Casual Place Settings Not every get-together requires formal place settings. Instead, opt for something casual when hosting impromptu parties and lunches with friends or family. For casual table settings, the knife and spoon go to the right of the dinner plate; the fork and napkin are placed to the left. The glass goes above the knife. If needed, a soup spoon and a salad fork can be added (placed on respective sides in order of use); a cup and saucer may be set to the right....

1. Flexible Lighting As the kitchen continues to transform into a multifunctional space, lighting plays a key role. “Lighting controls, and the ability to adjust your light to the task at hand, is an important trend,” says Greg Martin, creative director of design at Kichler Lighting. “This could be as simple as the ability to dim light levels or as complex as app-controlled color temperature and light intensity.” According to the 2022 Design Trends Report by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), app- and voice-controlled lighting will be as popular as traditional dimmers and motion-sensing lighting in the coming year....

As popular as the regular fiddle-leaf fig trees have been, “not everyone has space for a big hulking tree in their home,” says Justin Hancock of Costa Farms. He notes that while it’s young, “Little Fiddle is perfect for desks and tabletops.” The plant will grow slowly, but when it does reach its mature size, you may want to use it as a floor plant. Wherever you place it, Little Fiddle will complement most home decor styles....

Over several years and a two-part renovation, Lisa transformed the vintage saltbox without stripping its alpine feel. Out came the wall-to-wall carpet that was ill-suited to the muddy locale; in went wipeable porcelain tile that looks like wood. The narrow staircase stayed for its farmhouse charm, and Lisa tweaked the kitchen layout for better flow. A new Douglas fir portico prevents leaves and snow from piling up at the front door....

He wanted to do something special for her to show his appreciation. So he turned to an expert in both home makeovers and the military life, designer and Army spouse Maria Mendez Reed. Reed makes over military families’ homes and films the process for her online video series, Moving with the Military. Every month, Reed tackles a makeover in a different city with the help of corporate sponsors, other military spouses, veterans, and local volunteers....

To that end, bare windows invite in sunlight. Warm wood floors and furnishings and a palette of grays, smoky blues, and soft whites reflect the views of the Lake Washington landscape. “All the soft rain and fog creates this cocoon of calm,” Lee says. “It’s a soft, kind light—nothing too jolting— and one thing is for certain, I’m drawn to beautiful light.” In fact, she’s made it her business. At 32, Lee was diagnosed with cancer....

1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup ground toasted almond ¼ teaspoon salt ⅓ cup shortening 4 tablespoon cold water Toffee-Almond Crunch 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour 3 tablespoon packed brown sugar 2 tablespoon butter, softened ¾ cup coarsely chopped sliced almonds ½ cup toffee pieces Sweetened Whipped Cream 1 cup whipping cream 2 tablespoon granulated sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla

The Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA) also helps homeowners with ideas and suggestions for stylish gardens of plants well-adapted to the desert environment. These plants save gardeners time, water, and money. Popcorn cassia Popcorn cassia (Cassia didymobotrya) can be hard to find, but it is worth seeking out, Pryzgoda-Montgomery says. It is a large, semi-evergreen shrub with feathery blue-green leaves and large clusters of showy yellow flowers in spring and fall....

Using key landscape design principles—stick to natural materials, build a cohesive color palette, and highlight a property’s assets—she has made the home fit her active family. Concrete countertops and floors stand up to her two young children and two dogs. White walls amplify daylight, and upholstery and paint colors echo flowers and foliage in the yard. Green (Bryce’s favorite color, naturally) dominates inside as well as outside via the vibrant green doors in the mudroom and the minty velvet chairs in the dining room, for example....

2 cup peeled, finely chopped pears ¼ cup water ½ cup sugar 1 teaspoon dried sage* * If you prefer, omit dried sage and stir in 1 Tablespoon of fresh snipped sage after cooking is complete and the pan is removed from heat.

Polenta In a 3-qt. saucepan bring 2 3/4 cups water to boiling. Meanwhile, in a small bowl stir together 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1 cup cold water, and 1 tsp. salt. Slowly add cornmeal mixture to boiling water, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until mixture returns to boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 10 to 15 minutes or until mixture is very thick and tender, stirring frequently and adjusting heat as needed to maintain a slow boil....

For crust:

Wallflower Care Must-Knows Wallflowers grow best when planted in average, dry to medium, and well-drained soils. These plants like well-drained soils so much that they’re named for it: Wallflowers could often be found growing out of the mortar between rocks and bricks on the side of the wall. They suit rock gardens, border fronts, raised beds, and containers. Place wallflowers in an area of the garden where they receive full sun in northern climates....