December 2007

Between friends

Can there ever be such a thing as too much Christmas? Every year in the midst of holiday preparations, I ask myself that question. And every year I answer the same way: Probably. But I haven't reached it yet.

SHARE YOUR HOME!

If you're celebrating the recent completion of a home project, you still have time to enter our 2007 Home Improvement Challenge before the deadline of January 15, 2008.

Q: What special everyday occasions do you celebrate? More answers this month.

A: FOR THE PAST five years I have hosted a monthly cousins get-together. I am fortunate to have many cousins living in the surrounding area. We're very close and have lots of shared memories. We gather one evening each month for a potluck dinner, conversation, and-- most of all-- laughs.

Days of Holidays

Glad Tidings

Simplify holiday decorating with ideas that take just minutes from start to merry finish.

Wonderland

Cheer Factor

Arrangements in shades of red, white, and green add bright notes of holiday merriment.

Change of Season

Quick, easy, and affordable tweaks give year-round decor sparkle for the holidays-- and all winter long.

Fast and Festive

Big bash? No problem. Designer and contributing editor Stephen Saint-Onge offers 10 no-fuss ways to add holiday cheer just in time for your party.

Wrap it Up!

Play Santa with these 20 gifts that say "Home for the holidays."

Sunny Side Up

Embracing their own family traditions, this Southern brood said goodbye to red and green and dressed their home in summer hues and sweet surprises.

Take a Bough

Lights, garlands, ornaments! Cathy Barnhardt, who has been trimming trees at North Carolina's Biltmore Estate for 30 years, shares her tips.

DECK THE HALLS

Q: DECK THE HALLS Need quick ideas to bring holiday spirit to your home? Our regional contributors share their tips.

Light Play

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with simple touches that make a Hanukkah gathering sparkle.

Wraps that Wow

Give your gifts show-stopping presentation with pretty papers and clever toppers you can make. All it takes is a trip to a crafts store.

Tag, You're It

Ten fun ways to perk up plain gift tags with papers, ribbons, and more.

Show Your Cards

Cottage Confection

"My dining cottage is filled with things I love. Sharing it with friends is even more special."

Joys to the World

A dozen earth-friendly ways to celebrate the season.

Window Dressings

Create cheery elfin landscapes to enjoy right outside your window.

Let it Glow

Turn paper bags into dramatic luminaries with a few simple tools.

POINSETTIAS THAT POP

THIS MONTH IN THE GARDEN

CLICK AND PLANT

TURN THE BLUES PAPERWHITE

Growing Presents

Winter Jewels

Orchids-- the precious gems of the plant world-- make delightful holiday decorations.

Icing on the Cake

Here's our keep-it-easy and keep-it-fun guide to making and decorating gingerbread houses.

Kid-Tested for Fun

Our testers-- ages 6 to 16-- pick the best toys, games, and gadgets.

Gifts of Time

Make volunteering a family affair.

Homespun Holiday

FAMILY KEEPSAKES AND VINTAGE COLLECTIBLES FILL THIS HOME WITH SIMPLE DELIGHT.

Living History

A FAMILY HOLDS FAST TO THE PAST, WITH A FEW CONCESSIONS TO SUIT MODERN TIMES.

Through the glass

White-flowered plants, coaxed into winter bloom by florists, make magical holiday decorations.

SWEET STASH

Tasteful Gifts

Countdown to Christmas

Use our calendar to stay happy and healthy this holiday season.

NAVIGATE THE SNACK PLATTER

Trouble in Toyland

What you need to know about lead in toys.

Send Holiday Gifts that Bloom

I Did It!