Aurelia Butler

1Mainstays Farmhouse Fireplace TV StandThis electric fireplace feels just as cozy as the real thing — it provides continuous heat so you still get the warm and relaxed atmosphere of a crackling fireplace, but without all the mess and maintenance.2Better Homes & Gardens 4-Piece 400 Thread Count HygroCotton Sheet SetThere’s nothing like the feel of new sheets, so treat yourself to this moisture-wicking set that gets softer and more breathable after each wash. Get ready to be enveloped in peaceful serenity and slumber.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Beautiful Drew Chair by Drew BarrymoreNow 23% OffCan’t you just see yourself curled up with a good book in this gorgeous, cushiony chair? The stain-treated boucle upholstery is plush to the touch, while the included pillows offer comfort and support — and the sage color makes this the perfect subdued statement piece.4Better Homes & Gardens Wyatt Velvet SofaFall also signals the start of the holiday season, and for many of us, that means visits from out-of-town guests. This padded velvet sofa is the perfect way to upgrade your living room or finished basement in time for game and movie nights with loved ones.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Better Homes & Gardens Bryant Dining TableThe amazing thing about farm tables like this one is how a simple, classic design can have such big visual impact. This solid wood piece can comfortably seat up to six adults for your next holiday party. 6Home Decor Collection Ceramic Table LampIf you ask us, you can never have too much ambient light in a room. This modernist-style ivory lamp will fit in with any room’s decor, and at 18 inches high, it’s the ideal size to place atop consoles, side tables, mantels or any nook in need of a little extra glow.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Mainstays Ogee Kitchen MatSometimes it’s the simple swaps that make a room pop. This colorful foam-filled mat will add a farmhouse feel to your kitchen while also giving your feet cushion and support as you wash dishes or cook family meals.8Beautiful Barrymore Accent Chair by Drew BarrymoreIf you’ve been dreaming of upgrading your living room furniture but aren’t ready for an entire sofa redo, let us introduce you to this accent chair. With shearling fabric in a warm neutral shade, it will undoubtedly become a snug sanctuary year-round.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Thyme & Table 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware SetThe deep, lush green shade and simple ceramic design (both microwave and dishwasher safe) will make mealtime that much more comforting and inviting.10Comfort Canopy ThrowNow 75% OffCooler days and nights mean snuggle time under blankets — and this super-soft throw, with its chunky knit, is just the right combo of style and cozy warmth. Made of hypoallergenic acrylic, it also comes in pale pink, light blue, ivory and light gray, so it can blend in with just about anything.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11Style House White Waves Aiden PillowAdd texture to your living space with a plush, decorative pillow, like this one with a modern embroidered design.12Mainstays Fall Black Ceramic Vase with Artificial Brown Floral FoliageA bouquet of faux fall foliage adds a seasonal accent to a tablescape or coffee table. This harvest-themed arrangement comes housed in a stylish black vase.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Thyme & Table Ribbed Stackable Mug SetSometimes peace and harmony come from nothing more than seeing your kitchenware neatly stacked and in its place. This mod, neutral-toned stoneware set makes that harmonious state a given. 14Better Homes & Gardens Springwood Cane TV StandIf glassware, electronics, linens or practically anything else in your house needs a proper home, this console may be the answer. It has adjustable shelves behind each door and comes in a light honey or charcoal shade to elevate any space.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below15Safavieh Braided Calvin Area RugNow 12% OffDuring the chillier months, you’ll be happy to bring the warm color of the sun into your bedroom, den or entryway with this round 100% cotton rug.Naomi Barr is a freelance writer living in New York.Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

1Cookie Cutter Napkin FoldMike GartenMore a roll than a fold, this napkin technique is great for beginners. Simply roll a napkin, place a cookie cutter around the center and you’re all set. Feel free to use different shapes throughout the table or stick to a specific one depending on the holiday. Your guests will love this subtle touch. SHOP COOKIE CUTTERS2Bow Tie Napkin FoldThe House That Lars BuiltSimple yet sophisticated, these bow tie napkins suit any occasion. Fold a napkin accordion-style and pinch in the center. It’s as easy as that! For a holiday look, use red or green napkins. You can go pink for Valentine’s Day, pastels for Easter or orange and black for Halloween. Get the tutorial from The House That Lars Built »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Tassel Napkin FoldMike GartenGather tassels and feathers for this elegant napkin design. Simply fold a napkin into a rectangle shape and carefully pinch the center. Tie a gold tassel around to hold it in place. In the center, there should be a shallow pouch. Stick a feather or pom-pom in for a stylish touch. 4Playful Napkin Ring FoldDesign ImprovisedAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Rabbit Nose Napkin FoldIt All Started With PaintPossibly the cutest napkin fold ever, these bunny years require a bit of rolling and folding. Using an all-white napkin to mimic the look of a rabbit, roll the napkin and then fold it in the middle so that there are two ears of equal length. Tie the middle using burlap string or raffia ribbon with a wooden bead for the nose. SHOP RAFFIA RIBBONGet the tutorial from It All Started With Paint »6Envelope Napkin FoldSarahli WilcoxAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Christmas Tree Napkin FoldMike GartenFold a cloth napkin into the shape of a Christmas tree, then top it with miniature ball ornaments. Get creative with colors or stick with a green napkin to keep it realistic. Hint: Use a fringe napkin for added texture and try to lay the pieces of fringe in spots where it resembles pine sprigs.SHOP FRINGE NAPKINSGet the tutorial »8Bow Knot Napkin FoldKyla MalkaniGo for a timeless look with a simple bow knot napkin, versatile enough for any occasion. Once you learn this easy technique, you can use it time and time again — just swap the napkins to pair with the current season or holiday. Get the tutorial from @Kyla.Malkani »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Eight-Pointed Star Napkin Foldmike garten//20th Century StudiosThis clever star shape adds elegance to any occasion, no matter what color scheme you choose. Go bright with a festive red or green, or keep it calm with a pastel pink or warm orange. Start with a standard 20″ cloth napkin, fold it in half and then press it with an iron to create a crease. Continue folding and pressing until you’ve created a trapezoid shape. Tip: Use paper clips to keep the sides together as you go. More

Ever since my husband and I visited Norway in May, I’ve been obsessed with the Scandinavian sleep method. If you haven’t heard of it, this approach simply means that instead of a couple sharing one duvet, they each have their own. We have those classic couple issues: My husband likes to be super warm while he sleeps, while I prefer to be cool. And one of us inevitably hogs the sheet while we sleep, leaving the other catching a major draft. But after one night in Norway sleeping with my own duvet, I was hooked. We both had the best sleep of our lives. Related StoryWhen we got home, I was eager to try it. There was just one issue: I didn’t want our bed to look like a wild animal had just made itself at home. Luckily, I’d seen different ways people styled it, like layering the duvets or folding them neatly in half. Illustration by Melissa GeurtsI recently gave our room a full-on color drench in the most serene blue hue (Benjamin Moore’s Van Deusen Blue — so dreamy!) so I figured it was the perfect time to level up my bedding situation, too, including not one, but two new duvets. Instead of just winging it, I dove into creating a mood board of my ideal color palette and patterns. I love getting lost in Pinterest rabbit holes for inspo, and always stalk my go-to retailers for their latest drops. Since my bedroom doesn’t get much light, I knew I needed to warm things up with brighter sheets and maybe throw in some classic stripes or checks to make it feel extra cozy for fall. A little collage magic later, and voilà — mood board complete.Collage Melissa GeurtsSHOP THE MOOD BOARD: Striped Duvet + Pillow Shams | Blue Checkered Quilt | Blue + Tan Sheets | Cedar Quilt | Gingham Sheets | Brown Checkered Duvet For extra pops of color and playful patterns, why not mix contrasting hues for a bold statement? Picture a dusty blue paired with a rich burnt orange, or a soft blush balanced with a deep forest green — total vibe shift. And if you and your partner are material opposites (because, let’s be honest, who isn’t?), you can totally work with that too. Linen on one side, flannel on the other? Perfect for winter! The beauty of the Scandinavian sleep method is that each side of the bed is its own little world, so you can both create your perfect sleep setup. Collage by Melissa GeurtsContrast: Green Sheets + Pink StripesNatural: Nature Duvet Cover + Green QuiltPrints: Navy Sheets + Block Print Duvet Cover Tonal: Orange Sheets + Bright Orange and Green QuiltThe Search for the Perfect Bedding As a hot sleeper who’s all about natural fibers, I naturally gravitated towards Brooklinen’s sheets (I mean, they did just earn the Good Housekeeping Seal, so how could I resist?). For the duvets, I went with two Buffy comforters — another top pick from the Good Housekeeping Institute. Now, about the top sheet? I ditched it — controversial, I know! But honestly, it was just one layer too many to deal with when making the bed. Who knows, maybe I’ll bring it back someday, but for now I’m loving the simplicity.Melissa Geurts To tie everything together, I went with a gorgeous navy-striped duvet cover from The Company Store and added a cozy quilt for extra texture. The stripes perfectly camouflage where the two duvets meet, and the size fits like a dream on my queen bed. I love when sheets almost skim the floor, so having two twins lets me customize the length just right. I also always size up to a king for quilts or coverlets — it gives that perfect drape and a romantic, effortless look. The duvet covers from The Company Store? Absolute heaven! I’m obsessed with the button closures and corner ties—if you’re stuffing a duvet (twice!), you’ve gotta make sure it stays put. And the quilt at the foot of the bed? It’s basically my secret weapon to keep the cats from turning bedtime into their nightly parkour training.Melissa GeurtsI always look for hidden button enclosures for a tidy look!Melissa GeurtsCorner ties are essential to keep the duvet from shifting, especially after double-stuffing. At first, I gave Buffy’s comforter a shot — my husband was a big fan—but as a hot sleeper, I needed something a little lighter. In hindsight, I should’ve gone straight to Emma Seymour, our Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director. She’s a wealth of knowledge. She recommended The Company Store’s Premium Alberta Down Light Warmth Comforter, and explained that the higher the feather content, the fluffier it is. Plus, since down is a natural fiber, it’s way more breathable than down alternatives. Total game-changer. I felt like I was wrapped in a cloud but stayed cool as a cucumber all night long.Recreate Melissa’s BedA Month Later: My Honest Review of the Scandinavian Sleep MethodMelissa Geurts Pros:Personalized comfort: No more late-night blanket tug-of-war!Stylish aesthetic: Layered bedding gives your room a designer look .Improved sleep quality: Individual temperature regulation? Total game-changer.Customizable length: If you love sheets that graze the floor, two twin duvets let you tweak the length just how you like it.Cons:Laundry day doubles: Twice the duvet covers, twice the laundry.Making the bed takes practice: Getting those duvets to look just right takes a bit more effort.No top sheet: Could be a dealbreaker for the top-sheet lovers out there.Melissa Geurts. Painting by Lars Tveit.But all things considered, I’m a convert! This method not only ended our duvet battles (finally) but also gave our bedroom a serious style upgrade. And it doesn’t look messy at all—actually, it’s a total vibe. Plus, I’m sleeping better than ever. It even matched my Norwegian art above the bed, so it feels like it was meant to be! I’ve been telling everyone about it. Yes, making the bed takes a little extra time, but trust me, it’s worth it when you’re falling asleep wrapped in your own personal cloud. I stay cool, my husband stays toasty—it’s the best of both worlds. The Scandinavian sleep method is honestly a sleep revolution. It’s like hygge, but with bonus sleep benefits. Time to hit the hay — with our own duvets, of course!Build Your Perfect Bed More

Decluttering your entire home is a difficult, timely and personal process, especially when it involves parting with sentimental items you’ve collected over the years. Whenever you’re editing or organizing, remember to give yourself patience and grace — the process can quickly become overwhelming if you take on too much at once. The good news? Once you set up practical organizing systems, it should be easy to keep your house tidy. From time management and impulse shopping to getting distracted by social media aesthetics, we’re sharing the common mistakes professional organizers are sick of dealing with. Plus, they’re offering simple solutions for avoiding these major no-nos. Organizing Advice From the ExpertsTrying to Declutter in One DayFrom cluttered entryways and crowded kitchen cabinets to overflowing closets, clutter may accumulate quickly — but it takes time to declutter and organize. “Many times, clutter stresses people out to the point where they feel like they need to get rid of it immediately,” says Sarit Weiss, founder and lead organizer at Neat & Orderly. “Organizing is a process of planning, decluttering and implementing, which can take longer than expected and cause people to burn out and abandon the project altogether.”SOLUTION: Start with small, achievable tasks and take regular breaks. Create an organization schedule that involves tackling one room at a time. Tidying up Clutter Instead of Tossing It Always start by decluttering, which allows you to purge your belongings and free up space. “Many people try to organize without getting rid of unnecessary items first, and it can end up being a waste of time and feel very frustrating,” says Elsa Elbert, organizing expert and founder of Composed Living. “If you constantly feel like you’re picking things up and relocating them, it might be because tidying doesn’t work without organizing first,” adds Laura Kinsella, founder of Urban OrgaNYze. “Tidying is helpful for daily maintenance, but without an organizational plan, it becomes a draining, never-ending cycle.” SOLUTION: Address the root of your challenges first, whether it’s eliminating unwanted items or investing in storage solutions. You’ll find that daily tidying becomes far less exhausting. Sean De Burca//Getty ImagesTo avoid overwhelm and decision fatigue, work with one drawer at a time.Taking Everything out of Drawers, Closets, Etc. While clearing out a closet or all of your kitchen cabinets can be helpful for categorizing, it can also create stress. “Many people believe they need to empty everything out of the space they are organizing,” says Nichole Gehman, professional organizer and founder of Organize by Designe. “This applies to linen closets, bathroom drawers, dresser drawers, master closets, etc. This can be a huge mistake because they become overwhelmed, quit, then feel like a failure. SOLUTION: “Try focusing on just one drawer or shelf at a time. This approach helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed, allowing you to accomplish more,” says Gehman. Focusing Too Much on AestheticsBefore shopping for chic organizational products your favorite influencers are promoting online, consider if they’ll actually improve your everyday routine. “While social media can offer eye-candy-like inspiration, it’s crucial to ensure those ideas truly fit your daily needs and intuitive habits,” says Kinsella. “Organizing is a deeply personal process that requires understanding your own routines, challenges and preferences to create systems that are intuitive and easy to maintain over time.”SOLUTION: Create practical organizing systems that enhance your daily routine, then make those systems as aesthetically pleasing as possible.Courtesy of Urban OrganyzeOnly invest in storage solutions that maximize and improve your space.Rushing to Buy Organizers”We often see clients purchasing bins, baskets or other storage solutions before understanding exactly what needs to be stored,” says Elbert. Without a clear sense of what you’re organizing, these items will end up adding to the clutter rather than solving the problem at hand.”I see this all the time — I’ve even done it,” adds Bohne Leah of Be Organized Method. “It’s so common to rush out and buy the organizational product when we get the urge to organize… Then we get home and find we have too little or too much stuff to fit, or we simply didn’t get the right thing.”SOLUTION: Declutter and categorize before shopping for storage solutions, like bins, baskets and organizers. Once you are ready to invest in organizing products, always measure to ensure they maximize your space. Creating Systems That Are Hard to MaintainWhether it’s an overly complicated bathroom organizer (hint: way too many sections) or heavy bins at the top of your closet, organization systems don’t work long-term if they’re difficult to maintain. Items you use regularly should be accessible, so it’s easy to quickly put them away — even when you’re in a rush.Especially when it comes to your closet, pantry or kids’ spaces, you should always anticipate getting more items. “A big mistake is not planning for future growth,” says Janelle Lam of Straighten Up Home. “Your space needs to be flexible enough to accommodate more items down the line” — or else you’ll get stuck in a cycle of constantly re-organizing.SOLUTION: Invest in the proper storage solutions, considering your current lifestyle and whether they can grow with you in the future. Make sure everyday items are accessible and easy to put away when you’re done.Sara Liggoria-TrampCreate space for everyday essentials, like your skincare routine in the bathroom, just as designer Emily Bowser does here.Not Giving Items a Practical “Home”Again, a big part of maintaining an organized home is organizational systems that actually work long-term. It shouldn’t be a hassle to store your makeup after getting ready in the morning and it shouldn’t take long to return spices to the kitchen cabinet. “Make sure the place you designate for your items is the most advantageous place for them,” says Weiss. “For example, if you keep your pots and pans at the far end of the kitchen away from the stove top, it can be impractical to walk each pot to the stove.” SOLUTION: When designating a home for every item, make sure that item can be quickly and easily returned “home” — especially if you use it on a daily basis. Letting Clutter Accumulate, Again”Organization is not a one-and-done task, but an ongoing lifestyle,” says Kinsella, who periodically rethinks her organizational systems, especially around the holidays. “If your space feels overwhelmed and categories start overflowing, it’s a clear sign it’s time for an edit. Respecting your space’s limits and reassessing boundaries as new items enter keeps everything manageable.”SOLUTION: A daily reset is so important! Once you have everything in place, spend a few minutes each day putting things back where they belong.Related StoriesAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. More

There are so many great cleaning tools out there — from autonomous robot mops to powerful carpet cleaners — but a hardworking vacuum is one we’d be hard-pressed to live without. The versatile cleaning tool can be used both indoors and out to rid your space of dirt, dust, allergens, pet hair, and other debris. Some of the best vacuums equipped with HEPA filters can even help improve the overall air quality inside your home. But what you might not realize is your vacuum can do more than clean your floors — so much more. Vacuums, particularly those equipped with multiple attachments and various suction levels, can be used in virtually every room of the house for other tasks like dusting blinds, refreshing mattresses and keeping appliances in check. And doing so can help you keep your entire home cleaner in a fraction of the time you’d spend on other methods. First, Do You Have the Right Vac?To help you speed through your cleaning routine in record time, our pros explain how to make the most of your go-to vacuum cleaner. 1. BlindsYou can clean all types of shades and blinds using your vacuum cleaner. For Roman and cellular shades, use your vacuum’s soft dusting brush attachment on low suction. Sheers and panel track shades are similar — simply glide your vacuum dust-brush tool over them on the lowest setting. For aluminum and vinyl blinds, pull the blinds slightly away from the window, keeping it taut. Then, attach the soft dusting-brush tool to your vacuum cleaner and vacuum a few slats at a time, using a side-to-side or top-to-bottom motion.Related Story2. MattressesKeep your bed dust- and odor-free using your vacuum’s upholstery and crevice tools. Using the upholstery tool, go over the top and sides of the mattress and as much of the box spring as you can access, pressing down firmly to draw out dust beneath the surface. Then, use the crevice tool to get into any grooves in the quilting, along the edge welting and where any pillow top is attached. If your mattress has any lingering odors, you can sprinkle baking soda onto the mattress, brush it in lightly, wait 15 to 30 minutes, then vacuum.3. Ceiling fansAfter turning off the power source, you can remove caked-on dust from the blades of your ceiling fan by using the extension wands and soft dusting brush on your vacuum cleaner — no step stool required. If your vacuum comes with a bendable elbow attachment, pop it on between the wand and brush to more easily clean the entire surface of the blade. If any fine particles remain, use a damp microfiber cloth with a grease-cutting all-purpose cleaner and wipe down both sides of the blades. For this, you’ll need a step stool.4. Molding and baseboardsFor floor-to-ceiling woodwork, your best bet is a vacuum that comes with multiple attachments — particularly a machine that comes with a hose, extension wands and either a small round dusting brush or a clean bare floor brush. Working from top to bottom, vacuum molding and baseboards with the brush to remove dust. Then, tackle any lingering spots using a wet cloth lightly sprayed with water or an all-purpose cleaning solution. 5. TVs and other electronicsTo remove dust from vents, ports and cable connections on your TV, computer or other electronics, use your vacuum’s soft dusting brush on low suction. Just be sure to turn off and unplug any devices before cleaning.6. Air vents and filters To help improve the indoor air quality in your home, vacuum the slats of any wall, ceiling and floor registers with your vacuum’s soft dusting brush attachment as part of your regular cleaning routine.7. Window AC unitsTo keep your window unit running efficiently, regularly vacuum the front grilles, body and control panel with your vacuum’s soft dusting brush tool to remove any loose dust and debris. You should also check the foam filter monthly for dirt, lint and hair. If needed, vacuum on low suction with the upholstery tool. Related Story8. Clothes dryerFor regular maintenance, use the crevice tool on your vacuum to quickly remove lint from down inside the lint filter chamber. We also recommend a deeper clean once per year. Pull your dryer away from the wall, disconnect the duct and use the hose of your vacuum cleaner and crevice tool to reach as far into the duct and back of the dryer as far as you can. 9. Yoga matSweat and natural body oils can cause bacteria to breed on your favorite yoga mat. To absorb oils and give the oft-used surface a refresh, sprinkle and rub baking soda on the surface of your mat. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, then vacuum up the excess. Related Story10. Pet bedsSimilar to your mattress, you can clean and deodorize your pet’s sleeping spot by sprinkling the surface with baking soda, letting it sit for 15 minutes and then vacuuming it up.Related StoryBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more. More

It’s officially time for pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin picking and, most importantly, fall decorating. While it’s always a thrill to transform your home for the crisp autumn weather, it can be difficult to find decor that doesn’t focus on a certain holiday or theme but instead matches your existing design style.”There’s a way to be design-conscious that incorporates cohesive color and patterns to create an inviting fall vibe,” says Katie Schroder of Atelier Interior Design.Whether it’s embracing a fall color scheme, setting out decorative gourds to spruce up your porch or arranging a holiday table that will impress guests, interior designers have tips and tricks to capture the essence of the season. Just keep in mind that when it comes to fall decorating, what’s actually more important is what not to do. But don’t worry — design pros are here to share the most common fall decorating mistakes you may be making when that chill hits the air. The Most Common Fall Decorating Mistakes 🛑 Taking the theme too farWhile there are tons of decorative signs and welcome mats out there with sayings like ‘Sweater Weather’ and ‘Oh my Gourd,’ there are more subtle ways to showcase the beauty of fall. “One of the biggest mistakes we see with fall decorating is the urge to spell out that the season has arrived! Instead of displaying signs that read ‘Harvest’ or ‘Fall Is Here,’ consider making your home warmer by adding simple touches, including layered blankets and throws,” says Diane Rath of The Rath Project. Erin KestenbaumThis living room designed by Diane Rath of The Rath Project pairs fall colors with cozy blankets and pillows for a warm, inviting space. Photo by: Erin Kestenbaum🛑 Focusing only on holiday-themed pieces Instead of going literal with fall decor and incorporating pieces that are specific to certain holidays, try weaving in designs that show off colors and patterns that feel right for the season.Patricia BurkeIn this space, designer Sarah Coleman uses fall greenery and fruits to show the season is here. Photo by: Patricia Burke”Rather than sourcing Halloween or Thanksgiving-specific decor, I prefer to find fall-inspired pieces that feel relevant and festive for the entirety of the season. Our family loves going apple picking, so I always have a large bowl of apples (in various hues) on our kitchen island. It’s such a simple thing and yet it feels so cozy and festive,” says Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Designs. 🛑 Abandoning the little thingsWhile it may seem like there’s a lot of fall decorating tasks to handle, designers suggest keeping it simple by highlighting the small things.”A signature holiday scent, candle light, fall-colored throws and a beautiful frame holding that ‘hand turkey’ your kid painted when they were five can go a very long way,” says Shroder.Jonathan RossThis tablescape designed by Jessie Sierra Ross showcases smaller design touches — like candles and small pumpkins — that contribute to an overall fall mood. Photo by: Jonathan RossEmily Minton RedfieldYou can even use comfy seating and interactive board games to create a warm autumn mood. “Putting out a few poufs by the fireplace and adding books and games to your coffee table for the fall is a way to decorate by bringing people together,” says Rath.🛑 Being afraid to go moody”Color is so important to seasonal storytelling: Summer is often filled with shades of light blues, sunny yellows and playful corals. Fall is a bit moodier; one of the best ways to make sure your fall home transitions with impact is to incorporate that richer palette,” says Jessie Sierra Ross, author of Seasons Around The Table.Ross suggests looking to fall foliage for inspiration, incorporating “golden yellows, fiery oranges and deep reds.” But if these colors are too much for you, try offsetting them with lighter tones. Sarah BakerDesigner Kimberly Schutz incorporates fall foliage in this beautiful home. Look to colors in nature to inspire bold hues throughout the season. Photo by: Sarah Baker🛑 Forgetting about textureDecorating for fall is more than what we see around the house. It’s also about what we feel. “Fall is about warmth, so incorporating different textures (like soft throws, wicker and natural elements) can enhance the cozy vibe,” says Miranda Cullen of Inside Stories.Ross suggests going for one of her favorites — velvet decorative pumpkins. You can also try piling up some cozy throw blankets and pillows on the couch for a warmer, more inviting environment. 🛑 Overlooking your existing home decorWhile decorating for any season is a chance to add new life to your home, don’t overlook the design decisions you’ve already made. Try matching fall decor with your home’s personality for a more cohesive look. “It’s always important to stay true to your personal design aesthetic, no matter how maximalist or minimalist you are,” says Samantha Stathis, Marshalls and T.J. Maxx Home Style Expert.Sarah BakerThat means not being afraid to embrace your style, regardless of whether you’re into sleek, modern design or bold, patterned eclectic decor. Have fun choosing fall-related pieces that complement your interior design preferences, and enjoy the season!Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com where she covered everything from entertainment news to product reviews to pop culture updates. More

There’s no denying that our lives have been made so much easier thanks to the almighty dishwasher. Few kitchen appliances have revolutionized the cleaning world like the dishwasher has when it comes to how we keep our homes tidy and safe. But while the best dishwashers are magical for their abilities to leave our drinking glasses and dinner plates free of spots and baked-on messes, the truth is, not everything in our kitchen is dishwasher safe.Apart from learning the proper way to load a dishwasher and figuring out the best dishwasher detergent for your machine, it’s equally important to know the cookware items that don’t belong in the dishwasher. What happens if you don’t? Long story short, things can get ugly quickly. In some cases you can fade your dishware, in others, your items may be permanently damaged or you may even damage your dishwasher.To help you out, the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab is laying out the exact kitchen items and cookware pieces you’re better off washing by hand to be safe. Keep these things far away from the dishwasher, and you’ll be just fine: 1. Cast-Iron SkilletYou know how you have to season your skillet before using it? Well, when you put it in the dishwasher, you’re basically undoing all of that hard work. There are a few different ways to effectively clean your cast iron without damaging the skillet, some involving vegetable oil and others involving salt. But as Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, stresses: “Your cast iron skillet should never be soaked in the sink or put in the dishwasher.” Learn More:2. Wooden UtensilsThe hot water and heat for drying in your dishwasher are too harsh for your mixing spoons, spatulas, or any other kitchen tool made of wood. Your utensils will likely warp, split and lose shape over time, which nobody wants.3. Wooden Cutting BoardsLike the wooden spoons, hot water will cause the finish of your favorite wooden board to dull and possibly warp or split, says Forté. Instead, use a mixture of three tablespoons of bleach per quart of water to scrub it clean.4. Grandma’s Vintage PlatesIf you were gifted the family china when you got married, be wary of exposing it to the hot water and detergents that can eat away at any gold trim or hand-painted details. To be safe, gently wash all of the dishes by hand to ensure they will live on for generations to come. Anna Kurzaeva//Getty ImagesVintage plates and china are best washed by hand to avoid any potential damage.5. Garlic PressThey speed up supper, but you’ll need to slow down to clean them. Since garlic is sticky in paste form, bits of it get stuck in the crevices. It can be a hassle, but chances are your dishwasher won’t totally get rid of all the garlic residue. Wash yours by hand to ensure it’s totally spotless for your next meal prep session. 6. Insulated MugsOverall, Forté advises that it’s best to check and follow the mug manufacturer’s directions to be sure auto dishwashing is safe. Some newer travel mugs are dishwasher safe, but your dishwasher could destroy the insulation on some, so it can be best to do a quick wash in the sink instead. 7. Bottles or Jars With Labels on ThemIf you want to keep your pickle jar, just make sure you remove the paper label and any adhesive remnants first — those materials usually come off in the dishwasher and can get stuck in the filter, which might lead to more serious problems later (problems that cost way more to repair than the pickle jar is worth).8. Aluminum CookwareCookware that is made of aluminum will become discolored and damaged. Best to just use a bit of elbow grease the next time you need to scrub your cake pans. 9. Cheese GraterThe cheesy goodness you just grated for mac and cheese may still be stuck in the holes even after a cycle in the dishwasher. Instead, use soap and a sponge or brush to wash it by hand and ensure today’s cheddar doesn’t mix with tomorrow’s mozzarella.10. Fancy Chef KnivesSince the nylon racks and tines in your dishwasher shouldn’t be nicked, you should keep your knives far away from them, Forté says. Plus, when knives rattle around in the dishwasher, it can damage the blades, and wooden handles can split and dry out. But, if your dishwasher has a dedicated rack for knives, you’re the exception to the rule. Plastic-handled knives may be safe to put in. Lucky duck!11. Copper Pots, Pans, and MugsIf you enjoy a tasty Moscow Mule in a copper mug as much as we do, you know half of the appeal is your cup’s beautiful color. The thing is, the harshness of the dishwasher can cause any copper surfaces to dull or fade, which is why it’s better to wash your copper mugs, pots, and pans by hand to be safe.12. Non-Stick CookwareMany non-stick cookware brands say it’s safe to wash in the dishwasher. It is occasionally, but Forté says to keep in mind that, over time, it can degrade the non-stick finish properties. If you want the cookware to last, wash it by hand.13. CrystalYou can check with the manufacturer — some crystal is dishwasher safe. In fact, some dishwashers even have crystal cycles. But for crystal, it’s best to think twice. Hot water, especially hard water, and detergent can leave it cloudy and spotted. Load it incorrectly and it can emerge chipped and cracked. Antique and hand-painted crystal should always be hand-washed to be safe.More Cleaning Tips and Advice:Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.Expert consulted:Carolyn FortéHome Care & Cleaning Lab Executive DirectorCarolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

The best dishwashers get a lot of attention as lifesavers in the kitchen, but the humble garbage disposal is another true workhorse that can help make clean-up a breeze. If you’re lucky enough to have the appliance installed in your kitchen sink, you know that it can take care of food scraps in a flash, leaving your garbage less stinky, plus help prevent backed-up sinks that are just plain gross to deal with. But as effective as they are, garbage disposals can also be finicky machines, prone to breakage and less-than-pleasant backups when you put the wrong things inside. Not to mention, they can be costly to repair. Related StoryTo help ensure your machine runs at peak performance for many years to come, we tapped the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning Lab for some pointers on what items should never make their way into your garbage disposal. Instead, you can throw these food bits in your regular garbage, or opt for composting them. 1. BonesThis one may seem obvious, but big bones from chicken carcasses, ribs and other animal proteins shouldn’t make their way into your disposal. They’ll simply spin around, possibly even damaging the blades. And while some may say small bones from food like fish can go down the disposal, we caution against it and suggest taking these items to the trash instead. 2. ShellsSimilarly, you should never put oyster or clamshells down the disposal — they’re much too hard for the blades to tackle. The hard exoskeletons of other shellfish, including crabs, lobster and shrimp, are also better off in the garbage can, as they can cause damage to both your system’s blades and pipes. 3. Coffee groundsYou may have heard conflicting advice on coffee grounds — there’s a common misconception that they can help clean your disposal. And while they do seem innocent enough, our experts say they can actually pile up in the system, leading to a sludgy mess that could potentially clog your pipes.4. EggshellsEggshells are another item that gets tossed around as a good way to clean your machine or even sharpen the blades, but we advise against this as well. The membrane lining inside the shell can also build up, leading to trouble. More Home Mistakes to Avoid5. Fibrous vegetablesGarbage disposals make quick work of discarding veggie scraps, but foods like celery, asparagus and corn husks should never make it into your disposal. The long, fine strands that compose these items can get tangled up in the blades, wreaking havoc on the machine’s efficiency. 6. Produce stickersYou know those little stickers that detail the food’s PLU code for reference at the grocery store? Make sure to peel those off and toss them in the trash before discarding any food scraps in the garbage disposal. They can attract other bits of debris that could eventually causing a blockage. 7. PitsThe pits from fruit like peaches, plums, mangos and avocado should never make their way down your drain. Like bones, they’re much too tough for the blades and can cause damage. They may also get lodged in pipes if they happen to make their way through. 8. Pasta and riceKids left some macaroni, a hunk of lasagna or remnants of fried rice on their plate? Scrape that right into the trash before rinsing the dish — starchy foods like pasta and rice expand when exposed to liquid, even after they’ve been fully cooked. This can cause buildup in your disposal, eventually leading to plumbing problems. 9. Potato peelsSimilarly, the starch from potato peels can swell and get gummy in your garbage disposal, causing issues down the line. Liudmila Chernetska//Getty Images10. OatsDon’t dump the last bits of your morning oatmeal into the disposal, either. Like other starchy foods, this seemingly innocent item expands and can create a sticky mess inside the appliance. 11. BeansChickpeas, white beans, black beans… whatever legume you enjoy, they should end up in the trash rather than the disposal. Like starches, these items have a tendency to get sticky inside the machine and may even coat the blades, leading to efficiency issues and even full malfunction. 12. Onion skinsSimilar to eggs, the thin membrane on the inside of an onion’s skin can get lodged in the drain, which can trap other food that would otherwise make it down the pipes and cause clogs. Onions and their skins also tend to be stringy and can wrap around the blades. 13. NutsNuts are not only hard and can eventually dull your garbage disposal’s blades, but they can also create a muddy mess inside that can eventually lead to blockages. Think about it: Nut butters, like peanut and almond butter, are made by grinding the nuts into a paste! 14. Grease, oil and other fatsGrease, oil and other fats like melted butter should never go down your sink — regardless of whether you have a disposal. It’s the same concept as what fat can do to your arteries. When it hardens, it can cause stubborn clogs in your drain and pipes. Related StoriesBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More