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It’s safe to say that presents often become part of our Christmas decor ideas, with the exchanging of gifts leading to our homes becoming filled with colorful bundles of joy to open over the holiday period. For many of us, the act of wrapping presents, and exploring how to wrap gifts, is a fun and creative experience that helps us to get in the festive spirit, and creates an uplifting atmosphere where we feel excited at the prospect of sharing meaningful gifts with loved ones....

Even the smallest courtyard or terrace can make an enticing outdoor space with a little care and attention. Backyard ideas like visual tricks, good lighting, interesting planting and comfortable seating can play to the strengths of even the most awkward or compact of courtyard gardens. When designing a courtyard garden, the space needs to be used as efficiently as possible, incorporating a degree of flexibility since it’s a multi-purpose area used for a range of activities like outdoor dining, entertaining and relaxation....

We’ve tested the best blenders on the market, and Vitamix consistently ranks high for its quality, longevity, and all-round power. As we found in our Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender review, this premium model is capable of producing some of the best smoothies, soups, and dips our tester had ever made in her home kitchen. In fact, her verdict was that ‘home chefs and those who care about quality American-made appliances should look no further....

First, we strung pretty white enamel outdoor lights between the tree branches, then threw a generous cloth in palest grey over the dining table, teamed with napkins bordered in a bold forest green. To perfectly go with these French recipes and beautiful setting, gorgeous cheese recipes are an appropriate choice for enjoying still more summer flavor. Set the scene for these French recipes For the table setting, layer up a mix of classic-style glassware and cutlery, unfussy contemporary pieces and hand-thrown dishes – there’s no need to worry about everything matching....

Chances are you have some favorite Halloween decorating ideas that you rely on to bring spooky style to your home. But why not update your decor this year with some easy – and bewitchingly elegant – fall craft ideas you can update for Halloween? Stylist Sara Bird has created these easy makes for us, which can be used to bring a Halloween touch all around the home. Halloween craft ideas – easy makes and style-ups These Halloween craft ideas can be used to add seasonal embellishments throughout the home, whether you are updating Halloween door decor ideas, planning to add some trick-or-treat outdoor Halloween decor to your yard, or bringing some spooky style to the dinner table with Halloween table decor ideas....

Ample storage, an ergonomic desk and chair, plus plenty of task lighting are all key considerations, but, being places in which we will spend lots of time, it’s also essential that they are uplifting spaces we enjoy being in. Introducing color, pattern, wall decor and statement furniture are all brilliant ways to bring personality to the space. Now that more working from home is the norm for many in the post-pandemic world, having a dedicated room for a home office, or even a separate garden office, is becoming increasingly popular as a way to maintain a work-life balance....

There are plenty of living room ideas that will help to make your space look expensive, from focusing on high-end materials, such as marble and stone, through to maximizing the amount of natural light that floods into the room. How can I make my living room look expensive? Start by taking inspiration from luxury living room ideas. These will help you to achieve a high-end aesthetic as you emulate the look....

Feng Shui is often referred to as the art form, but mastering the art of Feng Shui furniture placement will ensure that your home is a happier place for you and your family, no matter the size or layout. But remember, if you are somewhere with ‘bad’ Feng Shui furniture placement, don’t worry. There’s always something you can do to adjust your current furniture layout and work with what you already have....

But how you clean yours does depend on the material it’s made from. Get it wrong and you’ll either ruin it or do a poor job. So whether you are looking for general cleaning tips, are cleaning your porch anyway, or giving your entryway a spruce, discover this professional tips for cleaning a doormat, thoroughly. How to clean a doormat – according to an expert ‘A shocking number of people do not ever clean their doormat,’ says Richard O’Connor at First Mats (opens in new tab), ‘which can lead to not only a dirty home but can also introduce germs and viruses which could make your family ill....

Flowering shrubs are again championed and valued for their use in flower bed ideas, with hydrangeas a clear favorite for their sheer variety, reliability and large blooms ranging from cream and pink to bold blues, reds and purples. Hydrangeas are brilliant for bringing bursts of summer color to the garden, plus they make a lovely cut flower. They are easy to grow, are tolerant of most soils, including clay, grow in sun or semi-shade, can be planted in borders or containers and require little maintenance....

Take a look at our step-by-step guide on how to paint a popcorn ceiling. It will help you achieve the best results when tackling this rather tricky surface – leaving you with a smart, professional finish every time. Do I have a popcorn ceiling? Simply put, a popcorn ceiling is a raised bumpy surface that may have been installed for all manner of reasons, but predominantly to disguise any problems with the surface in question....

Outdoor kitchen ideas can be executed successfully in backyards of all sizes and although the final proportions will vary, considering the kitchen’s location, the cooking options and all the other features you want to include from the start will make the process smooth. This guide will lead you through the steps for planning an outdoor kitchen that will meet your needs and enhance the design of the yard. How to plan an outdoor kitchen Think about your final goal before you begin the planning process....

What is a color wheel? If you haven’t heard of it before, the color wheel is a simple device that shows how primary, secondary and tertiary colors relate to each other. In other words, it helps you quickly see which colors go together. From monochromatic and complementary palettes to split complementary, contrasting and triadic, it can be used in combination with color theory to help you create successful decorating schemes and guarantee decorating success....

Knowing how to care for a Christmas tree and getting its watering routine right, however, depends on the type of tree you’ve bought, and the base you have for it. Either way, though, whether you have a cut Christmas tree or one that’s potted with its roots, regular watering will help keep your Christmas tree alive and stop it dropping needles so that it maintains its wonderfully festive appeal through to the New Year....

These five steps will help you quickly learn how to winterize roses and protect them from the worst of the winter weather. How to winterize my roses in extreme climates If you suffer from extreme weather in the winters, with long periods of sub-zero temperatures, then your roses might need a little more TLC. In these temperatures, covering, wrapping or mounding (also known as hilling) your roses may be necessary....

When it comes to lighting up your Christmas decorating ideas, we’re not just talking string lights on a tree. Nowadays, there are all manner of ways you can achieve that sought-after seasonal glow indoors. So many in fact, that it can be a little overwhelming. Luckily for you, we’re here to help. ‘One of the main wonders of Christmas is the lights, and getting yours perfect can really add the finishing touches to any Christmas-inspired decor,’ says Connor Prestwood, interior designer at Dowsing & Reynolds (opens in new tab) ....

There are fewer iterations of the Ninja Foodi, which is a relative newcomer to the game. These multi-cookers all come with an air frying lid, which is something you’ll only find on select Instant Pots. If you’re someone who has always wanted to try the best air fryers but would prefer to do your pressure cooking, baking, and air frying in one smart device, there are an increasing number of models for you to choose from....

It’s possible to create a look that’s contemporary, traditional, transitional, farmhouse-style and more, and choosing between different cabinetry styles is crucial to getting the desired aesthetic. Cabinets are a major feature of the kitchen, and well-made versions will be part of your home for a very long time. They can be a major investment, too, so it’s vital to consider kitchen cabinet ideas and styles that you’ll love now as well as for many years to come....

Whether you are planning on updating your master bathroom, upgrading a shower room or turning unused space into a luxurious, spa-like ensuite, there are now a vast array of contemporary bathroom ideas available to suit your taste, from colors and materials, to finishes and shapes. Our top picks of the best bathroom ideas will equip you will plenty of inspiration to help you create your dream washroom. Modern bathroom ideas 1....

Throughout, Jennifer’s approach is highly collaborative, involving not only each client but also an extraordinary group of carefully selected artisans and craftspeople – including lighting designers, cabinet makers, weavers, painters, upholsterers and others who contribute their well-recognized talents to each of Jennifer’s unique projects. Having had a love for design from a young age, Jennifer knew she would pursue a career in the design industry. Her background as a fashion designer informs her eye for fabric, tailoring, and proportion, all of which are integral to creating warm, comfortable living environments for her clients, each with an inescapable attention to detail....