June 2012

I'm loving summer

What's your favorite kind of summer party?

Win a Trip to Italy!

Win a Weber Grill & $10,000!

Summer tips and tricks

Summer, please!

"Start the season right--with parties, plans, and some pampering for Pop."

Tray chic

SAND PAIL LIST

Make the most of summer by planning now what you'd like to do all season. Get the whole family in on the action.

Grill frills

Donna Smallin

The writer morphed into an organizer after her first book, Unclutter Your Home. But no one was surprised: "At 11, I remember walking into my friend's bedroom where the floor was strewn with stuff," she says. "I started cleaning up!" Although she's a natural ("I just like to be neat and tidy," she says) not everyone is so blessed. Smallin shares her favorite high- and low-tech ways to stay organized.

Going Public

A love of entertaining leads a couple to shape their home into a place where gathering is easy.

Under the Sun, Moon, and Stars

The sky's the limit for outdoor parties. We asked four event planners how they make summertime soirees sizzle.

Tomato Hues

Icons of summer eating offer bushels of color inspiration. From juicy red to golden orange, these daring picks will have you saying yum.

The Stuff of Summer

Outdoor parties and warm-weather fun take some gear. Try these smart ideas for storing it all in your garage or shed, and let the good times roll.

In the Details

The results are divine when a sharp-eyed do-it-yourselfer floods her bland home with color, pattern, and artful touches.

Hot Seats

Nothing says "stay awhile" like cushions for outdoor chairs. In patterns and colors to perk up any patio, the best pads are made from fabric that repels water yet feels soft. Their polyester filling won't absorb water, but keep in mind the cushions are water-resistant, not waterproof; a little TLC will ensure they outlast the season.

From the garden

How do I fix a wobbly ceiling fan?

Outside interest

DISCOVERY

Fresh-Air Family Room

With pretty garden vistas and a well-outfitted gathering place, this intimate space caters to easy, breezy get-togethers.

Out of the Fire

After a devastating blaze, a vibrant landscape emerges from the ashes.

Inside Out

The favorite room of the house this time of year? One that's outdoors! Shift your living to the deck or patio with these simple ideas. Summer's here-- it's time to chill and grill.

Geraniums Unlimited

These container favorites are now such a versatile group, they'll grow-- and thrive-- almost anywhere.

Sweet Success

Any way you slice it, you just can't top the flavor of a vine-ripened tomato. It's no wonder this versatile veggie trumps all other homegrown crops in popularity. Begin your best BLT season yet with these ground rules.

Heavenly hydrangea

Here's to hydration

BHG Test Garden

TEST GARDEN TIP

Country life

Brilliant buddleia

Keep it cool

3 aquatic beauties

SECOND NATURE

Party Tricks

Casual summer entertaining is so easy with these cool tips. Treat your guests stylishly, enlisting gadgets on hand and scooping up individual portions.

Cheese to please

For pit's sake

Crunch time

Drinks that sparkle

Happy Father's Day!

Better food photos

New ways with basil

Get crafty

Refresher cource

Spread the word

Ask our expert

Dad it up

35 The dollar difference in per person spending for Father's Day ($106) versus for Mother's Day ($141), according to the National Retail Federation.

Perfect Pie Package

I Did It!