets, use white chocolate to pipe on the Hebrew letters.
    • Get the party started with fabulous Christmas cocktails, from apple cider cocktails and peppermint punch to hot chocolate and unforgettable eggnog.
    • These holiday drinks will have you singing Fa la la la la la. 

  • Five Things to Clean Before the Guests Arrive

    If guests are headed your way, you might be feeling pressure to balance your already demanding schedule and deep holiday cleaning. Don’t panic! The good news is that you only need to focus on a few, highly-visible areas in your home to make a positive impression and create a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. If you are ready to get started, read on as we reveal our favorite holiday cleaning tips for creating a guest-ready home.

    Declutter and Sweep the Entryway

    Whether your entryway opens directly into your living space or it reveals a long foyer, it is most likely to be the place where your boots, coats, umbrellas, and drop zone now reside. It’s also the first impression your guests will have of the inside of your home. As Martha Stewart Living points out, “it’s hard for your guests to feel welcome if they’re tripping over days’ worth of your castoffs.” It’s no wonder then that one of their favorite holiday cleaning tips is to do a major declutter the day before or the day of your festivities.

    Start by removing your family’s excess stuff. Put extra coats, boots, and other apparel into closets, even if you will need to bring them back out after the event. Similarly, tidy areas that hold mail, extra masks, hand sanitizers, and keys. Wipe down any mirrors and lightly dust table surfaces. If you have the time, do a quick sweep or mop of the entire entryway and threshold once the area has been cleared. After the threshold has been swept, clear away dead leaves or debris from welcome mats or door decorations. Not only will you be amazed at how open and clean everything feels, but your guests will be able to use this space easily for their own needs. 

    Banish Bathroom Germs

    Nothing says “a clean home” like a germ-free bathroom for your guests. One of our most-often shared holiday cleaning tips involves corralling your personal bathroom items before your guests arrive. If you don’t have a vanity or bathroom cabinets, grab a decorative or utility container and stash your daily-use items inside. Pop the top on and move the items into your bedroom or a linen closet after you are finished getting ready. Because they are contained, it will be easy enough to move those items back into your bathroom after your guests have left. 

    Next, disinfect the counters, sink, and toilet. Wipe down the mirror. Clean the soap dish or dispenser, and place freshly laundered (or disposable) hand towels in an easy-to-access spot. Double-check that there are extra rolls of toilet paper available. Pull the shower/bath curtain closed. If you have glass doors on your shower, you may want to do a quick wipe down to remove any soap buildup. If you have extra time, mop or Swiffer the floor. 

    Address Any Living Room Mess

    Do a quick assessment of whichever room is your social space (living room, family room, glass-enclosed sunroom, etc.) and make a list of the most challenging areas. Southern Living suggests that people start to prepare for guests by dusting “for looks and for those with allergies (you don’t want Grandma sniffling and sneezing during the whole visit).” Better Homes & Gardens loves the idea of having a 1-hour holiday cleaning plan, which includes “[vacuuming] high-traffic areas,” decluttering throughout the space, “[tidying] stacks of magazines and books,” and putting out lightly scented candles. 

    Vacuum the sofa to ensure that pet hair and any stray crumbs have been removed. Plump the pillows, add a cozy throw blanket, and generally straighten the couch, so it feels welcoming to holiday company. If you have days available for your holiday cleaning, one of Southern Living’s favorite tips is to clean the entertaining room’s carpet. But if you can’t get the entire thing steam-cleaned, consider spot-cleaning where necessary. The Magazine also suggests hiding the remote to keep the focus on family and friends. However, if your holiday traditions include things like Thanksgiving football or Christmas basketball games (or other family-favorite sporting events), do a quick disinfect of the remote before people arrive. 

    Prep The Kitchen

    Cleaning the kitchen when you are hosting holiday celebrations is tricky. We all like to think that we will be finished cooking before the guests ring the bell, but that’s often difficult for holidays with a significant food element. Better Homes & Gardens suggests that you divide the tasks into two stages. The first stage would take place before food preparation begins, and the second would occur an hour or so before your holiday festivities start. For example, two days before the event, the Magazine recommends “[cleaning] out the refrigerator, [which makes] room for party foods,” “[wiping] down all large and small appliances,” removing fingerprints and old cooking splatters from backsplashes and cabinets, and “[taking] recycling to recycling bins or facilities.” 

    If you are faced with only an hour before the arrival of guests, Better Homes & Gardens offers speedy holiday cleaning tips such as “[wipe down kitchen counters with household cleaner,” and “damp-mop the kitchen floor.” Also, if you are using flatware, glasses, or china that is usually stashed in a cabinet, take a moment or two to rinse off any accumulated dust.

    What do you do if holiday cooking has gotten more involved than you anticipated, and you are really pressed for time? No worries. Martha Stewart Living has the answer: “if you’re in a pinch or last-minute guests are on their way over, stash the dirty dishes inside the dishwasher and run your sponge over the visible water spots.” Take out the kitchen garbage, and you will be ready for the fun to begin. 

    Freshen the Guest Room

    Lastly, if you have guests staying overnight, our holiday cleaning tips include refreshing your guest room. While you don’t have to deep clean the room, you will want to ensure that clean sheets are on the bed (or beds) and the surfaces are dust-free. Replace any light bulbs that may have burned out and grab extra pillows. If possible, make some space in the closet so that guests can hang up their holiday finest. And, as one final tip, Southern Living recommends “[making] sure your guests have water, magazines, and fresh towels within reach.” It’s this extra touch that will make them feel truly welcome in your home for the holidays.