HGTV Magazine November/December 2022

A few years ago, I had a credit to the stationery site Minted that was about to expire. Of course, I realized this at 10 p.m. on the expiration date, so in a panic I ordered approximately 50 sheets of the first wrapping paper I saw. It turned out to be one of my best impulse purchases ever: The paper (at right) features a beautiful shibori pattern, and with the right ribbon, it works for every occasion. I’ve used it for my mom’s birthday present, friends’ wedding gifts, toys for my preteen nephew—and I always pull it out for the holidays. I even brought some to the office as inspiration when we were planning the Hanukkah wrapping story on page 72, and I’m glad I did, because it made me…

COVER Photograph by Adam Albright. Styled by Jennifer DeCleene INTERIOR DESIGN Laura Tribbett, outlineinteriors.com…

Designing Christmas This holiday movie features designer Hilary Farr in a different kind of role—as an actor! We asked her to spill some set secrets. How hard was it to memorize your lines? It took some work! The whole point of my shows on HGTV is for me to tell it like it is in the moment—the complete opposite of a scripted film. To help, I recorded scenes so I could listen to the other actors’ lines while practicing my own. What was the toughest part of moviemaking? Waiting around between scenes drove me absolutely insane! And the best part? My dog, Suki, a 75-pound Labrador, joined me on set. She was a star among the crew. Premieres Friday, November 11 on discovery+. Airs Fridays at 10 p.m. ET on HGTV. Saving the Manor In this new show, former real estate…

NOT BAD AT ALL! NOT SO BAD! KINDA BAD! PRETTY BAD! REALLY BAD! SUPER BAD! how bad is it to donate recently expired canned goods? When considering what to give, think about what you’d eat from your own pantry, says Wayne Melichar, senior director of food safety at Feeding America. You wouldn’t want anything in a swollen or rusted can, but properly stored canned food can last one to five years past its expiration date. NOT BAD AT ALL! how bad is it to force your pet into a holiday outfit? That reindeer costume is cute, but it could be stressing out your dog or cat. “Many well-meaning people dress up their pets and don’t realize they’re suffering,” says Amanda Gagnon, a dog trainer in New York City. If yours is pulling, running away, growling or hissing, stop. Use a…

HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT MATTRESS You spend one-third of your life in bed, why not make it wonderful? MAKE IT PERSONAL Scale the size to your space and match the firmness to your sleep style. Map out your bedroom to determine whether a king or a queen would be the best fit. If you sleep with a partner (or pets!), it may be worth sizing up. Find the right feel—Firm, Plush, or Ultra Plush—based on your usual sleep position. THINK LONG TERM A high-quality mattress should last up to 10 years, so invest in comfort, durability, and support. Research how it’s made—the materials used for the interior and the exterior can have a major impact on comfort and durability over time. TRUST THE LEGACY Seek out a brand with a proven track record. Stearns & Foster…