December 2021

Ornaments of LIFE

As a college student, I had an eccentric landlady who was right out of central casting. Miss P, as she was called, had been a nurse for LBJ’s children. I rented her garage apartment, which was behind her house in Austin’s Clarksville neighborhood. Every time I came home, she would invariably come loping out of her back door waving her arms with a loud whooping "Yoo-hoo!” to get my attention. She would make up an excuse to ask me a question before diving into a long list of neighborhood gossip and observations worthy of Gladys Kravitz from Bewitched.

A Publishing Note

DIY POM- POM BOW

Win prizes every day

SEASON’S GREETINGS

Farmhouse Christmas

CUT & FOLD

Get the kids involved in these easy gift-wrapping crafts made using materials you likely already have in your kitchen, desk drawer, or party-supply stash.

POP THE BUBBLY

Pantry staples and supermarket shortcuts make prepping for this New Year’s Eve cocktail party easier than it looks. Cheers to that!

SEAL THE DEAL

Your home may be dropping clues that its envelope-- where interior meets exterior-- is letting cold air in or warm air out. Here’s how to spot and fix the problems as winter sets in.

A new leaf

CRAFTED FOR KWANZAA

Blogger Amber Kemp-Gerstel marks the holiday with paper interpretations of iconic elements and the personal connection that comes from something handmade.

Manners MADE EASY

Holiday parties, work emails, thank-yous-- these situations and more prompt need-to-know politesse for the modern era. We’re here to help you, courtesy of the experts, thank you very much.

VIBRANT CACTI

With bright flowers that bloom around the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti are the most familiar types of epiphytic cacti. But there are thousands of others.

The SOFTER SIDE

In Aurelie Erikson’s California home, the traditional red-and-green palette lightens to pink, peach, and mint. A few miles of yarn and ribbon later, and she has thoroughly festive decor that blends with her everyday style.

Get the look WORKBOOK

Mix fape

We’re stuck on these clever gift-wrapping ideas featuring washi, masking, and duct tapes in place of traditional bows.

A SEASONAL MANTEL

Deck the house

Ready to earn your home the title of best dressed for the holidays? We’ll teach you how to go all out without going overboard.

All dressed up

This home’s year-round jewel-tone and metallic palette sparkles extra bright at Hanukkah, thanks to a few handmade touches.

Time for GIVING

The kitchen shuffle

We know pulling off a holiday dinner is a challenge for even the most seasoned cooks. Use these tips to maximize oven space, juggle cook times, simplify prep, and reduce stress on the big day.

The joy of cookbooks

Our food editors combed through hundreds of newly released cookbooks. These are the ones that made our holiday wish lists.

The more the merrier

A design blogger draws on the past-- from her parents’ theatrical roots, family heirlooms, and vintage finds-- to create a richly layered wonderland in her family’s Hudson Valley home.

... Christmas Tree

DECK THE HALLS WITH BOUGHS OF HOLLY AND FILL YOUR COOKIE TREES ARE GREAT FOR GIFTING AND BAKING SHEETS WITH A FOREST OF FIRS. THESE SWEET LITTLE PRETTY ENOUGH TO DOUBLE AS HOLIDAY DECOR.

From the HEART

NATURAL TOUCHES AND HOMEMADE ACCENTS SHARPEN THE FOCUS ON SIMPLE PLEASURES IN THIS CALIFORNIA HOME.

Come on over!

A tray of cookies, a warm batch drink, and some festive porch decorations are all you need for a cozy, casual outdoor party.

ON A HOLIDAY ROLL

1. In a large bowl combine 2 cups of the all-purpose flour and the yeast. In a medium saucepan combine milk, butter, honey, and 2 tsp. salt. Heat and stir until warm (120°F to 130°F). Add to flour mixture. Add two of the eggs.

COMIN’ IN HOT

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. In a 4- to 6-qt. pot heat the 2 Tbsp. olive oil over medium-high. Add onion, garlic, and a pinch salt. Cook 5 to 6 minutes or until soft, stirring frequently. Add 4 tsp. of the Shawarma Seasoning; cook and stir 1 minute or until fragrant. Add ground turkey and season with ¼ tsp. salt and a few turns of black pepper.

Better than new

If you’ve embraced the decluttering craze, the boom in online consignment shops means there are countless outlets for cashing in. Buyers get a deal, too, so everyone wins. We’ll help you find the right site for you.

Cat tricks

Yes, you can teach your cat how to sit and stay. She’ll like learning basic directions and cues if you pair the lessons with food and fun.

YUMIKO SEKINE

BLENDING AMERICAN STYLE WITH JAPANESE CUSTOMS TO CREATE WELCOMING, THOUGHTFUL SPACES.