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Every winter, former Living crafts executive director Hannah Milman takes a trip to Christmasworld. That may sound like a fantastical place, but it’s very real indeed: The holiday-theme trade show in Frankfurt, Germany, features exhibitors with all manner of yuletide trimmings. On a recent trip, Milman was particularly charmed by a wreath she saw; it was decorated with miniature porcelain buildings by Luville Collectables. The inspiring image stayed with her, so she decided to create her own wreath using vintage cardboard buildings known as putz houses....

Your porch is the first thing people see when they visit your home, so any mistakes you make while applying paint will definitely stand out to visitors when they come knocking. Failing to do the prep work, purchasing the wrong type of paint, or even applying it incorrectly can create a mess—and an even bigger eyesore. Fortunately, tackling this project on your own sans any errors is as simple as following these tips, courtesy of the experts....

Lavender, classic soy, or an array of spices are just a few go-to candle scents that can often be found inside a home. While you likely have a few you like to burn regularly, there’s also a good chance you keep a couple of extras on hand as backups or in the event of a power outage. But those candles might not get used for a while—if at all. That begs the question: Do candles ever expire?...

zzdiy-table-numbers-brushstroke-painted-card-sp15-0715.jpg Credit: Alpha Smoot THE TOOLS Vinyl number stickers 4-by-6-inch watercolor postcards Paintbrush Acrylic paint table-number-008-d111798.jpg Credit: Bryan Gardner HOW-TO Apply a vinyl sticker to the center of a postcard, pressing firmly to ensure a tight seal. Lightly brush paint over the sticker in a vertical direction, and then repeat horizontally, making sure to brush well around the entire outline of the sticker. Let dry completely before peeling off the sticker....

monkey face orchids Credit: The Launceston Orchid Society You don’t have to hear much more than the name to know that the monkey orchid is a downright cute flower. Native to the tropical highland forests of Southeastern Ecuador, the Dracula simia-which translates to “little dragon monkey”-thrives at altitudes around 2,000 meters. Be prepared for a hike to see these quirky plants in their natural environment. YOU’LL LOVE: These Orchids That Look Like White Egrets in Flight dracula-monkey-face-orchid-0718....

easy beef chili with sour cream in bowl If there’s a more perfect winter comfort food than chili, we have yet to find it. It’s simple to make, easy to scale up, and comes together in just one pot. Our hearty, spicy beef version needs little more than a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of chives to shine, although a wedge of classic cornbread or a tangle of spaghetti, Cincinnati-style, doesn’t hurt....

By Madison Yauger @@madisonyauger By Victoria Spencer @@victoriaspencr For many of us, coffee is an important part of our morning rituals, and a really good cup of joe can help make any day start off a little bit better. Since so many people are still working from home, grabbing a cup at the coffee shop near work may no longer be an option. If you’re not used to making your own morning brew, or else you’re ready to try something new, a coffee subscription is a great place to start....

outdoor portrait of debbie wei mullin of copper cow coffee Credit: Courtesy of Copper Cow Coffee Self Made View Series Asia Carreathers Co-Launched This Sustainable Agriculture Brand to Make Growing Your Own Food Safer and Easier Nya Jones' Journal Brand Will Help You Express Yourself—and Boost Your Mental Health Sonya Vega, the Founder and CEO of Doña Vega, Wants to Share Her Modern Take on Mezcal With the World Sunny&Ted Founder Jasmine Williams Is Spreading Holiday Cheer With Her Diverse Line of Home Décor outdoor portrait of debbie wei mullin of copper cow coffee Credit: Courtesy of Copper Cow Coffee outdoor portrait of debbie wei mullin of copper cow coffee Credit: Courtesy of Copper Cow Coffee...

davidstarkdesign_mscont_diybowtie_joey1_small.jpg (skyword:312893) This special DIY by David Stark Design doesn’t require crazy sewing skills or a trip to a seamstress. With simple materials like bonding tape, a glue gun, and Velcro, you can take absolutely any fabric you want and transform it into a custom-made bow-tie. Make one for the groom, the groomsmen, the ring bearer, or even the father of the bride. And the fabric can go any way you want it, from formal to casual and from classic patterns to something a little more offbeat....

strawberry hearts Credit: Jenny Huang ` Mastering the Holiday Meal Franchise Logo View Series Planning a Picnic? Here’s How to Pull It Off Smoothly, From Packing Your Tote to Choosing the Perfect Location What to Cook on the Grill This Father’s Day Make Mom Lunch Not Brunch with Our Marvelous Mostly Make-Ahead Menu Mother’s Day Baking Projects You and Your Mom Can Tackle Together strawberry hearts Credit: Jenny Huang strawberry hearts Credit: Jenny Huang...

evan dustin vow renewal bride groom champagne tower Credit: Kir Tuben ` Martha Stewart Weddings View All A Musical Festival and a Green Couch Inspired This Couple’s Whimsical Garden Wedding in California 9 Wedding Trends You’ll See Everywhere in 2023, According to Wedding Planners and Event Designers 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023 Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer...

Chocolate Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting Credit: Yuki Sugiura Chocolate Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting Credit: Yuki Sugiura Chocolate Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting Credit: Yuki Sugiura Chocolate Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting Credit: Yuki Sugiura Bake a moist and flavorful cake—whether it be Funfetti, red velvet, or carrot cake—and you’re halfway to creating a standout dessert. Although unfrosted “naked” cakes have been trending in the last several years, a smooth layer of frosting with intricately piped details will always be appealing....

Do you ever find a half-empty bottle of merlot on the counter and can’t quite remember how many days it’s been there? Should you pour it down the drain or take a chance on sipping it during your next Netflix session? As a professional sommelier, I’m frequently asked how long is a bottle of wine still drinkable once it’s been opened. The short answer: It depends on the wine. Here, understanding a bottle of wine’s best window for drinking, plus how long each type of wine typically lasts once the cork has been popped....

stack of light colored towels on bed Credit: Getty / Ruthsarintre Pattarapongpatch / EyeEm stack of light colored towels on bed Credit: Getty / Ruthsarintre Pattarapongpatch / EyeEm stack of light colored towels on bed Credit: Getty / Ruthsarintre Pattarapongpatch / EyeEm stack of light colored towels on bed Credit: Getty / Ruthsarintre Pattarapongpatch / EyeEm There’s nothing worse than reaching for a clean, soft towel after a shower only to find a damp, smelly one....

person giving speech to group of people Credit: piranka / Getty Images person giving speech to group of people Credit: piranka / Getty Images person giving speech to group of people Credit: piranka / Getty Images person giving speech to group of people Credit: piranka / Getty Images Whether you’re addressing a large audience or completing a one-on-one job interview, knowing how to speak with confidence is crucial. “Confidence plays such a huge role in the audience’s perception of your credibility,” says Tricia Veldman, an associate instructor at New York Speech Coaching....

chefstepsdinnerpartyplating.jpg (skyword:358109) With planning, patience and practice, you can pull off a seemingly effortless multi-course meal. If you’ve already rule the neighborhood potluck and can pull off family-style spreads for a crowd, you’re probably ready for a new entertaining challenge. There’s no better way to show off your cooking – and hosting – skills than to design and execute a multi-course dinner menu. We’re not saying it will be easy, but with forethought, practice, and a few tips, you’ll be able to organize your courses so that food stays warm, diners feel satisfied, and the meal goes off without a hitch....

Two terracota pots of fern plants at a bathroom window with natural light. Credit: GETTY IMAGES Two terracota pots of fern plants at a bathroom window with natural light. Credit: GETTY IMAGES Two terracota pots of fern plants at a bathroom window with natural light. Credit: GETTY IMAGES Two terracota pots of fern plants at a bathroom window with natural light. Credit: GETTY IMAGES On This Page Fast Facts Potting Tips Care Guide Propagating Tips Repotting Tips Common Problems If want to add a low-maintenance houseplant to your collection, Japenese holly ferns should be at the top of your list....

Thanks to a federal program designed to reduce ozone pollution, a new study has found that nearly 1.5 billion birds have been saved over the last four decades. Ozone gas occurs in nature but it’s also produced by power plants, factories, and car emissions. Researchers at Cornell University and the University of Oregon found that efforts under the Clean Air Act may have cut ozone pollution over the last 40 years and averted the deaths of 1....

Cover of "Martha Stewart's Organizing" Credit: LENNART WEIBULL TEXT AND PHOTOS EXCERPTED FROM MARTHA STEWART'S ORGANIZING: THE MANUAL FOR BRINGING ORDER TO YOUR LIFE, HOME & ROUTINES, © 2020 BY MARTHA STEWART LIVING OMNIMEDIA, INC. REPRODUCED BY PERMISSION OF HOUGHTON MIFFLIN HARCOURT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Cover of "Martha Stewart's Organizing" Credit: LENNART WEIBULL TEXT AND PHOTOS EXCERPTED FROM MARTHA STEWART'S ORGANIZING: THE MANUAL FOR BRINGING ORDER TO YOUR LIFE, HOME & ROUTINES, © 2020 BY MARTHA STEWART LIVING OMNIMEDIA, INC....

mld10285901_00018_marthakitchen.jpg A peek inside Martha's cozy kitchen. | Credit: Francois Dischinger At Cantitoe Corners, Martha’s estate in Bedford, New York, the kitchen works almost as hard as Martha herself. That’s because it’s been designed for maximum functionality – plus it has ambience for days. Here are five of Marha’s favorite details about the hub of her home. (Warning: You may be inspired to do a complete kitchen overhaul of your own....