Rake, bag, repeat. That's been the fall mantra for years when it comes to dealing with the leaves blanketing our yards. But as we increasingly think of our gardens as part of the greater ecological landscape and not just places to be tidied, another mantra has come into fashion: Leave your leaves. Allowing fallen leaves to stay in place or using them in other parts of the garden can benefit both local wildlife and your soil. Try these three easy leaf-litter solutions-either on their own or in combination and you'll see fall foliage in a whole new light.
1 RETIRE THE RAKE
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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?
