Better Homes and Gardens BH&G Christmas Ideas 2021

Merry Christmas! I think we can all agree there is so much to celebrate and be thankful for this season. Many of us are eager to deck our halls, prepare festive meals, and revel in the magic of the holidays. We are here for it. And ready to help you make this Christmas the best it can be! Our pages are loaded with ideas and inspiration for creating your own holiday wonderland. We feature peeks into real homes that are not only magical, but also full of heartwarming stories and traditions. We also feature stories focused on specific ways to deck the halls. Pick up some new crafting skills over the pandemic? Check out “Dollars and Sense” (page 68) and put those skills to use creating your own holiday decor. Excited to…

Made for Giving Gifts to Bake APPLE-CINNAMON BREAD HANDS-ON 35 MINUTES BAKE 50 MINUTES COOL 10 MINUTES 3 eggs, lightly beaten½ cup vegetable oil½ cup applesauce2 cups sugar2 large firm, tart apples, peeled, cored, and shredded2 tsp. vanilla3 cups all-purpose flour1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon1 tsp. salt1 tsp. baking power1 tsp. baking soda1 cup chopped pecans 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour bottom and ½ inch up sides of two 8×4-inch pans. 2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, applesauce, and sugar. Stir in apples and vanilla. In another bowl combine flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda; add to apple mixture. Stir to combine. Stir in nuts. Divide batter between prepared pans. 3. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near each center comes out clean. Cool in pans on a…

Natural Wonder Feathers and candle-style lights dial up the Colonial look. BASE Take this gumdrop-shape cypress to new heights by placing the stand in a rust-color planter. Trim the bottom branches, and mask the trunk with sheet moss. LIGHTS Before electricity, real candles flickered on tree branches. Safely get the old-school effect with a flameless strand. ORNAMENTS Maintain an authentic look with simple ornaments: metallic orbs, clove-studded tangerines, dried orange slices, and pinecones. DETAILS Woodsy red artificial berries stand in for garland. TOPPER Wire on a crown-shape cluster of feathers to push the look to the peak. Midwinter Magic Set a snowy scene with a glitzy flocked artificial tree. BASE Save on the skirt by using a white canvas drop cloth. Wash it a few times for a softer, worn-in look. ORNAMENTS Icy white and pale pink filler ornaments set…

PULLING IT ALL TOGETHER LIMIT YOUR PALETTE. Use a few choice colors to direct decorating and purchasing decisions. REPEAT YOURSELF. Group together ornaments you adore. This makes a bigger impact than scattered trinkets CARRY IT THROUGH. Echo design treatments throughout your house to create a consistent theme. Use like greenery on mantels and garlands. Make (or buy) enough ornaments to adorn trees, wreaths, and packages. FILL IT IN. Seek accessories with finishes that complement your decor. White candlesticks on the mantel, page 15, repeat the matte finish on DIY ornaments. Metallic bottle-brush trees enhance the glamour. “The materials are simple, but the color palette, various textures, modern shapes, and the touches of assorted metallics elevate the overall look.”—KIM HUTCHISON, PROJECT DESIGNER FRESH AND FAUX MATERIALS • Drop cloth or paper• Waxed paper• Assorted colored crepe papers in shades of red and pink•…

How does Kristin Chambless describe Christmas at her Nana’s house? “Three words: over the top,” Kristin says. “It’s amazing, and we all love it.” Since she was a little girl, her family traveled to south Florida for the holidays, food, festivities, and tree decorating. Now that she has her own home in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband, Sterling, Kristin starts with what she knows best. “Nana definitely influenced my tree style. Hers is the most explosive, overflowing thing. She believes more is more,” Kristin says. “To Sterling’s horror, it’s something I continue to do. Only I have taken it a step further with a color-coordinated tree.” It’s not surprising that Kristin, a lifestyle blogger working with fashion and home design brands, would make a color statement with her holiday decorating.…

Star - Studded Let the stars in your life know just how brightly they shine. With wrappings inspired by the heavens, these gifts are sure to dazzle. Vintage Vibe These sweet wrappings cue the comforts of Grandma’s house alongside the sophistication of modern touches. For inspiration, look to macramé, florals, and pom-poms along with pastel colors to create a look that warms the heart. Hop on the grandmillenial trend with a pastel palette inspired by midcentury fashion and 1950s diners to create peachy keen looks under the tree. Holly Jolly Who can resist a traditional Christmas and red, green, and gold wrappings in classic patterns? Cheer on the timeless look of the season with tried-and-true trimmings for a nostalgic holiday that feels like home. Bold & Beautiful The little blue box has nothing on these luxurious, jewel-tone packages.…