I don’t know about you, but I’m always on the prowl for some tidbit of information that will make life better, easier, more efficient or fun—whether it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe, a chore-changing dish soap, or, particularly at this time of year, a great gift idea. So this holiday season, I thought I’d seek tips from none other than [...]

One of the first home-cooked meals I ever had as a newlywed with my stepmother-in-law was breakfast. She’s a gifted cook and fabulous entertainer, and makes every meal special—including breakfast. On our first occasion, she served us scrambled eggs—on a silver platter. Noting this humble food on a fancy dish, I looked at my husband, [...]

As your colorful summer garden fades, you may think you’re finished pinching, pruning, digging and deadheading…but no!
There’s no rest for the gardening weary. There’s just one more gardening project for you this fall that will bring you immeasurable joy after a long cold winter. So grab your gear, one last time: It’s time to plant [...]

Have you lost your appetite to eat in your dining room? Does your powder room lack pizzazz? Is your great room so vast that it’s not so, well…great? Consider this: The solution may be just over your head—literally. You can use your ceiling to add a unique touch to your décor; after all, it is [...]

We needed some pizzazz—and some privacy—in our urban Colonial-style home. And although this was well before HOME, I knew enough to hire a professional. I did not, however, know enough to stop her from designing elaborately swagged and swooped, pinched and pulled custom-fit concoctions that cost more than a small car. When it came time [...]