Home Ideas

There’s no denying that the kitchen sponge — a true workhorse in the kitchen — can get a bit yucky. We tapped germ experts for info on how to clean a sponge effectively and banish bacteria. There are plenty of sponge-cleaning tricks you may have seen on social media or picked up from your grandma. The Good Housekeeping Institute teamed up with with EMSL Analytical Testing Lab in New Jersey to put several popular methods to the test. And the ultimate winner? Soaking your sponge in a bleach solution. But if you don’t have bleach on hand, there are a few other methods that are almost as effective. Here’s everything to know about the most effective ways to clean your sponges.The Best Way to Clean a SpongeBelow, you’ll find the best step-by-step method for cleaning a sponge. But no matter how diligent you are about cleaning, your kitchen sponges won’t last forever. You need to clean them weekly, and toss shabby ones every two to three weeks, depending on use.Mix 3/4 cup of bleach in one gallon of water.Soak the sponge in the mixture for five minutes, then rinse – and that’s it!In testing, the bleach solution killed 99.9% of the three bacteria strains from the test sponges (scrub and regular cellulose), which is the benchmark based on the EPA’s requirement for sanitization of non-food-contact surfaces.3 Alternative Ways to Clean a SpongeEven though bleach is the most effective bacteria killer, in a bind, these methods are your next best option. They’re listed in order from most to least effective, so choose wisely.Microwave: The microwave was one of the next most effective ways to clean a sponge, zapping 99.9% of germs. Do this by saturating the sponge in water (we used 1/4 cup for scrub sponges and 1/2 cup for cellulose), putting the sponge in the microwave, then heating it on high for one minute (scrub) or two minutes (cellulose).Dishwasher: The dishwasher also killed 99.9% of germs. To use, add your sponge to a regular dishwasher load, using the “heated dry” setting.Vinegar: This method eliminated 99.6% of bacteria. All you have to do is soak your sponge in full-strength vinegar for five minutes, then rinse.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.Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

Over the years, many people put old framed photos into bins, drawers, or furniture when they no longer want them displayed.”They know they’re done with that frame, yet never remove the pictures,” Trunz says. “This takes up a lot of space. Remove photos from frames you’re no longer using and place them inside a folder until you can organize them into albums. She adds, “Another idea is to load them onto a digital frame, which allows you to enjoy your photos without taking up space.”RELATED: You’re Probably Making These Organizing Mistakes, According to Pros More

1Try a Woven FabricRaquel Langworthy2Let the Light InDavid PattersonWake up to the morning sunlight with curtains that allow some of the light in. Kate Hartman wraps them around for a cozy sanctuary at night that transforms into a bright bedroom by daylight.Photo by: David Patterson. Stylist: Tawney WaldoAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Go BoldDustin Halleck4Blend It InEmily Minton Redfield PhotographyAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Embrace PatternsLinda Pordon PhotographyHave some fun matching throw pillows to your window shades like this look from Allison Handler Design. Feel free to experiment with other patterns through your wallpaper and rug choices for added contrast.Photo by: Linda Pordon6Create a Moody AtmosphereEric LuceroThe dark walls and table in this moody dining room by Inside Stories is contrasted by the light, sheer drapery. Incorporate standout lighting for a dramatic yet inviting space guests will love to dine in. Photo by: Eric LuceroAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Keep It SimpleGavin Cater8Opt for Panel CurtainsBecome LegendaryFloor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors are known for letting in gorgeous natural light, but that’s not always ideal—especially in the bedroom. House of One incorporates stylish panel curtains to keep the light out in the early mornings. Photo by: Become LegendaryAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Mount a Gold RodRaquel LangworthyGold accents are always in style. Incorporate a gold curtain rod with cafe curtain-style drapery for a timeless design. Danielle Rose Design Co. even adds touches of gold throughout the space to bring the look together.Photo by: Raquel Langworthy10Highlight PracticalityLinda Pordon PhotographyAllison Handler Design lets the overhead lighting steal the show in this otherwise all-neutral design. With simple pull-down blinds that blend in well with the rest of the interior, all eyes go to the real star of the space—the six-head pendant light fixture.Photo by: Linda PordonAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11Focus on Color SchemeRebecca AlpinHCO Interiors incorporates greens, blues, and yellows—all colors seen throughout the space—in this window treatment that ties the design together. Photo by: Rebecca Alpin12Keep It CleanGavin CaterEmbrace your inner minimalist with clean, all-white window shades like Arterberry Cooke does here. With blinds that still let some of the light shine through, you can get privacy without all the darkness. Photo by: Gavin CaterAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13Match the WallpaperELLEN RENEEConsidered widely as a calming color, why not incorporate baby blue shades right above the tub? Marian Louise Design matches the blinds to the adorable birds featured in the wallpaper for a serene bathroom design.Photo by: Ellen Renee14Get Cozy With PlaidArris PhotographyAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below15Mix PatternsDustin HalleckPhillip Harrison Interiors isn’t afraid to mix colors, patterns, and materials for this aesthetically pleasing nook. From the mosaic floors to the horizontally striped walls to the teal cushions and colorful blinds, it’s almost impossible to experience boredom while snacking at this table.Photo by: Dustin Forest Halleck 16Experiment With a Coastal FlairVenjhamin ReyesOpen the sliding doors and let the salty air and sounds of the waves in all day long. When it’s time for some well-deserved shuteye, close the blinds for a calm, coastal-style retreat. House of One keeps it cool with blues and whites throughout the space.Photo by: Venjhamin ReyesRELATED: 20 Inspiring Bedroom Curtain IdeasAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below17Get the Best of Both WorldsRayon RichardsIf you’re dining area bleeds into your living room, you’ll need windows that let in tons of natural light throughout the space. However, you’ll also want privacy—especially if your family tends to gather there. Aha Interiors incorporates curtains that give you the flexibility to decide for the best of both worlds. Photo by: Rayon Richards18Mix and Match TexturesRaquel LangworthyMix woven blinds with curtains for variety like Allison Handler Design here. While the windows right near the chairs have pull-down shades, there are curtains right next door. Mix and match textures and fabrics for added visual interest.Photo by: Raquel LangworthyAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below19Don’t Overthink ItRaquel Langworthy20Stick to One TextureCharlotte LeaMatch the blinds to the trio of hanging pendants. Choose different styles of tiles for the flooring and part of the wall like Kristyn Harvey Interiors does here for a design you can admire from the tub.Photo by: Charlotte LeaLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle 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 pop culture updates. Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowReaders Also ReadAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

It all started with a blush-toned kitchen. The owners of this Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, home originally hired Philadelphia-based designer Michelle Gage to renovate their kitchen, which she shares turned into a kismet moment when both she and the homeowners envisioned the same color for the cabinets. What began as a kitchen renovation eventually turned into a full-scale transformation. Inspired by the homeowners’ love of art, crafts, and fantasy films, Gage infused magic and imagination into every square inch of the home using her signature look of bold colors and contrasting patterns. The 1900’s home is located in the charming Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, which happens to be where Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was filmed. When designing a space, Gage takes note of the home itself. “I am heavily influenced by not only the architecture of the home but the people who live inside it,” she says. The designer’s goal was for the color story to flow from room to room in a cohesive and creative way, so you know you’re in the same house but don’t feel like you’re experiencing the same room over and over again. “Each room had its own vision; We wanted the home to feel cohesive but for each room to take on its own personality,” Gage says. Tour this character-filled Pittsburgh home to experience the magic for yourself—and get a masterclass in pattern mixing and color pairing.Dining RoomThe clients’ love of arts, craft, and fantasy films inspired Gage to weave imagination throughout the home, often using a magical wallpaper print—such as this pastoral mural by Designers Guild—as a vehicle to transport you to another time and place. “We wanted to flow their love of fantasy throughout the home and the dining room, which is off of the entry, seemed like the perfect place to go wild with wallpaper!” In the dining room, the main challenge was keeping the space bright and airy while also giving the homeowners privacy. “They have a large, gorgeous window that faces the street and puts them on display,” Gage shares. The solution was layered window treatments that allow for privacy, while also letting light trickle in and adding another dose of pattern.KitchenErin Kelly”It all started with the blush pink kitchen—a shared vision between our team and our clients,” Gage shares. “It felt kismet when we both just knew that was the destined cabinet color.” She paired the soft-toned cabinetry with glossy square ceramic tile on the range hood and backsplash, and used Lacey Pearl, an off-white shade by Benjamin Moore, on the walls. Storage presented the biggest challenge in the kitchen. “It’s not a big space but our homeowner is a big baker—she not only needed lots of storage but surfaces as well,” Gage says. The designer implemented lots of sneaky storage solutions into the kitchen, which connects to the dining room to create a perfect flow for the homeowners, who are both passionate cooks and frequent hosts. Breakfast NookErin KellyTo maximize storage in the kitchen, Gage incorporated shelves and cabinets into this charming breakfast nook. “We snuck in extra cabinets in every corner we could—and also around the banquette—to meet these needs,” Gage says. She continued the blush paint color from the cabinetry onto the floor-to-ceiling shelves and drawers under the banquette seating, and brought in her signature pattern layering style through a Ferrick Mason wallpaper and Radish Moon café curtains that match those above the kitchen sink.Living RoomErin KellyDesigning a home that wasn’t too precious was one of the homeowners’ non-negotiables. They have two young and active children, so comfort and a space the family could truly live in was at the top of their wish list. The living room is a large area that Gage divided into two distinct zones. “We needed to make sure it was cohesive but also met their functional needs,” the designer shares. She turned one side of the living room into a cozy fireplace zone and the other into a comfortable game table and reading area. “It works and flows but making this large space one was tricky, especially since the client wanted to keep their existing pink rug!” Additionally, the living room is a great space for gathering. “They host a lot of their creative friends—musicians, artists, and the like. Their large living room allows all of them to gather for a great evening jam session,” Gage says.Erin KellyThe designer chose Farrow & Ball’s Dix Blue for the walls and hung art from the homeowners’ collection, as well as a couple of special pieces she hand-selected for them in Paris. “We were nearing the completion of their project and still had some blank walls that were begging for original works of art,” Gage shares. She was looking for something other than photographs and prints, and ended up sourcing 14 pieces for the home from some of her favorite sellers in Paris. They loved every single piece I picked and even came up with stories for them,” Gage says. Primary BedroomErin Kelly”In the primary bedroom, we designed a moodier, more sultry vibe, playing with large-scale wallpaper in an aubergine hue,” Gage says. The designer paired it with Benjamin Moore’s Cabernet on the trim, casing and doors, and juxtaposed the large-scape wallpaper print with a contrasting patterned fabric on the custom bed. “I love creating unexpected pattern and color pairings,” Gage says. While pattern mixing is an intuitive process for the designer, she shares a good rule of thumb to keep in mind: “For prints, it’s about hue, texture, and scale. They all have to be in harmony to layer one print with another.” The goal is to strike a strong balance within the overall design: “We never want a room to be too muted and fall flat, but at the same time you can’t create a circus,” Gage says. Basement Erin KellyBasements are often an afterthought, but this magical space is anything but that. “The basement is a full on moody movie watching room where they can all cuddle on the couch with a bowl of popcorn,” Gage says. The star of the pattern-drenched space is—literally—a gold star adorned Maison C. wallpaper that’s installed on the walls and ceiling for a stunning effect. Tour More Inspiring HomesMaria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle.  More

1Dingy linens AdShooter//Getty Images2Unloved winter accessories Connect Images//Getty ImagesYou don’t want to be rummaging through your closet for your favorite gloves, boots, or heavy socks on the first cold day of winter. Take the time now to sort through your cold-weather gear and clear out the duds. “Gloves you avoid because they’re itchy or a scarf that always slips are just clutter disguised as options,” says Bergman. “Repair what’s repairable and let the rest go.”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Expired pantry itemsDana Hoff//Getty ImagesIf your pantry has become a bit of a black hole, use the time before the holidays to clear it out. “This makes room for seasonal staples you don’t buy year-round, like canned goods, baking supplies, crackers, and entertaining extras,” says Bergman. It’ll also ensure you don’t use any past-prime goods in your holiday spread. RELATED: Declutter Your Closet in Just a Day With These Hacks From Pro Organizers4Stuff you’ve been hiding in the guest roomGetty ImagesYour friends and family deserve a calm, inviting guest room—not one filled with random stuff. “The guest room tends to become a catch-all, so only keep what is used or needed,” says Hoepner. “Many people tend to hang on to items ‘just in case,’ but if an item hasn’t been used for a year, it can safely go.” If something belongs in another room, take a minute to return it there now. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Kids’ toys and gamesCavan Images//Getty ImagesYou’ll especially want to tackle this category if your little ones are likely to get a bunch of new toys during the holidays. “The goal should be to let go of about 25% to 50% of their existing toys to make space for the items coming in December,” says Matt Paxton, author of Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff and host of Discovery’s Filthy Fortunes. “If you can get them to donate the old toys, even better.” It teaches them both organizational and charitable skills. 6Family china you never usehighteaforalice.com//Getty ImagesIf you’re skipping your great-grandmother’s fine china yet again this holiday season, it might be time to let it go. “If you don’t like it, ask people to take it home with them,” says Paxton. “Let your family know if they would like a setting, they can take it with them, and if they don’t want it, you will be donating it.” We guarantee your deceased relatives won’t mind one bit. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Sad fall decorJasmin Awad / EyeEm//Getty ImagesA lot of fall decorations lose their charm once Thanksgiving rolls around. “You can throw away decor that’s starting to wilt, like faded wreaths, floral stems, small pumpkins, or half-used pumpkin spice candles that have lost their scent,” says Olivia Parks, owner and lead organizer of Nola Organizers in New Orleans. “Tossing them will give you a clean reset for holiday hosting.”8Holiday outfits you don’t plan to wearElena Popova//Getty Images’Tis the season for festive attire—and for skipping that itchy sequin dress for the fifth year in a row. Professional organizers suggest clearing out your closet now. “That makes it much easier to see what you’ll actually reach for this holiday season,” says Parks. “Plus, you’ll likely be getting new items to add to your closet after the holidays from gifts or holiday shopping.” Now, you’ll have lots of space for them. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Languishing condimentsGlow Decor//Getty ImagesClear out your fridge just like your pantry. “The holidays are the time when your fridge and freezer need to do the most for you, so it helps to have as much usable space as possible,” says Allison Flanders, founder of ORG NYC. “Clearing out old jars really does free up space for what matters: leftovers!” If something’s expired, has been open too long, or just looks plain old gross, it’s time to toss it.10″Festive” makeupW Prasongsin Stulio//Getty ImagesYou probably have your everyday makeup products, and then a stash of sparkly palettes and bold lipsticks that, let’s be honest, never see the light of day. “Our sense is that clients rarely actually use these,” says Flanders. “If you don’t plan to put on bright orange eyeshadow this Thanksgiving, it may be time to part with that.” Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11Christmas decorations you don’t useYana Iskayeva//Getty ImagesAfter Thanksgiving passes, it’s time to bring out your winter decor—and note what doesn’t make the cut. “After you decorate, take a look at the decorations you chose not to use,” says Allison Flinn, founder of Reclaim, a full-service professional organizing company in Raleigh, NC. “If you don’t see yourself using them again, it’s time to donate them.” 12Formerly sentimental letters and photosPer-Eric Berglund//Getty ImagesThe holidays often bring out our sentimental side, making them a great time to go through personal letters, photos, and mementos. Paxton recommends letting go of anything connected to people or chapters you’ve moved on from. “You are in charge of what items in your home are allowed to stay,” he says. “It’s okay if something once served you, and it’s okay if it doesn’t anymore.” When you flip through your photo books next year, they’ll be even more meaningful. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Extra kitchenwaresGetty ImagesAgain, you’ll want as much space in the kitchen as possible for holiday hosting. “Get rid of extra or worn-out kitchen towels and potholders, coffee mugs, travel bottles, small appliances, and gadgets you don’t use,” says Hoepner. After all, no one needs three potato peelers! Juliana is a writer, editor and SEO strategist with over six years’ of experience on the editorial staffs of publications including Reader’s Digest, Best Life and Good Housekeeping. She covers everything from holiday and home to travel and food, and lives in New York City, where she can often be found at hot yoga or raiding the candy aisle at CVS.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowReaders Also ReadAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Long before potential buyers spot those new stainless steel appliances or freshly painted walls, they’ll see your yard. Curb appeal matters more than you think, which is why we tapped landscape designers to tell us the easy landscaping tricks to increase your home value. The backyard is also important when it comes to getting the sale price you want. Upgrading your backyard with pathways, outdoor lighting, and other features helps potential buyers see what their life could look like in the space. And if you’re not convinced yet, landscape designer Amy Hovis, principal and owner of Eden Garden Design in Austin shared the numbers with us: “With landscape improvements hovering at a 200 to 400% return on investment, it makes a lot of sense to hire a designer and do it right.”Here are the best landscaping tricks to boost your property value. Plot Beautiful PathwaysA Hamptons home by architect Pamela Pospisil combines pavers and gravel in a narrow pathway.The walkways in your yard and garden aren’t just for practical purposes — they can provide visual interest too. “Designing transitions from a pool house with exterior hardscape, such as utilizing large scale stone and steps and pathways, you can navigate grade changes and at the same time create an architectural solution that is softened by landscape beds,” designer Carol Kurth of Carol Kurth Architecture + Interiors says. “Details such as pebbles between the pathway joints add a modern Zen touch to the landscape and help to define the aesthetic.”Incorporate LightingShade DeggesHardwired lighting illuminates an outdoor conversation pit at a Los Angeles County home designed by Jeremiah Brent.“An element that adds drama to the landscape is integrating the usage of lighting, which further extends the use of your landscape into the evening hours,” Kurth says. “Creating outdoor living spaces and finding ways to navigate tricky terrain expands your home’s livable footprint, provides enjoyment, and blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.” Remember: You can do this fairly easily with solar-powered lighting!Plant a Low-Maintenance, Sustainable GardenYardzenPavers and simple planting to attract pollinators in a garden designed by Yardzen.“Landscaping is that silent ambassador that speaks volumes about your home, creating that crucial first impression,” says Gagan Saini, director of acquisitions at JiT Home Buyers. “An artfully landscaped garden is the x-factor that significantly uplifts your property’s value.” But many potential buyers aren’t going to want to put in too much effort to care for the garden, so low-maintenance features like irrigation systems can help boost your home’s value. “Here’s something most people don’t know: Sustainable landscaping practices can significantly increase property value,” explains landscape architect Bryan Clayton, CEO of lawn-care marketplace GreenPal. “By implementing water-efficient irrigation systems, using native plantings, and opting for organic fertilizers, you demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. This appeals to environmentally conscious buyers and adds an extra layer of value.”Develop Outdoor Living SpacesNicole FranzenA simple gravel fire pit sits off the pool at a Nantucket home designed by Michael Ellison.Indoor-outdoor living is all the rage, even in four-season destinations, so you’ll want to build out an alfresco space for day-to-day use. The key is not to go overboard—just keep it simple. “If you’re designing for enjoyment now and ROI later, just think of adaptable, functional elements,” says design director Kevin Lenhart of the online landscape design site Yardzen. “In other words, focus on functional features like a fire pit area or flexible space like a patio, deck, or outdoor dining area that’s adaptable to many potential buyers versus very personalized features like a putting green, elaborate water feature, or built-in pizza oven.”Make Difficult Terrain UsableMike Van TassellCarol Kurth’s firm added tiered fieldstone walls to grade this hilly backyard and carve out an herb garden.If you have a hilly property, go the extra mile to add retaining walls to create usable outdoor space. “Creating and revitalizing spaces with complicated terrain can transform an underutilized space and elevate a home in terms of enjoyment, lifestyle, and property value,” Kurth says. “Our Oasis project [shown above] illustrates how a site with a steep grade change can be transformed with fieldstone retaining walls — one of which was used to create an oversized herb garden for meals alfresco — and a thoughtful verdant landscape.”Keep Up with MaintenanceGetty ImagesThis may sound obvious, but when you’re ready to list your home, be sure all your landscaping is impeccably maintained. Remember: First impressions are everything, and it’s all too easy to let landscaping get away from you as you prepare your home for sale. “Proper landscape maintenance is essential. Well-maintained lawns, trimmed hedges, and weed-free gardens contribute to a polished and cared-for appearance,” Clayton says.Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based writer covering architecture, design, and travel. She’s worked on staff at Architectural Digest, ARTnews, and Oyster.com, a TripAdvisor company, and has contributed to Condé Nast Traveler, The Washington Post, Design Milk, and Hunker, among others. When she’s not dreaming about midcentury chairs, you can find her re-watching The X-Files, likely in an airport lounge or on a plane.Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

Believe it or not, Thanksgiving is mere days away. By now, you should have the guest list confirmed and your menu ready, but what about your table setup? Stylish settings can often be relegated to an afterthought—a good idea, but only if you have the time—but a careful concoction of linens, centerpieces, and serveware can make this big feast feel even more special.”For me, the perfect Thanksgiving table is about creating a space where people feel seen and welcome,” says Cate Gutter, an interior designer in Charlotte, North Carolina. “It can be elevated and beautiful, but the heart of it is always the people who gather around it.”The good news: Creating the perfect table setting doesn’t have to be as complicated as, say, cooking your turkey to perfection. To help, three interior designers break a stunning spread down to a few simple steps.Find Your Foundation Design: Barrow Interiors; Photographer: Katie Charlotte PhotographyTransform your dining room table into a beautiful backdrop with linens. “A textured base instantly makes the table feel inviting and sets the stage for everything that comes next,” says Suzanne Barrows, an interior designer in Charleston, South Carolina. “Choose a tablecloth or runner, and layer in natural textures like woven placemats or a grounding rug.”While Barrows prefers earthy tones, Keith Meacham of Reed Smythe & Co. loves to zero in on colors that “nod to the traditional pumpkin and russet hues of Thanksgiving.” For this holiday, reds, oranges, and browns are all fair play. Gather Your GreeneryDesign: Barrow Interiors; Photographer: Katie Charlotte PhotographyOnce you have your foundation in place, it’s time to add some greenery into the mix. While a vase full of flowers might be status quo, Meacham warns that height-defying floral arrangements can block conversation with the opposite side of the table. “I’ve learned the hard way,” she says. “My husband has been known to pick up a big bowl of gorgeous flowers and put it on the floor to facilitate more lively discussion at the table.” If florals feel too cumbersome, consider a garland of fresh greenery like cedar, magnolia, or eucalyptus. “Let it run the length of the table for a look that feels effortless, seasonal, and lush,” Barrows says. Store-bought is fine, but Gutter and her family love to forage branches, magnolia leaves, and “other treasures” as a Thanksgiving morning tradition. “It’s something the whole family looks forward to and a tradition that makes the setting feel even more meaningful,” she says. “We finish it off with fruits of the season: Open pomegranates, cut oranges, and sprigs of rosemary layered through the center.”Add the Dinner EssentialsDesign: Reed Smythe & Co.; Photographer: Laurey GlennNow’s the time to weave in all those go-to dinner party must-haves such as flatware, chargers, napkins, and stemware. While Gutter says dinnerware in soft neutrals or muted tones “keeps the look elevated without feeling fussy,” Meacham encourages you to embrace your bold streak. “Head to the opposite side of the color wheel [from your tablecloth] to choose florals and even glassware that will be complementary but bold,” she says. Both color palettes will make a statement, so it all depends on your personal style.Once you placed your plates or water glasses, don’t forget to incorporate some thoughtful, personal touches. “Layer in small details that celebrate your guests and make them feel seen,” Gutter says. “Handwritten place cards, a sprig of herbs tucked into a napkin, or a tiny favor at each setting.”To keep your table arrangement looking its best, Meacham recommends serving the main course from your kitchen—buffet-style, of course. “When everyone is able to serve their own plate and then find their assigned seat, the atmosphere is more comfortable than when everyone is trying to elegantly pass the sweet potatoes,” she says. Accessorize With Candles Design: Reed Smythe & Co.; Photographer: Laurey GlennMood lighting, anyone? Designers agree that strategically placed candles are the perfect finishing touch for your table. “Soft candlelight adds depth and charm,” Barrows says. “Taper candles create instant ambiance.” Gutter agrees and likes to add taper candles in varying heights for a lived-in luxury. Once you strike a match and ignite your flames, it’s time to enjoy your company. “The most beautiful tables aren’t the ones with the most elaborate centerpieces or coordinated linens,” she says. “They’re the ones surrounded by laughter, stories, and the people you love.”Related StoriesKelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos. More

Fall may signal the end of the growing season, but it’s also the beginning of next year’s garden. As temperatures drop and leaves fall, it’s time to put your garden to rest and give your perennials the care they need to survive winter and thrive in spring. Done right, fall gardening protects your investment and sets the stage for healthier, more resilient plants. Done wrong, it could undo a season’s worth of growth. To help you avoid common missteps, we turned to Annie Morton, brand ambassador at Hoselink and a hands-on gardener who believes caring for the earth starts in our own backyard.1. Pruning Too EarlyIt can be tempting to tidy up your garden as soon as plants start to fade, but cutting perennials back too soon can do more harm than good. When you prune before they’ve fully gone dormant, you interrupt the plant’s natural process of sending energy down to the roots for winter storage. Morton says you’ll know it’s safe to prune “once all the foliage has browned and dried, and the stems feel crisp instead of soft.” She suggests a simple test: if you tug gently and the top breaks off easily, the plant is truly dormant and ready for pruning. JulieAlexK//Getty Images2. Forgetting to WaterMany gardeners make the mistake of cutting back on watering too soon, leaving roots vulnerable to drying out before winter sets in. Morton advises easing up gradually once daytime temperatures settle into the 60s, but not stopping altogether. “Watering once a week during the autumn months is preferred—unless it’s been really dry,” she says. The goal is to keep the soil slightly moist until the ground begins to freeze. When those chilly nights become consistent and the top layer of soil stays cold, it’s safe to stop. 3. Dividing or Moving Plants Too LateFall is a great time to divide crowded perennials or move plants to better spots, but timing is everything. Replanting too close to the first frost means roots won’t have enough time to establish before the ground freezes. Morton warns that “if you’re counting down to that first frost, it’s probably too late.” She recommends giving new divisions at least six to eight weeks to settle in. Once nighttime temperatures stay consistently cold and the soil feels chilly to the touch, it’s best to wait until spring. 4. Over-Cleaning the GardenA spotless garden might look satisfying in fall, but removing every leaf and stem can actually do more harm than good. “It’s all about finding that happy medium—tidy enough to look good to your eyes, but not so clean that it looks sterile,” says Morton. If you strip away every bit of organic matter, you also remove the natural insulation that protects roots and the habitat that shelters beneficial insects over winter. She recommends leaving some fallen leaves, dried stems, and seed heads in place. They act like nature’s mulch and even provide food for birds during the colder months. wulingyun//Getty Images5. Crowding or Losing Track of PlantsWhen perennials are packed too closely, they compete for space, sunlight, and nutrients, leading to weaker growth and fewer blooms. Morton suggests that fall is the perfect time to take a step back and assess your garden layout. “Use labels or markers to mark each plant’s spot while it’s still visible,” she says, “so you won’t forget what’s planted where over winter.” Taking the time now to label and plan saves plenty of digging, guessing, and stressed plants when spring rolls around.6. Cutting Everything BackWhile it may seem tidy to cut every perennial down to the ground, a little restraint goes a long way in supporting your garden’s ecosystem. Morton advises leaving sturdy seed heads and ornamental grasses standing tall. They add texture and beauty to the winter landscape while offering shelter for birds and insulation for roots. The goal, she says, is to “keep what helps the garden thrive through cold, and trim what could turn into a soggy mess.”7. Skipping Mulch or Fertilizing Too LateNeglecting to mulch or fertilizing too late in the season can leave your perennials vulnerable just when they need protection most. Morton says the best time to mulch is “once the soil has cooled, or when it feels noticeably chilly to the touch, usually around 50–55°F, a few inches deep.” This timing helps insulate roots without trapping excess warmth. Morton explains that fall mulch acts like a cozy blanket, shielding bare soil from freezing temperatures and moisture loss. She recommends using natural materials such as shredded leaves, straw, or bark—and skipping high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can trigger tender new growth that frost will quickly damage. A little preparation in the fall can make a big difference in how your perennials perform next spring. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll help your garden survive winter and come back stronger when warmer days return. Related StoriesDebbie Wolfe is a writer, photographer, and author. She has contributed hundreds of home and garden articles and DIY tutorials to leading media outlets and retailers. Debbie covers all home and gardening topics and has published hundreds of DIY tutorials with step-by-step photography for leading home and garden media outlets. More