Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Category: Home Entertainment

  • Hanging String Lights for Outdoors

    One of the best ways to dress up a patio, porch, or backyard is to add the perfect display of string lights for outdoors. It’s a simple and reasonably inexpensive way to bring much-needed illumination to your space and an instant boost of charm. There’s just something about the warm glow of the lights that elevates the ambiance of any area, whether the goal is to create a private spot for entertaining friends, relaxing with family, or adding a hint of romance for date-night drinks. To help you begin the transformation, we reveal some of our favorite ways to create a magical oasis by hanging outdoor string lights. 

    Before You Begin Hanging String Lights for Outdoors

    Before you make any purchases, take a moment to assess your goals for your balcony, yard, or patio. Do you want the lights to highlight an entertaining space? You’ll need to plan your anchor points and determine how far apart each bulb should be to illuminate a long dining table properly. Whereas a small conversation pit or cozy outdoor relaxation nook will have different needs – perhaps something softer with a more intimate glow. Whatever your goals, deciding your priorities before you shop or start to hang the lights is the key to saving money and time.                                                                             

    Choose the Right Style of String Lights

    Today, there are so many different styles of string lights for outdoors. You can choose ones that fit your home’s architectural style or select ones that mirror your personality. If you love vintage-inspired bulbs, you’ll find dozens to choose from, including the Edison, which is among the most popular options for outdoor entertaining. Do you have access to an outdoor outlet? If not, you’ll want to focus on battery-operated lights or solar-powered options. Expert Jeff Manning advises Martha Stewart Living that people opt for “LED lights or light ropes that are resistant to the elements—and that can change colors for occasions.” High-quality lights will stand up to surprise snow, wind, and rain. They can also handle the scorching temperatures that arrive early and stay late into the year in the south and the desert southwest. 

    Find Your Anchor Points

    The easiest approach to hanging outdoor string lights is to use at least one, if not more, existing anchor points. This might be your porch columns, the side of your house, trees, a pergola, or a sturdy privacy fence. The Spruce recommends using existing anchors when possible because “not only does this eliminate the job of making posts, but existing anchor points tend to be solid, permanent, and better integrated into your yard’s footprint.” 

    If you have your heart set on enlivening your space with string lights but don’t have multiple existing anchor points, you do have the option of putting in freestanding posts. The Spruce explains: “Setting an 8- or 10-foot two-by-two in a concrete-filled broad-base container produces an anchor post sufficient to hold one end of a 25-foot run of overhead lights. This can be paired with another anchor post or with a solid existing anchor point.”  

    Support the Cords

    Try to avoid hanging your string lights by the cords alone. This can considerably strain the cords, which invites damage, particularly when weather rolls in. Instead, The Spruce recommends using “wire rope and eye bolts to support the cords.” There are also several brands of string lights for outdoor use that include loops as part of the bulb housing, making it easy to screw the bulb directly into an anchor point or run a support wire through it. 

    A Word of Caution

    Always choose safety first. Even when your string lights are certified for outdoor use, the experts warn Martha Stewart Living to never hang them “over recreational water spots, like swimming pools or hot tubs.” Should the lights accidentally fall into the pool, it could pose a potentially serious hazard.  

    Select Your String Light Formation

    You want to make the most out of your bulbs, so choosing the best formation for your space is critical. Southern Living loves using a zigzag design when working with a large backyard or garden. Why? “[This] look covers more ground than a standard linear style. Just know that if you don’t have a fence framing your yard, you’ll need to install multiple anchor points.” For larger yards, Southern Living also applauds the idea of elevating the ambiance by focusing on perimeter lights; “perimeter lighting (coupled with distinctive flooring) can help establish a separate space for dining,” although you will likely need additional table lights for evening meals. 

    Simple crisscross formations are among the most affordable options as they are perfect for illuminating dining tables or square spaces with the fewest number of lights. However, if you have a fence or pergola that can anchor them, creating a waterfall effect with a cascade of string lights will yield a tremendous amount of light as a backdrop to your outdoor entertaining space, and it will dazzle your guests.

    Is your conversation or dining space already beautifully framed by a garden or trees? Rather than loosely draping outdoor string lights, consider wrapping them around the trees instead. The Spruce adores the idea of creating bejeweled trees set aglow by twinkling lights. Light wrapping works on most trees, even palms, as “trunks wrapped with white or red lights show off their vertical, upright forms, drawing the eye upward toward the night sky.” Wrap from the bottom upward and ensure even spacing. Use a ladder to continue the twinkling lights up and over odd-shaped branches and limbs to put the perfect finish on this strikingly magical vision.

  • Creating a Fabulous Game Room

    If you’re thinking about creating a game room in your home now that the kids are in school — or if the video games and their consoles are constantly underfoot or under couch cushions — now’s the time to start planning your game room decor so the space works for the entire family.

    Purposing Your Space

    If arcade games, pinball machines, or carnival games are your thing, your game room is going to look very different from one that features a ping pong, pool, or card table. The same goes for a predominantly board game-focused room or a room designed for video gaming.

    Knowing how you’ll realistically use the room is key to getting the decor right and making the space a home away from home. That could mean creating a fabulous space for neighborhood kids to gather, or a man cave/she shed where you can occasionally escape from homework supervision and chores to watch a rom-com or play a rousing round of Call of Duty or Dungeons and Dragons.

    Attics, Basements, and More

    Basements aren’t the only options for game rooms. Take a look at your attic space, or consider repurposing your family room, den, spare bedroom, built-in porch or sunroom. You can even use part of the garage, depending on what kind of game  room you want yours to be.

    When thinking about the space, consider existing lighting, wiring, and typical temperatures. Also, consider what improvements you’ll need to make the space cozy and inviting. 

    For instance, if vintage pinball games or billiards are your thing, make sure the floors you’ve got can take the load and your doorways are wide enough to get the equipment into the room. Standard pinball machines are about 32 inches wide and weigh 200 to 300 pounds, and pool tables (unless they have slate tops) are about the same. If you’re looking at an attic game room,  you may have to reinforce the floor joists.

    Choosing Your Lighting

    If video gaming is your game room’s primary purpose, you want to make sure you eliminate sources that can create ambient light or exacerbate glare. Consider blackout curtains and stay away from light, glossy paints with their reflective surfaces. 

    In multi-purpose game rooms, you’re going to want to create layers of lighting. Avoid bulky overhead fixtures and instead install pendant lighting over the areas you want to be illuminated, like the poker or pool table. Recessed lights and a single pendant light will work for the area around a foosball or poker table, but you may want a different kind of lighting for board games and jigsaw puzzle assembly.

    Soundproofing and Wiring

    If the room you’ve decided to designate the family game room is already finished, adding insulation or soundproofing can be an expensive proposition. Blow-in loose-fill insulation is inexpensive and really helps with noise transmission, but sound panels and blankets will do the trick, too. Carpeting is the ultimate stealth soundproofing decor choice, and if you’re replacing the carpet, you can choose a thicker underpad when the new carpet is installed.

    For higher-tech game rooms, wiring can run under the new carpeting (but check with your electrician first). Alternatively, you can use wirehouses or cable tracks to bundle wires. You’ll need grounded outlets for arcade and pinball machines. Video gamers will appreciate a hardwired data connection to avoid stalling, which can ruin the immersive experience, and an upgraded router that can handle all your home’s interconnected devices.

    Furniture and Decor

    Comfort is king in game rooms, and again, usage will dictate decor. Proper gaming chairs with stellar lumbar support are crucial for video gamers, while flooring materials that provide a little more cushioning are more important for billiards, ping pong, or darts.

    In multi-purpose game rooms, furniture that’s both comfortable and easy to rearrange makes sense. That doesn’t mean cornering the market in bean bag chairs. You’ll need furniture you can sprawl on when watching movies and comfortable chairs for intense poker sessions or chess bouts that last longer than planned.

    Keep colors and wall treatments simple. This is not the spot for flocked wallpaper or elaborate feature walls. Your game  room will probably already have a lot going on. Consider echoing or amplifying the colors of your games themselves, especially if you have arcade or pinball games or a pool table with a distinctive felt shade.

    Make sure you’ve got storage, whether built-in, purpose-built, or a repurposed closet. No one will want to spend time in a game room that looks chaotic (or hours hunting for the video game they want to play). This might be the perfect spot for a pallet wall where you can hang pool cues or ping pong paddles.

  • The Best Soup Recipes for Busy Winter Days

    The best soup recipes yield delicious meals and starters that are quick to make and perfectly comforting as the temperatures plummet. From homemade lentil soup to a hearty cheese tortellini soup that you’ll adore, tasty options can be made to meet everyone’s dietary preferences. If you are craving simple meals that are budget-friendly and thoroughly satisfying, keep reading as we reveal some of the best soup recipes for busy days this winter. 

    15-Minute Lentil Soup 

    Lentil soup is a classic recipe that stays on the menus of busy families and Martha Stewart Living for a reason; it “is a fast, hearty soup for dinner.” True to its name, it only requires 15 minutes of total preparation and cooking time. And the soup is filled with ingredients you may already have in your pantry: onions, carrots, celery, garlic, red-wine vinegar, and lentils (the Magazine recommends using cooked lentils from a 15-ounce can). While the original recipe calls for chicken broth, this quickly becomes a vegetarian and vegan favorite when you substitute low-sodium vegetable broth instead.  

    Spiced Tomato Soup

    Is there anything more reminiscent of childhood winters than tomato soup paired with a grilled cheese sandwich? Quick and straightforward to make, tomato soup continues to make us smile, and Martha Stewart Living’s twist updates this classic to delicious perfection. “This is no simple soup, it’s a richly-flavored dish that features lots of spice and aromatics,” and uses whole roasted tomatoes as a base. Made as is, it is a terrific option for carnivores and vegetarians. Want to make this recipe vegan? It’s a quick fix; substitute vegan butter in the final stir.

    Sweet Potato and Ginger Soup

    Only five ingredients are required to make Health’s “Sweet Potato and Ginger Soup,” one of the best soup recipes for those looking for healthier alternatives this winter. Health raves: “This belly-warming soup is fat-free, cholesterol-free, and low in calories—but it’s not low in flavor thanks to the creamy sweet potatoes, spicy ginger, and just a touch of sugar.” Considered a superfood, “sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene, vitamin A, and healthy carbohydrates,” according to the Magazine. All of this healthy goodness results in a terrific way to revive after a hectic day at work or busy weekend.

    Smoky White Bean Soup

    Have you been trying to figure out what to do with that can of cannellini beans sitting in your pantry? Try making Southern Living’s “Smoky White Bean Soup.” This recipe is ideal for anyone looking for one-pot dishes that can be made in under 30 minutes. It’s such a comforting and tasty recipe that we bet you’ll want to make it a permanent part of your winter meal rotation. What makes this white bean soup recipe one of the best? Bacon. One extra thick-cut slice of bacon is all you need to take this recipe from good to great. 

    Potato, Broccoli, and Cheddar Soup

    Martha Stewart Living’s “Potato, Broccoli, and Cheddar Soup” is one of the winter’s best soup recipes because it combines rich flavors and healthy ingredients for kid-friendly results. The original recipe yields four servings and takes under 40 minutes from preparation through serving, making this an appealing choice for weekend lunches. While Yukon Gold potatoes and white cheddar help create a delightful base, it’s the broccoli that gets the star treatment. The Magazine explains: “It’s simmered until tender for the soup base and roasted for the garnish.” What is the final touch that takes this dish to the next level? The soup is enhanced with toasted rustic Italian bread that has been topped with roasted cheese, garlic, and broccoli florets. Yum!

    Spicy Southwestern Black Bean Chili

    When you hear the word “chili,” it probably sparks images of ingredients simmering for hours in a slow cooker. The good news is that the “Spicy Southwestern Black Bean Chili” recipe from Health can be ready in under half an hour. It seems too good to be true, but it is. The Magazine explains: “The key is using boxed roasted red pepper and tomato soup as well as flavorful ingredients like jalapenos, garlic, chili powder, and cumin.” This vegetarian chili is thoroughly satisfying and is also packed with protein and fiber. Plus, if you want to add some healthy fat to the mix, all you need to do is top the chili with some sliced avocado, and you are ready to serve.  

    Ham-and-Bean Soup

    Are you looking for a slow cooker recipe that can put a leftover ham bone to the best use? Southern Living’s “Ham-and-Bean Soup” is an “eight-ingredient soup recipe that’s made in the slow cooker from start to finish.” The Magazine advises: “Made with a ham bone, dried white beans, chopped carrots, celery, onions, and garlic, chicken stock, and fresh thyme, this recipe takes minutes to assemble ….” Cannellini beans work well, as do navy beans, but you should feel free to substitute in any small, dried beans that you have on hand. Get ready for compliments!

    Cheese Tortellini Soup

    If you love cheese tortellini as we do, you’ll adore this “Cheese Tortellini Soup” recipe from Rachael Ray In Season. This dish yields a flavorful broth that offers comforting warmth on a cold day. The Magazine explains the process: “Bring chicken broth and finely grated onion and carrot, 1 bay leaf, onion salt, celery salt, pepper and chopped fresh dill to a boil.” Once the broth is finished, add your pre-made cheese tortellini to it and cook as you would normally. It’s that simple. And, yes, it’s every bit as delicious as it sounds. 

    Cream of Asparagus with Shredded Prosciutto

    Are you hoping to add a creamy soup to your weekly menus? Rachael Ray In Season reveals that one of the best soup recipes for winter is their “Cream of Asparagus with Shredded Prosciutto” soup. The key is to shred your prosciutto and cook it until crisp in extra-virgin olive oil. The rest of the recipe is simple, according to the Magazine, just “remove prosciutto with a slotted spoon, add chopped asparagus and onion and cook until tender, then puree. Stir in half-and-half and heat through.” Minutes before serving, you can pop the crispy prosciutto on top and get ready to dive into this delightfully filling creation. 

    Chunky Vegetable Beef Soup

    If you hesitate to make vegetable beef soup because you think it will take too much time to chop everything, Southern Living’s “Chunky Vegetable Beef Soup” may be the best soup recipe for you. Why? “Since this hearty beef soup uses canned veggies, you won’t waste any time chopping.” It’s also wonderfully affordable, as it is made from “budget-friendly yet robust ingredients, with ground chuck, canned vegetables, and tomato sauce rounding out the list,” according to the Magazine. This recipe serves eight people and can be whipped up in under an hour. It’s also ideal for anyone who wants to make meals on a Sunday afternoon that can be eaten throughout the week or even later. In fact, when stored properly, this delectable soup can be frozen and enjoyed for up to a month.

  • Winning Super Bowl Snack Ideas

    Are you searching for super bowl snack ideas that are easy to make and delicious? Hosting a gathering for the big game can be a lot of fun, but it may also leave you stumped for ideas on how to treat your friends and family to a winning menu. The good news is that even if you have guests who have different dietary preferences, you can still make a range of satisfying, indulgent options. If you need tips for preparing tasty bites on the big day, read on as we reveal some of our favorite super bowl snack ideas that are anything but ordinary.

    Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

    When looking for super bowl snack ideas, start with comfort food that will warm chilled guests coming in from the frosty temperatures outside. Mini grilled cheese sandwiches not only offer a warm gooey delight that is easily passed or grabbed from the buffet, but they are a delicious nod to childhood that always makes us smile. Real Simple loves these treats because they are “makeable make-ahead bites that are delicious and downright easy.” But you don’t have to stop there. If you want to add a tangy twist to this classic, the Magazine recommends refreshing this satisfying snack “with a dollop of fruit chutney.” Yum! 

    Sriracha-Buffalo Chicken Wings

    If you love buffalo chicken wings but wish they were healthier, you are in luck! Martha Stewart Living is a fan of this party classic but favors baking this snack so that it is better for you while also minimizing clean up – a win for any super bowl snack idea. You start by baking your favorite chicken wings. After taking them from the oven, you simply toss them with Sriracha butter while still warm and serve them with crumbled blue cheese and celery sticks. The Magazine raves: “The vinegar-[chili] sauce adds just enough of a twist to feel fresh while staying true to all the beloved characteristics of the addictive game day staple.”

    Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with Special Sauce

    One of Southern Living’s favorite super bowl snack ideas is the cheeseburger egg roll. How can you go wrong when combining a childhood favorite with another delightful treat? Prep and cooking time is only about an hour and is as easy as making your favorite cheeseburger recipe and then surrounding all of that deliciousness in a prepared egg roll wrapper. Of course, Southern Living’s special sauce, made from “ketchup, mayonnaise, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and cayenne pepper,” is a game-changer. As the Magazine cheers: “Our Special Sauce will soon be your new go-to condiment.” 

    Bean-and-Veggie Sliders

    Are you looking for a tasty vegetarian version of a classic hamburger slider? Try Martha Stewart Living’s Bean-and-Veggie Sliders. The Magazine loves this super bowl snack idea because, in part, the “[blended] kidney beans and rice, plus grated carrots, broccoli, and ginger, make the patties satisfyingly substantial.” You can top them with any of your favorites, or go for colorful options that the Magazine favors like sliced mango and cilantro. 

    Loaded Sweet-Potato Skins

    Potato skins are a classic option for any super bowl party, but if you are looking for snack ideas that offer a twist on this traditional favorite, you’ll want to try the Loaded Sweet-Potato Skins recipe from Martha Stewart Living. Sweet potatoes have a higher nutritional value than russets, and they can still be filled with decadent ingredients for a thoroughly indulgent taste. For the Magazine’s recipe, “they’re mashed with a touch of buttermilk and paprika and finished with low-fat sour cream, scallion, and bacon….” You might love these so much that you’ll add them to all of your fun, casual gatherings this year.

    Polenta Bites With Bacon, Dates, and Blue Cheese

    A thoroughly filling and delectable appetizer, polenta bites are becoming a party favorite. This creative snack offers the perfect blend of savory and sweet when served with bacon, dates, and blue cheese, but you can easily swap out the bacon for sliced tempeh or Shiitake mushrooms for a vegetarian offering that is just as tempting. While straightforward to make, Real Simple suggests adding a final step: “Broil them right before your guests arrive to ensure the cheese is melted and each bite is warmed throughout.” Don’t be surprised if your guests start asking for the recipe after the first bite.  

    Chicken Satay Skewers

    Chicken satay skewers are always a good choice at parties. Not only are they easy to munch on while socializing, but they are bite-sized snacks filled with lean protein and terrific flavor with the right marinade. Martha Stewart Living favors “a simple marinade made with sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and red-pepper flakes [that] delivers big flavor,” as well as a spicy peanut dip for an extra kick. 

    Vegan Miso Tahini Dip

    Stumped for an unusual dip that is also lighter than your standard fare and perfect for all of your guests, including those who are vegan or vegetarian? Consider adding Martha Stewart Living’s Miso Tahini Dip to your menu. It’s dairy-free but still delightfully creamy. At its base, it’s made from “umami-rich miso and nutty tahini paste.” The Magazine suggests “[rounding it] out with a little garlic, lemon juice, and sesame oil, [for a] result [that] is a deliciously addictive dip that is guaranteed to get a lot of play at a party.” There is no wrong way to serve this dip, but lightly blanched asparagus stalks and other seasonally-inspired vegetables are among the Magazine’s favorite pairings.

    Tater Nachos

    Chip-based nachos are a terrific game-day delicacy, but if you want to mix it up this year, try Southern Living’s Tater Nachos. Start by cooking frozen tater tots as you usually would to create your base. Pile them with all of the nacho ingredients you most love, including black beans, tomatoes, and shredded Mexican cheese. Next, as the Magazine suggests, “[add] seasoned ground beef, chicken, or even pulled pork to make Tater Nachos even more satisfying and hearty.” After you pop your creation under the broiler for a minute or two to make the cheese extra melty, you can pile on toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and jalapeno slices, or keep them in small bowls for your guests to add to their liking. It’s a one-pan super bowl snack idea that will delight your guests and be a highlight of halftime.

    Chipotle Beef and Beer Chili

    Over the years, a hearty chili dish has become a much-welcomed super bowl snack. Sure to take the chill off of a frigid winter afternoon or evening, chili also can be paired with several other indulgent snacks, from macaroni and cheese to tater tots to chips. However, even your favorite award-winning chili recipe might lose its crown to Real Simple’s Chipotle Beef and Beer Chili. The Magazine raves: “Our Chipotle Beef and Beer Chili is flavored with dark Mexican beer, like an amber lager, smoky chipotles in adobo, and chili powder.” A note of caution: This chili has a serious kick. But if you love your chili spicy, and you want your super bowl party menu to thrill, set this up with sides of cornbread and toppings like sour cream, and get ready for the cheers (and the second half of the game) to start.

  • 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. 

  • Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

    Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style. Below are fun activities, crafts, and recipes you can use to for a fiesta to remember.

    Let’s Taco Bout Cinco de Mayo Recipes

    • Don’t have any tortillas? These homemade flour tortillas are calling your name and easy to make using just a few ingredients you can find in your pantry. All you need is all-purpose flour, salt, water, and vegetable oil. There’s nothing better than a fresh–made tortilla hugging all your ingredients together.

    Cinco de Mayo Craft Ideas

    • Shake, shake, shake your maracas! Take plastic eggs and fill them with rice or beans. Place the eggs between the heads of two spoons and tape it in place. You can also wrap the spoons and egg in tinfoil and tape the outside for a smoother finish. Then just shake, shake, shake. Another option would be to fill empty water bottles with beans or rice and paint the outside with festive colors.
    • Create beautiful and vibrant tissue paper art that will brighten up your festivities. Let your creativity bloom with these beautiful paper flowers.
    • Get your hands in clay! Create clay pots by rolling your clay into a long rope and then starting at the bottom, coiling the rope around into the shape of a pot. Use quick-drying clay and once the clay is dry, paint it with vibrant colors.
    • No piñata, no problem. Learn how to craft your very own DIY piñata.

    • Make your very own beautiful paper flower headbands. Simply wrap a headband with green ribbon or pipe cleaners and then glue your paper flowers to the top of the band.
    • Get planting! Clean empty cans in order to paint and decorate them as planters. If you don’t have paint, wrap the outside of the cans with ribbon or colorful yarn. Fill the cans with the vibrant paper flowers you made to brighten up the room.
    • Discover tons of bright and fun Cinco de Mayo crafts that are perfect for kids. Make cute cacti out of socks or vibrant yarn banners to hang around your home.

    Cinco de Mayo Activities

    These ideas will help you throw a high-color, low-stress gathering filled with authentic fun.

    • Become the hostess with the mostess and check out these ideas for an outdoor Cinco de Mayo celebration.
    • It’s important to celebrate Cinco de Mayo respectfully. Read about the traditional Mexican holiday with a fascinating history.
    • The largest Cinco de Mayo celebration takes place in the city of Puebla, where the original battle took place. There are parades with dancing, singing, and re-enactments. Discover the beautiful traditional flowing dressings and traditional Mexican pantsuits.
    • Share these Cinco de Mayo fun facts with your kids.
    • Host a virtual happy hour with friends and family. Stir up some fun with these delicious cocktails.

  • Celebrate Mother’s Day

    Discover tons of fun and unique ways to bring a smile to the face of the special women in your life. Let’s celebrate all the moms!

    Activities Your Mom Will Love

    • If you are unable to visit, you can still share a meal over Zoom. Friends and family can also take turns sharing fond memories and things you appreciate about her.
    • Watch a movie together with “Netflix Party.”
    • Stir up some quality time and plan a virtual cooking date. If you are able to visit, spend time baking together and learn family recipes!
    • Uncover how to host the perfect Mother’s Day tea party.
    • If your mom enjoys gardening, spend a few hours soaking up the sun and creating succulent gardens together. Find a decorative stone and use a sharpie to write “I love you” for a nice final touch.

    • Pack a picnic with her favorites snacks and treats, and head to the park for a beautiful day together outside.
    • Spend the evening having a fun family game night.
    • Create a backyard cinema and watch her favorite movie outside under the stars. Don’t forget the popcorn!

    Sweet Mother’s Day Treats and Recipes

    The brunch must go on! Whether you’re in the same room or celebrating virtually, these scrumptious ideas will lead to a mouthwatering Mother’s Day.

    • If you aren’t able to visit, place a delivery order from her favorite local restaurant and video chat while you share a meal.
    • Send her a treat that will remind her of a meal you shared on a trip together.

    Share the Love

    Treat your mom, we all know she deserves it. Make sure you choose and order a gift with plenty of time to spare. Don’t forget to have it gift-wrapped!

    • Make her a playlist. You can even make a special one for each of her hobbies.
    • House plant or herbs in a cute planter.
    • Create an enticing retreat for your wife, mom, or friend. Learn how to transform your porch into a dream space she can enjoy.
    • Find a subscription she might enjoy such as a monthly book club, dinner kit, or craft box.
    • Create a basket filled with scented candles, bath bombs, and other things she can enjoy. If you’re feeling crafty, make your own bath bombs to help melt away her stress.
    • Check out these heartfelt Mother’s Day gift ideas for inspiration and ideas.
    • Make her something yourself such as this comfy DIY blanket.
    • If you can’t visit mom in person, here are sentimental gift ideas she will love.
    • Purchase a gift certificate to her favorite spa she can use whenever she wants.

  • Have an Eggcellent Easter

    Hop into Easter with these fun ideas! Below you will find fun activities, cute crafts, and mouthwatering recipes that are perfect for celebrating at home or at small gatherings. Make this an Easter you’ll never forget.

    Every Bunny will Love These Easter Craft Ideas

    Paper Eggs
    Create and draw your very own paper eggs as a family. Grab some paper, cut out several egg shapes, and get coloring! If you want to step it up a notch, turn on happy music and look up silly Easter jokes and write them on the back of the eggs. Have one person hide the eggs around the house and host your own Easter egg hunt filled with laughs.

    Toilet Paper Roll Bunnies
    Use toilet paper tubes to create cute little creatures. You can draw or paint little faces on the outside before you glue on bunny ears or other accessories.

    Bowling Bunny  
    Find six tin cans that are all the same size and paint them in your favorite Easter pastel colors. Stack them outside on a flat surface with three cans on the bottom, two on top in the middle, and one for the top and third row. You can use beanbags and throw them to knock them down or use a ball and roll it as if you’re bowling.

    Cup Bunnies and Candy Baskets
    Use cups to make bunnies or candy baskets. Paint them white, and once they’re dry, glue on paper ears and eyes. We recommend filling them with jellybeans or yummy chocolates.

    Decorate Easter Eggs
    If you want to decorate Easter eggs and are looking for some unique and new ideas click here.

    Homemade Easter Baskets
    Uncover fun ways you can create your own Easter baskets using everyday items at home.

    • Grab a few flowerpots and flip them upside down. Each member of the house can paint and design their flowerpot.
    • Take an empty tissue box and cut off the top. Paint the outside of the box or wrap it in bright wrapping paper. For a handle, glue a ribbon to either side of the box, or you can use a strip of fabric. Another option would be to glue cotton balls to the outside of the box to create bunny fur. Then glue on paper bunny ears and little eyes and a nose.
    • Use popsicle sticks to make a basket. For the bottom of the basket, lay six popsicle sticks flat, next to each other, and glue six sticks on top of those facing the other direction. Let it dry. For each of the four sides, glue five popsicle sticks vertically and glue five horizontally on top of those.

    Sock Bunnies
    Learn how to create the cutest sock bunnies.

    Hop into Action with these Easter Activities 

    Dress Up
    Just because you’ve been social distancing doesn’t mean you have to rock your pajamas on Easter. Take this time to try on fun spring attire or put on your favorite Easter outfit. Don’t forget to take photos!

    Fun Easter Games
    Discover several creative easter games for kids. These indoor and outdoor activities are perfect for the entire family, and easy to do.

    Connect with Family and Friends
    Schedule a FaceTime or Zoom brunch with your friends and family. Maintaining a connection is important and what’s better than seeing the faces of your loved ones?

    Virtual Adult Brunch
    Host a virtual brunch! Send your friends these breakfast and brunch cocktail recipes so everyone can have their celebration drinks ready before they sign on. Cheers!

    Home Photo Booth
    Set up a photo booth in your home! Hang a sheet as the backdrop and dig through old Halloween costumes for silly hats and props. You can also create your own photo booth props out of paper and glue them to the ends of chop sticks. Take silly pictures with your family that you will remember fondly for years to come.

    Easter Games
    Play some games! Download 6 free printable games for the entire family 

    Happy and Hoppy Easter Recipes

    Easter Cocktails
    Stir up Easter-themed cocktails. Try mixing it up with these incredible recipes.

    Fresh Side Dishes
    Try out a few of these fresh easter side dishes that will make your meal complete and scrumptious.

    Easter Brunch or Dinner
    Try cooking up some of our favorite Easter recipes. If you aren’t in the mood to cook, support your local restaurants and order in.

    Carrot Cake Cream Pies
    Whip up delicious carrot cake cream pies with yummy buttercream frosting and a small carrot on top.

    Sugar Cookie Décor 
    There are so many ways you can decorate egg-shaped cookies! Buy edible pearls and place them in horizontal or vertical lines or polka dots to create elegant cookies. Don’t forget to attach the pearls or sprinkles while the icing is still wet, so they stick. For a glimmering cookie, crush colorful candies in a bag and crumble them on top of your cookies. If you don’t have an icing bag but want to make your own designs, cut a small hole in the corner of a Ziplock and place the icing in your very own DIY piping bag.

    Orange You Glad you Made These Rolls
    These adorable orange easter bunny rolls are the perfect springtime treat.

  • Halloween – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    Halloween might look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a Spooktacular time! From fun ways to celebrate at home to costume ideas perfect for a mask, we have you covered. Check out our scary good recipes and compilation of great Halloween movies.  

    Boo-tiful Crafts 

    • Use balloons to create fun ghosts and creatures. You can draw a ghost on white balloons, Jack-O’-Lanterns on orange balloons, or create silly monster faces using sharpies. Step it up a notch by adding googly eyes or ribbons as hair. Remember not to use a hot glue gun, or it might pop. 

    • Transform your house into a Halloween world and give every room a theme! Turn your kitchen into Frankenstein’s lab with test tubes and fill different shaped glasses with different color food coloring. Fill the room with spooky fog using dry ice. Make the living room into a pumpkin world with orange streamers, pumpkins, and Halloween decor. Convert a bedroom into a witch’s room with candles, a fake spell book, and of course witch hats. Wrap purple or green ribbons around a broom handle in case a witch wants to fly. Here are 36 free Halloween printables you can also download right now to help you decorate! 
    • Create your own monsters with the kids using empty tissue boxes. Flip them upside down and paint the outside to make fun little creatures. Try painting one green for Frankenstein, an orange one with a pumpkin face, and a white one with a skeleton smile.  
    • Click here for more clever and fun craft ideas.  
    • Make a giant spiderweb on the wall with black string.  
    • Take old white candles from your linen closet and give them a spooky twist. Take red crayons and melt them so it looks like blood is dripping down the sides.  

    • Take old ping pong balls, paint eyeballs onto them and place them all over the house.  
    • Make your own family Frankenstein. Since Frankenstein is a creation assembled from an assortment of humans… do the same. Each person in your family can contribute an article of clothing and stuff it with newspaper. Set all the “body parts” up in a chair and draw a face on a pumpkin to be the head. You will have a silly family Frankenstein. Don’t forget to give it a name! 
    • Hang spider webs all around your home. Cut out little spiders to hang in the webs and glue pictures of your family’s faces on them for some added fun.  
    • Create your own bats! Cut old coffee filters in half and paint them black. Glue a small black circle on the straight side in the middle and glue eyes onto the head.  

    No Tricks, Just Treats

    Just because you may not go trick–or–treating doesn’t mean you cannot have something good to eat. Here are some easy to make Halloween treats you can enjoy with the whole family. 

    Scary Fun Activities

    • Schedule a zoom so you and your loved ones can carve pumpkins together. Maybe make it a contest and let your friends vote for the winner on social media. 
    • If trick-or-treating is off the table instead of just giving your kids candy, try to make it fun with a candy scavenger hunt! Hide candy all over your home and give them little cards with clues written on them. Here are some to help you get started:  
      • We usually come in a pair, we go with sneakers that you wear, so come and find us if you dare (Hide candy bars in their sock drawer) 
      • I am somewhere you go to get clean, where rubber duckies can be seen (Hide candy in the bathtub) 
      • When it’s dark I make it bright, I can help you see when it’s night (Tape candy to a lamp) 
      • I am where cold things get hot, come discover what sweet treats we got (Place some candy in the microwave) 
      • I am hiding somewhere that you eat, I’m also surrounded by many seats (Tape candy under the kitchen table) 
      • Find me where you dream at night, and the bed bugs never bite (Hide candy in their bed)  
      • You can find me underneath where you like to brush your teeth (Put candy under the sink the bathroom)
    • Have the kids strut their stuff on a Halloween runway! Lay out towels or sheets and make a “red carpet” for the kiddos to rock their costumes. Don’t forget to film it and send it to your family.  
    • Costumes are meant to be seen so schedule a zoom costume party and let everyone take turns showing off their costumes.  
    • If you are not comfortable leaving home, talk to your neighbors about setting up a safe trick-or-treating situation or neighborhood block party. Everyone can set up a table outside their doors in the fresh air and have candy laid out on the table so kids can touch only the candy they are taking. People can make little individual candy grab bags as well. That way you can avoid ringing doorbells and reaching hands into candy bowls but still trick-or-treat. 
    • Tape a bunch of small orange balloons onto a wood sheet outside in the shape of a pumpkin and play darts.  
    • It will be hard to keep your laughing under wraps as you make your family members into mummies. All you need… toilet paper.  

     Hauntingly Great Costumes 

    Here is a list of costumes that work great with a face mask underneath. By wearing masks under their costumes or helmets, children might feel that Halloween is still “normal” while also staying safe. 

    • Power Rangers  
    • Astronaut  
    • Super Heroes: Spiderman, Black Panther, Iron Man, Hulk  
    • Transformers 
    • Robot 
    • Ninja 
    • Mortal Kombat characters: Subzero, Scorpion, Kitana, Milenna, Jade, Ermac, Rain 
    • Buzz Lightyear 
    • Star Wars: Chewbacca, Darth Vader 
    • Pumpkin Queen/King 
    • Knight – with helmet 
    • A Lego character   
    • Pokémon 
    • Gladiator with helmet 
    • Sonic the Hedgehog 
    • Minecraft character 
    • Bubble Boy  
    • Gorilla 
    • Alien 
    • Mummy 

    DIY Costumes and Mask Ideas

    For those of you who don’t want to wear a helmet or full-face mask another option would be to decorate your own and incorporate it into your costume. Below are some ideas you can create or spend some time making with your family. 

    • Make a mermaid mask! Glue little confetti circles on a mask slightly overlapping to make them look scales. 
    • Paint any mask to look like an animal’s mouth. Paint a dog’s mouth, a cat nose and whiskers, or cute bunny teeth.  
    • Paint the mouth like a Dia de los Muertos skull mouth and then just paint the rest of your face as you normally would.  
    • Here are some ideas for no sew halloween costumes.   
    • All fairy’s need fairy dust… so why not cover the outside of your mask with glitter? Make sure you use a non-toxic glue and that it’s completely dry before wearing it.  
    • Create a robot with an old box, flip it upside down, cut the flaps off and then glue two straws on the top as antennas. Cut out a rectangular window for eyes in the front. For the body do the same thing with a larger box and cut out two holes for the arms on either side. Paint the boxes silver or cover them in aluminum foil. For buttons and added details you can paint different colored bottle caps and glue them on the front. You can cut out gears and other things using construction paper. 
    • Here is a great DIY Lego Costume  
    • Make an Astronaut Space Helmet and blast off! 

    Pet Costume Ideas

    We all knows pets are part of the family. Do a photoshoot of your four-legged friends in their costumes so you can share them and put a smile on other people’s faces. If you don’t want to buy a costume here are a few DIY pet costume ideas. 

    • Business Pup: Take any fun fabric and cut out a cute little tie that you can attach to their collar. Add polka dots or stripes to kick it up a notch.    
    • Beanie Baby: Take red construction paper and cut out a heart. Then paint a TY in white on the heart and tie it their collar so they can be the cutest Beanie Baby on the block. 
    • Ride Em Cowboy: Repurpose an old harness and glue a small stuffed animal or lightweight toy on the back of it so it looks like it’s riding your dog. If you have an old cowboy toy even better. 
    • Martini: Find an old cone and add some olive props.  
    • Out of This World Doggo: Have fun crafting with the kids while transforming your dog into an alien. Glue googly eyes onto an old harness or take pipe cleaners and any other materials you have and attach them in fun ways.  
    • Pumpkin Poodles: Take orange felt and cut out a piece large enough to wrap around your dog’s waist. Draw a Jack-o-lantern face on the top using a black sharpie or fabric markers. Use green felt and cut out a little leaf and stem to glue or sew onto the top of the pumpkin. To attach it to your dog or cat add strings to either side of the fabric and then you can tie it around their tummy. You can also buy Velcro and adhere that to either side so you can adjust the size as needed.  
    • Super Hero: Take fabric or an old t-shirt and cut out a cape for your pet. Add a string so you can tie around their neck or attach it to a collar. As a family come up with their very own superhero name and using fabric markers write it on the top of the cape.  

    Spooktacular Halloween Movies

    Create a scary movie watching zone to spook up the experience. Hang cobwebs all over your living room and use orange or purple lights to add ambiance. Cut out a few black bats to attach to the wall and create some ghosts out of white sheets or towels.  

    Here is a list of family friendly movies (that won’t result in the kiddos crawling into your bed scared): 

    • Hocus Pocus  
    • Halloweentown 
    • The Addams Family  
    • Toy Story of Terror 
    • Twitches  
    • Hotel Transylvania 
    • Casper 
    • Super Monsters Save Halloween 
    • It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown 
    • Under Wraps 
    • The Haunted Mansion 
    • Corpse Bride 
    • The Nightmare Before Christmas 
    • Double, Double, Toil & Trouble    

    Scary movies for adults 

    • A Nightmare on Elm Street  
    • Halloween (all 900 of them) 
    • The Shining  
    • Get Out 
    • The Exorcist  
    • A Tale of Two Sisters 
    • The Blair Witch Project 
    • The Texas Chain Saw Massacre  
    • A Quiet Place    

    Ways to Give Back

    Although it’s been a tough year there are a variety of ways you can give back to your local community this Halloween.  

    • As we all know – kids grow fast. Instead of just putting old Halloween costumes in a box in your closet, donate them to those who might not be able to afford their own. 
    • If you have time and enjoy crafting, sew costumes for those who can’t afford to buy them. If you’re not an expert sewer try creating simple pieces such as super hero capes. For some costume ideas that don’t require sewing, visit the DIY costumes section above. 
    • Donate your left-over candy. Operation Gratitude is a Halloween Candy Give-Back program where you can donate candy to deployed troops, veterans, and first responders.  
    • Offer to help your elderly neighbors decorate offer their front yard. Make sure you’re following the proper safety guidelines while decorating.  
    • Some families might want to decorate their yards but not be able to afford it. Try cutting out pumpkins from simple construction paper and attaching a string so they can hang them up outside. You can repurpose old sheets or towels to make spooky ghosts. 

     

    Click here to view all the Season of Sharing articles.

        

     

  • Simple Appetizers for Your Next Zoom Party

    The world has changed, at least for the time being, and meetings and parties have moved online. Zoom has become invaluable to businesses, families, and friends alike. As we strive to connect remotely, there’s much need for the ability to chat and even celebrate via video from the safety and comfort of home. If you’re planning to celebrate a momentous occasion (or just a Friday night) via Zoom, here are some easy appetizers for a party that you can prepare for yourself and whoever else is at home with you. Now more than ever, no one needs a reason to eat well and have a party.

    Quick Deviled Eggs

    One of the many drawbacks to quarantining has been the difficulty finding the variety of food we usually enjoy. Fewer trips to the grocery store and limited quantities of items once you get there means trying new and different recipes made of strange ingredients, or eating pantry staples more than you ever have before.

    Herein lies the beauty of a recipe like deviled eggs. Chances are good you have eggs, mayonnaise, and mustard at home. These staples make a delicious appetizer that’s ready in just a few minutes. First, hard boil six eggs on the stovetop. Run them under cold water when finished, then peel the eggs. Next, cut the eggs in half lengthwise.

    Scoop the yolks out of each egg and place them in a bowl. Add ¼ cup mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon mustard. You can choose any variety of mustard you prefer. Mash the yolks and the condiments together. You might also wish to include black pepper, onion powder, or a few teaspoons of sweet relish.

    Once the mixture is well combined, scoop it back into the egg whites. Top the deviled eggs with smoked paprika or chopped chives to taste. The beauty of this recipe is it’s quick, easy to prepare, and simple to scale depending on how hungry you are.

    Hot Crab and Artichoke Dip

    Munching plus Zoom parties equals great fun. For a delicious summery treat, make this hot crab and artichoke dip for your next Zoom gathering. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, and coat a one-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

    Next, microwave two ounces of cream cheese for about 20 seconds. Spread it into the bottom of the dish. In a bowl, stir together ¼ cup of mayonnaise, 2 chopped scallions, ¾ teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning, and 3/4 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. If you wish, you can also add some hot sauce, either ¾ teaspoon or to taste.

    If you have one teaspoon of lemon zest and one tablespoon lemon juice, add those, too. Add ½ cup finely shredded artichoke hearts, four ounces crabmeat, one ounce of mozzarella, and 2 ounces of Parmesan.

    Stir the entire mixture together until well-blended. Then, spread the mixture on top of the cream cheese in your baking dish. Top it with additional Parmesan to taste.

    Bake the dip for about 25 minutes or until it is hot and bubbly. Serve with your favorite vegetables, chips, or crackers.

    Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

    For a delightfully refreshing Zoom appetizer, make this strawberry shortcake ice cream bar dessert. You’ll certainly thank yourself later. First, heat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9” by 9” baking dish with parchment paper, and allow it to hang over the sides of the dish by two inches.

    Next, set four cookies to the side, and blend the remainder of approximately 10 ounces of butter shortbread cookies (this is similar to two packages of Walker’s shortbread cookies). Stir in ¼ cup of salted butter, and then press the mixture into the bottom of a baking dish. Bake the dish for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the crust to an iron rack and let it cool.

    While the crust is cooling, let a carton of vanilla ice cream soften on the countertop. Once the crust is cooled, spread vanilla ice cream onto the crust. Freeze the dessert for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, let a carton of strawberry ice cream soften on the countertop.

    Finally, layer the softened strawberry ice cream onto the dessert. Top the mixture with the remaining four shortbread cookies, roughly crumbled. Then, dig in and enjoy, all while making your Zoom buddies jealous.