Home & Garden
Better Homes and Gardens December 2019
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in this issue
editor’s letter
THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS What do you want for the holidays? For most of us, I’ll bet the No. 1 answer is to spend quality time with our family and friends away from the workaday commitments. I’ll add something I think most would hope for as well—to be thought of. The year-end holidays that we celebrate in various forms around the world are a natural time to stop and value people who are important to us. Too often, we make shopping for gifts a chore as we rush from store to store (or stay up late trying to negotiate a last-minute online delivery), ticking names off a list that has been weighing on us since Thanksgiving. But let’s not lose the point of gift-giving. Each present is an affirmation between you and…
bhg.com what’s trending online
OUR ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GUIDE Visit BHG.com/howiholiday for our favorite holiday crafts, entertaining ideas, and gifts for everyone on your list. Tag photos of your decorations and projects on Instagram with #BHGhowiholiday to show us how you celebrate. [SWEEPSTAKES] Win $25,000 to get your home ready for the holidays. Enter for a chance to win at BHG.com/Holiday25k. Details on page 127. [EXCLUSIVE BH&G OFFER] Hale Groves Fruit Box This collection of freshly picked citrus fruits and treats comes directly from the family-owned Florida citrus farm Hale Groves. Juicy navel oranges, seedless ruby red grapefruit, and tangerines, plus milk chocolates and chocolate chip cookies, fill each box. Order online at BHG.com/GiftBox or call 800/678-1154. Mention item M189 and offer code MNBHS. Our exclusive offer of $34.99 will save you 40 percent—plus get you free shipping. Gingerbread Village Craft a little town’s worth…
put a bow on it
“This towel is two gifts in one: Proceeds help fight childhood hunger.”JESSICA THOMAS, STYLE & DESIGN DIRECTOR“The curves help a beginner baker get picture-perfect pastry edges.”JAN MILLER, FOOD EDITOR FOREVER BESTIES “My friends will love the playful style.”LAURA ENGEL, GRAPHIC DESIGNER “I’m giving this illustrated journal to the book-lovers of all ages on my list.”OMA BLAISE FORD, EXECUTIVE EDITOR FUN AND GAMES “Who doesn’t love spin art?”DIANA DICKINSON, FEATURES EDITOR STOCKING STUFFERS Want to Keep Shopping? To browse our online gift guides (and make purchases on the spot), click here. BY: KIT SELZER; PHOTOS: CARSON DOWNING AND JACOB FOX; PRODUCED BY: EUGENIA SANTIESTEBAN SOTO; MARKET ASSISTANT: SAMANTHA DRISCOLL…
spotlight on acids
[ANTI-AGING] GLYCOLIC ACID WHAT IT DOES Glycolic acid, derived from sugarcane, is one of the most popular alpha hydroxy acids, a class of acids known for exfoliation. This multitasker sloughs off dead cells, boosts collagen growth, and lightens dark spots, so it’s ideal for treating signs of aging, says Kenneth Howe, M.D., at Wexler Dermatology in NYC. HOW TO USE IT Use a serum or pad with 10–15 percent glycolic acid two to three times a week at night. This is your exfoliation step, so skip any other scrubs. OUR PICK L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum containing soothing aloe, $30; lorealparisusa.com [BODY-SMOOTHING] LACTIC ACID HOW IT WORKS Cleopatra was on to something with her legendary milk baths: Lactic acid (found in milk) is an effective body exfoliant. “It…
forecast: burgundy
MASCARA The reddish-purple tint isn’t flashy. L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Mascara in Deep Burgundy, $8; lorealparisusa.com PRIMER Use this rosy skin prep before you apply foundation. Paul & Joe Beauté Pearl Foundation Primer in Pinot Noir, $36; amazon.com EYE SHADOW NYX Professional Makeup Love Lust Disco Shadow Palette in Rosé and Play makes red work like a neutral. $20; nyxcosmetics.com EYE LINER Tarte Double Duty Beauty Easy On the Eyes Clay Liner in Burgundy is waterproof and never needs sharpening. $19; tarte.com LIPSTICK With a dark red, you can keep everything else low-key. Revlon Ultra HD Vinyl Lip Polish in So Shady, $10; target.com…
ever green
“SEASONAL DECORATING IS MY FAVORITE. YOU HAVE LICENSE TO BE A LITTLE MORE CREATIVE. YOU CAN GO CRAZY AT CHRISTMAS AND IT’S OK.”MICHAEL WURM There’s no shortage of ornaments in Michael Wurm’s Pittsburgh home—10 huge totes full, in fact—and the bulk of them come out every Christmas. It’s his edited color scheme that he says lets him “get away with doing more.” A flocked white tree is often the base of the themed trees he elaborately decks out every year and features on his blog, Inspired by Charm. This Emerald City-inspired tree is his 18th and goes “all-in on traditional Christmas green,” which stands out against the silver-white branches that sparkle with metallic accents. HOW TO PACK A TREE Michael starts at the top of the tree, weaving long lengths of ribbon in…
