July 2020

STARS, STRIPES & SUMMER

Bold stripes, bright stars, and a few festive touches will make America's 244th birthday one to remember. Spark big-time family fun this Fourth of July with these treat, decoration, and crafts ideas from some of our favorite bloggers and party planners. Here, Beijos Events striped a wall with metallic Mylar balloons to highlight a red, white, and blue tablescape. The display also makes a flashy backdrop for photos.

JULY 4 DESSERTS

Bold Backyard Decorating

'Summer Crush' Hydrangea

Cookbooks I HAVE LOVED

I've been cooking a lot. I'm sure you have as well. One of the main things I've discovered during our recent, time of being home a lot more is: I need cookbooks! for years now I've had my go-to recipes, the ones I return to again and again. Most of them tend to be of the Mediterranean variety because I enjoy eating more Vegetables than meat and like the quick preparation and bright flavors associated with those cuisines.

Win prizes every day

JEN GOTCH

ADVOCATING MENTAL HEALTH TRANSPARENCY WITH REAL-LIFE STRATEGIES, CANDOR, AND THE OCCASIONAL DANCE BREAK.

Finding HOME

Fostering a dog or cat prepares them for life in a forever home while giving you a chance to fry pet parenting. What to know if you're considering it.

To the Max

WHEN IT COMES TO GROWING FLOWERS, A NORTHWEST GARDENER TAKES A FREE-SPIRITED APPROACH-- WITH ONLY A TOUCH OF DISCIPLINE. THE RESULT IS A WILD, ROMANTIC ESCAPE.

PERFECT FIT

In Southern California, a tiny backyard becomes a do-it-all powerhouse for an active family.

VICTORIAN REVIVAL

Past meets present in Jenny Minns' New England Victorian, where modern and bohemian pieces balance the home's 130-year-old roots.

Go West

On a dude ranch nestled in the mountains outside Santa Barbara, interior designer Nathan Turner shows how Western style is decor's comeback kid.

HEIRLOOM PEONIES

I did it!

Something about having hooks for hats and coats by the front door makes your entire house feel in order. These inspiring entryways will help you get the hang of if.

Road trip eats

A cross-country adventure inspires a food writer and illustrator to re-create regional favorites at home.

ORIENPET LILIES

Exotic, fragrant, and exceptionally tough, these hybrids show off the power of good genes.

GARDEN GREENS

"Warm greens are invigorating, making a space look bright and cheery; cool greens feel peaceful and calming," says Saffron Hare, creative director of fabric company James Hare.

Big look, little spend

Decorators have a slew of affordable tricks that deliver major impact Try one or all of them, and you'll have friends wondering if you hired a pro.

Destination: home

Evoke the sights, smells, and feels of your favorite vacation spot via a few well-chosen accessories and a drink or two. BH&G staffers show how they conjure up their happy places, right in the comfort of home.

DOG DAYS

Give your summer a second wind. Ilana Wiles, the witty voice behind parenting blog Mommy Shorts, reframes daily activities so they're something to get excited about.

MAKING IT

In our second "Book Club," a series where we test-drive the latest releases, we try crafts inspired by the hit show Making It