December 2020

Connection POINTS

As I write this editor's letter in early October, it's impossible to know what the world will be like during the holidays. What will happen with the election? What will change with COVID or the economy? The one thing I know for certain is that in the upcoming weeks I will be working hard to figure out ways to connect with loved ones more than I ever have before.

BLAINE MOATS

Win $25,000

LET'S BRUNCH

'Samba' Amaryllis

How to tie a classic bow

The BH & G 2020 gift guide

Celebrating at home has more meaning than usual this year. That's why each of these $50-or-under gifts is meant to make being there that much more enjoyable. Start with your shopping list and end with your wish list. It's time to snuggle in.

Erica explores SUBTLY SMOKY EYES

Face masks and remote gatherings change your makeup goals. These three simple steps bring all the attention to your eyes.

PLAID TIDINGS

Plaids of every stripe herald the arrival of Christmas in blogger Lucy Akins' Toronto home, where inspired scenes begin at the front steps and flow through every room. To set a festive welcome, Lucy wraps the doorway in real cedar garland and inexpensive wire-edge ribbon and hangs faux magnolia-and-fir wreaths on the doors. But it's her English shepherd Brady's plaid bandanna that hints at what's to come inside.

Christmas play

PRESENTS: Still unwrapped. MISTLETOE: Skip it. FESTIVE TABLESCAPE: Pass. PLAYROOM: CHECK! This year, go big on kid spaces with bold colors and special details that'll make everybody smile.

Branching out

These wreaths don't use any fir sprigs or pine cones, but they're certainly evergreen. Pick a style and craft a front door showstopper that's last year after year.

Best-laid party plans

Holidays are all about tradition, but that doesn't mean seasonal standbys can't evolve. Changing things up-- and giving back-- is how Ibie Falcusan's annual cookie party keeps jingling on.

Full palette

For this imaginative artist, ribbons are for much more than wrapping gifts. See how she brings them out from under the tree.

Wrapper's delight

Five creatives, five crafty ideas for how to wrap a gift that's so stylish friends and family might think twice before ripping it open.

GLOW UP

Each winter, Minneapolis artist Jennifer Shea Hedberg creates wonderlands of ice and light-- thanks to balloons, pipes, water, and a little help from Old Man Winter.

Winter greens

Let it snow: Conifers, hollies, and other evergreens will stand out in your garden during the chilliest months and beyond.

Raise a glass

Rising star sommelier Cha McCoy is here to take the intimidation out of pairing wines with holiday meals and help you choose your own adventure.

Hands-on HOLIDAY

Felted monograms, dried citrus rounds, and brown paper packages tied up with strings. These are a few of Bri Heiligenthal's favorite things.

What's your cookie personality?

FOR EVERY TYPE OF BAKER, THERE'S A HOLIDAY COOKIE TO MATCH.

All that glitters is not gold

This year we're embracing our creativity and thriftiness with holiday decor made with humble materials. It reminds us that...

All that glitters WORKBOOK

1 Print and cut out template (BHG.com/AllThatGlitters). Trace onto rug canvas mesh. Cut out.

WINTER BLOOMS

The furry gift

It could be the perfect holiday present: a feline or canine friend for a family to love. Before you let the cat (or dog) out of the (gift) box, consider these important points.

LOTTA JANSDOTTER

CHANNELING MOTHER NATURE TO CREATE MINIMALIST, ORGANIC MOTIFS.