December 1997

Between friends

Gifts from the Heart

A thought for the holidays: Renaissance doctors believed the heart, or essence of each person, began as a star in the heavens. Here are some ideas for sharing your star with others this season.

In living color

Many floriferous houseplants bloom just for the holidays, and you can dress them up for the season by giving them an array of festive containers.

Rhyme-Time Rocker

Nursery-rhyme characters and rub-on letters cover a chair that's as cute as Mary's little lamb and simple enough for Simon.

A Reel Mower

No Deposit, Big Return

Water Saver

Environmentally Friendly Gifts

This year, consider giving gifts a bit more friendly to nature. Look for items that are recycled, products that conserve water, or items that reduce pollution like those we've shown on page 42.

Rating New-Car Appeal

Before you buy a new car, wouldn't you love to know how hundreds of other owners rate the model you're considering? That's what research firm J.D. Power and Associates tries to find out in its car appeal study.

Stepping Through the Holidays

With divorce affecting a majority of families today, Christmas isn't always a happy time. What's the best gift parents give? Love, hope, and peace, of course.

Pfizer

Ideas & Inspiration

The Better Homes and Gardens Web site has a new look-- and a new outlook. We've teamed with Microsoft to bring you home and family ideas and advice every day, Monday through Friday. Best of all, you can have new articles delivered automatically to your personal computer each day.

Healthy Gadgets and Gifts

Inexpensive gadgets, fun gizmos, and pocket-sized gifts are just the ticket for spreading lots of cheer during the holidays. Under a tree or next to a menorah, they add a healthful twist to giving, and are easy to find in gourmet specialty stores, mail-order catalogs, and even in larger supermarkets.

TEST GARDEN TIP

Seeing Red This Winter

SMART GARDENING

LOOKING GOOD

Home for the holidays

Betsy Cameron's career has taken her all over the globe. But no matter how far she traveled, one thing was constant: "I was always home for Christmas." Now the working mother of three children, Betsy is even more adamant about making the day special for her family. Here's how she mixes tradition with her own romantic style.

Can-do christmas

Warm up those glue guns and get the sewing machines humming-- it's time for holiday crafting. Shortcut techniques and easy-does-it materials make these festive trims super quick, almost effortless, and utterly smashing.

Let heaven and nature sing

Many find joy in the snowy world beyond a frosted window. Designer and author Tricia Foley sees winter's beauty and lets it inspire her holiday landscape indoors. In her New York home, decorating takes on a simple, natural glow. When friends and family arrive for the season's party, her home is lit up like the starry hosts. Yet, only a single strand of store-bought twinkle lights can be found. Instead, Tricia finds holiday shine in the glamorous glow of candles and a shimmering palette of silver and white. Her home's holiday revelry includes the mantel (above) where polished silver, fresh-clipped greens, and sparkling glass unite in a chorus of texture and gleam.

Nutrition Information

With each recipe, we give important nutrition information. The calorie count of each serving and the amount, in grams, of fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, and protein will help you keep tabs on what you eat.

Holiday wish list

A Bird in the Hand... ...means zany entertainment when the Funkadellics bird puppets make their debut on your stage. The bright velour 9-inch hand puppets, complete with funky hats and friendly smiles, are machine-washable and huggable. Ages 2 and up. Puppets are $15 each from the Manhattan Toy Company, 800/747-2454.

The Shopper's Mart

Discover the ease and pleasure of shopping by mail. Order with comfort and convenience from your own home.

The man next door