January 1987

A FRIEND TO TURN TO

When I'm out walking our dogs this time of year, I reflect on how strange it seems that only a few months ago our neighborhood was languishing under a full-blown Iowa summer. Instead of being bundled up in down jacket, boots, and ski gloves, I was strolling along on a velvety night wearing shorts, T-shirt, and sandals.

MR. AND MRS. SMITH GO TO WASHINGTON

Here it is-- our annual special report on all the trends, fancies, and facts sure to provide excitement, change, and just plain fun in the coming year. Welcome to 1987!

HOUSING

In 1987, Americans are putting heart into their homes creating places full of comforting, caring details.

FOOD

Today we want it all; good food in a jiffy, the exotic as well as the homey, nutritious main dishes, and the ultimate desserts.

DECORATING

Decorating today means breaking the rules. Driven no more by what's right, Americans choose what suits.

AUTOMOBILES

GARDENING

In gardens, as in homes, the mood is cheering and snug, up to date, yet hinting of yesteryear.

TRAVEL

SUPER SIMPLE AMISH QUILT

Cash in on the craze for quilts, but don't spend big bucks doing it. We designed this Amish-style quilt for you to make in just one weekend for under $50 using simple shortcut techniques.

GARDENER'S LOG

We're gearing up for another season in the Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden! Before digging into spring planting, we'd like to review for you what we learned from last year's garden. In 1986, we grew and rated advanced seeds of the All-America Selections (see "Our Picks for '87" on page 41) and tested new techniques.

AND BABY MAKES FOUR

Be sure that Child Number 1 is ready for the advent of Child Number 2. Better to have no diapers or crib on hand for the new baby than to neglect preparing your older child.

OUR PICKS FOR '87

TEST GARDEN We grew and evaluated all of the plants featured in this story in our Des Moines test garden. The garden, which measures 60 x 40 feet, contains nine raised beds. Watering is done with drip irrigation. To keep the garden in top form, we sprayed a liquid seaweed fertilizer onto the plants' leaves.

CREATIVE MACHINE STITCHERY

Imitate the beautifully detailed skills of hand embroidery, couching, and cutwork with your sewing machine. These techniques take just a few hours, yet yield surprisingly elaborate projects.

LIVING WITH TV-VIDEO

Choosing from today's terrific TV-video storage options is almost as hard as picking a movie to rent for your VCR tonight! In fact, what once was a decorating problem seems more like a bonus now as slick builtins, equipment, and storage pieces proliferate. ...

QUICK-TO-KNIT SWEATERS

Simple squares worked in fast-knit patterns shape these easy and stylish sweaters. Blocking tricks and side-to-side knitting give unexpected details to quick-and-easy projects.

MASTER SUITES

Tired of cramped closets and baths, this couple added a second floor to their ranch home. The payoff: room for a self-contained living center-- complete with dual baths and a tiny kitchen. With its fireside sitting area (right) and dramatic sleeping island (above), the new space blurs the line between bedroom and full-time living space.

NUTRITION INFORMATION WITH EVERY RECIPE

With each recipe we give important nutrition information. The calorie count of individual servings and the amount, in grams or milligrams, of protein, fat, cholesterol, and sodium help you keep track of what you eat.

CLASSY CORRIDOR KITCHENS

Our three kitchens-- here and on the following pages-- show how pleasing and efficient a galley can be.

HOW TO ORDER

Shopping editor's choice

Discover the ease and pleasure of shopping by mail. Order from the convenience of your own home with complete confidence. If not delighted, each company will happily refund your money.

THE MAN NEXT DOOR

"The true spirit of hopeless, crazy, optimism lives on," Chris said after seeing my New Year's resolutions.