Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Category: Home Hearth and Holidays with BHGRE

  • Decorating with Holiday Lighting

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

    Send a Message with LED Rope Holiday Lighting

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

    Say It With Snowflakes

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

    Stage Mason Jar Strands

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

    Display a String-Light Christmas Tree 

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

    Create Unique Holiday Glass Candle-Holders

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

    Hang Glowing Topiary Lanterns

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

    Drape Crackle Ball Garland

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

    Light a Mistletoe Chandelier

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

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

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

    Colorful Cake Stands

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

    Ultra Power Hand Mixers

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

    Sourdough Crocks and Starters

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

    Oak Double Oven Gloves

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

    Copper Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set with Silicone Bottoms

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

    Ceramic Baguette Bakers

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

    Oven-to-Table Bread Warming Trays

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

    Wilton Tiered Cooling Racks

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

    Dolly Parton Holiday Cookie Cutter Sets

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

    Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat

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

  • Easy Ways to Refresh Your Home for the Holidays

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

    Elevate Your Entryway

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

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

    Lighten Up Home Entertaining Spaces

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

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

    Rearrange the Furniture

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

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

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

    Revive the Rugs

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

    Awaken Your Walls

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

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

    Stock Welcoming Provisions

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

    Prep the Powder Room

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

    Stage a Holiday Shelf

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

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

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

    Holiday Décor and Crafts 

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

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

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

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

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

    Scrumptious Holiday Recipes 

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

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

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

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

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    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.

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