December 1998

Between friends

Festive foliage

Why settle for plain green? These houseplants bring cheerful colors to winter windowsills-- even when the plants aren't in bloom.

A Bold-Fashioned Christmas

Don't be a grinch! Embrace this season's joy with decorations that kindle childlike spirit and whimsy.

The market mouse

Window-shopping

Far, far away

Sharing spirit

The day after

The true meaning

Candles for hope

The performers

Make a tradition to share

Season's greetings

The Year's Best Educational Software

Look at the crowded shelves of software at a computer store, and your urge to shop might crash as quickly as an overworked hard drive. With so many titles in every category-- each one promising to raise your child's knowledge to new levels-- you are faced with the daunting task of choosing the best.

Your family car WHAT'S NEW, WHAT'S HOT, WHAT'S NOT

BMW offers eight air bags (yes, eight!) and other safety innovations in its sporty-handling 3 Series cars, all at a starting price of $26,970.

Colorful Little Explosions

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Paths to Glory

Classy Containers

Legendary greens

The ritual of garnishing our homes with evergreen trees, wreaths, and garlands has existed for centuries. But why do we do it? Here are some hints at the history behind the greens that revive a bleak winter with a fresh breath of life.

Merry AND bright

Some people dream of a white Christmas. But from a kid's point of view, the holidays come in only two colors: red and green. At the Claveloux house, Alexandra, 7, and Isabella, 3 (shown here with their dad, Guy), make sure their parents stick to the formula. Christmas comes with lively trimmings: cranberries, giant gingerbread people, and pretty packages tied up in bows. Try these bright and easy ideas to bring a youthful spirit to your house this season.

Ever green

getting down to earth this holiday season means you can give your home a fresh, but still spirited, point of view. Our ideas for simple and natural decorations will help you make it happen.

Deck the halls ... and the walls ... and the doors

There is no decoration as touching as one made by hand. This year, freshen your home's holiday look with easy-to-do embellishments ranging from homespun to polished to just plain fun.

Scents Of Christmas

Easy Dress-Ups

Spectacular-tasting holiday favorites deserve spectacular flourishes. Here are a dozen no-fuss frills to dress up your feast-time treasures. Happy eating!

Special Cookie Merchandise Offer

I Made It Myself

There's an old saying that money can't buy everything. That's certainly true when it comes to holiday gift giving. Sure, you can buy family members the usual perfume, knickknack, or toy. But why not put something of yourself into a present? Give a handcrafted item based on one of the ideas seen on the following pages. The scent of perfume fades and toys break, but the gift you make creates memories for a lifetime.

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