One simple, thrifty trick to make a fake tree look realistic indoors or outside in just 5 minutes + the best artificial trees. A recent thrift store find inspired this post. I picked up a sweet vintage brass planter and immediately knew it would be perfect for making a store-bought faux tree look authentic in … Read more

A roundup of the best preserved flowers and dried stems for autumn or any season, plus simple, reliable methods for drying flowers and leaves yourself. Every autumn I hang bunches of hydrangeas to dry, and that little ritual always nudges me into admiring the wide variety of dried flowers and preserved stems available. They add … Read more

Tips and tricks for making your bed look full, fluffy, and magazine-ready without expensive bedding and without sacrificing comfort. We all know that perfectly plush, pillowy bed you see in magazines — the kind you want to dive into after a long day. Achieving that look doesn’t require a fortune. With a few practical techniques … Read more

Today’s project: painting upholstery — a simple way to refresh an upholstered headboard without reupholstering. You might remember the debate about whether to change the fabric on our upholstered headboard. I went ahead and painted it, and I’ll walk you through exactly how I did it so you can decide if it’s right for your … Read more

Make fragrant stovetop potpourri from leftover fruit peels and cores to naturally freshen your home. After school, our kids head straight for fruit—an easy, healthy snack that I’m always grateful for. We often end up with a pile of orange peels, apple cores, and other fruit scraps, and I started using those leftovers to simmer … Read more

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. full disclosure I was installing a small brass “no soliciting” sign on our front door this week when it dawned on me: I’m officially on a brass kick. I hadn’t planned it, but brass accents have quietly multiplied around the house, bringing warmth and vintage character … Read more

Thoughtful host and hostess gift ideas for the home — from serving pieces and kitchen tools to decorative accents, pantry treats, drinks, and entertaining essentials. We have a name for the four weeks leading up to Christmas: Partymonium. Between dinners, cocktail parties, neighborhood potlucks, and gift exchanges, December often becomes a nonstop stretch of gatherings. … Read more

A concise tutorial for hanging Christmas garland on stairs, tips to make faux garland look authentic, and a tour of a modern-traditional entryway decorated for the holidays. I’ve been documenting small decorating tutorials lately — like last week’s Christmas tree ribbon how-to — and today I’m sharing my process for draping garland on the staircase. … Read more

I’ve never been this excited to do laundry before. It feels a little ridiculous to admit, but our laundry room makeover has reached a milestone: Phase 1 is finished, and the space is officially off the to-do list. Whether Phase 2 ever happens remains to be seen—life tends to get in the way—but for now, … Read more

How to make DIY antique mirrors using old secondhand picture frames quickly, easily, and without the mess. If you love thrifting, picture frame projects are almost irresistible — they’re inexpensive, versatile, and perfect for quick makeovers. Recently my husband and I spent a date day at an antique mall and discovered a set of four … Read more