CATEGORIES

A Toast to Relish - Food writer Emily Teel celebrates her family's relish tray tradition and adds a tiny tipple inspired by the briny appetizer.

Some families put out a full spread of appetizers on Thanksgiving, pregaming the feast of the year with snacks, but my family has always taken a simpler approach. The meal is the main event; why should the opening act steal the spotlight? There's a delicate balance to it, however, because a slow start to the feasting can leave people hangry by dinnertime.

No Pantry? No Problem

One upper cabinet, one lower, and one drawer can become an efficient food storage system when you give it the right infrastructure.

Blues AND Naturals

You don't need us to convince you there's something magical about pairing shades of blue with organic colors and materials.

Parsley , SAGE, Rosemary & THYME

If turkey is the main act, then herbs are the stagehands working behind the scenes to bring out the best of every dish. We give them the star treatment in these soon-to-be staple Thanksgiving recipes.

Side SHOW

We took familiar casseroles and gave them bigger, bolder flavors for a hot-dish lineup that will comfort and amaze.

7 Cleaning Tweaks TO BEAT GERMS

We can all use a checkup on our cleaning routine. Here are a few common mistakes you can fix to help keep you and your family healthy this cold and flu season.

Shaking Up Shaker

A New England lake house embraces the simplicity of this beloved style while taking a fresh approach to its design hallmarks of minimalism, utility, and timeless beauty.

Shucks Redux

Cornhusk crafts were once considered old-timey-dare we say corny?-but we're staging a revival. Sophisticated spins and an ombré of dyed hues will have you falling again for this natural material.

Leave YOUR LEAVES

Those fall leaves all over your yard? Think of them not as a chore but a chance to improve both your garden and the planet.

PUMPKIN Finale

For most of us, pumpkin pie is the hallmark sweet ending to the holiday feast. Let's break tradition this year. Pumpkin baklava bars, anyone?

On Mountain TIME

A historical home lightens up without straying from its deep roots on the shores of Colorado's Grand Lake.

Color STUDY

Like the transporting quality of a great novel, this room's glamorous envelope of color makes us feel as if we've stepped into a secret world.

CRAFTED WITH CARE

When it comes to holiday decorating, this California homeowner opts for heartfelt embellishments over fancy flash. Every vignette adds seasonal spirit without distracting from her home's function.

ALL ROADS LEAD HOME AT Christmas

A West Virginia native honors the Appalachian traditions of her childhood and re-creates the holiday magic for her own young family.

will you STAY FOR DINNER?

Many cherished Christmas memories are made around the table. Set the scene with one of these fresh takes on festive tablescapes.

Making MAGIC

A flurry of paper creations sparks delight for a budgetconscious homeowner who picked up her scissors-and couldn't put them down.

HOLIDAY TREASURE hunt

On the prairies of western North Dakota, this farmhouse brims with merry holiday collections from Christmases past.

spreading the CHEER

Festive decor both indoors and out means Christmas is especially merry at this North Carolina family's farm.

all through the HOUSE

Every December, a couple relish their family traditions-and celebrate the magical season with decorations and gifts inspired by their home's setting.

TIMELESS CHARACTER

Well-worn finishes and upcycled materials mix with muted colors and rich textures to elevate wintry icons into instant heirlooms.

Natural DELIGHTS

Modern interpretations of evergreens and mistletoe imbue spaces with cozy warmth and textural impact. Use fabric, wood, yarn, and wool felt to assemble holiday decor with farmhouse-friendly appeal.

THE bright side OF THE season

Let your decor shout with joy. Vivid colors highlight seasonal favorites, bringing lively energy and unexpected excitement to Christmas trees, tabletops, and packages.

WARM WISHES

It's the most wonderful time of year to hunker down and experiment with cozy fabric, felt, trim, yarn, and more. No sewing required!

ARCTIC playmates

A pink-cheeked snowman scouts the landscape with furry friends to explore cold-weather joys. Paint, glitter, and greenery customize the clay crew.

Peppermint WITH A Twist

Sweet as candy, these decorative dynamos inject texture and whimsy using red-and-white stripes and swirls. Complete each eye-catcher using simple techniques and a few standard materials.

Winter IN THE Forest

Burnished gold, mossy green, fiery red, and burnt orange celebrate the season's glories. Create a woodland utopia filled with cheeky mushrooms, tiny birds, and chic trees.

Make it THE MOST magical time OF THE Year

Fairies cavort. Snowmen sled. Wreaths welcome. Holly dresses place settings. Clues to the season scatter mesmerizing intrigue on doors, trees, tables, and walls.

Enthralled WITH FALL

When crisp coolness fills the air, warm colors and haunting characters cast an enchanting spell. Use felt, faux suede, burlap, and other comforting textural materials to whip up a cozy collection of delights.

READY, SET, FUN!

Skip the hassle of gathering supplies. These DIY kits put everything you need into one convenient package.

Liz Lange

The fashion designer has made a storied career out of fearlessly trusting her style instincts.