June 2011

Summer is sweeter when you share it with friends

More This Month

Hungry yet?

Our Best Grilling Recipes!

Win $10,000 for Dad's Ultimate Room!

WICKET FUN

Ready, Set, Summer!

Yes, the livin' is easy-- and so is the givin', whether it's to a worthy cause, a special friend, or even yourself.

Pop culture

Sweet treats

New flavors of ice cream are hitting store shelves just in time for shorts weather. These are the ones we're eagerly awaiting: Mrs. Fields Chocolate Fudge Brownie from Breyers Blasts!

Pride and joy

Haute spot

Roll out!

Gifts for the Guys

With Father's Day just around the corner, show Pops he's tops with a splurge that celebrates his own beloved hobby, special talent, or even his geekier side.

Toast the Season

When it comes to summer entertaining, nature is the best host around. Move the party to the yard with these easy ideas.

Happy Hours

Easy entertaining and a relaxed retro style make this casual beach cottage live like it's the weekend every day.

Rose Pink

Romantic? Yes. Over-the-top sweet? Not a chance. Hues inspired by garden roses are actually some of the most livable colors around.

Fresh Ideas to Summer-ize Your Home

From clearing out clutter to punching up color, our favorite style setters share their tips for bringing more sunshine into your home-- and your life.

Elaine to the Rescue!

Like many dining rooms, this 12x18-foot space sat sad and unused. "The owners hadn't had one meal in it, not even a snack," says designer Elaine Griffin. Too-dark walls and a stiff-looking dining set didn't jibe with a fun-loving couple and three kids. The table, placed in the usual center, was an obstacle. Elaine's simple solutions have perked up the style and function in a big way. "It's gone from a room the family never used to one they'll use 20 times a day," she says.

Coat Check

If you've got a few feet of wall near the door, you can bring order to your family's coming-and-going gear.

Fancy Footwork

What's the difference between an indoor rug and an outdoor rug? Nothing, if you choose one of today's all-purpose options. Rugs described as "indoor-outdoor" have the look and feel you want on your floors with the durability you need outside. Here's how to make sure you're covered.

Room to Relax

A gardener uses a divide-and-conquer strategy to create lush, intimate rooms in a narrow suburban yard.

Harmonize Hues

With designs inspired by colorful fabrics, these container gardens are the stars of summertime scenes.

Warm Evenings

Cozy up your summer nights in style. Fashionable firepits, lanterns, and firepots make it cool to stay warm.

Sunny Outlook

To create a bright spot for your garden, think sunflowers.

Shine On

Let your garden glow! Energy-wise solar-powered fixtures are a snap to install-- just "plug" them into the ground. No cords. No hassles. No surges in your utility bills.

This Month in the Garden

Summer is no time for gardeners to rest on our laurels. Keep the garden flourishing with these timely tips.

A Pinch to Grow On

Fern-ishings

Compact Chopper

Dramatic Dahlias

Well Spread

Burgers, hot dogs, and brats, oh my! There's a lot of good food coming off the grill, so don't miss an easy opportunity to change it up with flavored mustards. Check out the condiment aisle for new varieties, or make your own, starting with these ideas.

Eye for Flavor

Mix-Your-Own Burgers

What's the best beef for juicy burgers?

Grilling Vegetables

Pest in show

The sound of speed

Vacation nation

Come summer, there's one thing all families can agree on-- it's time to take a break. Beyond that, everyone's fantasies diverge. So whether you long to chill or thrill, we've found a perfect spot for your clan.

Snap Happy

Better Homes and Gardens' 3rd Annual Best New Product Awards

Everyone loves a winner, but what makes these titleholders so special is they were chosen by a really discerning panel of judges-- you.

I Did It!