Mirrors Mirrors are perfect decorative pieces to hang on the walls in a dining room. They add sparkle and shine to an already special place. They reflect the faces of the guests at the table, making for a festive atmosphere. And they brighten the room by amplifying the light from the windows, the chandelier, and candles. One large mirror (or a group of smaller ones clustered above the buffet) creates a natural focal point....

This guideline applies to projects that involve wiring several circuits or adding an electrical receptacle. Diligently follow national and local electrical regulations to ensure all components are installed safely. These codes exist to protect you and your home, so you should consult them carefully before you begin a remodeling project or install new electrical equipment. Verifying that your electrical work is up to code can help reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock....

1. Select the Perfect Spot Ava Martin, a water filtration system expert at Quality Water Lab who has a degree in environmental science, says air purifiers are relatively simple: “They take in impure air from a space, filter it and give out clean air.” When it comes to the perfect air purifier placement, she says placing one flush against a wall may block its air intake and cause the filter to work improperly....

Tips for going native. Success with wildflowers is easiest if you don’t try to fight nature. Look for native plants already growing in the shaded, uncultivated areas of your yard. Ask a local nursery manager or university botanist to help you identify these plants, and pick desirable natives that require similar growing conditions. Be true to your region when you select plants for your garden. It’s tempting to try wildflowers that flourish in other parts of the country, but for best results, grow only species that are native to your area....

How to Calculate the Right Measurements for Hanging Curtains Before you start hanging curtains, make sure the panels are wide enough to cover your home’s windows. You don’t want to be rudely awakened by a beam of sunlight that the curtains don’t block, so measure your window dimensions before purchasing or making your curtains. The total width of your curtain panels should add up to about two times the window’s width....

Some whirlpool tubs or spas have a finished side or two, so framing and finishing the side panel are not required. Rectangular models install much like a standard tub, except that a GFCI electrical receptacle is required. Triangular whirlpools fit into a corner. If the whirlpool has an integral spout, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for running supply lines to the unit. Large whirlpools are heavy when filled with water, so you may need to strengthen the floor by adding joists....

While spending more time in our kitchens than ever, the folks at Ninja hired Gillean Barkyoumb, RDN, as its first-ever smoothie bowl sommelier. (Yes, you read that right.) What does a smoothie sommelier do, exactly? She says her job is all about creating “inventive, indulgent, and drool-worthy smoothie bowl recipes” and providing “fellow smoothie bowl enthusiasts the confidence they need to perfect their smoothie bowls.” Sounds like my kind of job!...

Editor’s Tip: Always spray paint in a well-ventilated area, like an open garage, or outside. If you must work indoors, open a window for better airflow.

How to Make a Fabric Knot Bag Once you’ve created your pattern and cut your fabrics, this handmade fabric pouch comes together in a snap! Supplies Needed Paper (to create the template)PencilScissorsQuilter’s pins½ yard print A (bag)¾ yard print B (lining)18 x 44-inch thin quilt batting or crafts fleeceSewing machineThreadIronIroning board Finished Reusable Bag Tips To make a template of our Japanese knot bag pattern, trace it onto a large sheet of paper and cut it out....

Learning how to make French toast is almost as easy as making regular toast. Whisk together a four-ingredient egg batter for a super simple French toast that cooks to a luscious golden brown in minutes. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can move on to learning how to make stuffed French toast and kid-friendly French toast sticks for even more impressive breakfasts. We’ll take you through the four-step process for basic French toast, plus a few fun variations like cinnamon French toast and French toast without eggs (yes, vegan French toast does exist!...

Before we dive into how to make grits at home, it’s helpful to keep in mind that when cooking grits, they have a very mild corn flavor and taste best with a little salt. They are often served with milk or cream (or butter, of course, because everything’s better with it!). If you’re not a purist, stove-top, quick-cooking grits, and slow cooker grits can be customized with a variety of flavor-boosters including:...

Use the ornaments as fun gift toppers for holiday or birthday gifts, string them into a fun garland, or simply hang the ornaments from a Christmas or Easter tree. This at-home craft is easy enough for the whole family to make! How to Make Salt Dough Ornaments Supplies Needed FlourSaltWaterRolling pinCookie cuttersBamboo skewerCookie sheetAcrylic paintString or ribbon Step-by-Step Directions Follow these easy how-to instructions to make your own salt dough ornaments at home....

Read on for your complete guide to the best Thanksgiving air fryer recipes to pair with your turkey. But first, we’re dishing up a few general tips about how to utilize your air fryer to make holiday hosting no sweat. 4 Air Fryer Thanksgiving Strategies to Save Time and Coveted Oven Space Its small size means the heat can circulate around the food at a more rapid clip, which often translates to a slightly shorter cook time than in a regular-sized oven....

How to Plant a Perennial First, gather the gear you’ll need, such as gardening gloves and a shovel or trowel. Have a hose or full watering can available, too. Before planting your container-grown perennials, make sure to water them well. Well-hydrated plants tolerate and recover from the transplanting process better. Step 1. Plan Out Your Design Set out the plants in their pots where you want them to go before you start digging....

4 Must-Know Tips for Loading a Washing Machine Use this step-by-step approach to load a washing machine the right way. 1. Avoid Potential Laundry Mishaps Before loading the machine, check the pockets of all clothing (especially those in children’s garments). Inspecting the clothing saves the items inside pockets from water damage while protecting the garments and your washer. Next, prep garments to go in the washer. Zip up all zippers, fasten hooks, tie drawstrings, unroll cuffs, and turn pockets inside out....

How to Winterize Roses The winter prep you’ll need to do depends on the coldest temperatures you get in your region and which kind of roses you have in your garden. But all varieties will handle the cold weather better if you water them well in the fall, before the ground freezes. Preparing Roses for Winter in Cold Climates In areas where winter is mild, but the ground still freezes (usually Hardiness Zones 6 and above), follow these steps to give your roses a little extra protection....