December 2022

All the Geegaws

WHEN I WAS A KID, decorating the tree was Something my dad and I tackled with great, enthusiasm. Right after Thanksgiving, we'd drag down all the Christmas ornament, boxes from the attic and unpack them. Each ornament, held a memory: the faded swirled-glass ornaments my dad had kept, from his childhood in the 1930s, the personalized balls decorated with each family member's name on them, the bubble lights, and the battered pipe cleaner elves (probably a long-forgotten project from someone's elementary school days).

Making Connections

Carving out meaningful time with friends and family is important during the busiest time of the year. Here are our favorite ideas.

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Guest Room Upgrades

New Cook Book

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Holiday Gift Guide

It's time for pretty packages tied up with bows, and we're here to help you check off all the names on your list with our best gift ideas (most are under $50) for your best loved people.

How to Buy Artificial Trees

Today's faux trees increasingly look like the real thing. They're designed to last a decade or more, but a good one can be pricey and shopping means learning a lot of lingo. Here's what to know beyond fir or pine.

STAND MIXERS

We tested 22 of these kitchen workhorses, assessing their performance, versatility, noise, looks, and attachment options. Which is worthy of a spot on your countertop?

HOLIDAY HOME BASE

Being with the military, the Coulston family moves every few years. But mom Chelsea has made it her mission to make each new rental feel like home--especially at Christmas,

Round & Round

Dreaming of a winter wonderland? Craving a cozy, woodsy cabin? These easy-to-craft embellishments for a basic wreath will ring in the holidays with a distinct sense of place.

Updating Tradition

Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason reimagined their display of Kwanzaa symbols to create an innovative, personal focal point for their holiday celebration.

The Sparkle Season

An über-creative photographer makes a magical home for the holidays (and her Instagram feed) with twinkle lights, crafts, and plenty of kid-friendly traditions.

HOW TO BAKE Kringle

If you're the kind of baker who has written off pastry as an endeavor best left to the pros, we invite you to reconsider. Cookbook author Shauna Sever's take on a festive American Danish (featuring a savvy shortcut) is well worth the effort this holiday.

Have yourself A HOLLY Dolly CHRISTMAS

THIS SUPERSTAR KNOWS HOW TO SPIN A LITTLE HOLIDAY MAGIC

Star POWER

Think beyond the foil-wrapped red poinsettia. We give this holiday classic the remake it deserves with projects that show off the plant's spectacular range of new colors.

The BHG Cookie Hall of Fame

We combed through nearly a hundred years' worth of cookie recipes to bring you our favorite ways to spread a little holiday cheer. Santa's going to be a very happy guy this year.

In Her NATURE

IN THE WEEKS BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS, WALKS BECOME SERIOUS LEAF-COLLECTING, BRANCH-TOTING BUSINESS FOR LIFESTYLE BLOGGER ANNIE DIAMOND.

Very Merry and oh, so bright

Make your holiday table more memorable with color, color, and--yep!--more color. 'Tis the season to splurge, after all.

More is MORE

Blogger Paige Minear goes all in on a jubilant mix of colors and patterns to celebrate Christmas. And it's never complete until there's a pink bow tied on top.

Your Holiday HAPPY KIT

Shopping. Cooking, Relatives. The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but they can also feel like a tornado. Use our tools to clear your head so you can get everything done and enjoy the season.

In the Know

News and notes to boost your well-being

Leon & Tiffany Chen

Sharing lessons and recipes from their warm-cookie delivery business with entrepreneurs and home cooks.