That's why we recommend decluttering before the holidays, with this simple toy-rotation trick that we promise actually works with kids. Doing it by 25 November will also allow the right amount of time to complete the rotation before Christmas lands, so it's perfect for the weekend.

Here's everything you need to know about this clever method to make storing and decluttering toys a breeze.

What Is the Toy Rotation Trick?

Any parent will know how tricky it can be to get their children to part with their old toys to make space for the shiny new toys they've received for Christmas. That's why we recommend using this decluttering method now, to clear space ahead of time with minimal fuss.

Max Wilson, co-founder of Pocket Storage, explains, 'The secret to a stress-free Christmas morning is making space now. The biggest mistake is waiting until January. By implementing a strategic toy rotation in November, you instantly clear physical space, curb impulse buying, and make room for the new gifts without feeling overwhelmed,' which is why you should always declutter toys before Christmas, where possible.

'Toy rotation involves packing away a portion of your child’s toys and only leaving out a smaller, curated selection,' continues Max. 'After a few weeks, you swap the stored toys back in, making them feel new and exciting all over again. Not only does this reduce clutter, but it also boosts creativity and independent play.

'It’s not about throwing toys out – it’s about giving your kids a manageable, focused selection that keeps them engaged. And by doing it in November, you also create much-needed space ahead of Christmas and birthdays.'

In turn, this will also make organizing toys far easier.

How to Try a Toy Rotation

Max shares his five-step pre-holiday declutter plan, which work to make it easier to organize toys in a small living room, and avoid any playroom organizing mistakes:

• Start small: Max advises that it's best to begin with just one box or area. 'Focus on toys your child has outgrown or hasn't played with in a while,' he says.
• Involve the kids: Encouraging your family to declutter can be tricky, which is why Max recommends framing it as 'making room for Santa,' or creating a special toy library they can swap from later. 'Go through toys and create three piles: Keep (daily favorites), Donate (items they have outgrown or no longer play with), and Store (toys that are in good condition but haven't been touched in three months),' he says, which can be corraled in a storage basket, such as the Homezone Natural Handwoven Seagrass Basket available at Walmart. 'Set a firm limit on how many toys go into that 'Keep' pile,' he adds.
• Store smart: 'Toys in the ‘Store’ pile should be boxed up and moved out of the main play area to a closet, under a bed, or to external storage,' says Max. Using storage boxes, like this one from STERILITE available at Amazon, is great for this. 'This technique is key,' continues Max. 'When the kids are bored with their new Christmas gifts, rotate the stored toys back in. They feel brand new again, which buys you more time before they demand new toys. Always use labelled, airtight boxes and keep them out of sight,' in your attic storage ideas or on your garage shelving ideas, for example.
• The inventory check for gifts: Before you shop for Christmas, advises Max, review your 'Keep' and 'Store' piles. 'This inventory check is vital for budget control; it prevents you from buying duplicates and ensures you only buy new items that genuinely fill a gap or passion,' he explains. 'It makes your holiday shopping intentional, not impulsive.' If you donate or sell any decluttered items, you'll also be making someone else's Christmas special, or you may find that you're able to make some extra cash ahead of the most expensive time of the year.
• Declutter as you go: As we've already touched on, 'Take the opportunity to donate or recycle broken or unloved toys as part of the process,' adds Max.

Why the Toy Rotation Trick Works

As Max explains, 'Toy rotation helps reduce sensory overload, improves focus, and promotes more creative play. It also makes your home feel lighter, more organised, and easier to enjoy during the busiest time of year.

'Clutter adds stress, especially around the holidays, but with just a few simple steps, you can create a calmer home, more intentional play, and a lot more breathing room for the joy ahead.'

Then, after the big day, you can invest in some of the best toy storage to beat Christmas chaos, such as the Humble Crew Primary Toy Storage Organizer available at Walmart or Homfa Kids Toy Organization Cubby Bookcase, also available at Walmart.

What to Shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

While this toy rotation trick works with children, sometimes, unfortunately, you may have to declutter toys when your children aren't on board.

For those who appreciate clever styling, chic tableware can transform even the simplest table setting into something extraordinary. Anna + Nina’s Alice in Wonderland collection does exactly that. The look of the collection draws on the surreal charm of Lewis Carroll’s tale: a tea party turned slightly topsy-turvy. It’s a world where imagination reigns, but style keeps its footing.

Here’s a look at our favourites from the collection. The 14-piece collection manages to be playful without tipping into any predictably garish Disney-style fare. Each piece has a clever twist, a subtle nod to Wonderland. From storybook to tabletop, here are the standout pieces worth shopping for.

Anna + Nina has become well known for their stylish, clever ceramics, and their signature style makes their pieces instantly recognizable. Each piece combines essential design clarity with a subtle wink of character, sometimes a short or sarcastic slogan, sometimes a tiny, slightly odd flourish. Popular for good reason, their work is ever so slightly mischievous, and the Alice in Wonderland collection is the perfect expression of that ethos: eccentric and whimsical, yet pared-back, monochromatic, and effortlessly clean.

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If it’s the Disney link that’s drawing you in, Selfridges has no shortage of full-throttle Disney homewares to explore. But if the idea of becoming a fully fledged 'Disney adult' makes you feel squeamish, Anna + Nina offer plenty of pieces that lean far more chic than character-led. Their wider collection includes all the playful charm without veering into theme-park territory, meaning there’s something for both the committed nostalgics and the stylish skeptics.

And if this collection has you rethinking what makes a great Christmas present, consider it a very stylish starting point. There’s plenty more inspiration to be found in our wider tableware gift guide, from playful pieces to quietly elegant essentials, all perfect for elevating someone’s festive season.

There’s no wrong answer in the great white-versus-colored-lights debate, but ALDI’s new multicolored Icicle String Lights are making a very compelling case for Team Color.

The Belavi design strings 300 cool-touch LEDs in blues, yellows, reds, and greens, cascading with the same poised drape as the icicles they reference – a balance between Hallmark-era cinematography and the polish of a contemporary Christmas tree LED. Might this be the colorful string light that finally converts the white-light purists?

It’s entirely possible. A lone strand of color can skew a little… earnest. But these ALDI lights can link up to 15 sets end-to-end. In theory, that’s 4,500 tiny points of color to drape across the tree, the Christmas mantel (ideally with a mirror to bounce the glow), and every orphaned corner gasping for charm. Here, more really is merrier.

What really sells these lights, though, is how seamlessly they support the other kitschy Christmas trends taking over this season – the felted ski bunnies, the half-opened caviar-tin ornaments, the knit pillows that look pilfered from someone’s family winter house. Colorful lights act as connective tissue, shifting a room from a broadly ‘tasteful 2025 Christmas’ to something closer to Home Alone (1990), or better yet, to whatever childhood holiday still lives in your mental Christmas B-roll.

ALDI isn’t the only one pushing the pendulum. Plenty of brands seem over the too-cool-for-school Christmas. Call it crafty, call it cozy – either way, color’s back on the tree.

Shop Multicolored Christmas Lights

Multicolored Christmas lights bring a soft, storybook glow to mantels, trees, stair rails, and anywhere else calling out for chroma. I rounded up the best strands to jog the nostalgia and maybe even tempt the white-light diehards.

ALDI is already behind some of this season’s best Christmas decorating ideas, so styling your new colorful LEDs is almost too easy. Try draping them alongside the retailer’s wooden beaded garland to double down on the charm.

Oftentimes, I see celebrities hang stockings, wreaths, and garlands from their mantels, and Sabrina does exactly that. But her setup comes with an unconventional twist: fir.

The fireplace is covered in what appears to be rich fir, giving the surface an evergreen texture unlike anything I’ve written about before. At first glance, it seems impossible to recreate, but it is actually surprisingly simple. Start with some faux fir branches (like these from Amazon), then layer on stockings and wreaths, just as Sabrina demonstrates.

Shop the Sabrina-inspired look

I'm struck by the textured uniqueness of Sabrina's Christmas decor, but I'm not alone in my appreciation for mantel decor. In fact, real estate agents, including Kevin Barzegar, the founder and CEO of Kaybridge Residential, explain that a beautifully dressed mantel boosts a home's perceived value and appeals to winter buyers.

'If your property has a fireplace, make it a feature with thoughtful mantel styling. Garlands, candles, stockings, or simple greenery arrangements can turn a fireplace into a compelling focal point that adds character and charm,' he says.

Even non-working fireplaces benefit from festive styling. Arrange pillar candles [like these from Amazon], fairy lights, or decorative logs to create visual interest and warmth.

'Fireplaces are inherently desirable features, and Christmas styling amplifies their appeal,' Kevin adds. 'They represent comfort and tradition, exactly what many buyers are looking for during the winter season.'

Corelle really is the gold standard when it comes to durability. Crafted from a near-shatterproof, triple-layer glass material known as Vitrelle, Corelle's dinnerware is renowned for its strength and sleek style. Whether you're rustling up a quick meal for one or you're hosting a crowd, these are pieces that you'll reach for time and again.

If a vision of plain white plates springs to mind when you think of reliable tableware, I don't blame you – but Corelle proves that practicality doesn't have to be boring. What I love about Corelle's Portofino dinnerware set, in fact, is its delicate floral design. Think coastal hues crossed with the charm of Nancy Meyers-inspired tableware; you'd never believe these pieces are nearly unbreakable.

This particular set includes bowls, appetizer plates, and dinner plates, with service for up to six guests. The appetizer plates are the most intricate, featuring an elaborate Mediterranean-style design, while the dinner plates and bowls offer a more understated look. The pieces are perfect for layering, but you can also mix and match – I'd go for Corelle's provincial blue platter and some colored glassware for a vibrant, sunny scheme.

With its ocean hues and delicate designs, Corelle's Portofino dinnerware is guaranteed to bring a breath of fresh air to your table. It's exactly the kind of classic set I've been looking for, striking the perfect balance between everyday use and elevated style.

And while it might be almost December, I'll definitely be channelling seaside style this holiday season. The blue shades would pair perfectly with festive red linens, but if you want to try out one of the biggest holiday decor themes for Christmas this year, go for an unexpected color palette: I'm planning to pair my Corelle pieces with deep amethyst accents and gold flatware at my next party.

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It might sound surprising, but coastal chic is right on trend when it comes to Christmas decorating ideas this year. If you're keen for more inspiration, I'd check out Anthropologie's pearl holiday decor – it's bringing seaside style into festive interiors.

And, let's be honest, it creeps up on us rather quickly, and suddenly our kitchens become the focus of our homes. So if you haven't had a chance to prepare your cooking space for the busiest season of them all, fear not.

Interior designers have plenty of advice for quick and easy ways to elevate your space and make your kitchen feel cozier for the holidays. And I've asked them to share their stylish tips and tricks so you can ensure your kitchen feels perfectly prepared for hosting family and cooking up seasonal feasts.

How Designers Elevate Their Kitchens for Winter

We're not talking about making major changes to the bones of your kitchen, nor are we suggesting you go out and spend a fortune on new furniture. Instead, our trusted interior design contacts are suggesting smaller ticket ways to give your kitchen a spruce up – most of which you either already have in your home or are easy and affordable to introduce.

1. Fill Your Kitchen with Winter Scents and Foliage

If you want to bring the essence of winter into your kitchen, it doesn't get easier than seasonal foliage (even if it's a few foraged branches) and a wintry scent that brings a sense of warmth and comfort to your space.

'In the winter, I want my kitchen to feel like a warm hug. For me, that starts with fresh wintry touches and scents as you open the door to our home. We love the mix of holiday greens and citrus. I keep a simmer pot on the stove with oranges and cinnamon sticks,' says interior designer Ami McKay.

If you like woody scents with cedarwood and fresh balsam, try The Gather Candle by Anthropologie, or for something more Christmassy, the Winter Spruce Scent Collection from Pottery Barn smells festive and has the most charming design.

To enhance the wintry scents, pairing them with displays of foraged greenery is another effective yet low-cost way designers invite the season into their kitchen – it's a small but easy way to decorate that always impresses guests.

'I bring in foraged greenery from our property. I arrange branches in a stone vessel and place it on our kitchen countertop, and tie a little nosegay to our light fixture. It’s the clustering of little vignettes with a mix of holiday and non-holiday items that makes the home feel relaxed and welcoming,' says Ami.

'Creating that kind of warmth in the kitchen changes how the whole house feels. It slows the pace. People linger a little longer, sit down, and they talk while we cook. The space becomes less about getting dinner on the table and more about being together,' she explains.

2. Create a Warming Ambiance with Lighting

In the winter, every room of the home feels darker, especially the kitchen, where you might usually rely on daylight to brighten the space. But designers say leaning into the darker evenings and bringing in ambient light sources instantly elevates the space.

'Like many families, in the dark doldrums of winter, the kitchen is where my girls and I go to spend cozy time together. Of course, it helps that we have large windows to let what little sunlight there is through, but I also made a point to layer in different lighting – recessed, pendants, and sconces – for those dark early evenings,' explains interior designer Bethany Adams.

'Warm lighting is a quick and easy way to make any space feel cozy,' adds interior designer Nadia Watts, who takes the same approach during the winter. 'Use lamps and layer your lighting. A lamp on the kitchen counter can do wonders for cozying up your kitchen and making it feel warm and inviting. Be sure to use soft warm-white or yellow bulbs.'

If you don't have space for a small counter lamp, there are plenty of other places you can add them. Open shelving is a stylish choice, as is a dining table, where Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL Kitchens, focuses her attention in her space.

'I have a little rechargeable lamp on my dining table. It's been such a wonderful thing, I love having a small atmospheric little pool of light in an otherwise dark room, it feels very bistro,' she explains.

3. Curate Multiple Seating Areas

For Bethany, the winter season signals hosting and gathering with loved ones, so having somewhere for all of her guests to comfortably sit and relax in her kitchen is an important element.

'Besides bright, welcoming light, we have multiple seating areas. Stools at the counter for eating, of course, but also a cozy settee loaded with pillows and a blanket for morning snuggles. A sturdy marble bistro table nearby holds coffee and hot chocolate,' she explains.

You don't have to go out and buy lots of new furniture to create comfortable seating areas in your kitchen. Add seat cushions to existing dining chairs and counter stools, bring in a couple of accent chairs from your living room, or add a charming little bistro set to create an eat-in area.

4. Layer up Textiles

Nothing makes a room feel more inviting during the winter months than layered textiles. And the kitchen is no exception. For Nadia, that means filling her kitchen with rugs, blankets, and even heavier curtains.

'Layer rugs, textiles, and even window treatments. Add textiles in a cozy boucle, velvet, mohair, and fur. Layer rugs or swap flat-weave rugs for heavier ones,' she suggests, emphasizing their ability to add warmth and comfort to a kitchen.

Runners usually work best in a kitchen, whether you have a galley layout or a large island, and the long, narrow form suits the walkway. The Provence Grey & Coral Rug from Ruggable is a timeless design, available in four colorways, or for something more natural, the Balian Rug from Serena & Lily is a charming choice.

It's not just rugs, either. 'Even your window treatments can be layered. Layer curtains with a sheer fabric in summer, or a thicker fabric for fall and winter. This will allow you to control the amount of light in your space, creating the perfect level of coziness,' she explains.

5. Add Personal Decor

Few things will make your kitchen feel more like home than personal touches. We're not talking about a nice decor piece you picked up at the store, but rather sentimental items and collected accessories that connect you to people and memories.

'I love pieces with history and sentimental value. When you display personal items like photos, artwork, and objects collected over time, your space will feel homey and cozy. Surrounding yourself with meaningful and cherished items will create a sense of belonging, comfort, and warmth,' says Nadia, of her favorite winter ritual.

A few frames filled with family photos on the walls or layered on shelves, your grandmother's treasured plate sets that you inherited displayed on plate racks, or trinkets from your favorite travels can make a huge difference to the appeal of your kitchen during the winter.

6. Mix Materials and Textures

A kitchen is a room that is often filled with cold surfaces and hard lines – it's just the functional nature of these hardworking rooms. But Interior designers like to introduce more texture and mixed materials for a more inviting atmosphere through the winter. And Ami likes to bring in plenty of different materials and displays.

'It always comes down to a few honest, hardworking pieces. Big wooden boards that live on the counter year-round, ready for anything, hand-thrown pottery in soft earthy glazes, miniature fresh Christmas trees to add to empty vessels in the kitchen (there’s never too much greenery in my mind), a large bowl overflowing with oranges, and a stack of linen napkins at the ready,' she explains.

'We switch out the light summery cushions and replace them with our wintry versions. These textures immediately warm up a kitchen. Vintage vessels and beautiful artisan pieces layer in that sense of history I’m always creating,' she adds, explaining the importance of these softer textures.

7. Don't Forget Candlelight

Nothing feels more nostalgic and comforting than the gentle glow of candlelight, and designers say it's one thing they always bring into their kitchens during the colder, darker season. Whether you light something scented on your kitchen island or display tapers on the walls and window sills, it's a touch that instantly feels more ambient.

'My kitchen is not a particularly bright room and tends to be quite dark, so it lends itself well to candles. I have two beautiful vintage candle sconces on either side of my window, and when the candles are lit, it looks beautiful and inviting. I think candles on walls are so much better than any other type; they really do create something special,' says Helen.

'My kitchen is always the most popular place to hang out in my house, so it's very important that it feels comfortable and inviting. Cooking a meal, sitting on the sofa, or chatting around the table, my kitchen is a little world of its own when the candles are lit and the winds are howling outside. It makes me feel less sad about the summer being over.'

It really is the small details that make the most difference to the atmosphere of your kitchen during winter. From adding small seating areas and filling the room with seasonal scents to lighting candles and adding a small lamp, it's as much a feeling as it is an aesthetic.

And Helen puts it perfectly: 'I think it’s probably the smell and anticipation of a family meal, cooking, prepping, and chatting, is the key to creating a truly warm feel both physically and mentally.'

For that reason, I'll be picking up the Diptyque Baies Scented Candle, currently reduced at Walmart reduced by $22.

While it's still certainly a luxury purchase, it's my top pick of the best home fragrances to last all season long, with a burn time of up to 90 hours, and it makes a gorgeous gift, too.

This Diptyque Candle Is Perfect For Getting Guests in the Holiday Mood

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

I've often thought that if something is good enough for Victoria Beckham, it's certainly something I should be trying, and Baies is actually one of Victoria Beckham's favorite Diptyque candles. It's no surprise, really, Baies, available in a smaller, classic size at Amazon, is one of the brand's signature scents and unrivalled bestsellers. She's also a fan of the Diptyque Feu de Bois Candle, available at Amazon, which nabbed top spot in my list of the best candles.

It's not just Victoria who loves Baies, either. In fact, Diptyque candles boast an impressive celebrity following, with Khloe Kardashian even recently featuring the Baies candle on her Instagram. It's even Shaun White's favorite Diptyque candle, too.

What's more, it's absolutely perfect for making your home smell like Christmas with an unexpected twist, particularly when hosting over the holidays.

As I said, of course, just under $200 is a lot for anyone to spend on any candle. But, with Diptyque, you really do get what you pay for – the cleanest burn I've ever experienced from any brand, owing to the high-quality wax, a scent that effortlessly fills even larger spaces where you may be hosting, among your cozy living room ideas, for example, and a real feel of iconic, timeless elegance. And, at 21 oz, with a burn time of 90 hours, it will last you all season long.

Plus, if, like me, you like to reuse candle jars around your house, this particularly striking black Baies vessel will work well among any bathroom organization ideas, for organizing a bathroom vanity, or for organizing makeup, provided you know what to do with a candle when it's burnt out, and how to get candle wax out of jars.

It will also work to freshen common Christmas odors, particularly if you light it right after eating when hosting friends and family for a festive dinner party, or on Christmas day.

So, if you're searching for an easy way to make a home smell good for Christmas, look no further and snap up this cult classic at a reduced price. It makes an absolutely stunning gift, too, if you're looking for something a little more luxe for that special someone. I know I'd certainly love to find it under the tree come Christmas day.

What to Shop

Using one of the best reed diffusers in your home is also a great way to enjoy low-maintenance scenting.

The good news for anyone who has procrastinated over a long fall gardening checklist is that there is still time. It is not too late to make additions to your garden for quick wins, like heart-warming, bright blooms to brighten up the cold days or quick harvests for winter meals.

We want to show you what can be done even at this late stage of fall. To help do this, I spoke to some plant experts to get their recommendations for quick wins to boost any winter garden. They shine a spotlight on five great last-minute planting ideas before winter to put a smile on your face.

Last-minute planting ideas before winter – expert suggestions

You need to plant the following before the first frosts, but when the feeling of winter truly arrives in your area will depend on your US hardiness zone. If your ground is still workable, then there is still time for these last-minute planting ideas.

1. Hellebores

There are hellebore varieties in a stunning array of colors, but the most synonymous with the festive period is Helleborus niger, also known as the Christmas rose. This winter-blooming perennial plant grows to 12 inches tall and produces white bowl-shaped flowers flushed with pink.

Emma Fell, head of horticulture at Hillier Garden Centres, calls the Christmas rose ‘perfect’ for any winter garden, as the plants bloom from late December onwards, which is a great reason to start growing hellebores.

‘These hardy perennials produce large, nodding flowers in shades of white, even in frosty conditions,’ continues Emma. ‘Plant them now in a sheltered, shady spot with well-drained soil to enjoy their elegant blooms right around Christmas.’

If you want to plant hellebores in your yard before winter, this live Helleborus ‘Ivory Prince’ plant at Amazon comes in a one-gallon pot and produces creamy white flowers.

2. Pansies

Pansies may be small, but they are mighty plants to provide pops of color throughout the colder months. Along with violas, which are smaller and have fewer petals but are equally vibrant, they make some of the prettiest winter flowers for pots.

‘Pansies and violas are great bedding plants to plant in November, as they'll continue blooming and providing pops of garden color through the winter,’ says Michael Clarke, landscape architect and horticulturalist.

There is a wide variety of winter pansies and violas to choose from, in dynamic colors including purple, blue, red, white, and orange. They can range from bright yellow to dark purple. Some violas and pansies come with bicolor combinations, or you can get mixes featuring blends of colors.

‘Plant them now, and these resilient flowers will continue blooming through winter, adding charm and colour throughout the Christmas season and beyond,’ adds Emma Fell.

Plant pansies into late fall, up until the first frosts, into containers or at the front of flower beds that get lots of seasonal sun. For an eclectic mix of plants, this six-pack of multicolored live pansy plants at Walmart can be planted up for a wonderful display of winter blooms.

3. Cyclamen

These small perennials are perfect for providing a splash of color in winter, when little else is out. If you like the idea of small white, pink and purple flowers during the colder months, then varieties of Cyclamen coum are perfect for this.

There are 23 different species of cyclamen, including ones that flower in the fall and tender indoor cyclamen types suited for growing as indoor plants. But Cyclamen coum is a classic winter-flowering plant, with delicate flowers on tall stems atop rounded leaves.

‘Perfect for shaded areas, these plants thrive in cool conditions,' says Emma. ‘Plant them in pots or garden beds now, and they’ll bring a graceful touch of color to your garden or doorstep, just in time for Christmas.’

Plant cyclamen in part-shade areas of the yard, into fertile and well-draining soil types. These plants like an annual mulch with leaf mold, as it helps to mimic their natural woodland habitats.

You can get a hardy Cyclamen coum plant at Nature Hills to enjoy pink-purple flowers in variegated heart-shaped foliage in winter and spring.

4. Winter Jasmine

If you want a winter-flowering shrub to plant in the fall that can bring delight on gloomy, cold days, then winter jasmine may be one of the best you can pick. With bright yellow flowers blooming on bare stems, it is a unique frost-hardy winter climber to brighten even the bitterest winter days.

Emma Fell describes the standout blooms of winter jasmine as a ‘stunning contrast to the winter landscape’. She adds: ‘Plant now in a sunny or partially shaded location, and they will bloom early in winter, making them a perfect addition to any Christmas display.’

To grow winter jasmine successfully, plant it in a sunny, sheltered spot. It thrives in rich, well-draining soil, and adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, before planting provides essential plant nutrients to get it off to a great start.

You can get a live Jasminum nudiflorum plant at Amazon suitable for growing in zones 5-10.

5. Cold-hardy greens

If you want last-minute planting ideas before winter for your vegetable garden, then cold-hardy greens are definitely the way to go. You can plant the likes of spinach, bok choy, mustards, or corn salad into vegetable beds, raised beds, or cold frames to provide tasty harvest through winter and into spring.

‘These are simple, low-effort choices that overwinter and ‘wake up’ in spring, giving you that confidence booster and food long before anything planted in spring catches up,’ claims Tiffany Rodriguez, the founder of Growing With Tiff. ‘I always mulch heavily with leaves or straw to lock in warmth and moisture, and I add a row cover as a winter blanket.’

For quick wins and earlier harvests, harvest the greens as a cut-and-come-again vegetable. This can start by snipping baby leaves, which can be as little as a month after sowing seeds outdoors or even less if you buy seedlings to transplant into your veg plot before winter.

Covering plants with frost cloth, as suggested by Tiffany, helps to get seeds and young plants off to a good start by protecting plants from frost. It also helps you to overwinter vegetables and keep the harvest coming. Alternatively, cover plants with cloches or portable cold frames to protect them from the worst of the winter cold.

If you are looking for even more planting inspiration, we are here to help. These guides to vegetables to plant in November and flowers to sow in November contain lots of information and expert advice. The reward can be crops to harvest throughout the colder months and earlier blooms in spring.

The image features her bedroom in her Bedford home, and it's red-drenched. From the cherry-painted walls to the chinoiserie chest of drawers and armoire, the bright color dominates the space.

The black, white, and gold accents, meanwhile, balanced out the pigmented red, giving the area a sophisticated and elevated feel.

Shop the red decor edit

According to Martha Moments, Martha infamously despised red, with no red flowers permitted in her gardens and rarely wearing the shade.

'In what I believe was the Summer House (the 1770s Colonial on the property once inhabited by the previous owner, Ruth Sharpe) and prior to the renovation and restoration of the buildings on the property, Martha used red as the foundational colour to unite each of the rooms in this house, throwing all caution to the wind in a decorating experiment,' they state in the caption. 'She enlisted the help of Kevin Sharkey, who was then the decorating editor at the magazine, to help her realize her vision.'

With that being said, bright red is right on trend for the fall/winter season, and as such, can and should be experimented with all over the home.

'Candy apple red is fun, bold, and effortlessly stylish,' Michael Rolland, paint expert and managing director at The Paint Shed explains. 'In a satin finish on a feature wall or trims, it adds the perfect pop of autumnal warmth. Whether used across bedrooms, living rooms, or studies, this glossy red appeals to anyone wanting a seasonal splash of colour that feels fashionable all year round.'

Try mixing and matching red accessories and furnishings of a similar tone for a cohesive look; or, go for the Unexpected Red approach and place a red piece, like this Bobbin lamp, in a neutral space.

Unlike birth month flowers, which are founded in historic and modern cultural traditions, my list of birth month flower seeds refers to a set of flower seeds to sow in every month of the year. The best part is sowing your birth month flower seed will reward you with enjoyment that extends beyond your birthday month, as you get to watch your seeds sprout, grow bigger, and eventually bloom.

What's more, the majority of birth month flower seeds are on the list of easiest flowers to grow from seed, so you can't go too far wrong with them. To help you out, I've compiled all 12 right here alongside expert tips on how to grow them successfully.

Discover your birth month flower seeds

Add these birth month seeds to your roster of birth month plants, including birth month fruit trees and birth month herbs – you can grow an entire garden personalized to your birthday.

FAQs

Why are my flower seeds not growing?

There are many reasons why your flower seeds are not growing. It may be that you've sown them at the wrong time of year, so the temperature and lighting are not optimal for germination, or your seeds may have been unviable to begin with. Overwatering is also a common seed sowing mistake that stops flower seeds from germinating.

They key to success with growing these birth month flower seeds is knowing whether you need to sow indoors or sow outdoors for the time of year you're planting them and your US hardiness zone. Don't forget to also use the below essential seed sowing tools to help your efforts:

‘Color drenching acts as a beautiful canvas for drawing the eye to specific objects in the foreground – like the texture in a rug or sofa, or a pattern on an ornament or decoration,’ explains Maryana Grinshpun, principal at New York-based design-build company Mammoth.

American icon Martha Stewart has always been ahead of the curve. When she color-drenched her famed ‘Green Room’, the result proved just how powerful this palette can be – especially during the holidays.

Martha takes great care decorating the Christmas trees in her magnificent Bedford home. ‘My Green Room is just off the foyer. The sunken parlor is decorated in a gorgeous gold and green color scheme,’ Martha writes on her blog. ‘I love these two trees filled with ornaments – they just light up the room. I love how everything shimmers on the branches.’ It’s a look that now reads as distinctly biophilic – a design direction I predict will only grow stronger through 2025 and 2026.

Decorating with green works beautifully year-round, but at Christmas, it’s almost instinctive. Green room ideas echo the permanence and richness of nature – a timeless choice that shows no signs of slowing down. The majesty of ancient forests has long inspired interior design trends, and this palette brings that sense of depth indoors. From the grandeur of an oak tree to the soft curves of an acanthus leaf, velvety greens offer a nurturing presence, something we crave even more in the winter months when natural greenery fades.

‘Green reassures us on a very primitive level. We know we can find food and water, which means green equals life, abundance, and vitality. Using different shades of mid and dark greens as part of our Christmas decor ideas brings in these feelings of reassurance and rest,’ says Karen Haller, color and design psychology specialist and author of The Little Book of Color, available at Amazon.

For the ultimate nurturing space, layer greens with browns, taupes, and glistening gold to evoke calming woodland vistas. ‘Working with a green-brown palette will ensure a feeling of peace and tranquillity as both colours appear strongly in nature.’

Green remains one of the most enduring Christmas color schemes – one you’ll never tire of. And when the holidays are over, a green room continues to look fresh, warm, and inviting long into the new year, making it a palette that’s not just on trend for 2025 and 2026 but truly everlasting.

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The interior designer's holiday collection at McGee & Co. is complete with loads of Christmas decor ideas that nail the timeless Christmas decor aesthetic with ease – from decorative brass ornaments and charmingly printed stockings to tabletop trinkets that elegantly ring in the spirit of the season. These are the kind of holiday decorations that you'll want to keep for Christmases to come – timeless pieces that'll become family heirlooms to unpack and hang up year after year.

Right now, McGee & Co. is running a 50% off sale on all holiday decor for Black Friday. That takes many of the pieces in the collection down to under $50, under $10 for some ornaments, so if, like me, you like to keep things classic at Christmas, now is the time to stock up.

Shop Christmas Decor From McGee & Co

If you're eager to find timeless holiday decor must-haves to keep in your Christmas collection for years to come, I've rounded up an assortment of the best finds from McGee & Co. – all of which are on sale right now. That said, if there's one thing I know about Shea's decor from McGee & Co. (especially the affordable Christmas finds), it's that they won't be in stock for long. So don't wait. Find your forever decorations below.

Shea McGee's 50% sale at McGee & Co. is just the start – come next week, almost every homewares brand you can think of will be holding their very own Black Friday sales. To stay up to date with what's new to sale, check out our Black Friday home deals so you don't miss out on the best savings of the year.

I've long loved fall for its natural delights, but Ina Garten's charming garden has made me fall in love with autumn once more. Featuring an elegant alcove with a vine-wrapped trellis, it's convinced me that there is no better time than now to immerse myself in the outdoors.

Featuring impressive topiary and seasonal blooms, Ina's backyard is undeniably well done, but you'll be pleased to know that recreating the look is surprisingly simple with some classic outdoor furniture and decor.

Shop the Ina Edit

Ina's garden is the ultimate fall paradise. I can just picture myself curled up on one of her Adirondack chairs (or this vintage wooden chair from eBay would do the trick) with a book, enjoying the crisp air and looking out at her beautiful topiary. It's not just the plants that make the space so charming; the vintage furniture and accessories transform the nook into the most welcoming outdoor retreat.

Ina's garden is masterfully designed. The rather impressive topiary is hard to miss, framing the lawn and giving the garden its grandeur. The design is separated by a central path that leads to the seating alcove. Although simple, this clever design places the porch right at the center of the garden, allowing Ina to take in the wonderful autumnal views.

Trent Brown, Founder of Ground Break Design, says, 'Ina's garden is incredible. This vignette for the seating area is actually a climbing Hydrangea. A relatively easy plant to grow and a really beautiful addition to any traditional or cottage-style garden.'

He adds, 'The reason this setup works for fall is that Ina has planted for all-season interest. There is a very formal evergreen structure to this section of her garden. The boxwood hedging not only dictates the traffic flow through her garden, but frames different views that draw your eye and invite you to use the spaces. Then, you have the contrasting fall foliage against the permanence of the boxwood and trellis. Those yellows and burnt oranges give a pop of colour to the monochromatic greens and whites. Even the imperfection of scattered leaves along the green lawn pathway, almost similar to flower petals down a wedding aisle, makes the space very approachable.'

The portico features a trellis that's woven with a fall privacy plant, creating an arch of autumnal orange, yellow and green. Full and lush, the tree transforms the simple seating nook into a seasonal statement that shines bright amongst the green lawn and topiary.

Inside the little porch is a pair of classic Adirondack chairs. Although the setup is simple, these characterful additions bring a lived-in charm and warmth to the garden, making it feel even more inviting. Paired with the rustic watering can and lanterns that flank the building, it's a quaint seating arrangement that Ina can enjoy all season long.

Ina's backyard is filled with seasonal delights. From the charming outdoor seating to the impressive topiary, it's a lesson in enjoying fall and all it has to offer.

That’s why this month, I decided I’m not waiting for January to refresh my home, whilst simultaneously accepting I have neither the time nor the physical energy to do a proper declutter.

That’s why I tried the easy ‘Houdini’ decluttering method to clear visual clutter out of my vital spaces at home and reset the calm I desperately needed during this busy time. Here’s how you can easily do the same with very little time or effort.

What is the Houdini decluttering method?

In short, the Houdini Decluttering Method is a ‘cheat’ decluttering tip, in that you’re not really streamlining, but making everything look less fussy and busy, whilst gaining functionality around your home with minimal effort.

In my case, placing a beautiful set of scalloped seagrass bins from Amazon on my busiest surfaces, and reusing empty storage bins as a catchall for items until I am good and ready for a deep clean and January decluttering session has been the win. Who knows, maybe I’ll even leave it till February to declutter and cut myself some slack.

Professional organizer and KonMari® Master Consultant Rebecca Jo-Rushdy of Spark Joy & Flow explains, ‘Cheat decluttering is such a relatable concept, especially at this time of year when life and surfaces just get fuller. I actually call it “shushing the space,” and it's such a powerful nervous system tool.

‘When things feel too busy or loud visually, using thoughtfully chosen baskets or bins to soften that noise can be a relief. It offers our minds a moment of pause, which is often exactly what’s needed to sustain momentum rather than tip into shutdown.’

And that is exactly the beauty of the Houdini Decluttering Method. It makes the mess disappear like magic, much like its magician namesake, with very little effort, and without needing you to find the will to focus on decluttering.

Rebecca adds a gentle caveat: ‘When we tuck items away without intention, the hidden clutter can quietly snowball. So when using this approach, I’d always recommend anchoring it with a future commitment, whether that’s adding a “tend to basket” reminder in the diary for January, or simply deciding that one box will be revisited at a time during a quiet Sunday morning.’

You can lean into the Sunday Butterfly Decluttering Method for naturally found chore time that doesn’t feel hard to focus on or maintain. It's especially useful for neurodivergent minds as it allows you to flit from one job to another without pressure to complete. Focus on one room or area for maximum benefit if using Butterfly decluttering.

As for forgoing January decluttering, don't feel guilty about it. Rachel Bearn, author of A Year to Slow Down, available at Amazon, says January is the least biologically natural time to reinvent ourselves, or our homes.’

Rachel, who is chronically ill, says, 'As humans, we often forget we’re part of the natural world. While animals and plants conserve energy through the coldest, bleakest months, we pressure ourselves to overhaul our lives at the very moment our bodies are craving restoration. Winter is designed for recovery, not reinvention at 100 miles an hour.'

That's why, personally, as a fellow spoonie (that's a nickname for those with energy-limiting or chronic illness), I wholeheartedly agree with Rachel's philosophy, and I am cutting myself some slack to get by this winter.

Rachel adds, 'Slow living isn’t about curated minimalism, as most people can’t overhaul their entire lifestyle, despite what social media often implies, nor should they have to.'

She advises instead to focus on 'small, manageable acts of rest that can be folded into everyday life to create pockets of peace.' That is the beauty of the Houdini trick.

How to Use the Houdini Hack in Your Home

For this time-poor, high-stress season packed with social events and hosting, and often, an increase in work tasks and school work, place a pretty bin in the area where clutter has accumulated and treat it like a catchall you will return to sort out in the future.

Rachel adds, 'There is a growing cultural shift toward seasonal living, nervous-system regulation, and intentional rest. TikTok videos tagged #slowliving have amassed more than 500 million views, reflecting a growing desire for change and a return to simpler, more grounded ways of being. “Wintering”, the practice of embracing slower rhythms during the darker months, is gaining traction because it offers something we’re collectively starved of: Mental breathing room, emotional steadiness, and sustainable well-being.'

The Houdini decluttering trick allows for this easily, especially if, like me, you find visual clutter very stressful to deal with.

Here’s what pro organizer Rebecca suggests to make Houdini decluttering successful and as useful as possible, without it spiralling out of control:

• Label Your Houdini Bins: Indicate a month to help avoid your Houdini bins becoming long-term clutter caves. If you don't want to ruin the look, place a label underneath, keep a digital note on your phone, or add a Post-it, which is great for providing easy visual cues for tasks, inside the bin.
• One In, One Out: A festive version of “one in, one out” method will come in handy. Anything bought for hosting should free up something that no longer sparks joy. Rebecca adds, ‘At the moment, I’ve got a shopping bag tucked in the sitting room that’s become our “Winter Fair donation bag.” Anything I come across that could go to one of the stalls goes straight in there. I’ve even been going through listed Vinted items and unlisting/surrendering those I no longer want to store just to get them physically out of the house. It helps me feel like I’m moving things out as new things naturally come in during this season, rather than waiting for the perfect time to do a full declutter!'

I Tried the Houdini Decluttering Hack

Two places on the first floor of my house descended into chaos in November, and I decluttered successfully with the Houdini trick.

The first was the sideboard that houses our ‘leaving the house’ or ‘coming home’ essentials, as well as our mail. The surface had become a pile of letters and paperwork to declutter, which we struggled to find time to sort out, and was a catch-all for things that needed to go upstairs.

Now I have placed a pretty shallow seagrass basket from Amazon on top with a tray organizer, also Amazon, that is perfect for our keys, wallets, and trinkets we may need on trips out, such as noise-cancelling earplugs for my daughter.

The back end of it now has our unfiled letters in, and since it has a limited amount of space, it’s forced me to scan and recycle mail I need to keep, or immediately take recycling to the appropriate bin.

This binning of waste without delay is a decluttering success tip from professional organizer Dana White, creator of the no-mess Five-Day Clutter Shakedown, and something she shared when I interviewed her last month on making decluttering easier.

Now, the new seagrass bin in this space has been a game-changer for clearing visual clutter in our entryway, and coupled with an agreement with everyone in my household to place things that need to go upstairs in the allocated stair tidy basket, the space has remained tidy, and our lovely table lamp is the star of the cozy corner, instead of a pile of mess.

Similarly, I’ve been doing a lot of online shopping for gifting season, an arctic snap of cold that made us realise our winter coats and boots needed replacing, and my daughter’s latest growth spurt. All those parcels and some awaiting returns had made our living room footstool look like a mini Post Room. It was visually messy and a constant reminder of a ‘to-do’ list that in itself was quite stressful.

Now I have a pretty lidded wicker basket from Wayfair there, which is much-needed winter storage for this flurry of online shopping. In the new year, I will return it to its former function as a toy storage box for my daughter’s things.

We’ve decluttered her toys ahead of Christmas, therefore freeing them up at just the right time as well as being about to donate potential festive gifts to local thrift stores when customers will need them most.

What to Shop

Pro organizer Rebecca adds, ‘Pretty, affordable storage that hides in plain sight and still invites you back in works beautifully. Scalloped seagrass, woven lidded bins, even stackable fabric cubes in soft neutrals or greens, or mossy sage tones, really help bring calm.’

Here are my top picks.

Meet the Experts

If you are looking to slow down on chores whilst still retaining calm at home, or perhaps you need to declutter with health challenges, delve into our Library of Tried and Tested Best Decluttering Methods for more streamlining tips to suit your time, energy, and health.

It's also possible to clean with adaptive pacing in mind to allow for chores to be completed during this busy season, without flaring your fatigue, pain, or health conditions.

Whenever I design a bedroom, I always return to a few guiding ideas. They’re never about chasing trends or making a space look ‘perfect’ – they’re about how a room feels when you’re actually living in it. For me, a bedroom should grow softer, cosier, and more beautiful with time, not the opposite.

Here’s what I always keep in mind.

1. Start with Layering

For me, layering is what makes a bedroom feel finished. Without it, a space can feel flat or one-note. Bringing in different textures and tones instantly adds warmth and depth. It doesn’t have to be complicated – just thoughtful combinations that make the room feel more inviting and lived in.

2. Lighting Changes Everything

Lighting shapes the entire mood of a bedroom. Overhead lights have their place – usually when you’re tidying up or changing the sheets – but beyond that, I rarely switch them on. Instead, I rely on layered, low-level lighting: lamps on the bedside tables, and, when space allows, a pair of sconces or even a soft-glowing pendant. Everything is dimmable, always. I want my bedroom to feel bright and energising in the morning, then melt into something gentle and tranquil by evening.

3. Less Really Is More

I think bedrooms get overwhelmed so easily. A few too many pieces of furniture, or surfaces covered with little things, and suddenly the whole room feels busy. I like to pare things back – just the essentials, with space to move and breathe. When a room is edited down, it instantly feels more restful.

4. Materials That Age Gracefully

This is a big one for me. I’d much rather invest in pieces that will still look beautiful years from now than buy something that feels ‘finished’ straight away. Natural wood, linen, stone, and leather all develop character over time. Linen curtains soften and drape beautifully, wood develops a rich patina, stone acquires little imperfections that make it feel authentic, and leather gains that warm, lived-in richness that only improves with age. These are the subtle details that make a bedroom feel truly lived-in and welcoming.

For me, these four materials are always the foundation of a bedroom that feels right. They may seem like small choices individually, but together they completely transform the way a space feels – today and for years to come.

This ingenious tip is something I actually spotted last year, and I haven't forgotten it. In a video shared on her Instagram, Joanna Gaines created some easy Thanksgiving table decor simply by cutting stems from her garden and arranging them in a rustic vase like the Textured Adrienne Vase from Magnolia.

'I was in the mood to do an arrangement for the Thanksgiving table this week, and I wanted to go to the florist – but I also wanted to stay in my PJs,' says Joanna in the video, with her signature candid charm. 'So I decided to challenge myself and go outside.'

Essentially a speedy alternative to growing your own festive floral centerpiece, Joanna's hack requires a few minutes of foraging and a dash of creativity. There's no strict formula when gathering stems from your backyard or local area – it's all about that homespun look, after all – but it's best to collect a few different types of foliage and florals. Joanna combines blue spruce stems with Magnolia and ligustrum berries for a lush, verdant look.

'I cut stems from all over the farm and brought them inside,' Joanna explains, 'and then I got a waterproof vase, shoved some chicken wire in it, and started putting the branches inside.'

If you've been keen to try out some Thanksgiving craft ideas, this is the perfect opportunity. You can pick up chicken wire from Amazon and use it to secure the stems within your vase; any vase will work, depending on the theme of your tablescape, but I'd opt for something roomy and rustic. (Magnolia's distressed crackle vase is a particularly elegant choice, and it's big enough to fit plenty of foliage.)

In Joanna's words, the aim is 'to create a really pretty, asymmetrical yet dramatic arrangement.' The key? ' 'Mixing different textures,' she states. 'When I opened Magnolia in 2003, I used to sell fresh florals, and I also did weddings for some of my customers, so I've always loved doing arrangements.'

Joanna's holiday table centerpiece certainly looks professional, and she nails the effortless-yet-elegant look thanks to a particularly handy tip: 'I always like to add a taller branch on the left and right of the arrangement so it creates little more drama,' she reveals.

So, even if you don't have a sprawling farm as your backyard, Joanna proves that a show-stopping holiday centerpiece is an easy (and rewarding) DIY project. Though I'll always love shopping for tableware (and I would have happily invested in Magnolia's red berry pine garland to drape across my Thanksgiving table), there's no better time to try out Joanna's hack.

To me, her video is a welcome reminder that everything I need to create an incredible Thanksgiving tablescape is hiding in plain sight. I just need to pull on my gardening gloves and venture outside – but fortunately, I still have some time to tick this off my Thanksgiving checklist.

Shop Joanna Gaines' Holiday Centerpiece Essentials

Looking for more inspiration from the experts? Try Joanna Gaines' Thanksgiving centerpiece as an alternative – it's the secret to a picture-perfect tablescape, every time.

That's why we recommend an easy overhaul just in time for the holidays with the SONGMICS Cabinet Organizer Shelves available at Amazon.

Here's why they're perfect for organizing kitchen cabinets to improve traffic flow at the very busiest time of the year.

These Shelves Are Perfect for Tidying Cabinet Chaos

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

While holiday hosting at the most wonderful time of the year might be fun and festive, not being able to find what you need in your kitchen cabinets can certainly feel frustrating. That's why we recommend picking up the SONGMICS Cabinet Organizer Shelves available at Amazon as a practical holiday hosting tip to stave off stress.

Designed to be sturdy and stackable, they're even suitable for organizing corner cabinets and making even the most awkward of areas more accessible, owing to their unique versatility. With one shelf slightly smaller than the other, they can either be stacked on top of one another, as a space-saving way to use vertical storage, nested, used separately, or arranged in an L-shape, allowing you to adjust them according to your specific kitchen ideas and kitchen storage ideas.

They're also easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and made of high-quality engineered wood and metal, meaning each shelf can hold a maximum weight of 33 lbs. For that reason, they can also be used elsewhere around your home, in your bathroom organization ideas, for example, or even in your bedroom.

One shopper, Daniela, leaving a five-star review, dubs them 'a total game-changer for kitchen organization.'

'These cabinet organizers have completely transformed the way I store and use my dishes,' she says. 'They make stacking so much easier and more efficient. The size is just right – large enough to hold bigger plates and dishes on top, while still leaving room for smaller bowls and items underneath. Everything has its place now, and my cabinets look so much more organized.

'One of the biggest perks is how much simpler it has made unloading the dishwasher. I no longer dread the task because putting dishes away is quick, easy, and stress-free. Even my kids can now reach what they need without having to climb on the counters, which makes things safer and more convenient for everyone.

'The installation was also a breeze – straightforward, quick, and no fuss at all. Overall, these organizers are sturdy, practical, and a total game-changer for any kitchen. I wish I had added them sooner!'

Another satisfied shopper, Michelle, highlights that they're 'Great for organization in small spaces,' meaning they'll work with even the smallest of small kitchen ideas.

'I can’t say enough good things about these shelves – they’ve completely transformed how I organize my space,' she continues. 'I started by using them in my kitchen cabinets for dishes, and it instantly gave me extra room to stack things neatly without everything toppling over.

'Then I realized they also work perfectly in my deep bathroom cabinets, which used to feel cluttered and wasted space. Now I can separate items by category, see everything at a glance, and actually fit more in without it looking messy.

'I’ve bought three sets already because they’re so versatile and easy to use. Assembly was quick and simple, and the shelves feel sturdy and well-made. The wood and metal design also looks nice, so I don’t feel like I’m just using cheap organizers – they actually add a clean, modern touch.

'What I love most is how much they’ve helped in my smaller space. Instead of feeling cramped and cluttered, I feel like I’ve gained extra storage just by using these shelves. Honestly, I’m even considering buying another set while they’re on sale because I keep finding new spots where they’d be useful.

'If you need to maximize storage in your kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere with limited space, these are a must-have. I absolutely love them!'

So, don't delay upgrading your storage ideas until after the holidays – enjoy stress-free, seamless hosting with everything you need, right where you need it.

What to Shop

These holiday hosting tips from professionals are also sure to reduce stress and save time.

Getting my seedling heat mat out is at the top of my winter houseplant care regime, as it helps to control the growing environment of my plants when the room temperature suddenly drops. What's even better, I've just spotted Walmart are offering two seedling heat mats for just $17 – a bargain that will allow you to keep lots of houseplants warm this winter.

By placing houseplants on top of these heat mats, they can grow in a consistent warm temperature, keeping them happy through the coldest months. And not only is the current deal from Walmart good value for money, the 4.6 star ratings rave about the mats' reliability, efficiency, and high-quality construction.

Why I use a seedling heat mat to keep houseplants warm

Houseplants are not the first thing you would think to use a seedling heat mat for, but I promise it's the secret weapon to avoid common winter houseplant care mistakes.

When winter comes around, you can feel room temperatures drop –and so can your plants. This drastic change can impact them in a number of ways, from drooping foliage to browning leaf tips.

On top of this, it's a common error to not adjust houseplant watering in winter. As the plants' growth slows down at this time of year, they don't take up so much water. Excessive moisture in their soil mixed with cold temperatures can accelerate issues like houseplant root rot.

This is where my handy seedling heat mat saves the day. Providing a stable warm temperature (ideally between 65-75°F for many of the best tropical indoor plants) stops these symptoms from happening.

The warmth from beneath the plants also helps soil to dry more quickly, reducing the likelihood of oversaturation and root rot.

A word of warning with this hack: it isn't always ideal to place a houseplant pot directly onto the surface of a heat mat. This can be a too-hot environment (depending on the temperature of the heat mat and needs of your plants), drying soil too quickly and dehydrating or burning roots.

I avoid this by simply placing plastic plant trays (from Amazon) in between the the heat mat and my plant pot as a buffer.

What shoppers love about the Walmart seedling heat mats

The Walmart seedling heat mats have positive reviews from satisfied customers who say they work efficiently:

'This worked way better than I ever thought it would. This mat made my marigold seeds sprout in two days,' one shopper writes.

As an indoor growing system to keep houseplants warm in winter, one customer shares:

'I used these to wrap around a very large pot for an indoor tree. They hold the soil a few degrees above ambient temperature and have a lot of surface area.'

This perfectly demonstrates the versatility of the Walmart seedling heat mats. Plus, after the winter months have passed and your houseplants no longer need the extra warmth, you can add it to your kit for sowing seeds in spring.

The reviews also reveal the seedling heat mats hold up over time, with shoppers calling them reliable and highly constructed.

A downside to the Walmart seedling heat mats is that you can't adjust the temperature. The description notes it maintains a temperature between 70-85°F.

'I wish it had a temperature control, but it's great for the price,' one person writes.

You can purchase seedling heat mats with a thermostat (like this from Amazon), though they're typically sold at a higher price than Walmart's two seedling heat mats for $17.

You can also get around this temperature control issue. For example, as I mentioned above, by placing a fire-safe buffer (like these plastic plant trays from Amazon) in between the mat and your plants to make it less intense for plant roots.

Of course, the impact of this temperature control issue also depends on what you're using the seedling heat mats for:

'Not too hot, not too cold. I used them under two terrariums made from old aquariums,' one person shares. 'My caladiums and fittonias loved them,' they note.

The best thing to do is research optimal temperatures for the plants you intend to use the heat mats for and act accordingly.

Shop our houseplant winter essentials edit

If you're new to looking after houseplants, consider adding some of the best winter houseplants to your home this season. These are indoor plants that are better suited to low-light, cold conditions. And if any of you houseplants do experience symptoms from dropping temperatures, read our advice on how to revive houseplants from cold damage.

When it comes to Christmas table decor, I never hold back – for me, it’s all about layers of colour, texture, and personality. Tablescaping has become a highlight of hosting for so many, and this year I’ve completely fallen for the Anthropologie entertaining collection, which perfectly blends whimsy and elegance for a show-stopping festive feast. Whether your vibe is cosy, glamorous, or delightfully over-the-top, the right pieces can completely transform the mood.

With hosting duties officially underway and a maximalist brief I’m fully committed to, here’s everything I’m shopping to create the ultimate Christmas table – and all the pieces I think you’ll want on yours too.

Even better, the Anthropologie Black Friday sale has just kicked off, meaning many of these standout pieces are now reduced – a rare chance to snap up whimsical serveware, luxe napkin rings, and statement tableware at a fraction of the usual price.

I like to mix old family favourites with new discoveries, layering tartan, festive linens, and quirky serveware so that every place feels personal and full of character. It should feel inviting rather than overly styled – a table that encourages laughter, conversation, and maybe even the occasional spill.

When it comes to choosing pieces for your Christmas table, my advice is simple: don’t buy something just because it’s trending. Equally, you don’t have to stick solely to boring 'timeless' items – the key is to select pieces that genuinely spark joy. I’m drawn to items that make me smile every time I see them, whether it’s a playful pattern, a splash of colour, or a whimsical detail. After all, a table that brings delight is far more memorable than one that simply follows the rules.

The Pieces I’m Using to Build the Ultimate Christmas Table

Beyond the table itself, I’ve found that it’s the little finishing touches around the room that truly make the difference. Christmas decorating isn’t just about matching colours or sticking to a theme – it’s about creating moments of surprise and delight. A carefully placed candle, a quirky ornament on a sideboard, or a small festive vignette on a windowsill can transform the space and instantly make your home feel more magical.

And remember, the most memorable celebrations aren’t about perfection – they’re about crafting a space that reflects your personality and makes guests feel truly welcome. Whether you’re layering textures, blending heirlooms with new finds, or experimenting with unexpected pops of colour, let your creativity take the lead. When it comes to Christmas decorating, trust your instincts and embrace whatever brings you joy.

It’s certainly the approach she took when rescuing this maisonette from crumbling ruin. First working out the spatial planning and functionality, Orla then layered color and texture into multipurpose spaces to really suit how the family, a couple with two children, likes to live.

While imbued with brilliant proportions and high ceilings (even on the lower ground floor), the actual footprint of the house design across the two stories of this west London garden square apartment wasn’t large.

‘When it was bought, it was a total shambles,’ says Orla of peeling wallpaper, bathroom hardware falling away from the walls, and curtains torn and shredded. There were oddities too, like the ‘enormous staircase at the end of the hallway that gave the apartment a sense of grandeur – yet ironically only goes up to the smallest of rooms, a compact study which used to be the only bathroom in the home,’ says Orla.

She diligently carved out three double bedrooms with bathrooms, large kitchen and living spaces, as well as a utility room, cellar, and bike store, ensuring there were areas where the family could be both apart and together, and where nothing feels too precious. ‘Each room doesn’t feel too personal to anyone in particular, but each one has a special appeal and character,’ says Orla.

The team rewired and replumbed before repainting, reupholstering, and recycling old and vintage pieces. The designer focused on using ‘natural, warm materials – walnut, oak, stone, wool, and linen – and cosseting hues, such as creamy taupe, tobacco, forest green, and dusty pink.’

Working against this earthy neutral base allowed everything else – ‘paintings, heirlooms, lacquered pieces, clever finds from eBay’ – to sing, explains Orla. Certain elements were worth the splurge – for example, the wildly patterned quartzite used for the kitchen countertop and splashback, and the burr walnut lining the kitchen cabinets – while savings were made by using a mix of affordable tiles in different shapes and patterns in the bathrooms, and working with joiner Ed Keyser to cost-effectively customize shelving.

Central to the scheme was creating a knockout kitchen. ‘The clients are both madly into cooking and hosting, so it needed to be convivial but chic, classic but not too fussy, bold and robust,’ Orla recalls. ‘But equally I didn’t want it to feel like a standard kitchen in any form.’

Previously the living room, with another smaller space attached, they knocked through to join the two rooms together, meaning ‘the kids can play and have their friends over, watch TV, get cozy, but they can all be connected directly – and in between the two spaces we created a really cool bar.’

While the upstairs drawing room, laterally spacious and filled with abundant light, is ideal for cocktails and conversation, the lower ground floor – previously a mess of breeze-block walls and no functioning, livable rooms – is now ‘a little wonderland,’ says Orla. Here, the former kitchen is now the kids’ bedroom; plumbing was dug in for the three bathrooms and utility room; the hallway was lined with storage for all the kids’ toys; and two further bedrooms were created.

Art brings a zing to every room. Luckily, the clients had a great collection of art and antiques from their previous home. ‘We’ve blended art that was inherited, some of it grand, some of it not, as well as what they’ve collected over time,’ says Orla. ‘That eclectic balance gives the house energy.’

That liveliness extends to how the family entertains, especially at Christmas, when the fragrance of frankincense, cinnamon, panettone, and bitterballen (a moreish deep-fried beef croquette, a nod to the wife’s Dutch heritage) fills the air. Candles scented with fir, citrus, and chestnut burn brightly, bowls overflow with nuts and clementines, music booms from the record player, cocktails are being shaken, and fairy lights twinkle in every room. ‘It’s very, very festive, and everyone feels welcome,’ says Orla.

We're currently taking holiday decor inspiration from one specific post, which features her bright, white-lit Christmas tree.

The traditional tree showcases white lights, red ornaments (much like these stunning pieces from Crate & Barrel), and a gold star topper, all perfectly embodying the classic Christmas decor aesthetic. It's an excellent demonstration of how a classically styled tree can be made unique through its chosen accessories.

Shop the traditional Christmas tree edit

The 'white light vs. colorful Christmas tree lights' debate is ongoing. However, experts on how to choose the perfect Christmas lights suggest that white lights, like Barrymore's, are especially effective for creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere during the winter season.

'Use a mix of ribbons, tinsel, ornaments, and lights to really elevate your trees,' suggests design expert Rebecca Baddeley. 'Cool, white lighting [like Barrymore's] is particularly effective for creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.'

We suggest pairing these lights with red and gold ornaments, just as the actress has, for a look that remains stylish year after year, perfect for the enduring festive season. 'You can put these items away knowing they'll look just as fashionable next December,' comments our head of celebrity style news, Megan Slack.

'Red, white, and gold are utterly classic for a reason – and Barrymore just gave us yet another reason to invest in confidence. Who can really argue with her?'

It might sound hyperbolic, but it's true: starting with the 12 Days of Christmas table runner, layering up the Christmas in the Country dinner plates, and not forgetting the Holiday Tree serving platters, my dream table would be a riot of festive prints and nostalgic colors. Nostalgia, after all, is at the top of the list when it comes to holiday decor themes for Christmas 2025.

What I love most about Pottery Barn is the sheer variety of tableware on offer – whether you are, in fact, planning a minimalist tablescape, or you share my love for a more elaborate look. Pottery Barn's dinnerware and entertaining sale even features a selection of barware, so you can perfect your home bar setup, too. I've got my eye on the candy cane-inspired Etched Glass Swirl decanter.

Just in time for holiday entertaining, Pottery Barn's tableware is up to 60% off – and it's the perfect opportunity to give your hosting closet a seasonal upgrade. Check out my favorite pieces below.

Shop Pottery Barn's Holiday Entertaining Sale

If you're desperate to create a nostalgic Christmas look, I'd say you simply have to check out the Pottery Barn X Norman Rockwell 2025 Christmas tableware collection. (Yes, it's also in the sale.)

The tennis pro purchased her Spanish Mediterranean-style home North of Miami in 2015 and conducted a gut renovation, transforming the interiors into their current modern, minimalist state. She worked with her sister, Venus Williams's, award-winning design firm V Starr to bring her lofty vision to life over a period of five years. We're especially enthralled by her dining room lighting technique, which involves over 20 carefully chosen pendants.

Through a combination of black, gold, and pink glass lights (this mid-century modern pendant from Wayfair is a stylish alternative), the team creates a look that is both sculptural and grounded for a visually striking but liveable finish. Let's take a look.

According to experts, the combination of a variety of lights, as seen in Serena's home, is one of the best methods for bringing warmth into your home as the weather chills this season. It's the perfect formula for lighting a cozy dining room.

Lena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse explains: 'My top tip for the winter is to layer your lighting to create the perfect, cozy atmosphere in your home. This impacts not only the look and feel of our homes but also our well-being. Consider the function and purpose of the lighting, as well as the mood you'd like to create.'

Recreate Serena's Look at Home

If you want to use lighting to transform your home as Serena has done, multiple pendants is a great place to start. However, you can also layer lighting effectively using a variety of different sources to create a storied, warm feel. This look feels at once in line with lighting trends, and completely timeless.

Lena advises: 'General mood lighting, such as a ceiling pendant, helps illuminate a space during the darker nights, whilst task lighting, such as table lamps, usually serves a specific purpose and can be used for reading corners in a bedroom or living room. A room must have more than one type of lighting as this will allow for flexibility and for the look and feel of a room to be instantly transformed at the flip of a switch.'

Lights are more than simple illumination for a room; they add shape, texture, dimension, and color to a room. The more you have, the more chance there is to create an impact.

Heating a greenhouse allows for a number of winter greenhouse uses, including growing plants from seed and overwintering tender perennials. This Air Choice greenhouse heater with a digital thermostat from Amazon makes this effortless to do, even if you only have a smaller portable greenhouse.

It's one of the best I've come across, currently on sale for just $90 (cheaper than models of a similar size and design). It's a reliable investment that will transform your unheated greenhouse into a winter escape for the plants that need it most. Customers have given it a 4.5 star rating and say, 'whether you need quick warmth in a garage, greenhouse, grow tent, or even indoors, this heater delivers consistent and efficient heat exactly where you need it.'

Why heat a greenhouse in winter?

One of the top greenhouse jobs for November is heating it, in preparation for a number of winter uses.

In particular, heating your greenhouse creates an ideal spot for propagating plants from cuttings, growing plants from seed, and overwintering tender perennials that can't cope with the coldest conditions.

While there are ways to heat a greenhouse cheaply, including using bubble wrap to insulate windows, this doesn't offer a way to control temperatures – something important for the likes of achieving the minimal temperature for seedlings in a greenhouse.

That's where the Air Choice Amazon greenhouse heater with a digital thermostat comes in, offering a way to provide a consistent temperature and controlled environment during winter. Plus, it's made from fireproof materials for safe, worry-free use.

Why shoppers love this greenhouse heater

One of the top selling points for customers is the fact the Air Choice Amazon greenhouse heater with a digital thermostat has multiple settings to choose from.

'I like that it has three heat settings and an adjustable thermostat, so I can control the temperature instead of it just blasting non-stop,' one five-star reviewer writes.

Not only this, but shoppers also note its efficiency is excellent:

'It heats up very quickly, and the built-in thermostat helps maintain a steady temperature without constantly turning it on and off,' one reviewer writes.

As for moving this Amazon greenhouse heater with a digital thermostat to the right position, shoppers haven't struggled getting it set up.

'It's a nice size and lightweight enough to move around easily,' one person writes.

Kitted out with fire-safety functions, including overheat protection and the thermostat providing stable performance, customers express their trust in the fact it is a safe product to use:

'Safety was a big concern for me, especially using it in a greenhouse, and the overheat protection gives peace of mind,' one person writes. 'It automatically shuts off if it gets too hot, which is a big plus when leaving it on for longer periods,' they add.

Perhaps the one downside to note is the fact it measures 8.6 inches tall, ideal for mini greenhouses, DIY greenhouses, and portable greenhouses, but taking longer to warm up larger greenhouses.

Users should also be aware it isn't cordless, posing a tripping hazard. Though, this is easily rectified by placing it carefully in your greenhouse, out of pathways.

As for the price, $90 is quite expensive even with the 10% discount. But, this is more affordable than other greenhouse heaters on the market.

Plus, the fact this will turn your unheated greenhouse into a controlled environment for growing in winter will provide you with new plants and save those that otherwise wouldn't survive frost, making it a worthwhile investment.

Just don't forget to also ventilate your greenhouse when using this heater, to prevent a build-up of excessive moisture and humidity.

Shop other winter greenhouse essentials:

Don't forget to also kit out your greenhouse to make the most of it in winter. This includes getting some shelving in place for organized storage and installing a water source.

So when I spotted Staub cookware with hundreds of dollars off at Target, I was thrilled. At Homes & Gardens, it’s my job to help readers choose the best non-toxic cookware that is free from forever chemicals.

Staub is one of the best brands I've tested, with non-toxic, heirloom-worthy pieces Gwyneth Paltrow herself loves – and with such huge discounts, they are suddenly within reach.

My Top Picks from the Staub Sale at Target

I only recommend cookware brands I've tried and thoroughly tested for consideration for our best cookware guide. These are the pieces from the Staub sale I would personally recommend, but you can also scroll the Target sale for yourself – the deals are huge.

If you're also keen on non-toxic cooking, I recently found a great non-toxic cutting board deal on another tried-and-tested brand.

It's my job to test the best clean-eating products, so I've got a guide to choosing the best non-toxic air fryers and non-toxic coffee makers, too.

Before the worst of the winter weather arrives, there may be time for some pruning, planting, and mulching, as well as collecting leaves and getting all your plants adequately protected ahead of the frost.

I worked year-round outdoors as a professional gardener in zone 8 in the UK, and there was no let-up in November. The to-do list was brimming with important jobs to keep the garden looking at its best, prepare it for winter, and ensure it bounced back as you’d expect come spring. To help you plan your late fall, I have identified seven tasks to add to your fall gardening checklist to get your yard in top shape.

7 late fall garden jobs you shouldn't skip

Whether or not the time is right to complete all of these tasks will depend on your US hardiness zone. Those in mild or warmer climates should still have time before the temperatures plummet and freezing winds arrive to complete some of the following jobs.

1. Do some pruning

Late fall pruning is not ideal for all plants, but there may be time to start trimming some deciduous plants that go dormant for winter. The window for pruning opens in November and runs till around March.

Provided the temperatures are not freezing, you may have an opportunity to prune ornamental trees, fruit trees, soft fruit bushes, and some herbaceous perennials. To find more pruning inspiration, our guides to plants to prune in November and trees to prune in November showcase those you can trim this month, along with tips for each.

However, not all plants are suited to pruning this month. It would be a pruning mistake to trim spring-flowering shrubs, for example, as you would cut off the buds to carry next year’s blooms. For more tips, we reveal some perennials not to cut back in fall.

Keep your pruning tools clean and sharp before pruning this late fall. A pocket-sized tool sharpener like this from Amazon can be a useful tool for keeping pruning shears or loppers sharp while out in the garden.

2. Move plants

Late fall offers a window to lift and transplant shrubs or perennials if they are in the wrong place, or if you are having a redesign of flower beds or borders.

Moving plants during dormancy avoids overly-stressing them. The cooler temperatures and moist soil of the fall are ideal, with the only caveat being that you want to get them shifted before the ground freezes in winter.

To transplant a shrub or perennial, dig a large circle around the plant to lift it from the ground with a lot of soil remaining on the rootball. Plant it again in its new home, and give it a thorough watering and a few inches of mulch.

If a perennial plant has gotten overgrown, it can also be a good time to divide plants. Do this by splitting the clump with a sharp spade or knife, and replanting each section wherever it is desirable.

3. Mulch beds and borders

Mulching is an always-recommended fall gardening task, and there is still time to do it. Provided the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged, adding a 2-3 inch layer of organic types of mulch offers many benefits to your plants.

In a nutshell, mulching flower beds or mulching a vegetable garden in the fall retains moisture in the soil, suppresses weeds, provides an insulating layer for roots against frost, and also boosts soil nutrients as it breaks down. All of these help your plants through winter and beyond.

The best fall mulching materials include compost, leaf mold or wood chips, such as this all-natural organic mulch at Walmart. Spread the organic material evenly, but never pile it against tree trunks or shrub stems, as this mulching mistake risks the plant rotting.

For an easy alternative, you can also use cardboard as mulch if you have lots of old boxes around the house. Remove any tape, labels and staples, overlap a few layers of cardboard, and soak them to help them stay in place.

You can get cardboard rolls to avoid laying out lots of individual boxes. For example, this corrugated cardboard roll at Amazon is 12 inches wide and over 30 feet long and will cover lots of ground. Such a roll is also ideal for making no-dig garden beds, just cover the cardboard with a thick layer of compost.

4. Add bare-root plants

Bare-root plants are commonly available from late fall onwards, and they offer a budget-friendly way to plant a large selection of trees and shrubs, both ornamental and edible, as well as hedging plants. They are added to a garden when dormant, and arrive without a container or soil around the roots.

You can plant bare-root trees or shrubs in late fall or early winter, provided the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged. It is advisable to soak the roots of bare-root plants for at least an hour before planting and to add organic matter, like compost or well-rotted manure, to the planting site.

There are so many trees and shrubs you can get bare-root in late fall, it would be impossible to list them all. To mention just a few, the likes of maple, beech, birch, crabapple and many fruit trees can be planted this way. When it comes to shrubs, you can get bare-root roses, viburnum, mahonia, forsythia, and many more.

If you are interested in adding fruit to your garden, our piece on fruits to plant in November reveals lots of bare-root options you can pick from for years of delicious harvests.

5. Collect leaves

If you’ve still got fallen leaves over your lawn or driveway, take advantage of this valuable natural resource by collecting leaves and making use of them. Use those fallen leaves to mulch plants, make leaf mold, or add to the compost to boost your future soil health.

You can be selective of where you collect leaves from, rather than trying to clear every square inch of your garden. Always collect leaves from your lawn to prevent bare patches of grass or disease issues over winter. And diligently remove them from paths and driveways for safety, to stop them from becoming a slip hazard. However, leaves can be left on flower beds to mulch plants and provide shelter to wildlife.

It is advisable to shred leaves you collect before using them as mulch, so they break down quickly. Chopping them up also speeds up the process of making leaf mold. This can be done by going over the leaves with a lawn mower or using a leaf mulcher.

Alternatively, you can get machines that collect and mulch leaves, such as this 3-in-1 leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher at Amazon.

6. Finish planting spring bulbs

You can plant spring bulbs in late fall, but it is best to finish planting them sooner rather than later, just to make sure it is a job ticked off before the ground freezes.

While September and October are ideal for planting daffodil bulbs, snowdrops, crocus and alliums, these spring bulbs can most certainly still go in the ground in November. When it comes to planting tulips, November is actually a great time to plant them to avoid tulip fire as the temperatures are colder and less inviting for the fungus that spreads the disease.

Many new gardeners wonder how deep to plant their bulbs, and the general answer is two to three times their depth. This can be done using a trowel, but a quicker way is to use a bulb planter.

To plant bulbs in late fall, you can get bulb planters with depth markers to help (such as this bulb planter tool at Amazon) or long-handled bulb planters to reduce bending (like this long-handled bulb planter tool at Walmart).

7. Protect vulnerable plants

If you haven’t finished lifting or protecting vulnerable plants in your garden ahead of the frost, get it done ASAP.

Finish all the stages you need to take to overwinter a garden before the end of fall, so you can sit back safe in the knowledge that you are taking no unnecessary risks by subjecting your plants to temperatures they can't survive.

There are many potential ways to protect plants from frost, and those vulnerable plants include tender or tropical plants, half-hardy or borderline perennials, and any young seedlings. Bring tender plants indoors in November, overwinter pot plants indoors or in a protected space, and cover vulnerable seedlings with cloches or cold frames.

Plants can also be wrapped in horticultural fleece or burlap to protect them from the elements. Meanwhile, tender perennials such as dahlias or canna lilies can be lifted and stored, and plants in containers can be moved together for winter for extra warmth.

Before the end of fall, look around the garden to see what still needs some protection in your climate, and make a plan for how best to do it. Get every vulnerable plant protected before it is too late.

Shop essentials to protect plants from frost

There are some other late fall garden jobs you shouldn’t skip that can be done indoors on wet days. These include cleaning and disinfecting any indoor growing space, and insulating a greenhouse with bubble wrap to protect plants that may be spending winter in there.

Sticking sheets of bubble wrap to the inside of the glass is recommended when winterizing an unheated greenhouse, as the material retains heat in the structure while also allowing essential light to reach the plants.

Now, the storied grounds are on the market for $8 million, and the estate blends its rich heritage with mid-century modern details.

Comprised of a 3,678 square foot main residence, a one-bedroom guest house, and a studio apartment above the garage, we can now see how the expansive property once hosted parties for hundreds of guests. Let's take a closer look inside.

Walking into the main foyer, guests are greeted by reclaimed wood floors, high ceilings, and plenty of natural light streaming through the windows, giving view of the lush greenery surrounding the home.

The open-concept living and dining room is a mid-century modern mecca, with a chrome, arc floor lamp, and low-profile sofas. The white-painted ceiling beams give the space an airy, expansive feel.

Meanwhile, the all-white kitchen leans more modern, with both island stools and a small, round table for dining. The pendant lights add dimension and volume to the room.

The den is the ultimate hideaway, with rich browns creating a cocoon-like feel, from the leather sofas to the wood bookshelves.

The primary bedroom (one of six) is a layered, neutral oasis, with a textured, brown headboard, beige rug (we love this one from Macy's for a similar look), and fluffy, twin ottomans.

Shop the look

The primary bathroom sees a dash of green via its intricate tiling in the shower, complementing the wood and white fixtures beautifully.

If that wasn't enough, there is also an outdoor shower for those who prefer to rinse off in the sun.

The pool is also an outdoor highlight, with its lovely lounge seats and bright umbrellas.

Jane Russell's former home is co-listed between Kate Blackwood and Santa Van Der Laarse.

Kourtney Kardashian is an example of someone who embraced this pared-back style, having shared a photo of her lightly decorated tree. Though its accessories are minimal, featuring simple string lights that add a subtle shimmer to the greenery, the sheer scale of the tree still makes a strong statement.

This look is extremely simple to reproduce, making it appealing for those of us with limited time who wish to achieve a chic, understated, yet traditional Christmas tree in our homes during the holiday season. To try this, experiment with a streamlined tree topper and some soft string lights (like these from Target) for a minimal, Scandi-style tree.

Shop the look

Kardashian's home is well-known for its minimalist decor – an aesthetic that is often challenging to adapt over the holidays. Yet, Kardashian's tree (along with those of other celebrities who have adopted this style) serves as a reminder that one can be both pared-back and festive simultaneously.

'Many people shy away from traditional Christmas colors in a minimalist home, thinking it will clash with their aesthetic. But trust me, with a little creativity, you can create a festive atmosphere that's both stylish and sophisticated,' remarks Ola Jordan, an interior designer at EZ Living Furniture. Keeping your Christmas tree minimalist is one way to achieve this – but adding texture throughout the room is just as crucial for a cozy winter feel.

'Texture becomes even more important in a neutral space [like Kardashian's]. Think of layers of natural materials like wool, linen, sheepskin, and wood. A chunky knit throw draped over a sofa, a sheepskin rug warming the floor, and a collection of wooden candle holders on the mantelpiece,' Jordan explains. 'These elements add warmth and visual interest without relying on color.'

Barbra Streisand's outdoor furniture idea is a wonderful inspiration for those who hope to bring the indoors out. The actor took to Instagram to share a shot from the backyard of her sprawling Malibu compound. It features an unseasonably flourishing Wisteria plant (Wisteria seeds are on sale at Amazon for those who hope to recreate her look). However, the most striking element is her outdoor space is the white wicker furniture.

Wicker furniture has been around for thousands of years, and has recently been used as a stand-out feature of coastal interiors. However, one of the reasons for its longevity is that it can be used both indoors and outdoors. Thus, Barbra's staple is emerging as a major outdoor design trend for 2026.

Lena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse, explains: 'The biggest outdoor living trend of 2026 is the blending together of indoor and outdoor spaces. As boundaries between indoor and outdoor living are becoming increasingly blurred, garden furniture now mirrors interior design aesthetics, with pieces like wicker and rattan furniture adding warmth and texture to outdoor spaces. This creates cohesive environments that extend the comfort and style of the home into the garden.'

Recreate Barbra's Look at Home

Luckily, Barbra's look is just as attainable as it is stunning. Shopping rattan and wicker pieces is the perfect place to start.

'Gardens and outdoor spaces have fast become an extension of our living areas so it’s important to consider ways in which you can style these spaces to be both beautiful and practical,' advises Lena. 'Rattan furniture will create a laid-back feel and can be adorned with bold scatter cushions to complement the colour scheme of your garden. From lounge chairs to dining suites, rattan instantly adds relaxed character and style to your garden.'

The outdoor can be just as striking as the interior of a home. Barbra Streisand's patio is proof.

If your drawers are pure chaos, you can never find what you’re looking for, or they get regularly jammed and won’t open, compartmentalizing the contents with my favorite set of 25 stackable drawer organizers from Amazon is the way forward.

I’ve already used them in my kitchen, living room, and bedrooms, as they are such a simple tidying tip that makes a real difference. They’re only $16 for the full set, reduced for Black Friday, and 30,000 Amazon shoppers bought them in the last month alone.

Why Shoppers Love These Stackable Drawer Organizers

I love this affordable set of clear plastic trays, which comes with four different sizes in each pack of 25. It's also available in opaque colors, including pink, white, and pastel green. The price point means they work out at just 80 cents a piece, and though they are made from plastic, the carbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were measured, reduced, and offset by the manufacturer, and certified by ClimeCo Certified.

I like to be more sustainable at home, so those type of climate-friendly features are a big bonus when I am shopping, especially with big retailers like Amazon. With this particular tray set, which I have bought for my home multiple times over, I have kept track of its popularity all year, and it truly never wanes, with up to 40,000 shoppers a month taking the plunge.

And no wonder – the trays are versatile, useful, easy to clean, won't slide around, and are a very quick way to improve the functionality of your small storage space. They come with four sizes included so you can maximize your drawer space, whatever its dimensions: 9 x 6 x 2 inches (3 pieces), 9 x 3x 2 inches (6 pcs), 6 x 3 x 2 inches (8 pcs), 3 x 3 x 2 inches (8 pcs).

I’ve used these across my home to tidy up jammed drawers, a messy vanity, and to get my daughter’s vast collection of crafting materials into a sensible order, and it made each daunting decluttering task less overwhelming. Last month alone, 30,000 Amazon shoppers bought this set, and they hold an average rating of 4.7/5 stars.

Verified shopper, ‘TWB’ gave the set five stars, noting they were great for organizing drawers, adding, ‘We have purchased these twice, using them to organize our junk drawer, desk drawers, and bathroom drawers. The variety of sizes fit our needs. We have actually increased our storage while still being able to find things. The clear plastic appears to be of high quality. The included rubber feet are easy to attach and work well to keep the bins from moving around.

Another shopper, Jean, says they’re ‘perfect for organizing the little things in life’, expanding on their five-star review with, ‘These little organizers are exactly what I needed to organize my massive junk drawer! The multiple sizes are perfect for organizing the big and the little things that can be hard to find when you need them quickly.

'They're easy to use and well-made for drawers, and can be used in the kitchen, office, laundry, bathrooms, or wherever you have small things to organize. They come with little rubber stickers to adhere to the bottom. Those were easy to put on and worked well to keep things in place.’

I’ve found that those little rubber dots also help them stack without sliding around.

How to Use Organizing Trays to Sort Messy Drawers

The good thing about these 80-cent Amazon trays is that they force you to categorize or group like items together. This is a fundamental decluttering tip every professional organizer I’ve ever spoken to swears by, as it helps you instantly identify costly duplicates, trash, and items that have lost their way from a more convenient and suitable storage space elsewhere in your home.

When I put these trays into play, I do a mini decluttering challenge in that drawer space. It’s amazing how much stuff you actually get rid of then and there.

This makes the 80-cent Amazon trays a really easy way to prompt a sensible, clear-out, especially if you usually find it hard to let go of items, or don’t know where to start when streamlining.

I like to use the didn’t know method for drawer content. If I didn't know I had an item, or had forgotten it existed, it can be recycled, donated, sold, or trashed.

Clutter accumulation in drawers is quite normal. They make things look outwardly more organized, but hidden storage has a habit of allowing you to squirrel away a lot of items without further thinking of whether you really need to keep them or not.

Many of us are stressed by the stress of visual clutter in living rooms or bedrooms, areas where we should be able to relax, and therefore, it’s often easier to shove an item into a drawer and forget about it rather than figure out where it should properly live.

That’s where a good set of organizing trays can be really handy, allowing you to use the full height of your drawer well, whilst still being able to employ a sensible organizing system and find what you need, when you need it.

Dana White, professional organizer and founder of A Slob Comes Clean, adds, ‘Decluttering and organizing are two separate things. Focus on the decluttering first and get the trash, obvious donations, and a real idea of what you need in this space.’

I spoke to Dana last month for an in-depth reveal of what her coveted Five-Day Clutter Shakedown involves, and it’s the perfect decluttering method to apply when putting your new Amazon trays into play.

In a nutshell:

1. Remove all obvious trash: Grab the stuff that is visible (more will become apparent as you clear out).
2. Deal with the easy things: Take anything that has a permanent home to that spot.
3. Obvious donations: Things that can easily be given away should go straight into a box or bag and be taken to the thrift store when you’re done at home.
4. Obvious question: Anything left can be sorted out easily with a simple question: If I needed this, where would I look for it first? That’s the answer to where that item truly belongs. Otherwise, you might not need it, and therefore, it’s easy to say goodbye to it.

What to Shop

You can save space by using vertical storage, which is particularly handy when considering small space storage ideas. Alternatively, leaning into hidden storage ideas can keep visual clutter low and make use of otherwise 'dead' spaces in your home.

Which is why we are currently seeing the rise of the soft kitchen, an ode to comfortable interiors and celebrating the kitchen as the heart of the home. And it's a shift that interior designers are enjoying and encouraging.

But what makes a kitchen 'soft' and how can you create the look in your own home? Here's everything you need to know about this reimagined cozy kitchen look, and interior designers' favorite ways to decorate in the style.

What's the Appeal of a 'Soft Kitchen'?

A soft kitchen really is as it sounds. Softer edges, warming colors, and cozy decor combine to create a space that, while still functional, doubles up as an inviting room to spend time in beyond cooking, dining, and cleaning.

It's about introducing softer elements, like throw cushions on seating, upholstered bar stools, layered window treatments, and even designing a space that hides appliances for a less functional look.

'Soft kitchens feel warmer, more relaxed, and more like living spaces than sleek, utilitarian kitchens. The appeal lies in creating a space that feels social and inviting, reflecting how clients use the kitchen for gathering, working, and unwinding rather than just cooking,' explains Cath Beckett, co-founder of Yellow London.

'We achieve this through focusing on comfort and character. Natural materials, bursts of color, and layered textures help soften the space, while elements like upholstered seating, colorful rugs, wall or table lights, and artwork make it feel more homey.'

It coincides with the shift towards open plan and multi-functional spaces, which means our kitchens not only need to look more cohesive with our living spaces, but they also need to cater to our every need, whether it's a homework station-meets dining space, or a prep area that doubles as a home bar.

'In my opinion, kitchens are no longer just work zones; they’re the heart of the home. Clients want them to feel warm, inviting, and connected to the rest of their living spaces. A soft kitchen blurs the line between function and comfort; it’s where design meets daily life,' says Michelle Murphy, founder and designer at DEMI RYAN.

'Soft Kitchens are popular now because people are craving comfort and connection. After years of minimalist kitchens that felt a bit sterile, there’s a real desire for spaces that feel personal and lived-in. We’re seeing a shift toward texture, warmth, and character, layers of natural materials that age beautifully, and finishes that invite you in rather than keep you at arm’s length,' she adds.

How to Create a Soft Kitchen

Creating a soft kitchen is easier than you might expect. The features and details you introduce will depend on how much of a refresh you want to give your space, but designers assure it's an easy look to embrace.

'Kitchens have long been the heart of most homes. Given that we spend so much time here, it’s natural we’d want our kitchen to be a delightfully sensorial space that feels as good as it looks. Soft kitchens are warm and wonderfully inviting; they prioritize not only functionality but also the tactile experience of being in the space,' says interior designer Kathy Kuo.

From refined storage styles and freestanding furniture to natural materials and softer accents, here are five easy-to-achieve yet utterly stylish ways to soften your kitchen scheme.

1. Introduce Decorative Open Storage

Creating a soft kitchen starts in the bones of your scheme. Kitchen storage is a huge part of the functionality of your space, so consider how you can make it work harder as a decorative element, too.

'The key is to blend the practicality of a kitchen with the atmosphere of a living space. Open shelving, bookcases, glazed display cabinets, and carefully chosen decorative pieces also help soften the space,' says Tom Wicksteed, co-owner and director at 202 Design.

'Art, collected ceramics, and styled open shelving add soul. We also love bringing in furniture-like islands or vintage pieces to break up the expected cabinetry,' adds Michelle.

2. Decorate with Warm, Natural Materials

Texture and materials play a huge part in a soft kitchen. These small details are what create cozier, more inviting schemes that read more like a living space than a utilitarian one.

'If you love the ambiance of a snug, soft kitchen, choose natural materials that imbue a sense of rustic nostalgia. Opt for the warmth of pieces like a reclaimed wood dining table, antique brass hardware, and textural rattan lampshades,' suggests Kathy.

This kitchen is a charming example, where a warm color palette combines with natural materials through the rattan pendant lights (the Marion Woven Cone Pendant from Pottery Barn is a timeless choice) and the rustic wooden countertop on the kitchen island. These more tactile materials instantly feel soft, inviting, and far from sterile.

3. Layer Your Kitchen Lighting

We always talk about the effect a well-considered and curated lighting scheme can have on the overall atmosphere in a kitchen, and it's a key element to make your kitchen feel softer. And it's all about layered lighting.

'Bring in warm task lighting with a table lamp on the counter or island, and install dimmer switches (or use dimmable bulbs) so you can control the intensity of the light at any given time. And, of course, decorate with candles liberally (truly, the more candlelight, the better!),' says Kathy.

Take it one step further by introducing tactile materials through your lighting, like in this design. A fabric pendant light above an island, like the Allegra Rattan and Linen Dome Pendant by Jake Arnold, instantly feels softer, while a counter lamp creates the cozier ambiance typical of a living room. Something portable, like this Tall Rechargeable Lamp and Putty Lotus Shade from Mrs Alice, is a stylish choice.

4. Incorporate Cozy Textiles

Perhaps an obvious point, but if you want to create a soft kitchen, you'll need to introduce soft features. Rugs, linens, curtains, and even upholstered furniture all come into play here, blending style and function seamlessly.

'When it comes to textiles, incorporate soft runners in kitchen walkways and area rugs in breakfast nooks. Add plush seat cushions to counter stools and dining chairs, and top benches or banquettes with a smattering of throw pillows. Hang floor-to-ceiling drapery above large windows and French doors, and accent small windows with charming café curtains,' says Kathy.

'Don’t be afraid to introduce color or pattern through textiles and upholstery. Try something as simple as a kitchen rug underfoot or framed art can shift the mood instantly,' Michelle suggests.

5. Mix in Custom Features and Freestanding Furniture

Removing harsher materials that you typically find in a kitchen will also help to create that softer look. For Tom, that means looking towards the utilitarian elements of the design and finding ways of making them softer.

'We are using elements such as decorated extractor housings rather than stainless steel canopies, built-in banquette seating, low-level and accent lighting, and soft furnishings such as armchairs or upholstered seating,' explains Tom.

Swapping colder tones like steel for natural options like wood instantly feels a bit more inviting and softens the kitchen almost instantly. Mixing freestanding furniture into your kitchen also creates a cozier, more lived-in feel, whether it's a freestanding island or a beautiful pantry cupboard to break up the continuous line of built-ins.

The rise of soft kitchens reflects the evolution of our cooking spaces from purely utilitarian to something cozier and more lived-in. It's about embracing natural materials, cozy texture, and warm colors to create a kitchen that becomes an extension of our living spaces.

The perfect centerpiece for the all-important Thanksgiving table, a good bouquet can transform a dining setup in an instant. While there are plenty of ways to create a seasonal-inspired arrangement, actor Kristin Davis' fall bouquet has inspired me to get creative this year.

Featuring an array of vibrant stems, Kristin's bouquet is undeniably impressive yet surprisingly easy to create. In a recent video, she shares exactly how she put the seasonal arrangement together.

Shop the Kristin Edit

Kristin's bouquet is the perfect fall arrangement. Featuring reds, oranges (Kristin uses marigolds much like these dried bunches from Etsy), and yellows, it feels refreshingly seasonal yet still timeless. You'll be pleased to know that recreating the look is pretty simple; all you need is a selection of stems (faux or real) and a good pot.

Kristin's fall bouquet is layered with a real array of stems. Following a fall color palette, she creates a seasonal arrangement that feels festive yet still refreshingly elegant.

Kristin begins by taking some generous branches of magnolia leaves and placing them into the pot. These act as the foundation that will keep the delicate stems upright. She then takes her largest flower, the hydrangeas, and slots them in at the heart of the arrangement. Not only are these perfectly seasonal, they contrast beautifully with the deep and dark magnolia leaves.

For some vibrancy, Kristin adds some orange marigolds to the mix. A classic fall foliage decorating idea, they nod to the season and evoke a real autumnal feel. The bright sunflowers do just this and more, bringing another layer of color and life into the display, matched by the dainty yellow tulips and coral-toned roses.

Bringing some height (and festivity) into the equation, the red berry branches are the perfect finishing touch that nod to the season and all of its wintry delights.

Kristin's fall bouquet is impressive. Layered with a variety of seasonal branches and flowers, it's a lesson in creating a fun yet sophisticated display that acknowledges floral trends (hydrangeas are all the rage this season) and timeless, holiday festivity.

Because Christmas decor shows up in such a tight, highly scrutinized window, it’s one of the clearest barometers of how the design world has shifted year over year. The pom-pom treescape that felt magical in 2023 might feel unbelievably tired in 2025. And if that fish motif or scalloped detail wouldn’t fly in your space mid-July, designers argue it has no business being resurrected – even in its most ‘fest-ified’ form – come December.

From where craft crosses into kitsch, to which lighting styles are now a definitive ‘no,’ Homes & Gardens asked designers which Christmas decor trends are officially out for 2025 – so your holiday home shines as brightly as your hosting calendar demands.

1. Cold Minimalism

Words like ‘cool’ and ‘calculated’ aren’t exactly what we associate with Christmas, yet designers say we’ve leaned a bit too hard into both lately. That perfectly pared-back look – once shorthand for taste (remember the monochromatic beige Kardashian Christmases?) – now reads a little flat, even generic. It can signal that everything came from the same big-box store… or from an influencer a season behind.

‘I think people are craving a sense of tradition right now,’ notes Preston Lane founder Preston Konrad. ‘After years of minimalism, clean modern design, and Scandi-themed holiday decor, there is a return to maximalist style and what some would call the ‘old money’ aesthetic. While so fun, I would also avoid anything too kitschy…like Elf on the Shelf, sparkles, or tinsel.’

Instead, blend eras, materials, and provenance. ‘Look for vintage finds and browse local shops for pieces that have character,’ advises Denver-based interior designer Laura Medicus. ‘Mix these in with your DIY creations and family heirlooms to give your home a classic, home-for-the-holidays look that’s unique to you and your family.’

Preston takes a similar approach, suggesting that emotional texture matters more than aesthetic purity. Think ‘Roaring fireplaces, tartan blankets, classic Christmas jazz music, polished silver, mahogany wood, etc,’ he says – details that ‘feel like a country estate during the holidays.’ ‘The goal is to create spaces that feel lived-in, welcoming, and magical without being overdone,’ which is why treating your holiday setup as a kind of lifestyle tableau – say, styling a lacquered burl-wood game box alongside a tartan runner – is what ultimately completes this 'real' holiday feel.

2. Red-and-Green Only

Red and green isn't going extinct – not if revival aesthetics like 'Ralph Lauren Christmas' can help it – but the old rule of committing exclusively to that palette is feeling increasingly forced. Unless you own a lifetime supply of heirloom tartan, North Carolina-based interior designer Grey Joyner says shoehorning the classic colors into every corner reads a little try-hard.

‘People are decorating with colors beyond just the traditional red and green,’ she says. ‘Rather than adapt a space to fit that traditional red and green color palette, we’re seeing people using colors that are already in these spaces: like bold blues, deep navies, teals, lush pinks, and rich eggplants.’

And really, buying an entirely new Christmas color scheme for one month of the year makes little sense (or cents). ‘We appreciate the practicality and cost-effectiveness of this as well because using colors that are already represented in a space means that you won’t feel compelled to purchase tons of extra ‘stuff’ to make the traditional holiday colors work,’ Grey adds. ‘In a season that is already tough on people’s budgets, we like to see a trend that encourages the opposite.’

Her advice is to let your room lead. ‘If you have a space heavy in jewel tones like eggplant, sapphire, and emerald, simply duplicate those colors in your holiday decor and add bits of shine or sparkle with a metal that you also already have in the room,’ she explains. Apply this logic to everything – ribbons, candles, ornaments, garland – and suddenly your holiday palette reads like an extension of your home’s existing story.

3. Colorful Christmas Tree Lights

'For me, the holiday trends that have lost their luster are the overly artificial elements,’ says Helena Clunies-Ross, founder of Helena Clunies-Ross Design. And at the top of her ‘no, thank you’ list are bright, multicolored Christmas lights.

‘They tend to overwhelm rather than enhance, creating a visual noise that distracts from the natural beauty of the tree itself,’ she explains. ‘Likewise, aggressively bright or color-changing lights can strip a space of warmth and atmosphere.’

Her advice is to keep it simple. ‘I recommend using warm, small LED lights and tucking them deep into the branches so the tree glows from within, without any visible wires. The effect is softer, more atmospheric, and allows the tree’s natural shape to shine.’

But if you simply must hold onto color (and fair – it’s one of traditional Christmas’s last true pleasures), Helena suggests approaching it with a little discipline. Stick to a refined tonal palette of one to two tones max, 'to let the green of the tree remain the hero.’

4. Tinsel

Preston Konrad mentioned it briefly, but it’s worth underscoring – several designers agree it’s time for tinsel to retire. Among them is Luxury London–based interior designer Katharine Pooley, who says it best: ‘Tinsel has most certainly lost its shine.’

‘It feels rather nostalgic, reminiscent of the 1980s, and best left in the past,’ Katharine adds. And while design trends are cyclical, she notes that, for now, tinsel ‘lacks the sophistication of today’s interior demand.' Instead, reach for decorations that actually elevate a room. Katharine advises opting for natural or artisanal materials: ‘Felt, glass, and beautifully carved wood are all exquisite choices.’

And for anyone not looking to splurge on tinsel replacements – or who still has a hankering for sparkle – designer Grey Joyner says to start with what’s free.

‘Not everything needs to be ‘bought,’’ she says. ‘Don’t sleep on using things you can find right in your own backyard. I spray painted real magnolia leaves with silver and gold spray paint to add to our fireplace garland and on our tree, and it looked miles better than store-bought and cost significantly less,’ delivering sparkle without the cheap shine.

5. Lack Of Personality

Who lives here? That’s the question designers say your holiday decor should be able to answer. In recent years, anything personal – mismatched ornaments, embroidered stockings, framed family photos – was banished in favor of a ‘clean,’ hyper-curated Christmas. But the tide has turned, and a holiday living room rooted in anonymity is the real faux pas now.

‘I believe we’re shifting towards more natural, authentic-looking Christmas trees, moving away from overly curated and perfect setups. People are embracing sentimental ornaments over matching ensembles, creating a warmer, more genuine holiday look,’ says Shelley McIlroy, Founder & Principal of Shelley McIlroy Design.

Preston Konrad echoes the sentiment: ‘I’m excited about a movement toward more immersive holiday design that gives a lived-in vibe. It’s about creating beautiful spaces that you can live in, and to celebrate and make memories.’

Of course, there’s a balance. That heirloom, storied look only works when the rest of the scene feels varied. It’s paradoxical, but the more familiar the layers – the handmade ornaments, the passed-down baubles, the non–TikTok Shop tree toppers – the less crafty it all feels.

‘For a Christmas tree that feels effortlessly elegant and totally authentic, mix and match a variety of ornaments – especially sentimental heirlooms and handmade treasures,’ Shelley suggests. ‘Arrange them in a laid-back, slightly asymmetrical way, blending soft textures and subtle colors. Bring out the natural charm with pinecones, dried botanicals, and lush greenery, all glowing softly with gentle ambient lights.’

That macaroni star your kid made in class? Turns out it fits right in.

Still not sure where to steer your holiday style this year? According to London-based designer Katharine Pooley, the answer might not be in the home aisle at all – it might be on the high street.

‘I find great inspiration in the way luxury fashion houses interpret the season. Their beautifully conceived store windows and meticulously styled interiors often set the tone for the year’s most refined festive aesthetics. I love observing how they balance tradition with modernity, it always sparks fresh ideas for creating enchantment within the home,’ she muses.

'I was a diehard Chemex person my whole life,' she told the Strategist. 'And I have some good friends who had a baby before me, and they were like, “You’re not gonna wanna do that.” I can tell you right now what you’re not gonna wanna do, and that’s make a Chemex. I’m also not the kind of person who drinks coffee first thing in the morning all the time. I’m more of a 10:30, 11:00 a.m. coffee person. But I really, really rely on it. And I really like my hot black coffee in the morning.'

She revealed that her brewer of choice is none other than the Moccamaster 10-cup coffee maker (available at Amazon), a powerhouse, drip coffee machine that is as stylish as it is efficient.

'I have the white one because I just think it blends more seamlessly into my kitchen,' she explains.

'My cabinets are this kind of bluish color that my landlord will not let me paint. If I had white cabinets, I’d probably pick a pop of color, but because I don’t, I want a more neutral, vanilla-cream color. It makes perfect coffee, and it is sleek and fits in a tight, tiny space, and it’s easy to clean. Anyone can use it. It’s a mechanical system that I understand. The water goes in here, the water drips in the grounds here, and the coffee comes out here. I can use compostable coffee filters. It looks great. I love it.'

We're all for coffee machines that double as stylish countertop decor, and as Alison mentions, the cream color is incredibly versatile. It also comes in red, butter yellow, black and more, giving us plenty of options for different kitchen color schemes.

At under $400, it's a worthwhile investment for a durable, high-end coffee machine. Below, we have rounded up some alternative picks for the drip coffee-curious.

Shop more editor-approved drip coffee makers

Plus, a coffee maker is one part of the puzzle, but the perfect cup is another. I've handpicked my favorites below.

Trust me: I don't mess around when it comes to pecan pie, and I've given this decision some serious thought. The fact of the matter is, I'm ready to add something new to my Thanksgiving menu – and just like my family's own formula, I know that Joanna's is a time-honored recipe (and I'd say it's even more delicious. Sorry, Grandma.) It's even better served up in this stunning scalloped baking dish from Magnolia.

As soon as the recipe was shared by Magnolia Table, I just knew I had to try it. I've spent plenty of time browsing the kitchenware in Joanna Gaines' new cooking show – and now, I can finally recreate one of her signature holiday dishes. It feels a little like getting an invite to the Gaines' Thanksgiving, and I'm not wasting that kind of opportunity.

So, while I'm busy working through my Thanksgiving checklist I'll be spending most of my time in the kitchen, making like Joanna Gaines and perfecting her pecan pie recipe, using her Magnolia laurel green mixing bowls and adding some ceremony by serving it up with her vintage-style pie server. Here's exactly how to make it – just in case you'd like to shake up a few family traditions, too.

Joanna Gaines' Pecan Pie Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, plus more for serving
• 2 teaspoons ancho chile powder (you can pick this up at Walmart)
• 2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
• 1 unbaked deep-dish pie crust, or a 9-inch store-bought, deep-dish version
• Homemade whipped cream, or good-quality store-bought whipped cream

Method

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and lay out your pie crust in your chosen pie dish.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup.
• Whisk the eggs into this mixture, then whisk in the cinnamon and ancho chile powder.
• Stir in the pecans, then pour the mixture into your pie crust.
• Bake for about 1 hour, or until the filling puffs around the edges and is nearly set in the center. According to Joanna, a knife inserted around 2 inches from the center should come out clean.
• Cool the pie on a wire rack, then serve (at room temperature or slightly chilled) with a dollop of whipped cream dusted with cinnamon. The covered pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Shop Joanna Gaines' Pecan Pie Essentials

I'm constantly inspired by Joanna Gaines, but she's perhaps my biggest source of wisdom when it comes to Thanksgiving this year: I'll definitely be investing in some of her favorite green and white vintage tableware, too.

Yes, your favorite brands will always be there to provide some spectacular decor, but who says you can't create your own, too? DIY Christmas decor can help you channel the holiday spirit, providing an excuse to steal a few hours with loved ones and come away with an ornament or decoration that you can keep for years to come.

From wreaths and garlands to table centerpieces and even gift wrapping ideas, the possibilities are endless, whether you're an eager beginner or you're looking for your next big project. Plus, these DIY Christmas decor ideas are budget-friendly, too – and holiday cheer is guaranteed.

Make Your Own Wreaths and Garlands

There's nothing like a touch of foliage or florals to breathe some life into your home – especially during the wintry festive season. These beautiful craft ideas will help you accessorize your porch, mantel, or dining table with ease.

1. Make a Traditional Wreath

If you've been looking for outdoor Christmas decoration ideas, wreaths are a great place to start. To create your own, you'll need a sturdy wreath base, moss and some evergreen foliage, as well as some seasonal decorations, like pinecones, dried fruit, and flowers.

When it comes to the base, 'the two strongest options are a metal wreath ring or a natural material like willow rattan,' explains Rachel Bull, our Head of Gardens. 'If you want your wreath to be fully compostable after the holidays, go with the latter option.'

To create a traditional wreath, first cover the base in moss using jute twine, before adding your foliage – and it's best to use a few different types. 'Spruce, conifer, pine and berried ivy is a classic combination,' says Rachel. 'Different textures of the same color will also ensure your design remains tasteful and sophisticated.'

Cut your greenery into 8-10 inch lengths, form it into compact bundles, and secure each one to your wreath base with more twine. 'The larger the lengths of foliage, the larger the wreath you will create,' says Rachel. 'To take your wreath from DIY to pro, as you work around it, use smaller bundles to cover the outside edge and the inside of your wreath base.'

Finally, layer your festive decor on top with floristry stub wire. 'Twist the wire around each decoration, leaving around 6 inches of wire as a stem,' Rachel explains. 'Poke each stem into the moss, folding any excess wire back in so it doesn’t protrude and scratch your door. Finish with a velvet ribbon for a nostalgic holiday look.

2. Try a Burlap Wreath

For a more rustic look, try your hand at a burlap wreath: gather the same floristry stub wire and metal wreath ring, but switch the moss and foliage out for a burlap roll.

'Unroll some of the burlap, pinch the ends together, and secure them to the underneath part of your wreath ring with some wire,' instructs former Style Editor, Sara Bird. 'Make sure the ring is front-facing, and push the burlap through the first wire gap so a loop appears on the inner part of the ring. Continue with the outer gaps on the ring.' Then, pinch and bunch the material together and secure it by flipping the wreath over and twisting the burlap three times.

'Flip the wreath back over to the front and repeat the process,' says Sara. 'Continue until the ring is completely covered by the burlap, then secure the ends with more wire. Decorate with a ribbon threaded through the wreath, plus seasonal foliage and a bow.'

3. Opt for a Star Anise Wreath

Combining a woodland-inspired look with delightful home fragrance, a star anise wreath is a fantastically simple DIY Christmas decor idea. Use a ready-made willow rattan base for convenience, or twist faux willow branches into a circular shape instead.

'Glue whole star anise cloves to the base individually, using strong craft glue,' Sara Bird advises. 'Continue adding and gluing the spices until happy with the amount. Top tip: an odd number usually looks more visually appealing than an even one.'

To bring some color into your wreath, weave a ribbon through the base, being careful not to disturb the position of the cloves. Then, simply hang it up using a shorter length of ribbon.

4. Build A Chicken Wire Arch

While wreaths are a classic decor detail, greenery arches will really make an impression – and your guests will hardly believe you've crafted them yourself. The secret? A roll of chicken wire, like this one from Walmart. 'In the professional floristry world, almost all the extravagant decorations are made with chicken wire,' explains Rachel.

To create your own arch, snip and shape the wire and bend it into a 3D cylinder. 'Twist the ends back onto each other to secure,' says Rachel. 'Look for existing hooks, nails, or frames on your wall or doorway to see if there is anything you can use as anchors,'

Rachel continues ' I would not be without a pack of these long green zip ties from Amazon – they're the best thing to keep your chicken wire base in place. Thread them through multiple holes in the chicken wire and around your hook or frame to secure in several places.'

And when it comes to decoration? 'Simply feed in a variety of elegant, freshly scented foliage branches into your chicken wire,' says Rachel. 'I forage a variety from my backyard: usually pine, conifer, berried ivy, Japanese laurel, and berried cotoneaster branches.'

Just like your Christmas wreath, you can accessorize the arch with long velvet ribbons – but since you've got a much greater surface area to play with, you can also add whimsical touches like candy canes and string lights.

5. Try This Easy Faux Garland Hack

'A garland really is a staple when it comes to holiday decorating, and if you choose a faux garland, you can use it year after year,' says Sue Jones, co-founder of OKA. 'I think they look lovely wrapped around staircase banisters or draped over a mantelpiece.'

For the simplest garland hack, start with a basic one like this faux pine garland like this one from Wayfair and add your own decorations, as you would to your Christmas tree. Go for cinnamon sticks and pinecones for a natural look, or bright baubles and ornaments to create a more maximalist and fun aesthetic. Add some battery-powered string lights, too, like these fairy lights from Amazon. It's the easiest way take a basic garland from bland to beautiful and inject some of your personal style and festive spirit.

6. Create a Dried Orange Garland

For a more pared-back look with a dash of DIY, you can create a dried orange garland from scratch. 'Not only is a citrus garland a nostalgic and charming addition to your home, but it makes for a hands-on holiday activity,' says interior designer Darla Bankston May. 'Plus, the citrus fills your space with a refreshing, natural aroma that enhances the festive atmosphere.'

While it certainly looks impressive, a citrus garland is surprisingly simple to make – and you can prepare the fruit in one of the best air fryers.

'Start by slicing your oranges into ½-inch thick rounds, then lay them out on parchment paper and place them into your air fryer basket or crisper tray,' instructs our Kitchen Appliances Editor, Lydia Hayman. 'Dry thoroughly with a paper towel before you heat them.'

Then, if your air fryer has a dehydrate function, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If not, 'set your air fryer to the lowest heat setting (around 200°F, but ideally no hotter),' says Lydia. 'Check the progress after 15 minutes, just in case your air fryer is particularly strong (not every model is made equally!) After about 30 minutes, flip the slices, then cook for an additional 15 minutes, checking regularly to prevent over-browning.'

Once your slices are ready to go, you can thread them using festive ribbon or twine to create a beautiful garland.

Design Your Centerpieces and Table Decor

7. Create A Rustic Centerpiece

The crown jewel of your Christmas table: the centerpiece. While visions of pinecones, berries and pillar candles might spring to mind, there are plenty of ways to experiment with your centerpiece – and you don't need to rely on fresh blooms, either.

'Christmas table centerpieces don’t just mean foliage and flowers,’ says Homes & Garedens' Content Director, Lucy Searle. ‘Try candles in different colors, finishes, and shapes, then add festive ornaments, pine cones, and a few sprigs of holly. Arrange all your items on a tray or low-sided basket that can be easily lifted off the table when you need space for serving dishes.'

If you'd rather lean into a natural look, you can always channel a Scandi aesthetic and hang dainty glass ornaments from potted branches in the center of your table.

9. Fashion a Festive Floral Arrangement

To create a traditional floral arrangement, place seasonal blooms in low troughs or dainty vases, using a flower frog (a floristry secret) to hold the stems in place.

‘I like simple pitchers or glass vases filled with foliage,’ says Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company. ‘Ranunculus, hyacinths, white roses, flowering eucalyptus, snowberries and fresh rosemary are all favourites.'

For a show-stopping arrangement, begin by layering a selection of medium-sized blooms around the rim of your vase or pitcher, angling the stems diagonally and rotating the vase as you work to ensure the look is symmetrical. Then, place your most eye-catching flowers in the center, before filling in any gaps using smaller blooms and sprigs of greenery. Finish with festive touches like mini pinecones or berries.

10. Make a Beeswax Candle

Investing in the best candles can be an expensive endeavor – so when it comes to Christmas table decor, you can always give homemade beeswax candles a try.

To start, you'll need beeswax sheets, like these from Amazon and a pack of candle wicks.

'Using scissors, cut your beeswax sheet to suit the length of the candle wick,' explains Sara Bird. 'Fold the sheet over the wick and begin to roll, tucking the sheet under as you go. Shape the wax around the wick to keep it neat and circular; when you get to the end of the sheet, make sure the ends are tucked in and sticking to the candle by squeezing the edges firmly in place.'

Once you've formed each candle, you can decorate them using sprigs of rosemary, clusters of winter berries, and a few dried orange slices as decoration. These are beautiful for gifting, just don't forget to remove them when the candles are lit.

When it comes to candle care, 'keep your beeswax candles in a cool spot or even the refrigerator for a few hours before lighting, to help them last,' adds Sara.

11. Make a Pomander Ball Display

'Introducing color, fragrance and festive greenery into your home, orange pomander balls are perfect for Christmas,' says Sara.

Before you get started, you'll need a small crate, box or even a serving bowl for the base, alongside popsicle sticks, skewers, and either floristry stub wire or chicken wire – plus oranges and cloves, of course.

'First, create a grid in your arrangement vessel by interlinking strips of wire,' says Sara. 'Wedge, tie or secure the grid in place so that it is secure.'

To make the pomanders, simply push the cloves into the oranges. 'You can use a skewer to make an incision hole in each orange before pushing in the cloves – I like to arrange them in decorative patterns for an ornamental look,' says Sara. 'Finally, make an incision at the base of each orange and push the orange onto the popsicle stick.'

Returning to your box or bowl, layer up foliage and flowers within the wire grid, before adding your pomanders. Introduce a pop of color using berries or festive tree picks, if you like.

12. Make Your Own Mulling Spices

Mulled wine is a hearty festive favorite – and making your own spice blend couldn't be easier. Plus, not only does it guarantee a delicious tipple, but it also acts as a suitably seasonal potpourri.

The base of your spice blend will come from oranges and lemon rind, which you can dry out in the oven or air fryer at 175°F for 4-6 hours, until they are firm but not brown. Then, simply add the citrus to a mason jar with cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves and cardamom seeds (alongside some grated nutmeg and a split vanilla pod).

The mixture is more than pretty enough to display in your home, but when you're ready to prepare your mulled wine, simply add the spices to a pan with a bottle of red wine. Simmer on a high heat, then cook on low for anywhere between twenty minutes and three hours before straining. The spices will infuse with the wine and create a delicious flavor.

13. Try Festive Napkin Folding

'Cloth napkins in green – or a festive red – and the right folding technique are all it takes to make a cute Christmas tree for every place setting,' says Contributing Editor Sarah Warwick. Here's her step-by-step guide:

1. Make sure the napkins you select are square and big enough to work with: 16 by 16 inches or larger. Iron the napkin before you begin so you’re working with a smooth piece of fabric.
2. Take hold of each corner of one side, and fold the napkin in half and in half again to make a smaller square shape. Turn it so the open corners face you in a diamond shape.
3. Then, taking the top layer of fabric, turn the corner up so that it is just below the apex of the diamond. Repeat with the next corner, folding it so it sits below the first corner you turned up, and then do this with all the corners, staggering them at an even distance.
4. Now, you'll need to carefully flip the napkin so that you can work on the other side. Take the bottom left corner of the napkin and fold it so that the top corner aligns with the slope of the opposite side of the shape. Repeat with the bottom right corner to leave a shape with a point at the top and bottom.
5. Finally, flip the napkin back over so that the narrowest part of the tree shape is at the top. Working from the top of your napkin, turn the first flap upwards to align with the top of the tree.
6. For the second flap, fold upwards, then tuck the point underneath the first fold. Repeat this folding and tucking with the next flaps, working downwards until the napkin is in a tree shape with a flat base.

Craft Some DIY Decorations

Now for the smaller details: delicate additions to your tree, and gift wrap for all the treasures underneath it. There are so many ways to add a personal touch.

14. Get Creative With Customizable Ornaments

We might all have made Christmas ornaments as kids, but there's no reason why we can't revive the tradition – especially since nostalgia is one of the biggest holiday decor themes for Christmas this year.

The easiest way to start is by accessorizing plain plastic ornaments or glass baubles. You can cover them in patterned fabric, decorate them with acrylic paint, or even add a touch of glamor using gold leaf.

For a personal touch, choose fillable Christmas ornaments and pack them full of memories: think postage stamps, ticket stubs, and mini photographs. You can create a rustic look using flower petals and pine cones, or opt for some sparkle if you prefer. Channel Anthropologie's pearl holiday decor and add mini pearls and glitter beads, for example.

15. Create Unique Strawflower Ornaments

To bring a touch of nature into your home, Rachel Bull recommends attaching dried strawflowers to ornaments using a hot glue gun.

'While your glue gun is warming up, take your selection of strawflower heads and lay them out in front of you,' she advises. 'This way you can work on your color palettes for each individual ornament, and look at which shades go together.'

Carefully snip off the stems of each flower head to create a flat back, and then get to work: 'Place a ring of hot glue on the back of your first flower head, then gently press it onto the ornament and hold it in place for five seconds,' says Rachel. 'Start at the top and work your way around the ornament; once you have created a ring around the upper section, you can begin to move down.'

To create a truly eye-catching ornament, Rachel suggests positioning 'larger, more dominant flower heads next to smaller, delicate ones to add interest and variations in shape and texture.'

Once you reach the bottom, 'you might find it easier to hang your bauble from the neck of a bottle or a hook whilst you are making it,' she adds.

16. Get Nostalgic With Paper Snowflakes

This is one of the simplest DIY decorations you can make – adorn your tree with paper snowflakes for a charming, artistic look.

Classic paper snowflakes can be elevated using old newspapers and construction paper, but you can always keep it simple with a crisp white base. Former Executive Editor, Kaitlin Madden explains how to make them:

1. Begin with a square piece of paper and fold it diagonally into a triangle shape. 'Place the triangle on the table so that the point is facing towards you. Then, fold the outer corners of the triangle in towards the center, so that there is excess paper sticking out at the top.
2. Trim the excess paper at the top of your triangle, then fold it in half again, so that the outer edges of the paper are inside the fold.
3. Now for the fun part: your snowflake design. You can either create a freehand design with scissors, or draw a design onto your snowflake first. The more cuts you make, the more intricate your snowflake will be.
4. A great way to start is to make cut-outs along all three edges of the triangle, taking care to leave some paper between each cut. If you want to make a hole at the center of the snowflake, snip off the tip of the triangle.
5. Carefully unfold the paper to reveal your snowflake, before proudly displaying it in your home: you can hang it on your tree using a narrow section of ribbon, string it up into a garland or display in a window.

17. Design a Chalk Window Display

There's nothing more magical than catching a glimpse of a twinkling Christmas tree in a window – but to really channel the holiday spirit, go all-out with a hand-drawn window display.

'Window chalk is a playful and imaginative way to reimagine your windows for Christmas, and it is easy and cheap,' says our Digital Editor, Jennifer Ebert. 'In fact, liquid window chalk markers or pens are perfect for writing messages and creating beautiful art on any glass surface.'

Clean your windows so they are streak-free, and then start to brainstorm your design. 'You need to decide not only on your chosen illustrations but also which direction they will face. Most designs are meant to be read from the outside – by people walking past your home,' says Jen.

When it comes to tools, white chalk markers will create that snowy look, but red and green are ideal for adding a pop of festive color. 'You'll want to start slow,' advises Jen. 'When I tried this chalk window display hack, I started with a few snowflakes and baubles. It does take a bit of practice to perfect your design, especially if you don't consider yourself to be particularly artistic; but if you get it wrong, simply wipe clean and start again.'

Get Creative with Wrapping

18. Personalize Your Gift Wrap

'There is nothing more heartfelt than a piece of hand-printed gift wrap: if you give someone a present wrapped in a piece of paper you’ve made, it’s already special before they’ve opened it,' reflects block printer and fabric designer Molly Mahon. 'It always feels good (and saves money) to make your own.'

While all Christmas crafts allow you to put your own spin on holiday decorations, gift wrap is perhaps the most customizable. Using plain kraft paper as a base, you can get nostalgic with hand-carved potato printing; make use of ready-made Christmas block printing kits; or forage for leaves you can paint and stencil to create nature-inspired designs.

Alternatively, for a more contemporary look, invest in a date stamp to create postcard-style wrapping, or use colored tape to mimic gift ribbons. 'You can wrap bands of washi tape around gifts, create unique designs or even tape on an initial to help friends and family identify their gifts,' suggests H&G contributor Pippa Blekinsop. Glitter washi tape is particularly fun and festive, but there are numerous designs to choose from.

19. Experiment With Furoshiki

For gift wrap you can use year after year, try furoshiki: the Japanese art of wrapping with fabric.

To wrap a gift using the furoshiki method, you might want to invest in some reusable cloth gift wrapping, like this set from Etsy – but you can also hunt around for spare fabric, including old scarves or cushion covers.

When wrapping a gift, it's best to place it on a diagonal within a square-shaped piece of cloth. Then, simply fold each corner into the middle and tie them all into a knot. Tuck any excess fabric into the cloth folds for a neater look, and finish with gift toppers, ribbons, or sprigs of foliage.

20. Stencil on Fabric Gift Bags

To really elevate your fabric gift wrap – or create a handmade alternative to a stocking – all you need is a few Christmas stencils, like these from Amazon.

'To begin, lay a cotton gift bag (Amazon) on a flat surface and place inside a piece of cardboard that is just a little smaller than the bag,' says Pippa. 'This will prevent paint from seeping through both layers of fabric.'

Once you've chosen your stencil, secure it onto the bag using masking tape, then 'pour a little paint into a shallow tray and load your stippler or stencil brush with a small amount,' says Pippa. 'Using a dabbing motion rather than a brush motion, dab over the stencil with paint until the whole design is covered. Reposition the stencil and repeat the process depending on the design you wish to create.'

When your design is complete, gently remove the cardboard insert and leave the bag to dry – you can add finishing touches like glitter and ribbons, if you like.

21. Decorate With Pom Poms

'Decorating plain gift paper with mini pom poms is a fun and simple Christmas craft idea, and it works really well with cards, too,' says Pippa. 'For example, you can paint a reindeer design and fix on red pom poms to create Rudolph's nose.'

You can use either Elmer's glue (available from Amazon) or a hot glue gun to fix pom poms to your preferred sheet of paper. 'Depending on the shape of the gift and how many pom poms you want to add, it may be easier to do this after the gift has been wrapped,' advises Pippa.

22. Elevate Brown Paper

Using brown paper as gift wrap will guarantee a charming, rustic look – but you can always add a few thoughtful touches.

'For a simple approach, add a sprig of Christmas foliage and finish with some twine,' suggests Pippa. 'Alternatively, you can go-all out with a beautiful handmade keepsake tag – this can be done at home using air-drying clay or polymer clay like Fimo (Amazon).'

23. Try Leaf Printing

Introduce a botanical feel to your holiday cards and gift wrap using leaf stencils.

'The best part is foraging for your leaves first,' says Pippa. 'Try to find flat leaves with sculptural shapes.'

Then, making sure your leaves are clean and dry, 'lay them face-up on a scrap of paper,' she explains. 'Working quickly, use a stencil brush to apply the paint, stippling from the center out to the edges.'

To create your card or gift wrap, simply place each leaf face-down on the paper you've selected. 'Put a square of kitchen paper over the top and roll across the leaf using a wallpaper roller,' says Pippa. 'Remove the kitchen paper and leaf then repeat the process to complete your design.'

Filling your home with DIY Christmas decorations is always a good idea, but there's no denying that crafting can feel a little chaotic at times. To curb the chaos, we asked experts how to store Christmas decorations properly – and which Christmas decor storage essentials you actually need.

The prices are fabulous, and the effect they have when hung up even more so. Adorning windows, hung over a fireplace, or suspended above a dining table, these lights add a cozy, inviting glow wherever you use them. There’s a homemade feel to them too – an effortlessness that’s utterly charming. This year, IKEA has also added new designs to its paper star lantern collection, with touches of red and gold and playful patterns sitting among the classic white, ticking off another key Christmas trend with these traditional colors.

As a decades-long collector of these paper stars – some I have even inherited from my parents’ Christmas decor collection – I have long loved these simple but highly effective decorations. However, getting my hands on new additions this year has been tricky, so I’ve done some digging into where to shop for alternatives if you can’t get your hands on the coveted STRÅLA stars.

I picked up my first STRÅLA star over ten years ago, and I have gradually added to the collection, so now more than 15 come down from my attic to grace almost every window in my home. They have stored so well, too, as they simply fold down and fit neatly back into the compact packaging they came in. Year after year, I bring them out, and they always look good as new.

There are a few configurations you can work with, but note that these are sold separately from the paper shades. If you want your stars to glow, IKEA has a cord set for the classic suspended look, or a white base that creates more of a traditional lamp. If you don’t want the limitation of a wire, I’ve spotted some great, really simple hacks I’ll be using myself this year, which use battery-powered, remote-controlled puck lights secured inside the paper lamp. Then you can use a ribbon to hang your lights wherever you please.

These stars shine best when grouped together. Personally, I follow the popular trend and hang mine at different heights in my windows, and I use a range of sizes. I use Command Light Clips to keep them secure, and because they’re clear plastic, you can hardly see them against the window frame.

I’ve also seen them hung effectively above a dining table to create a really magical glow. For this, you’ll likely need to use the puck light hack so your stars can hang from the ceiling without needing a plug. Hang them low over the table for a soft pool of light that’s perfect for festive hosting.

Shop Paper Star Decorations

As with any product that goes viral, the hype is high and the stock is low, so IKEA has currently limited orders to over $35 for some of the most popular designs. So, if you’re looking to get your hands on paper star decorations quickly, these are the best alternatives I found.

Bethenny Frankel has embraced the latter shade in past winter seasons, famously declaring, 'It’s beginning to look a lot like bubble gum.....' when showcasing her hot pink tree (much like this one from Wayfair) a few years ago on her Instagram page.

This maximalist approach extends to the tree's trimmings, featuring pink string lights, glittery baubles, and cupcake-shaped ornaments.

The vibrant tree colour, paired with playful ornaments, results in a particularly joyous piece of Christmas decor. While pink usually demands careful colour-matching when incorporated into a room, in the context of a tree, it behaves almost like a neutral, successfully complementing a wide range of colourful ornaments and the surrounding space.

It's also perfect for brightening up any neutral area – for example, modern minimalist living rooms during the shorter winter days.

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'Pink trees are very popular this holiday season; they represent a more youthful perspective on winter holiday design, a way to make a space feel more vibrant and energetic, rather than dark and snug. It seems almost like an attempt to counteract the cold winter days, keeping your home lively and exciting,' observes Scott Jones, a design expert from Fab Home Interiors.

'Pink trees also coordinate quite well with the traditional reds and greens associated with the holiday season– we're also not quite finished with the Barbiecore trend, which has dominated fashion and interior design over the past year.'

Nobody pulls off this look quite like Frankel. Her Christmas tree is one of the boldest we've ever seen, but if you're daring enough to replicate her style this festive season, we believe you won't regret it.

Luckily, getting rid of rodents in walls doesn't have to be stressful, nor does it require maintenance – the $22 MaPorch Steel Wool Mouse Hole Filler, available on Amazon, makes it simple. Here's why we recommend it.

This Steel Wool Mouse Hole Filler Effectively Keeps Mice Out of Your Walls

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

While no one wants to spot any tell-tale signs that they have mice, getting rid of mice is easy with the MaPorch Steel Wool Mouse Hole Filler available at Amazon, which is perfect for winter rodent protection both inside and outdoors.

Most importantly, the bendy and flexible steel wool is easy to use and shape. The included scissors are suitable for cutting it to size without any hassle, while the gloves keep your hands protected from cuts and scratches.

It's also so versatile – aside from using it to prevent mice from getting into your house, you can also use it to repel mice from your yard, get rid of mice from a garage, and even get rid of mice in the attic.

It's loved by shoppers, too. One, leaving a five-star review, writes that it's, 'everything you need in one box' for keeping mice out of your walls without buying multiple products or spending days on the problem.

'Very pleased with this,' they say, noting the simplicity of the application. 'The material was easy to work with, and it was nice to have the gloves and scissors included in the box.

'Not only did I seal up the pipes by the baseboard heaters, but I also stuffed the wool into gaps between the carpet and walls, under some baseboards, in gaps inside cabinets, and around water and plumbing pipes,' all of which are common spots for hidden pest harborage[...] I feel much better about keeping mice out of the house.'

A second shopper, David, dubs it 'great stuff,' adding, 'My house was built in 1960, so there are lots of little holes that I haven't had a chance to patch yet...in every hole I place steel wool in, I get no more mice.

'This stuff was well-priced, easy to use, and if they ever come back, I know exactly what I'm buying. I've also told my neighbors about it. And no, I'm not employed by the company or Amazon, I'm just ecstatic that after four years, I finally found a product that works great and doesn't break the bank.'

A third chimes, 'No mice since installation, yippee!' so take it from them – using steel wool to stop mice getting indoors really does work.

What to Shop

You can also utilize mouse repellent plants to keep them at bay.

The best part? There's a specially curated collection for seven different US hardiness zones, and it comes with a grow guide explaining how to grow each of the crops included.

It's such a great find if you're in holiday shopping mode, especially considering this Amazon vegetable seed bank is currently half price, at $31.99. I have a few people in mind who are planning a kitchen garden to gift this to and with varieties to grow in every season, I'm planning to also treat myself to one so I can have a productive year-round veg patch in my own yard.

The importance of proper seed storage and organization

There are quite a few seed storage mistakes many gardeners don't realize they're making.

Not having a dry, dark storage solution for seeds can impact their viability by the time you come around to planting them. This is especially true for seeds you have collected from your own yard, lacking a seed packet like shop-bought ones.

Not only this, but as you experiment with more and more varieties of the years, organization is a must.

Many seeds can look similar, so it's vital to have them labelled to keep track of your stock. You don't want to think you're planting a smaller variety of squash only to find a larger one emerge without sufficient room to grow it.

Having a label or notepad to write down when the seeds were bought or collected is also important, as you can only store seeds for a number of years, sometimes only even one year.

This is where the Amazon vegetable seed bank does the work for you. It provides proper storage and a key to keep track of seeds. Plus, the wooden case is a sophisticated addition to your potting shed.

What the reviews say

It's clear to see by the reviews that this Amazon vegetable seed bank has made the perfect gift for many of the shoppers' green-fingered friends and family.

'[I] bought these heirloom seeds for a Christmas gift for family member who loves to plant a garden for fall and spring,' one review reads. 'The box the seeds came in is a great presentation and I know he’ll enjoy them. Great gift idea, I recommend this item,' they add.

The box seems to be a big selling point of the Amazon vegetable seed bank, offering a stylish storage solution that keeps all the seeds organized.

'Doomsday prepping doesn't get much cuter than this seed bank,' one shopper says.

The fact you can also select a seed bank for your US hardiness zone has pleased many customers, offering seeds for planting in every growing season.

The quality and range of the seeds also seems to satisfy buyers:

'This is a great choice for home gardeners who want a reliable, diverse, and easy-to-grow vegetable seed assortment without having to research which varieties fit their region,' says one five-star reviewer. 'It keeps your garden thriving through all four seasons!' they add.

The one downside? There are only options for US hardiness zones 3-9, so it isn't necessarily suitable for those living in the coldest and hottest climes.

Nevertheless, covering a vast majority of growing regions, this seed bank provides an incredible 32 varieties of the best and most delicious vegetables to grow and a charming vessel to keep them in. Worth $60 but on sale for $32, it's a no-brainer you get value for your money.

Shop stylish seed gifts for the holidays

Whether you're buying this Amazon vegetable seed bank as a gift or you're treating yourself to it, our guide to vegetable garden hacks can help you get the most out of your seeds.

This retro style revival is more than a nostalgic throwback; it’s a reaction to years of pared-back neutrality. With Liberty’s Black Friday Sale live, designers and decorators are seizing the chance to layer on warm earth tones like rust, olive, and ochre, and tactile materials like rattan, velvet, and chenille.

Here’s what our editors are adding to their baskets right now from Liberty’s treasure trove : the cushions, lighting, and accent pieces that perfectly capture that retro, jewel-toned, maximalist ’70s energy.

Just as flares, crochet, and suede have resurfaced on the runway, interiors are leaning back into the tactile, free-spirited aesthetic of the 1970s. 70s trends have been dominating interiors in recent months, and perhaps part of why it resonates today is because it foregrounds comfort, individuality, and a relaxed sociability, offering a richly textured antidote to the crisp minimalism that dominated the past decade.

In terms of colour palettes that dominated the decade, think aubergine, burnt orange, mustard, moss green, chocolate brown, and rust. Rooms were rich, moody and layered, full of confident, grounding tones. A sense of humour ran through the decade’s design, too. Think mushroom lamps, ceramic animals, fringed lampshades, retro wall art, mirrored accents, novelty glassware, psychedelic florals, swirling geometrics, oversized botanicals. Wallpaper was statement-making, and textiles were patterned top to toe.

Liberty rarely offers discounts, which makes its pre-Christmas sale all the more compelling. We’ve been tracking pieces that fit beautifully into the renewed appetite for 1970s-inspired interiors, and several of our favourites have quietly slipped into the sale.

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The '70s aesthetic is, of course, just one of the vintage trends making a comeback as we seek to surround ourselves with the familiar and create interiors that are reassuring sanctuaries in a world with so many unknowns. If the nostalgia core trend speaks to you, and any of the retro finds in the Liberty sale take your fancy, strike now, as the deals will soon vanish.

Lately, I’ve been reaching for a John Boos block, the gold standard of non-toxic cutting boards (and currently 48% off at Wayfair). While researching the best non-toxic cookware, I kept running into studies showing that plastic boards can shed microplastics every time you slice, chop, or crush ingredients. A recent Nature Medicine study even detected micro- and nanoplastics in the human brain, liver, and kidney tissue.

It was enough to make me take a closer look at my own cutting boards – and rethink which materials I trust at my prep station.

When I asked top chefs to recommend the non-toxic kitchen tools they swear by, the name John Boos came up several times. I knew I had to test the brand for myself.

I've been using the John Boos Wood Edge Grain Reversible Cutting Board for over a month now, and I'll never go back to lower-quality boards. It keeps my knives in good shape, looks beautiful on the counter, and is easy to maintain with the John Boos Mystery Oil at Wayfair (also on sale today, so I've just re-stocked).

These boards are available in multiple sizes, so my only tip would be to measure your countertop first, so you don't end up with a board that's too large and impractical.

After testing, I also bought the non-toxic cutting board for my mom, since she has been using the same cheap, plastic boards for years, and it spikes my anxiety when I see her preparing meals with them.

I've also been testing a chunky, walnut wood board from The Boardsmith, which is even more gorgeous and premium, but it is not on sale at the moment. I'll be keeping track of all the best Black Friday home deals and let you know if that changes.

Best Non-Toxic Cutting Boards on Sale This Week

When you're upgrading kitchen equipment, it always feels better getting it on a deal. These are sizeable discounts, but I've tested them to ensure you're getting an investment piece that won't need to be replaced for years.

If you're aiming to eradicate microplastics from your kitchen, choosing a non-toxic cutting board is a great place to start. I've also written a guide on how to replace black plastic kitchen tools (think: spatulas, spoons, etc).

I'd also recommend reading our guides to the best non-toxic air coffee makers and best non-toxic air fryers; I've spent the entire year testing models to find glass, ceramic, and stainless steel alternatives.

Our HVAC experts say the answer heavily depends on a number of key factors, such as the size of the area, the severity of dampness and condensation, and airflow.

Here, they explain how to successfully use a dehumidifier to prevent and get rid of mold and mildew in your home and how to decide how many you need for optimum results.

Which Factors Determine How Many Dehumidifiers You Will Need? 

If you're looking to invest in one of the best dehumidifiers, the number you'll need to effectively remove damp and condensation in your home depends on several key factors.

As Tony Abate, certified indoor environmentalist and vice president and chief technology officer at AtmosAir Solutions, an indoor air purification and monitoring technology company, says, 'There is no universal answer, as every home is unique in size and layout. However, understanding these factors helps you make an informed decision and ensure your home remains comfortable and healthy.'

Key considerations include:

• The size of the area: 'This square footage of the space you want to dehumidify,' says Tony. 'Most residential dehumidifiers are rated for a specific area, typically measured in square feet.' TJ Laury, president at Ben's ProServ, adds, 'This is the most important part, as the bigger the rooms are, the larger the dehumidifier needs to be for it to work efficiently.'
• The severity of dampness and condensation: Tony continues, 'If your home experiences frequent or severe condensation – such as water droplets on windows or walls, persistent dampness, musty odors, mold, or mildew, you might need more powerful or additional dehumidifiers to address the problem effectively.'
• The layout of the space: As Phil Oliver, co-owner of Air Treatment Heating and Cooling, says, 'A single-story, open-concept home typically requires only one large-capacity unit. In contrast, multi-level homes or those with numerous closed-off rooms benefit from multiple dehumidifiers, allowing moisture to be removed evenly.' This will also depend on whether your home has closed-off rooms or is affected by poor airflow. 'Air does not circulate freely between rooms, so a single unit may not be sufficient for an entire house unless you have an open-plan layout,' says Tony.
• The source of the moisture: Additionally, 'If moisture is coming from specific sources, such as a basement, laundry room, or bathroom, placing a dehumidifier directly in those areas can be more effective than relying on a single unit for the whole house,' advises Tony.
• The number of people living in the house: As TJ explains, this affects humidity. 'More people mean more activities, and that could also mean more humidity.'

Tell-Tale Signs That You Need to Use More Dehumidifiers

If you're looking to avoid any dehumidifier mistakes, it's crucial to know which signs to be aware of, which may indicate that simply knowing the best place to put a dehumidifier isn't enough, and instead, you need to use more than one.

Tony adds, ''Anyone experiencing persistent dampness, condensation, or high humidity levels in their home should consider using a dehumidifier. Individuals with allergies or respiratory issues aggravated by mold and mildew.'

Both are common allergens, and Tony adds homeowners may also benefit from having a dehumidifier in areas with excess moisture. He says, 'Additionally, homes in regions with humid climates or poor ventilation are prime candidates for dehumidifiers to help maintain healthier indoor air quality.'

Here's what to keep an eye out for:

• Persistent dampness: As Tony highlights, if you notice mold, mildew, or musty odors in multiple rooms even after running a dehumidifier, it's a clear sign that you may need additional units.
• Visible condensation: 'Water droplets on windows, walls, or ceilings in rooms not served by your current dehumidifier indicate that more coverage is needed,' explains Tony. In this instance, adds TJ, you may also spot windows fogging up or have water droplets. 'If you are using paint or wallpaper, it might peel, or there may be bubbles underneath,' he advises.
• Visible mold: Which may appear as 'black spots on the walls, ceilings, or even corners,' says TJ.
• Slow drying times: Tony advises that if laundry, towels, or surfaces take a long time to dry, especially in certain rooms, those areas would likely benefit from the boost of an additional dehumidifier.
• Health symptoms: You may also find that the need for additional dehumidifiers may be a way your house is making you ill. 'Increased allergy symptoms or respiratory issues can result from mold and mildew caused by excess moisture,' warns Tony. 'If these persist, check for untreated damp areas.'

'Finally, keeping relative humidity levels lower than 60 per cent and close to the 40 per cent ideal range will improve both comfort and indoor air quality within a space,' adds Tony, and using a dehumidifier is one of the easiest ways to control humidity in the home.

'All these suggestions will help you make an informed decision to be sure your home remains comfortable, healthy, and most importantly, dry.'

There is still one important thing to note, though, which Eli Zimmer, director of operations at Luxaire HVAC Services, makes plain.

'The most common reason for needing multiple dehumidifiers is if your home is large and you don’t have a whole-house dehumidifier connected to your HVAC system,' he says. 'Standalone dehumidifiers are only going to have limited reach and may only work for just a room or two due to space limitations and the physical blocking of walls.

'If your home is excessively damp, simply using some dehumidifiers may not solve the problem. Excessive moisture in the home could likely be indicative of some more serious issue, like a leak – plumbing or structural – or a significant ventilation issue, or something else.

'So, you want to actually get to the root of the problem so that you can actually fix it, rather than just using dehumidifiers to try to make it a little better.'

What to Shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

Next, learn about the easy shower tricks to prevent mold in your bathroom this winter.

The most adorable pumpkin starter acts as a prelude to a maple and marmalade-glazed turkey, served with some creative sides. To follow, there's an alternative dessert to serve alongside (or, dare I say, instead of) pumpkin pie, and a warming, spiced cocktail to get you and your guests into the spirit.

And, if you're adding the finishing touches to your plan for the day, don't forget to consult our Thanksgiving hosting guide for expert advice on helping it go without a hitch.

Miniature Baked Pumpkins with Gruyère Fondue

These indulgent mini pumpkin fondues are perfect to serve as an appetizer or conversational sharing dish at a fall gathering or Thanksgiving dinner. Use the finest quality Gruyère you can find for the best results.

Orange and Thyme Roasted Potatoes

It's not Thanksgiving without some beautifully crisp and fluffy roast potatoes, and this take on an essential side dish from Clodagh McKenna combines citrussy orange zest and fragrant thyme for a fresh twist.

Brussels Sprout and Cabbage Slaw

If you're looking for an alternative way to serve Brussels sprouts and red cabbage this year, try this bejewelled winter slaw by Clodagh McKenna, which is a crunchy and fresh dish, with a light, creamy dressing and pops of juicy seasonal fruit.

Mulled Marmalade Glazed Turkey

The tangy marmalade glaze in Clodagh McKenna's turkey recipe brings a delightfully citrussy twist. Consult our guide to the best turkey roasting pans before you start, serve it up on a nostalgic platter (Pottery Barn's Thanksgiving tableware has the perfect heritage look), and let the turkey do the talking.

Butterscotch Mousse with Cardamom Biscuits and Candied Walnuts

This butterscotch mousse is indulgent, yet light, with the warmth of spiced cardamom biscuits and festive candied walnuts scattered over the top. It's the perfect end to your Thanksgiving menu and a worthy alternative to a traditional pumpkin pie.

Whiskey and Spice Hot Toddy

A warming cocktail is just what's needed to signal the change in season and this hot toddy recipe with whiskey, spicy ginger, fruit slices and cinnamon sticks is just the thing. Plus it will make the house smell so festive for when your guests arrive.

If you're looking for more ideas for your Thanksgiving menu, do read our Editorial Director, Anna Last's column, At Anna's Table: Thanksgiving Sides and Pumpkin Pie, which includes some delicious ways with potatoes and a maple-spiked pumpkin pie.

Michael Bublé, famous for his many modern holiday classics, may have unintentionally set a high expectation that his festive decorations would be as iconic as his songs – and, naturally, he has delivered. What is his seasonal secret? A color scheme of red, white, and green – a truly timeless trio showcased best on his Christmas tree.

Bublé and actress Luisana Lopilato have transformed their open-plan living room into a wonderfully cozy Christmas grotto. This seasonal transformation includes a textured red throw (just like this one from Target) draped over their white sofa and a coordinating garland adorning their shelving. Yet, it is their tree that sets the real standard for holiday decorating.

Adorned with oversized red and silver ornaments and crowned with a star, it embodies a classic aesthetic that has charmed people for decades, and which we anticipate will continue to impress for many holidays ahead this winter.

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The colors red, green, white, and silver have influenced December decorating for centuries, but their ability to evolve is the key to their longevity. The countless variations of these tones mean they can appear both traditional and contemporary, depending entirely on the exact shade chosen.

For an aesthetic that will make a modern home feel festive this year, Rachel Stringer, a real estate agent and design expert at Raleigh Realty, suggests a muted twist on Bublé and Lopilato's palette.

'Color schemes evolve, but the classics endure. Red and green have been staples forever, but playing with deeper shades or muted tones can modernize the look,' she says.

'One family I worked with used deep burgundy accents with gold, which gave their traditional decor a fresh feel while still feeling cozy. For others, sticking with monochrome palettes or neutrals creates a calmer atmosphere, especially if they want their holiday setup to blend seamlessly with their usual decor.'

Bublé and Lopilato have consistently used a green, red, white, and silver palette across their Christmas decor; however, adopting their beautiful seasonal style does not require dressing up our entire mantelpiece or sofa. Following their festive lead is entirely possible with just a tree, regardless of its size.

'Some traditions in holiday decorating seem to stick no matter how trends shift. A tree is a centerpiece for most homes, but it’s not just about putting one up – it’s about how it’s dressed,' Stringer says.

'A well-decorated tree with a cohesive theme, like soft metallic ornaments mixed with touches of nature, creates an understated yet elegant feel. Adding dried orange slices or cinnamon sticks not only looks great but smells amazing, too. Families I’ve worked with have told me they loved this idea because it brought a sense of tradition into their new homes without feeling overdone.'

Whiskey & Spice Hot Toddy

Ingredients (serves 8)

• 6 cloves, plus extra to serve
• 2 cinnamon sticks, plus extra to serve
• 2 × ½-inch slices fresh ginger, plus extra to serve
• Pared zest of 2 clementines, plus extra to serve (we love the Microplane Zester at Amazon for best results)
• 6 tablespoons honey
• 1 ⅔ cups whisky
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 3½ cups water

Method

• Place the water, the spices, and clementine zest in a small pan. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 10 minutes.
• Stir in the honey and the whisky, then strain into a jug.
• To serve, put a slice of lemon, some spices, and zest into each heatproof glass, (like these Viski Hot Toddy Glasses from Target). Pour in the hot toddy and enjoy.

If you're in charge of the festivities this year, make sure you consult our guide to hosting Thanksgiving like a pro, which is packed with expert tips and tricks for everything from food to decor.

While a timeless dining table, chair set and lighting fixture are known to be an unbeatable combination, it was Maggie Gyllenhaal's sophisticated space that made me even more sure of the trio's impact and power.

Featuring a walnut dining table, midcentury dining chairs and a rather impressive overhead light, Maggie's space proves that sometimes the simplest setups are the chicest and most enduring.

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Maggie Gyllenhaal's midcentury modern dining room is breathtakingly serene. From the high ceilings to the intricate crown molding, the period charm of the brownstone is undeniable. However, what makes the space so impressive is its pared-back, curated feel, decorated with chic midcentury furniture, lighting, and decorations.

Maggie's dining room is artfully curated. While the architecture (glass doors, tall ceilings, and intricate stucco) is breathtaking, the dining room furniture and lighting transform the room into a work of art. Fusing the old with the new (the midcentury modern table, chairs, and lighting give the space a laid-back coolness), the dining room is undeniably transitional in style.

While mixing eras can be tricky, Maggie's dining room proves that midcentury furniture works in almost any space. The vintage dining table is not only chic but also practical; it can fold out when needed. Paired with the curved dining chairs, the arrangement proves that the simplest of setups are often the most stylish.

The star of the show, however, is the rather graceful midcentury lighting fixture that hangs from the dining room ceiling. Admittedly, the Florian Schulz Double Onos 55-Pendant Lamp is a little pricey, so you'll be pleased to know that the Supermoon Pendant Light from Pooky feels equally as chic and will give your dining room a quietly luxurious glow come evening.

Maggie Gyllenhaal's dining room is a lesson in keeping it simple. Allowing the architecture to shine, Maggie's space features a timeless midcentury dining table and chair set and a rather impressive lighting fixture. It proves that all a dining room needs are these three staples.

After selling her storied West Village townhouse in 2021, Julianne Moore moved into a more modern property in lower Manhattan, and the home features a masterclass in small kitchen storage. The gray and cream space leaves Julianne's items for cooking and eating neatly in the open. Notably, a low, floating shelf in the corner is filled with plates and bowls for easy, well-organized dining. On the countertop, she has arranged jars of utensils and tapped into the kitchen lamp trend (this $30 fluted light from Target is my current obsession for recreating it).

It shows that a simple, unexpected bookshelf can make all the difference in a jewel box space. Let's take a look.

So, why does Julianne's original take on floating shelves work so well? First, she has selected a furnishing that is exactly the right size for her space. By choosing a bookshelf that sits directly under the window, it lets the light flood her space. By placing the piece around the height of her countertops, it creates the feeling that Julianne has a smaller, second kitchen island.

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Furthermore, the actor's kitchen storage idea is balanced. Rather than serving as the sole point of visible dishes in the space, she complements the shelves with countertop jars and a lamp. This way, it feels like there is equal emphasis on storage across different parts of the room.

Ultimately, there are no hard and fast rules for visually appealing storage; it comes down to your needs and what works in your space. For those with small spaces, a low floating shelf like Julianne Moore's just might be the perfect fit.

As lilacs are often low-maintenance shrubs, the good news is that there isn’t a lot of essential maintenance you need to do in the fall. There are a few key jobs that can make a difference, but there are also two major tasks to avoid, as they can ruin next year’s flowering display.

With that in mind, this guide looks at what to do with lilacs in the fall. It includes the jobs you should consider doing at this time of year when growing lilacs, along with revealing what you definitely should not do.

Expert tips for preparing lilacs for winter – the dos and the don'ts

Whether all of these tasks need to be on your to-do list will depend on your location, climate, and where you grow your lilacs. However, the two jobs to avoid are relevant to every gardener with a lilac in their yard.

What to do with lilacs in the fall – 4 jobs to do

1. Mulch

All spring-flowering shrubs, like lilac, will benefit from an annual mulching. Always have mulching on your fall gardening checklist.

If you are unsure, mulching is spreading organic or inorganic materials over the soil. When mulching flowering shrubs such as lilacs, opt for organic options, like compost, leaves, or wood chips, such as this premium organic wood mulch at Amazon. Organic types of mulch break down, improving the soil structure and boosting soil nutrients, all to the benefit of your lilac.

Mulching around lilacs will also retain moisture, suppress weeds, and prevent winter heave, where the repeated freezing and thawing of the ground exposes the plant’s roots to the winter cold.

Spread a layer 3-4 inches thick around the lilac, but avoid making the mulching mistake of piling mulch against the stems. Leave a one-inch gap between the stems and the organic matter; otherwise, there is a risk of stem rot.

2. Water

This task will only be relevant in specific circumstances, but it is worth noting for the small proportion of gardeners it applies to.

Lilacs are fairly drought-tolerant shrubs once established, but do need regular watering for the first year. Even though they can survive with limited moisture, the best display will come from healthy plants given consistent moisture. That means watering plants during periods of dry weather.

If you do have a particularly dry fall, water plants to prevent the soil from drying out. Another benefit of watering deeply as required in the fall is that moist soil is warmer than dry soil, which adds extra insulation to the roots if the temperatures suddenly drop.

3. Protect plants in pots

They may be hardy shrubs down to US hardiness zone 3, but if you grow lilacs in pots, they will not be as hardy as plants growing in the ground. The roots of pot-grown lilacs are more susceptible to frost, so it may be necessary to protect container plants from winter weather.

With many plants, this can be as simple as moving containers to a sheltered position or burying the pot in the ground. However, lilacs do need large containers in which to thrive, so you may need to protect plants from frost in situ if your pot or planter is too large to move or bury easily.

You can protect pots and planters from frost by mulching heavily over and around the pot to insulate the roots from frost and freezing winds. If you want to do this, the best types of mulch include compost, leaves, bark, or straw.

Alternatively, you can wrap the pot in frost cloth, burlap, or pre-made pot protectors, such as these winter plant pot covers available at Amazon.

4. Plant bare-root lilacs

If you want to add more lilacs to your backyard ideas, you can get bare-root lilacs to plant during dormancy from November to March.

Bare-root trees, shrubs, and hedging plants are commonly available during the colder months. The dormant plants arrive without a container or any soil around the roots. They may not look much, resembling bare twigs, but they do offer a more cost-effective way to add to your garden when compared to container-grown plants.

Plant a lilac in a sunny spot in your garden, and in fertile, well-draining soil. Getting the drainage right is key, as lilacs often sulk if they sit too wet. Adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to the planting site can help improve your soil’s drainage.

To plant bare-root trees or shrubs, soak the roots for around an hour before planting to rehydrate them. Make a hole twice the size of the root system, and place the bare-root plant in the hole so it sits at the same level it was previously planted. You can tell this by a change in color on the stem.

Fill the hole and firm the bare-root plant into its new home. Give the shrub a deep watering and a mulch to lock that moisture into the soil.

You can get a bare-root 'Tiny Dancer' lilac at Burpee that grows to just 4-5 feet to plant from November onwards.

What to do with lilacs in the fall – 2 jobs to avoid

1. Don't prune

If you still haven’t got around to it, and admittedly it is very late, then you can deadhead lilac flowers. However, any large-scale pruning this month should be avoided.

This is because lilacs bloom in spring, and it is a pruning mistake to trim in the fall. The price to pay for pruning lilacs in the fall is that you will severely impact next year’s display. As lilacs bloom on wood produced the previous year, trimming in fall removes buds to carry the next spring display.

The right time to prune lilacs is after flowering. You can prune the shrubs in the fall to renovate older, overgrown lilacs. However, you will get no blooms next year. If you do wish to control an older specimen, it is best done over the course of three years.

The only pruning you can do in the fall is to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged stems to keep the plant healthy and to remove suckers so they don’t steal energy and nutrients away from the rest of the shrub.

2. Don't feed

Lilacs are not heavy-feeding shrubs; you do need to be considerate with feeding them. In many circumstances, lilacs don’t need additional fertilizer at all if they are growing in ideal conditions. When it comes to feeding them, spring is a good time to fertilize lilacs; fall is not.

One of the biggest risks of feeding lilacs in the fall is the reaction the shrub will have. The fresh dose of essential plant nutrients will spur a flush of new growth at a time when the lilac should be preparing for its winter dormancy.

Feeding stimulates the lilac into growth, and it will produce a flush of new stems and leaves. This causes a big problem, as they have no time to harden off enough before the frosts arrive. The damage caused by frosts killing these new stems will leave the lilac as a whole more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Another reason to hold off feeding lilacs in the fall is that overfertilizing plants does more harm than good. Lilacs are known not to flower if they are overfed, especially if there is too much nitrogen in the soil.

The tender lilac buds can be susceptible to late frosts, especially after a false spring when temperatures rise temporarily before dipping down again. Such a spell of warmth can trigger the buds to start to swell, only to be killed by returning frosts.

Keep a close eye on the temperatures come spring. If you fear late frosts may kill buds and ruin your display, cover the shrubs in breathable fabric such as frost cloth, burlap, blankets, or old sheets to protect the buds overnight.

Secure the cover to the ground with weights or gardening staples like these on Amazon, and remove the material again once the temperatures warm the following day.

A container garden is a wonderful asset for the yard, as it allows you to show off the best seasonal plants. But, failing to care for the best winter flowers for pots correctly could result in their demise and even damage to your containers.

To help you get it right this year, I've enlisted the help of gardening experts. Here, they share three of the most common winter container gardening mistakes and how to avoid them.

3 winter container gardening mistakes to avoid

If you have containers in your winter garden, it's best to put the right precautions in the place to make sure your pots and plants make it through the harshest season unscathed. These three winter container gardening mistakes are a good place to start:

1. Using too-small pots

The first rule of protecting pots and planters from frost is making sure you're using the right containers. Not only does this refer to frost-proof materials (like this concrete planter from Amazon), it also means choosing the right size.

'You want to use bigger pots,' says Lindsey Chastain, homesteader and founder at The Waddle and Cluck. 'Small pots get colder faster and warm up more slowly,' she explains.

This could result in a number of issues, including roots freezing and pots cracking. Switching to bigger pots will help provide a bit more warmth.

Of course, you need to keep in mind which winter plants you're growing in your containers. It would be a bigger container gardening mistake to use a too-large pot for the type of plants you're growing, which could cause issues such as root rot from oversaturated soil.

If you aren't able to use bigger pots for winter, Lindsey recommends:

'Move pots closer to shelter where they will be out of the wind, use cold frames, or a portable greenhouse (from Amazon). You can clutter pots close together to help save on warmth, too,' she adds.

2. Forgetting to mulch

Mulching is a top priority on the fall gardening checklist, insulating plants ahead of frost. But, it can be easy to overlook your containers when it comes to putting mulch down.

'You should mulch with shredded leaves or other organic types of mulching materials,' says Lindsey.

This is especially important for protecting container plants from winter weather because they're more susceptible to freezing than those planted in the ground.

'Aim for about 3-4" deep. That will help keep the soil warmer and protected from winter weather,' advises Lindsey.

If you're struggling to locate mulching materials in your yard, you can purchase mulch online, like this bark chip mulch on Amazon or these rounded coco coir mulch mats for containers from Amazon.

3. Not improving drainage

You may think that stopping watering your container plants in the winter is enough to support their moisture needs, but it would be a big mistake to not take steps to ensure they have good drainage. This is especially true for the coldest, wettest winters.

'Waterlogged soil freezes harder, which can damage roots and cause root death. You do not want your soil dry but also do not want standing water,' explains gardening expert Rachel McClure.

For this reason, you should always select containers with drainage holes. If you have containers without drainage holes, you can add drainage holes to planters and put things in your planters to add drainage, like gravel from Amazon.

You can also elevate pots with pot feet (from Amazon) to improve drainage further.

'Ensure you're also using a potting or container mix for your soil, which is formulated to be well-draining,' says Rachel. 'And avoid placing containers where they will get direct rain runoff or snow sluff from your roof that may overwater your containers,' she advises.

FAQs

Where should I move containers for winter?

Ideally, you should move garden containers under cover for winter, unless you're growing winter plants in them. This will keep spring and summer perennials, and the pots, in fit condition over the winter months. If you can't provide a suitable sheltered spot, like a greenhouse or conservatory, consider winterizing your pots and moving them up against a wall of your house. The warmth of the wall will provide some extra insulation.

The same rule applies for winter window boxes, and for any pots you're planning to put away for winter, our guide to storing terracotta pots in winter can help.

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