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  • Easy, Crowd-Pleasing Vegan and Vegetarian Side Dishes – Home, Hearth and Holidays with BHGRE®

    Finding easy side dishes that appeal to carnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike used to be a challenge, particularly during the holidays. Not anymore! Delicious, crowd-pleasing sides can be just minutes away. From crispy roasted mushrooms to mouthwatering rosemary-potato focaccia rolls, you’ll be amazed at the variety of options open to you. If you are planning holiday dinner menus, read on as we reveal the easy side dishes that are thrilling us this year.

    Crispy Roasted Mushrooms

    If you love rich mushrooms, a crispy roasted mushrooms dish should be at the top of your list of unique sides for your guests to sample. Real Simple raves about the beauty of this easy vegan side dish because “roasting the mushrooms brings out their deep, earthy flavors.” The recipe only requires 15 minutes of active prep, leaving plenty of time to focus on your other holiday dinner preparations.  

    Creamy Vegetarian Polenta

    Whether you are looking for something to replace the classic mashed potatoes side or something unique to supplement the other delicious vegetarian offerings at your table, consider cooking up a batch of tasty polenta. The editors at Martha Stewart Living are fans: “Whether you choose the soft and creamy version or the firmer, set rendition, polenta makes a wonderful side dish for hearty fall and winter meals.” You can make the polenta ahead of time and keep it warm over low heat or prepare it as you would your other sides. Either way, this easy side dish yields up to 24 servings that will bring a smile to the faces of your guests. And the good news is that this side dish can easily become a vegan favorite with two minor adjustments. 

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

    Speaking of mashed potatoes, did you know that there is a simpler way to make the time-honored holiday dinner dish? The Instant Pot makes quick and delicious work of this vegetarian offering by essentially steaming the garlic cloves and Yukon Gold potatoes together before mashing. But there is a bonus to this method for busy hosts, which particularly excites the editors at Martha Stewart Living. What is it? The Magazine reveals: “Making this easy side dish in the multicooker frees up precious stovetop space at Thanksgiving.” Busy home chefs will applaud! 

     

    Easy Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Lime and Cilantro

    Vegan sweet potato side dishes are having a moment this holiday season. Perfectly sweetened following an October harvest, sweet potatoes are in their prime come Thanksgiving. You can take advantage of this popular root vegetable for all your holiday events. How does Real Simple like to update this seasonal side? The Magazine loves “[jazzing] up the roasted potatoes with lime zest and cilantro for a zingy twist.” This easy recipe has an active prep time of only 10 minutes, and it is ready to serve in under a half-hour. And while it serves eight guests as is, you’ll want to make more, even if it is just so that you can add it to your always-in-demand leftovers.  

    Brussels Sprouts with Cornbread Croutons

    Are you serving your vegetarian holiday meals Southern-style? If so, you’ll love Southern Living’s “Brussels Sprouts with Cornbread Croutons” side dish recipe. Considered one of their best yet, “this recipe … is as tasty as it is quick and easy.” The key to it is to buy the cornbread (or make it) ahead of time and allow it to sit cubed for a couple of days before your holiday dinner. Otherwise, it takes less than five minutes in active preparation, as most of the work is done by your oven. If you are nervous about browning the sprouts, Southern Living offers this helpful tip: “if it smells too strong, you’ve cooked it too long.”  

    Beet and Ricotta Salata Side Salad

    Decadent cheese, roasted beets, and a dash of red wine vinegar are just some of the elements that make this easy side dish among Real Simple’s favorites this holiday season. Plus, it is almost as eye-catchingly colorful as it is delicious. Requiring only 15 minutes in preparation, this vegetarian side can be served warm or at room temperature, and substitutions are a snap. Real Simple advises: “If you can’t find ricotta salata—a deliciously salty, crumbly cheese—use Feta or goat cheese instead.” There are also several tantalizingly good vegan kinds of cheese that you can use crafted from almonds, cashews, or tofu. 

    Oven-Roasted Asparagus Side Dish

    Oven-roasted asparagus is an easy side dish that looks like you spent hours on it when in reality, the total prep and cook time is actually less than 20 minutes. It also features one of those vegetables that everyone loves. Why is this one of Southern Living’s favorite side dish recipes? “Seasoned with classic ingredients like garlic and freshly ground black pepper, this tasty cuisine is bursting with flavor, yet simple and refined.” 

    Wild-Rice Stuffed Squash

    Martha Stewart Living’s “Wild-Rice Stuffed Squash” recipe is the perfect side dish – it’s colorful, hearty, and bursting with flavor. In fact, it is such a satisfying side dish, holiday buffet luncheon or dinner party guests might opt to have it as their main. The Magazine’s recipe features an acorn squash which “is roasted and then filled with a mixture of wild rice, pecans, and dried cherries.” Active preparation time is only 15 minutes, with the squash roasting for approximately 40. Would you love to turn this vegetarian recipe into an easy side dish that vegan guests can enjoy? Replace the butter with a vegan alternative (like Earth Balance), and you will have a delicious option that all of your guests can savor. 

    Bonus: Rosemary-Potato Focaccia Rolls

    If you have a little extra time on your hands, and you want to bring freshly baked vegan rolls as your holiday dinner offering, take a look at Food & Wine’s “Rosemary-Potato Focaccia Rolls” recipe. Inspired by Jessamyn Waldman, who varies her toppings depending on the season, this side dish recipe relies on thinly sliced red-skinned potatoes and fresh, chopped rosemary. The rise and proof stages of the recipe are the most time-intensive, but the actual process of creating “these airy and perfectly chewy rolls” is surprisingly quick and easy. As it stands, the recipe yields 12 rolls, but these are so good that you will want to make more just for yourself. We won’t tell!

  • Festive Outdoor Fall Party Ideas

    As the temperatures start to dip, the time to begin searching for fall party ideas arrives. From sampling treats around a bonfire to hosting outdoor football parties or chili bars, you’ll love planning outdoor activities with your friends and family this autumn. We are here to help you find your inspiration. Read on as we reveal some of our favorite fall party ideas to keep the outdoor fun going through the holidays.   

    Plan a Football Party

    Fall weekends were made for football. Whether you are a die-hard fan of a college team or a new convert to the excitement of an NFL Sunday, you can join your fellow fans for a custom backyard tailgate party. If your driveway allows for you to open your car’s hatch or lower a truck’s tailgate near the rest of the festivities, that’s a great way to stage some of your buffet. If not, no problem! Southern Living loves the idea of setting up a grab-and-go buffet that is close to your outdoor television or the screen where you are projecting the game. The Magazine recommends that you keep it simple for your fall party “by offering fun, filling small-bites—sliders, dips, various snacks (sweet and salty) that can be grabbed by the handful—or hearty chili in sturdy mugs.” Beer and a pitcher of themed cocktails are always a hit, but be sure to include plenty of non-alcoholic options.

    Schedule a Game Night

    Among the most popular fall party ideas is a game night under the stars. Southern Living recommends choosing something easy to start, such as “[ordering] an oversized Jenga set” and then personalizing it by “[breaking] out the spray paint” to create a “game with custom colors.” All-weather games, like a weather-resistant cornhole set, allow you to keep hosting family-friendly competitions in the backyard even after the snow starts to fall.

    Organize a Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt

    Do you still have a collection of mini pumpkins from Halloween? Better Homes & Gardens suggests organizing a pumpkin hunting contest. Whether the pumpkins are in their natural state or painted, this easy-to-manage fall party game will keep the kids guessing. As the Magazine explains, “tuck the minis away in trees, under tables, and all throughout your party site,” and let the hunt begin. 

    Host a Stargazing Party

    Are you interested in learning more about the night sky? Are your kids avid stargazers? Allison Carter, entertaining expert for Allison Carter Celebrates, tells Martha Stewart Living that one of the best ideas for an outdoor family party blends an educational element with a sense of adventure. Carter suggests to the Magazine that families “‘download a stargazing app and point it to the sky so kids can identify the different constellations and stars’” as a way of connecting with “‘this big, beautiful world.’”  

    Light a Fall Bonfire

    Remember the harvest bonfires you enjoyed when you were a kid? It’s time to bring back the tradition by planning a fabulous fall party around your firepit. For small outdoor parties, you can easily set up Adirondack chairs around the fire and drape them with cozy blankets for extra warmth. For larger gatherings or themed-harvest parties, Midwest Living applauds the idea of adding “blanket-topped hay bales [that] surround the flames and provide easy seats,” as well as crafting “recycled-sweater koozies [to] protect fingers from cold drinks.” Naturally, you’ll want to be sure to have all the ingredients for some truly decadent hot chocolate, mulled wine, and s’mores, in addition to all of your other fall party nibbles.

    Throw a Fall Food-Themed Event

    If you can lay a grill down over your firepit, you’ll want to gather your favorite fall food ideas and pick your favorites. For example, Midwest Living adores the idea of “warming up outdoor parties with a bubbling pot of fondue,” including a thoroughly indulgent beer-cheese option. The Magazine is also a fan of offering small bites (like hamburger sliders kept warm on a pizza stone), as well as something heartier like a “zesty chicken chili cooked in an iron kettle over the fire.” And, of course, those pizza ovens that were so popular in the spring and summer will win even more fans as the temperatures fall.

    If you love doing all the cooking when you host, go for it. But one of the most popular fall party ideas this year is to throw a cook-off. For example, you can host a chili bar that features different slow cooker or instant pot chili batches courtesy of each of your guests. Then, you can provide a plethora of possible toppings to make the most of each dish.

    Delight with a DIY Caramel Apple Bar

    Casual fall party plans are made sweeter when you surprise your guests with a DIY caramel apple bar. From young kids to those young-at-heart, this fall treat will bring a smile. The editors of Better Homes & Gardens “recommend adding chocolate, white chocolate, and butterscotch as variations to the traditional caramel” for your base, but the delights don’t stop there.  From candied pecans with a splash of bourbon for the adults to granola, pretzels, M&Ms, and nuts, you can’t go wrong by offering a variety of salt and sweet toppings.

    Raise a Toast to a Beer Tasting

    Taking inspiration from Oktoberfest, a celebratory beer-tasting party for your friends who are connoisseurs could be a big hit. While everyone will have their own ideas of what makes the best fall beer, you can set up a tasting in your backyard (or patio) to crown the winner. Plan a menu of German specialties to continue with the Oktoberfest inspiration (even after October has long passed), or pick your favorite food pairings for each brew. If you don’t have a full flight of beers in mind, consider choosing something from a local brewhouse that is new to you. For special events, you can even get commemorative beer steins or glasses made as party favors. It is bound to be the fall party idea that gets applause for years to come!

  • Fall Centerpieces Perfect for Entertaining – Home, Hearth and Holidays with BHGRE®

    Autumn has arrived, and the holidays are on the horizon, which means looking for tablescape and fall centerpiece ideas may be on your to-do list. From fun, creative projects that involve the whole family to simple designs that incorporate the best produce of the season, the options are endless. If you are stumped for unique ways to help you make the most of the season’s celebrations, read on as we reveal some of our favorite tablescape and fall centerpiece ideas perfect for busy hosts who are looking forward to entertaining this holiday season. 

    Create Pear Place Cards

    If you want to get into the entertaining spirit and incorporate the flavors of the season while decorating, try setting table place cards using your favorite fall fruits. From delicate lady pears to small pumpkins, you can craft the perfect place card holder by cutting a tiny slit onto the top skin of the fruit and inserting the name card. Want to add a unique touch that won’t break the bank? Meredith Waga Perez, a celebrity florist, suggests to InStyle that people try “the same trick with miniature albino pumpkins, which she says, ‘are a little more stylish and unexpected than traditional orange—plus, in white, they blend in seamlessly with any style decor.’” 

    Light a Lamp Chimneys Centerpiece

    Are you looking for a fall centerpiece idea that offers a lovely glow, doesn’t wilt, and won’t take substantial time to create? You’d be surprised how much your guests will appreciate a simple yet inspired lamp chimneys centerpiece. One of Martha Stewart Living’s favorite fall table décor ideas, this affordable centerpiece involves “simply [placing] candles on small glass dishes and [covering] them with curvy lamp chimneys (which you can find for dollars at hardware or antiques stores).” Then, to complete your celebratory tablescape, you can easily fill in gaps with items like mini-gourds, pears, and colorful leaves. 

    Arrange Golden Branches

    If you are creating a tablescape for a long dining room table or sideboard, you may have room for larger centerpieces. Luckily, the fallen leaves and branches in your backyard can not only be part of an affordable centerpiece but a gilded and inspiring one at that. Begin by grabbing some gold spray paint and adding a beautiful metallic sheen to your chosen leaves. From there, the designers at Martha Stewart Living explain that you “hot-glue [the gold leaves] to the branches, then arrange in a vase.” And, voila! You now have a gorgeous centerpiece that you can use throughout the fall and even into the winter holidays. 

     Surprise with Succulent Pumpkins

    If you find yourself with leftover, uncarved pumpkins in November, you will be delighted to discover that they can be repurposed as an unusual, nature-inspired vase. This beautiful fall centerpiece idea comes from the editors at Southern Living. All you need to do is “add a bit of damp florist foam to the top of the pumpkin and arrange [assorted small] succulents” on it. No need to deeply water the centerpiece to keep it looking festive throughout the season. Succulents survive on very little water; mist the succulents periodically, and you (and your centerpiece) should be ready for another day or night of hosting.  

    Craft a Fall Garland

    Eye-catching centerpieces do not need to be limited to the literal center of the table, and they don’t require professional styling. Another one of Martha Stewart Living’s favorite fall centerpiece ideas is a crafted garland that flows down the table from end to end. While that sounds like it might be expensive, the Magazine’s tutorial focuses on “a centerpiece [that] can be foraged from outdoor materials—fallen leaves, seasonal flowers, or gourds and pumpkins (many of which are abundant at this time of year).” They love using magnolia leaves and apples as part of the runner, but you can also incorporate small lanterns or candles. While these work well for any dinner party or luncheon you might host this fall, they can be fashioned to look particularly joyous at Thanksgiving. And if you have small children, you can even have them help you by adding homemade turkeys made out of leftover mini-pumpkins to the center of the garland. 

    Add Glowing Vases 

    Are you searching for fall centerpiece ideas that work for both indoor and outdoor entertaining? String lights may be your answer. Designer Rosanna Bowles suggested a “super-simple, one-step design” to Rachael Ray In Season: “Pile strings of white holiday lights into colored glass vessels and turn them upside down on the table.” You can also use colored lights in clear vases or mix-and-match. No matter which way you go, you are sure to have a delightful fall tablescape in no time at all. 

    Include Fall Bud Vases

    Bud vases are always a popular decorative element, whether you are upgrading your mantel or styling your Thanksgiving table. Food & Wine is a fan of taking the no-fuss decorative approach to fall and holiday entertaining so that you can focus on family, fun, and food. The Magazine raves about the idea of “[scattering] several small clear glass vases (we’re talking eight to ten, depending on the size of your table) with different flowers of the same color down the center of your table.” The bud vases can be different heights and widths. They even can have different decorative elements, which gives you substantial leeway as you set your festive dining table. 

    Spruce Up Votives

    Do you have dozens of plain white votive candles in the cabinet? Designer Mark Brunetz reveals to Rachael Ray In Season a terrific way to spruce up the votives (even battery-operated ones) without spending a lot of money: Add lentils! One of the easiest fall centerpiece ideas really does rely on some extra beans. Brunetz explains: “[grab] some juice glasses, [fill the bottoms with lentils], [add] votive candles and [tie] it all together with raffia from the craft store.” Before you know it, you have elevated your décor game and wowed your guests.  

    Build Pinecone Turkeys

    Are you searching for a kid-friendly craft that can be incorporated into your Thanksgiving tablescape? Southern Living loves the idea of having kids create pinecone turkeys. The supply list is small – brown pipe cleaners, an assortment of colorful synthetic feathers, glue, pinecones, and wiggly eyes, which can be found at most craft stores. Their tutorial takes you through the steps of creating some truly unique pinecone turkeys – a charming addition to your fall decorations. 

    Style a Fall Terrarium

    Is there an empty fishbowl in your garage or closet? If so, you’ll love being able to put it to use as you DIY a cozy fall centerpiece. Real Simple offers a straightforward how-to guide to creating this seasonally-inspired décor idea. All it requires is some moss, as well as a couple of pinecones, acorns, and mini pumpkins. Add the moss to the bottom of the fishbowl (or round vase), and “then arrange the mini pumpkins, acorns, and pinecones on top of the greenery.”  In minutes, you will have a fall centerpiece that you will be proud to display into December.

  • Have a Thanksgiving You Will Always Treasure – Home, Hearth and Holidays with BHGRE®

    Whether you’re hosting an intimate Thanksgiving dinner or having the entire family over, we can help you make the holiday one to remember. Below you can find ideas to create stunning handmade centerpieces, DIY fall decorations, and clever, entertaining tips. Check out a large variety of incredible recipes, from make-ahead Thanksgiving side dishes to mouthwatering desserts. Let’s join together and have a day filled with food, family, and gratitude. 

    Thanksgiving Décor, Crafts, and Hosting Tips 

    • Create a gourd-geous centerpiece by carving out a squash or gourd and turning it into a vase. Nothing is more beautiful than a DIY pumpkin planter filled with your favorite flowers. You can also cut the top off a faux pumpkin and add drainage holes in the bottom. Hollowed-out pumpkins with fresh succulents and moss also make beautiful succulent pumpkin planters

    •  Elegant and gold – discover how to make gold-leaf pumpkins to give your home a classy feel.  
    • Table décor galore. Bring nature indoors and fill a tall glass vase with pinecones, acorns, apples, and colorful dried berries. You could also fill various sizes of glass cloches with your favorite fall items. 
    • Any way you slice it, this felt pie slice garland is the perfect Thanksgiving decoration.  
    • Remember, there is beauty in simplicity. Learn how to set a welcoming Thanksgiving table using these easy ideas that can go a long way

    • Host a stress-free Friendsgiving so you can focus on what matters most – being able to spend time with your friends. Gather your squad for a night of delicious food and drink. 

    • Gather old mason jars or upcycled glass bottles and paint them your favorite autumn colors to transform them into vases. Another option would be to wrap twine around the bottom third of a few mason jars and use them as rustic utensil holders. 
    • If you’re feeling fun and festive, check out these unbe-leafable craft ideas using leaves.  

    • Don’t forget to add décor beyond the front door. Uncover various fall door decor ideas that go beyond wreaths.  
    • Mantles are often the focal point of many living rooms. Uncover farmhouse mantel decor ideas that can add cozy charm to your space. 
    • Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be stressful. These hosting tips can help you host with ease so you can spend more time creating wonderful memories.  
    • Although the past few years have been challenging, it has also reminded people what they value most. Have everyone spend a few minutes jotting down what they’re grateful for on different colored paper leaves. Once everyone is finished writing, thread a string through each leaf, and create a gratitude tree.

    Unforgettable Thanksgiving Recipes 

    • Creamy and delicious, this butternut squash soup is simple, and you can even make it in the microwave.
    • Cooking and baking a ton of complex dishes in one day is exhausting. Discover these make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers so you can spend more time with your family on Thanksgiving day.   
    • Easy, cheesy. Parmesan asparagus is a dish that goes great with all your turkey day dishes.   
    • Just in case you don’t want to wear stretchy pants, we included several healthy Thanksgiving snack options.  
    • Use a muffin tin to perfectly portion several scrumptious side dishes.  
    • Liven up your night with this flavorful spiced cranberry sauce.  
    • If you’re serving vegetarians or picky eaters, don’t worry; these 25 Thanksgiving menu ideas will result in everyone leaving the table satisfied.

     

    • This vegetarian Thanksgiving menu is something that everyone will enjoy.  
    • There is no other way to say this…deep-fried turkey is pure perfection.  
    • If you want to spruce up your pie crust, try adding a few simple yet cute designs. Cut different-sized leaves out of pie crust and place them around the edge. You could also roll out the pie crust and cut out any design you want. Cut out little flowers, diamonds, or chevron shapes before laying them on top.

  • Ways to Give Back on Halloween

    Help others have a Spooktacular time this Halloween. There’s a variety of ways you can give back to your community, from helping a neighbor decorate to donating your leftover candy.

    1. As we all know – kids grow fast. Instead of putting your kid’s previous Halloween costumes in a box to collect dust, donate them to those who might not be able to afford their own. There are children out there who would love a second-hand costume.
    2. If you enjoy crafting and have time to spare, perhaps you can create costumes for those who can’t afford their own. If you’re not an expert with the sewing machine, consider crafting a few simple pieces such as superhero capes or costumes you can make simply by gluing items together. Here are fifteen no sew Halloween costumes that you can make. There’s an assortment of delightful disguises that don’t require you to pick up a needle or thread.

    3. Donate fun Halloween décor or help a neighbor decorate their home. Some families might not be able to afford holiday decorations for their yard, while others might not be physically able to put them up. Lend a helping hand and assist your neighbors in making a killer yard. Make sure you’re following the proper safety guidelines while decorating. Discover several hauntingly good décor ideas below:

    Use colorful construction paper to cut out pumpkins and ghosts. Attach them to a string so you can hang them up outside. You can also repurpose old sheets or towels to make spooky ghosts that hang from trees.

    Upcycle toilet paper rolls to make a bunch of monsters. Paint a few rolls in a variety of colors and once they’re dry, draw on polka dots or scales. Create a mummy by wrapping thin strips of toilet paper around it. Paint one green to make a Frankenstein friend. Then use a black marker to draw on hair, a mouth, and stitches. Create as many as you want using items such as googley eyes, glitter, tinfoil, and anything that can add some flair.

    Recycle old tissue boxes to create a merry band of mischievous monsters. Flip the empty tissue boxes upside down and paint the outside so they resemble spooky little creatures.

    Use balloons to create fun floating ghosts and spooky creatures. Gently draw ghost faces on white balloons and Jack-O’-Lanterns on orange balloons.

    4. Host an outdoor Halloween party for the kids in the neighborhood. Uncover fun activities and recipes that everyone will love.

    5. Give back to those who serve our nation and donate your left-over candy. Operation Gratitude is a Halloween Candy Give-Back program that collects and donates candy to deployed troops, veterans, and first responders. Show someone some appreciation and send them a candy care package.

  • Home, Hearth and Holidays with BHGRE®

    Transform your home into a warm and inviting space where you and your loved ones want to gather. We have compiled cozy decor inspiration, delicious recipes, memorable gift ideas, and ways to celebrate and bring joy to those around you as we head into the holiday season.

    cozy-decor
    Cozy Decor
    fall centerpiece
    Decorate Using Supplies You Already Have

     

  • Decorating for the Holidays Using Supplies You Already Have – Home, Hearth and Holidays with BHGRE®

    If you are searching for holiday decorating ideas, you may be surprised at how many fun and creative options are just waiting to be discovered. From dazzling centerpieces to eye-catching wall art, a festive home can be just a few DIY projects away from being a reality. And you don’t have to wait for a shipment to arrive or brave crowded shopping malls to create that warm, comforting feeling of the season that you remember from being a kid. Read on as we explore some of our favorite holiday decorating ideas that can use supplies you may already have in your cabinets, craft bins, refrigerators, or garages. 

    Creative Leaf Art Ideas

    One way to decorate your home for the holidays with supplies on hand is to gather the stunning autumn leaves that are already falling outside. If you have young children, they’ll love helping transform your home by creating leaf rubbings using crayons, leaves, and parchment or tracing paper. You can then cut out the leaf rubbings and string them together to hang across a fireplace mantel or on a child’s bedroom wall as festive Thanksgiving décor. Real Simple also loves taking deeply hued fallen leaves and then “affixing them to pretty pin boards as wall … art” for a gorgeous nod to the upcoming holidays in kids’ rooms or offices. 

    Eye-Catching Centerpieces

    Traditional Thanksgiving holiday décor often includes a cornucopia basket filled with goodies. If you like the idea of this but don’t want to run out to buy a basket that you’ll only use once a year, Southern Living has a solution: “Skip the basket and opt for a wooden dough bowl for this centerpiece.” You can fill the bowl with the vegetables, fruits, and flowers that thrive during the season (and might be sitting in mesh bags in your kitchen right now). You can even showcase any small pumpkins or other gourds that are still in good condition following Halloween. And if you do go the gourd route, consider spray painting them in silver, gold, or even white to make them extra festive.

    Martha Stewart Living loves taking a bread bowl (or wicker basket) and dressing it as a dazzling centerpiece. What is their favorite bowl or basket centerpiece suggestion? The Magazine adores the idea of crafting a “lush centerpiece [by inserting] a plastic liner, [that is filled] with a mix of neutral, silvery-leafed plants along with flowers in deep purples and soft magentas.” 

    Pretty Place Cards

    Are you hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year? Martha Stewart Living suggests you take the colorful leaf art in a new direction when decorating for the holidays. The Magazine explains that you can “turn leaf rubbings, made with thin colored paper and standard wax crayons, into gift tags or place cards by trimming around the edges of the paper leaf” and then “[writing] the names of your dinner guests or gift recipients in a contrasting color.”  

    Is your home’s craft bin full of pretty silver paper (or stickers), craft paper, and ribbon? The editors at Martha Stewart Living adore “[giving] simple table settings a touch of finery with craft-punched place cards backed with silver paper.” The pros at the Magazine go on to explain: “We used menorah, Star of David, and dreidel craft punches to make Hanukkah place cards….” For step-by-step details, read more here. 

    If you have a supply cabinet full of 5×7 and smaller picture frames, they could be the perfect placeholders for your fall and winter holiday meals. How? Southern Living explains that instead of a written placecard, you can “show off your family’s personality with individually framed” photos of each one. The frames can hold pictures of childhood visits with Santa, holiday card photos repurposed, or solo shots from any time of year that highlight your loved ones in light-hearted moments. 

    Inviting Mantels

    Are you wondering how to welcome your family and friends to your home for the holidays in a unique way? The answer may be a pear (or seven) away. Martha Stewart Living reveals: “Simply arrange seven pears on a mantel” and then write your “welcome” across the pears. From there, you can add a scented surprise by “[pressing] whole cloves into the flesh along the lines.” They are a gorgeous, autumnal addition for Thanksgiving celebrations! And if you want to use them to decorate for the winter holidays, a dip into your supplies for metallic spray paint or a frozen white glaze will transform them into wintry decorative delights. 

    Holiday Wall Art

    Do you already have holiday wrapping paper in your home? In only minutes, you can “wrap” hanging wall art, complete with a bow, to bring a festive air to living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. 

    Captivating Vases

    Do you know those tall, clear glass vases that you have hiding in your cupboards? Instead of an annoyance, those vases can become a treasured holiday decorating idea. For something subtle yet seasonal, take Midwest Living’s suggestion and “[nestle] a candle [or battery-powered votive] in popcorn kernels or other seasonal materials, such as candy corn or colored clear round stones.”  

    Do you have extra colored ball ornaments? Picture them filling a series of tall glass vases. Whether you choose to add blue, silver, and white ornaments for a wintry feel or add deep red and green tree ball ornaments for a Christmas-y vibe, you’ll love how quickly and easily the mood of your mantel, hall table, or dining room table is transformed. 

    Are you searching for unique decorating ideas for Hanukkah? Martha Stewart Living suggests creating a modern “glass vase” take on the menorah using extra flower bud vases. They explain that to make this simply beautiful menorah, you just need to “arrange eight bud vases in a row, with a taller one in the middle, and place tapers inside,” with “a bit of candle glue in the bottom of each vase” if added stability is required.  

    Winter Wreaths

    If your home supplies include washi tape, embroidery hoops (even large hoop earrings or thin metal bracelets), and clothespins, you are only a couple of steps away from creating fun and festive holiday wreaths. Parents loves these colorful mini-wreaths because “these graphic rings are terrific for kids and parents to do together.” 

    And the Christmas decorating project is done as quickly as you can apply the washi tape and clip the clothespins to the hoop. You can hang them up with string, spare ribbon, or nylon thread.

    Fall foliage wreaths are simple to make, and they will bring a smile to the faces of your friends and family as they arrive for Thanksgiving. You can decorate a ring made out of florist foam, glued cardboard rings, or wire. Once shaped, the fun begins. What are Southern Living’s favorite additions? The Magazine “[adds] in foliage and pinecones” and then “[fills] it out with oregano, preserved plume reed grass, and phalaris grass.” However, you can use mini gourds, wooden beads, straw, wheat stocks – whatever supplies you already have. 

    When the winter holidays come closer, you can swap out the elements for more seasonal foliage. Wreaths made from an assortment of acorns and other hard-shelled nuts can be sprayed with winter white or silver. If you have a pre-made wreath that can use some love, add gold-sprayed pinecones and an eye-catching ribbon. 

    Festive Yards

    When choosing holiday decorating ideas, don’t forget the yard! You may already go all out with lights and Christmas displays, but even small additions to your home can make it feel festive. Do you have large boulders as part of your landscaping? A little craft paint and a steady hand can turn them into showpieces filled with drawn snowmen, snowflakes, or turkeys. Mason jars can light a path to your door – you just need to add some white sand or Epsom salts to create a sense of snow at the bottom of them and some battery-powered votive candles. 

    Finally, a light display can be yours when you repurpose your yard’s mini lights. According to Martha Stewart Living, all you need to do to “[create] a striking outdoor lighting display [is wrap] wire wreath forms with white mini lights and [string] the “shooting stars” between several trees” for a dramatic vision that is sure to usher in the holiday spirit.

    © Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

  • Cozy Décor – Home, Hearth and Holidays with BHGRE®

    Your home should be a warm and inviting space where you feel happy and can gather with your loved ones. Below you will find tons of décor inspiration to help you transform any space into a cozy spot.

    • Give tall glass vases a rustic feel by wrapping the bottom third with yarn or twine.
    • Hang artwork and photographs that have a calming effect on you and make you happy. Many people find nature and landscapes to be soothing. Dress up your walls with these DIY pressed botanical artworks.
    • Create a gourd-geous centerpiece by carving out a squash or gourd and turning it into a vase. Nothing is more beautiful than a DIY pumpkin planter filled with your favorite flowers. Don’t forget to add pieces of pine.
    • Discover how to make your house feel homey by incorporating various textures to create a sense of coziness. By layering and combining different fabrics, you can transform your home into an inviting space. Textures also add movement to a room, so these 3D felt pillows are a great addition to your home.
    • There are many ways to make your home warm and welcoming this winter. Read about how simple decorating touches can transform your home.
    • If you want a cozy home, these warm colors can help evoke a sense of comfort. Learn tips and tricks on which colors you should embrace in your rooms when working with a warm color palette.
    • For a rustic finish, wrap a foam wreath in burlap. Use a hot glue gun to add burlap flowers to the wreath. Glue pinecones and twigs with berries around the entire wreath.
    • Learn how to make elegant Hanukkah decorations that will add a heartfelt touch to your home.
    • Place wood logs in your fireplace as décor. Whether you have a working fireplace or not, you can wrap a few logs together with twine and place them in a corner.
    • Recycle mason jars to create marvelous candles. Wrap your favorite holiday ribbon around the bottom half of the outside of the mason jar. Use a string or twine and wrap it around the middle of the ribbon and tie a bow. Stick little pieces of spruce branches and pinecones around it.
    • For beautiful and elegant décor, fill various sizes of glass cloches with your favorite fall and winter items.
    • Bring charm into your living room with these farmhouse mantel décor ideas.
    • Discover how to make mason jar lid ornaments. Transform the lid rings into stunning miniature wreaths.
    • Get inspired with these winter-warming decor ideas and tips.
    • Create shimmery DIY candle holders that generate a beautiful ambiance in any room. First, spray a light mist of water into a glass holder. While the water is wet, spray a light layer of metallic gold paint over the water beads. Let dry, then add a layer of gold glitter spray.
    • Bring the outdoors in. Natural and earthy-looking materials such as wood, greenery, and stone can make a space feel warm and welcoming. Create a festive winter tablescape with these nature-inspired crafts. Learn how to make a rustic bouquet, woodland centerpieces, or a snowy tabletop display.
    • Cane furniture and designs are trendy and bring a warm and natural texture into a space. Check out DIY caning projects so you can bring the multi-directional woven pattern into your home.
    • String lights are an affordable and easy way to add ambiance or mood lighting to any room. They are easy to move around and hang wherever you’d like. You can also place them inside an empty wine bottle, glass vase, or lantern.
    • Spruce up your home with these Kwanzaa decorations.
    • Create simple and elegant decorations with glass. You can create many pieces using old glass vases or things you can find around your home.
    • Get cozy and uncover ways to design with cottagecore.

    When decorating your home, it’s important to surround yourself with items and things that make you feel happy and relaxed. Go from room to room and remove items that merely add to the clutter. Ask yourself how you feel when looking at each item, and if it doesn’t make you feel happy, get rid of it or donate it. Keep the things that make you feel more serene.

    Click for more Home, Hearth and Holidays with BHGRE®

  • Recipes You Will Remember – Home, Hearth and Holidays with BHGRE®

    Tis the season to fill your home with joy and your stomach with delicious foods. Below you will find recipes for appetizers, savory small bites, an assortment of dishes, and of course, mouthwatering desserts and drinks.

    Holiday Appetizers and Small Bites

    Holiday Meals

    • Start your morning with these mouthwatering apple buttermilk biscuits with sausage-cider gravy.
    • Sometimes we wake up hungry and don’t want to spend a ton of time whipping up a complicated meal. These quick and easy breakfast recipes are perfect for when you want a yummy but quick breakfast, and then you can start enjoying the rest of your day.
    • Using frozen veggies means your food is partially cut, prepped, and ready to be cooked. Save time without sacrificing taste with these creative frozen vegetable recipes.
    • Who wants to spend an hour in the kitchen on a busy winter weeknight? Say goodbye to lengthy prep times and check out these winter ideas that are ready in only 20 minutes and feature in-season ingredients.
    • Comforting meals with seasonal ingredients are just a click away. Warm up any winter night with this collection of winter chicken main dish recipes.
    • These easy and irresistible slow cooker barbecue recipes include mouthwatering ribs, brisket, pork, and chicken that you can savor any time of the year.
    • This grilled pork and pineapple recipe is an ideal sweet and savory dish that will result in many smiling faces.
    • Add some flair to your meals and try this Italian-style slow cooker meatloaf.
    • Check out tons of satisfying and healthy slow cooker recipes that are low in calories but high in taste. There are even a few twists on traditional favorites, such as sloppy joes and lasagna.
    • If you are looking for a Hanukkah brisket that will fall apart in your mouth, this is the recipe for you. It will be a dish to remember.
    • These Hanukkah recipes are a phenomenal blend of old and new traditional pieces. Read more to learn about these festive new twists.
    • Uncover 21 festive Kwanzaa recipe ideas for a successful celebratory dinner.

    Delicious Holiday Desserts

    • Do you want to build a snowman… that you can eat? These snow folk dipped pretzel rods are adorable and fun at any festivity.
    • Crank up the cranberries! Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying something new, these cranberry desserts are perfect for a holiday meal or a special weeknight.
    • No matter how you pronounce p-e-c-a-n, these pecan pie recipes will make your guests swoon.
    • Uncover yummy slow cooker dessert recipes that are crowd-pleasing and easy to mix up.
    • Satisfy your tropical sweet tooth with coconut desserts. Check out seriously delicious recipes for coconut cheesecake, southern-inspired coconut cake, or coconut milk ice cream.
    • This best-ever chocolate cake is a triple-layer cake that is rich and unforgettable. Your guests will be begging you for the recipe.
    • Satisfy your sweet tooth with these holiday baking recipes.
    • Your turkey day needs these festive Thanksgiving dessert ideas. There are drumstick cereal bars the kids can help make, pumpkin pie turkeys, donut hole acorns, and more.
    • Pumpkin pie is good, but toffee pumpkin pie is even better.
    • These red and green pinwheels are a must-have if you’re attending a holiday get-together. They are festive and fantastic.
    • Try these new Hanukkah desserts that are a mix of new and traditional desserts.

    Cheers to Holiday Drinks

  • Give the Gift of Joy – Home, Hearth and Holidays with BHGRE®

    Put a smile on your loved ones’ faces with these holiday gift ideas.

    • Create a customized calendar using photos of their favorite places and things or use pictures of memories you’ve shared.
    • Make some fun and useful coasters. There are designs for beer lovers, clay pieces that resemble artwork, and several nature-inspired options.
    • Frame a map of somewhere you went on vacation together and pin photos from that trip around the map.
    • A family recipe book is the perfect gift for the home chef. Gather all of the family’s recipes and magazine cutouts and either organize them like a scrapbook or type them up and have a book printed.
    • Gifts for pet lovers:
      • Get their pet’s face printed on items such as pajamas, pillows, a blanket, or socks.
      • Have a photo of their pet made into a custom pet portrait.
      • A water or food bowl with their pet’s name on it.
    • Find an attractive bag and fill it with your loved one’s favorite things. Items you may want to incorporate include their favorite candy, something that will remind them of a moment you shared, your favorite photo of you together, and a list of your five favorite things about them. It will show how much you care.
    • Check out incredible resin craft ideas that can spruce up anyone’s home.
    • These easy crafts with photos make incredible, personal gifts.  
    • Take drinking glasses up a few notches by etching something personal onto them. You will need Armor Etch, an Exacto knife, masking tape, and a set of plain beer or cocktail glasses. One option would be to tape a stencil to the outside of the glass wherever you want the shape or letter to go. Put on gloves, dip a paintbrush into the Armor Etch, and apply a coat onto the stencil. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, and then wash off the etching cream and peel off the tape and stencil. You can also use the Exacto knife to cut out a shape, sports logo, or anything they might like out of thick paper and tape it to the glass. Make sure the paper isn’t too thin or the Armor Etch may go through the paper.
    • Help your friends and family dress up their houseplants by making these folded felt planters.
    • These cookie gift ideas are inexpensive and can be made in bulk for parties, holidays, or as presents for your coworkers.
    • Buy an online learning class for something they love or have shown interest in. You can gift cooking classes, wine tastings, craft classes, acting classes, exercise courses, and tons more.
    • Photo transfers are personal, homemade, and something your friends and family will cherish forever. Simply pick the photo they would love and follow these photo transfer steps. You can also watch this video for tips on how to photo transfer.
    • We could all use a little relaxation. Create a relaxation kit with some of the following: DIY bath bombs, candles (with relaxing scents such as ylang ylang, lavender, or lemon), warm string lights, face masks, a soft blanket, tea, or fuzzy socks.
    • If you’re not very crafty, have no fear; there are several gifts ideas that people will enjoy. A few options include a temperature-controlled mug, photo printer, weighted blanket, resin art kit, chocolate tasting box, personalized cutting board, or outdoor string lights.
    • Check out tons of affordable holiday gift ideas.
    • Grab a needle and thread and try out these easy-sew Christmas gifts.
    • Learn how to make a gnome cookie jar in just two simple steps.