Innehållsförteckning för Dec-14 från Good Housekeeping

AS THE HOLIDAYS APPROACH, I start to feel a mounting sense of anxiety: I need to do this, buy that, bake this, make that — and wrap it all up with a pretty bow! When you put it that way, it seems impossible to pull off. Enter the amazing team of experts here at GH (or maybe I should call them elves). They have the power to solve all our holiday dilemmas, from what to hang over the mantel (page 126) to the most delicious, foolproof recipes (page 175) and even how to make the party rounds without gaining a pound (page 91). Amazingly, when I look through the stunning ideas and inspiring shortcuts on these pages, I go from stressed to excited. And that's why I can't wait to…

LORI BERGAMOTTO Style Director STYLE SCOOP DEEP BREATHS: The holiday season is here! Sure, there's some anxiety about shopping for gifts and navigating the party circuit, but fear not. No need to stress about spending gobs of money on gifts; we've done the work for you (see ideas at right and on page 22). Great gifts at "Whoa, really?" prices (with a few splurges to put on your wish list — I'm talking to you, sparkly pumps!). Uncertain about what to wear to those bashes? Got ya covered (page 30). Most important, have fun — even if you have to don silly headgear from Target to do it (like the Style team did in our pic above). FOLLOW ME @loribergamotto Illinois! STATE-MENT NECKLACE Customized gifts feel so special, which is…

"A thick coat is surprisingly slimming in black-and-white plaid." — Kristen Saladino, fashion director We're mad for the iconic peacoat in lumberjack plaid. Coat, $120, American Eagle Outfitters A puffer doesn't have to look puffy: Layer it over a slim sweater and a tailored shirt. Vest, $34, Old Navy Punctuate a monochromatic look with a statement-making tartan bracelet. Cuff, $19, Color by Amber Exposed double zippers make the schoolgirl staple uniformly cool. Wear it with black tights, booties and a moto jacket. Skirt, $168, W118 by Walter Baker Buffalo check on an all-weather boot? Bring on the polar vortex! Boots, $159, L.L.Bean Signature Coat, $190, Mango. Tights, $18, Lauren Ralph Lauren. Boots, $230, Kate Spade Saturday. Bag, $375, Aritzia. Worth the splurge: a timeless carryall trimmed in buttery leather. Bag,…

Shocker: 71% of our testers said they'd never tried dry shampoo! If you're one of the newbies, prepare to have some seriously awesome hair days. Despite its name, this wonder product isn't actually shampoo (there's no sudsing involved), but rather a spray or powder that 1) cleanses hair via oil absorbers like starch and 2) volumizes via ingredients like silica. What started out as a shower substitute in hospitals has quickly become beauty insiders' secret weapon for an instant refresh. DRY SHAMPOO 5 Reasons it rules 1 IT REPLACES A WASH No time to shampoo? The dry stuff soaks up grease and leaves a fresh scent, so hair looks and smells just-washed. 2 IT MAKES YOUR STYLE LAST LONGER These products preserve a blowout, which saves you time and money:…

DO-GOOD GIFT "Knot" your average paperweight! Buy one of these hand-blown glass pieces, and $5 will go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to fight pediatric cancers. $14, westelm.com AMAZING VASE You don't need a bouquet to make this beautiful vase bloom. Designed by Lenox, it will pop in any room, no matter what your friend or family member's taste. $50, dillards.com CLEVER CANDLE Two presents in one: Once the soothingly scented candle burns down, you can use the hand-painted ceramic bowl as an accent dish. $25, crateandbarrel.com SERVING UP STYLE This handmade find, in color-blocked herringbone, will be "tray" chic on a coffee table or a nightstand. $48, brika.com KID-MADE MASTERPIECE Turn your child's artwork into a timeless keepsake like this sterling silver key chain created by Executive Editor…

question I'd like to use my mother's china, but it's stained from age or who knows what. Help! —Denise P. A How lucky you are! My Blue Willow china from my grand mother and mother brings back happy memories. If the "stains" look crackled, like tiny lines, you can't eliminate them. But if they may be from food or drink, do this: Place a paper towel on the plate and pour on 3% hydrogen peroxide (sold at drugstores) — it acts like bleach, but it's milder and won't damage your china. Let set for an hour, rinse and dry. THE PROBLEM MY SYNTHETIC-FABRIC SOFA HAS A SPOT. HOW CAN I CLEAN IT IF IT'S… 3 SOLUTIONS PINE SAP? Wet a cloth in warm water and dab it on the sap…

WHEN I WAS in third grade, I made a paper angel ornament in Sunday school. I gave her blond hair and then enthusiastically announced that she was "me." It was 1978, and I was celebrating that Christmas with my father and my stepmother, Judy, in our blended household of five kids — my two brothers, my stepbrother, my stepsister and me. Like all families, ours had holiday traditions. There was the pilgrimage to the city, where we would attend a Christmas light show and go to my father's office to look down on the City of Brotherly Love. On Christmas Eve, we attended candlelight services. Once home, we ordered pizza, wrote letters to Santa and went giggling up to bed. Placing my angel on the tree became part of our…

Why action films can sabotage your diet SOME REEL BAD NEWS: Snackers are likely to eat twice as much while watching a fast-paced thriller as when viewing a talk show. Researchers at Cornell think the loud soundtrack and quick camera cuts distract viewers, making them less mindful of portion control. So why not BYOP (bring your own popcorn) to that holiday blockbuster? We love Pop Art's Rosemary Truffle and Angie's Boomchickapop Sea Salt (140 cals). + BOX OFFICE (CALORIE) BOMB A MEDIUM TUB OF MOVIE POPCORN CAN SET YOU BACK UP TO 1,200 CALORIES!…

1 PLANK PIKE WORKS ABS, SHOULDERS, BACK Start in plank position with forearms on floor and legs extended behind you, creating a straight line from head to toe. Raise hips until your body forms an inverted "V" (as shown). Return to plank for one to two breaths. Do 15 reps. Finish with a 30-second plank. GO EASY Drop to your knees. FIT TIP Keep your navel in, abs engaged. POWER OF PLANK This ab flattener improves balance and posture. 2 SIDE PLANK-UPS WORKS ABS, SHOULDERS Start on your right side with legs stacked, knees bent 90°. Prop yourself up on your right forearm and lift hips until they're in line with the rest of your body (as shown). Lower and lift hips for 15 reps. Switch sides; repeat. AMP IT…

INSIDE THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE Which is better for the planet? The American Christmas Tree Association (it's a thing!) conducted a comprehensive tree life cycle assessment. We got the dirt #TEAMREAL CHOPPING DOWN THE REAL THING isn't as harmful as you might think: Producing an artificial tree takes about eight times the energy of growing a live one. That said, skip the gas-guzzling trip to some wooded wonderland and buy local. When it's time to toss it, compost the tree or ask your town's waste authority for eco-friendly disposal options. #TEAMFAKE AN ARTIFICIAL TREE can have less of an environmental impact, but there's a contingency clause: You have to keep it around for a minimum of two years — ideally up to nine — the ACTA study reports. Gotta toss…

PINPOINTING THE TOP TOYS of the year is child's play. Literally. We turned our Lab over to the experts — children ages 3 to 12 — and let them vet the latest launches. Here, their 20 favorites, sure to be a hit with any kid on your list. (Our gift to you: The grown-ups have made sure they're also safe — and even educational.) TOY OF THE YEAR! HOT BOT Testers were wowed by this robot's party tricks: He busts a move in response to hand gestures; explores the room, dodging objects in his way; and will dance to any song in your iTunes library. Download an app, and he can be remote-controlled, interact with fellow MiPs and play games. Now if he could only drive the carpool! WowWee MiP,…

JAMMY THUMBPRINTS page 176 CHOCOLATE- PB DROPS page 176 the dough SUGAR COOKIE COCOA STARS page 175 TRADITIONAL CUTOUTS page 175 SPICED DROPS page 176 the dough BATTERY BAR From Top: PB&J APRICOT CRUMB From top: BROWN SUGAR-HAZELNUT page 176 PISTACHIO THINS page 178 "CANDY" BARS page 178 the dough SPRITZ* PECAN BALLS page 181 *The name comes from the German word spritzen, meaning "to squirt," because the soft dough is usually squirted or pushed through a cookie press to shape. CHOCOLATE-ALMOND TEA COOKIES page 180 COOKIE S'MORES page 180 CINNAMON STARS page 180 CREAM CHEESE SPRITZ page 180 CRANBERRY- WALNUT DROPS page 181 CRUNCHY CANDY CANES page 181…

HERE'S WHAT'S POPPIN' Hampton Tins offer a whopping 40 flavors (S'mores! Chipotle Cheddar!) in cool reusable bins. $8 (888-947-6726 only) to $120 (6.5 gallons!), hamptonpopcorn.com BOWL FOR A CAUSE The stoneware Le Creuset Batter Bowl holds two quarts, has a handle and pours: brilliant! Even better, every cent goes to No Kid Hungry. $49 (includes gift tag; 300 available), nokidhungry.org/giftsthatgive THE NOTEBOOK Foodies will love jotting down menu ideas in an In Blue Handmade leather journal. Customize it with an image or quote. $15 (refills available), etsy.com/shop/inblue SWEET TARTS The new chef's must-have: a Mangé fruity vinegar to dress up salads — or create a cocktail (recipe, page 182)! $14 for 15-oz. bottle (10% discount with code GH14), freshfruitvinegars.com ROLL WITH IT Charm your favorite baker with the embossed bone…

1. SURFSIDE SCRAMBLE (8+) Make a "wave" of words with lettered flip-flop tiles, racking up points for things like creating the longest word. Can you spell F-U-N?! $13, educationalinsights.com 2. MOVE & GROOVE (18 MO.+) Toss the plush cube; draw a Dance card; boogie. Kids loved marching orders like "walk like an elephant," and parents loved the excuse to act wacky. $20, thinkfun.com 3. NOODLE SPEEDOODLE (8+) Using rubber "noodles," work a silly shape into a drawing as others guess your creation. Like Pictionary for kiddos. $25, peaceablekingdom.com 4. PICTOPIA: DISNEY EDITION (7+) Test your knowledge of animated pals from Mickey Mouse to Elsa. Finish all 1,000 questions? Download the app for even more trivia. $20, wonderforge.com 5. LUNCHBOX KIDS (6+) Take the fitness challenges and answer health q's as…

Born: 1987 Lives in: New York Hometown: Burbank, CA What's new: her lifestyle website, preserve.us; the upcoming film The Age of Adaline; and a baby on the way with hubby Ryan Reynolds WHAT YOU'LL ALWAYS FIND IN MY FRIDGE… SIGNATURE DISH: FAVORITE FAMILY RECIPE: FAVORITE BOARD GAME: HOUSEHOLD CHORE I ACTUALLY ENJOY: MY SECRET CLEANING WEAPON: I LOVE TO SHOP FOR: I HATE TO SHOP FOR: BAD HABIT: IF I HAD AN EXTRA HOUR IN MY DAY TODAY, I WOULD: TV SHOW I'M MOST EMBARRASSED TO HAVE WATCHED: CAT/DOG/OTHER:…

Your opinion counts! ENTER AT DECSURVEY.GOODHOUSEKEEPING.COM No purchase necessary to enter or win. Reader Feedback Sweepstakes sponsored by Hearst Communications, Inc. Beginning December 1, 2013, at 12:01 A.M. (ET) through December 31, 2014, at 11:59 P.M. (ET), go to decsurvey.goodhousekeeping.com and complete and submit the entry form pursuant to the on-screen instructions. One (1) Grand Prize winner will receive $5,000, one (1) Second Place winner will receive a $500 American Express gift card and ten (10) runner-up winners will receive a $100 American Express gift card. Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received. Must be a legal resident of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia or Canada who has reached the age of majority in his or her state, territory or province of…

BEJEWELED TOOLS A showstopping brush set in 24-karat plated gold, Lucite and Swarovski crystals by jewelry designer Alexis Bittar. Alexis Bittar for Sephora Liquid Gold Beauty Brush Set and Stand, $175 COOL FOR SCHOOL This crystal-pearl chain necklace is a high-impact gift with a low-impact price tag (read: the Holy Grail of gifting) from our fave teen mag. Necklace, $24, Seventeen; sears.com PERFECT TEN High-tech fingertips let you text, tap, scroll and stay toasty. Gloves, $25 with code GH15, Veraloop SNOWBALL EFFECT Tie a mani gift card onto this sparkly polish, and your teacher gifts are done. Gwen Stefani Holiday for OPI Nail Lacquer in Snow Globe trotter, $10, Ulta Snowflake glitter! TINY WONDERS A mix-and-match batch of everyday studs. Bonus: The cute box means it's already wrapped. Earring set,…

WORK Trust us, sequins in the same color as the top (like the white-on-white seen here) turn down the volume of the sparkle, making it wearable to that 10 A.M. meeting and beyond. Top, $68, WDNY; 212-395-9309. Pants, $119, Nic+Zoe. Bracelet, $33, Kiss My Jewels. Bag, $85, Emilie M. Shoes, $269, Club Monaco. EVENING When you have twinkly patterns, flirty textures (feathers!) and metallic accessories, keep your color combo simple and classic, like this black and gold. Top, $27, Forever 21. Skirt, $188, Aqua. Cuff, $6, Forever 21. Ring, $58, Vince Camuto. Clutch and shoes, $39 each, Accessory Collection for David's Bridal. WEEKEND Think festive, not flashy. (No need to compete with the Xmas tree.) Pair a cozy, loose knit — the perfect foil for glitz — with white (yes,…

why it works THE DERM SAYS "In general, charcoal is an absorbing, drying agent that acts as a magnet to draw out impurities," explains Jeannette Graf, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. "As a skin-care ingredient, it soaks up the dirt and oil that cause breakouts and blackheads." GH BEAUTY LAB SAYS It may be most effective in formulas like masks that contain less water because "we found that charcoal absorbs not only sebum, the oily secretion in pores, but also water," says Birnur Aral, Ph.D., Beauty Lab director. BOTTOM LINE Charcoal's oil-fighting qualities make it best for "misbehaving," oily, acne-prone skin; find it in products like masks that are concentrated and stay on skin longer. Beauty Lab's top pick! 1. Boscia Pore Purifying Black Strips, $28, Sephora. 2.…

GH's decor expert answers your questions and shares her secrets for creating spaces you'll love question My bedroom is so light and bright that I find it hard to relax at night. How can I go a little darker without making it drab? A Deeper tones can have a soothing effect. The key is to create contrast by mixing light and dark. Paint the walls in a rich hue like Behr's Antique Tin, at right (keep the trim light), then dress your bed with white linens, adding printed accents that reinforce the wall color. Make sure to keep the shades on your lamps light, too. Q SHOULD THE WINDOW TREATMENTS IN AN OPEN FLOOR PLAN BE IDENTICAL IN EVERY AREA? The overall decor should be cohesive, but not matchy-matchy —…

INSPIRING STORIES. GREAT READS. EVERYDAY ADVICE. LOGGING 20 BUSINESS TRIPS a year to places like Hong Kong and London, corporate lawyer Sonja Salmon became a master packer. But in all the time she spent circling the globe, she never found a bag that matched her style — fashionable without being too girly. And she needed more compartments to hold her things! In 2011, while stuffing her shoes into plastic bags for the umpteenth time, she decided that enough was enough: She would design her own luggage. "I wanted to make suitcases that would guide the packing process for women," she says. Her idea struck at the perfect moment — after 15 years of practicing law, the mom of two (Marcus, 10, and James, 6) was ready for a career…

GH's manners expert helps you sail through life with kindness, style and grace question My relatives expect me to host the holidays every year. How do I hand off the tradition to someone else? Always…bring it up early to give others time to plan. Try, "I love hosting, but let's rotate our gathering to another person's home starting this year." Never…complain about past get-togethers. If you get pushback, say, "I have to take a break because of my crazy schedule."It's all right to…offer to bring a dish or pitch in with cleanup, based on what the new host prefers. THE PROBLEM I ASKED A FRIEND OUT FOR DRINKS. WE CONFIRMED VIA TEXT, AND SHE TOLD ME SHE'D INVITED A WOMAN I DON'T LIKE. I STILL WENT, SECRETLY FUMING. HOW CAN…

BETTER THAN BAREFOOT Finally, toeless socks that don't look freaky! These Mary Jane–style no-slip studio "slippers" make a great stocking stuffer for yoga, Pilates or dance fans. $16, gaiam.com VESTED INTEREST The perfect layer for winter walks or runs! So much to love, like the neon color, 800-fill goose down insulation for warmth without bulk and the pretty perforations. Aeroloft 800, $180, nike.com CHEAP THRILL This old-school-cool cruiser with wide whitewall tires and flared fenders is $130. At that price, you might even throw in a bell and a basket! Huffy, target.com PRETTY SNEAKY OK, you can't really run in them, but these vintage-style Brooks trainers are perfect for running errands. Brooks Varsity Vanguard Shoes, $85, athleta.com Retro ride LAURIE JENNINGS Deputy Editor NO-STRESS GIFT-GIVING MOST OF MY HOLIDAY SHOPPING…

First off, this is not a diet story, because we'd never tell you to say no to gingerbread men! But research shows that if you gain weight now (even just the typical pound), it's cumulative. You're also more susceptible if you recently dropped five or 10 pounds. "People think, I lost it once; I can lose it again," says Brian Wansink, Ph.D., director of the Cornell University Food and Brand Lab. And now consider the recent news from the American Heart Association that even minor weight gain can increase blood pressure. It's clear there's huge benefit to outsmarting holiday calorie bombs, but no one wants to pull carrot sticks out of her bag at a holiday party. So here's an option: Take in the cheer without letting out your pants,…

INSIDE THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE TRIED + TESTED THE NEW WAY TO WHITEN EVERYONE WANTS A MEGAWATT SMILE, but an in-office bleaching will set you back 300 to 800 bucks. Sure, cheaper options like over-the-counter kits and whitening strips are effective…if you have the time and patience. Smart solution: Go Smile's Sonic Blue Teeth Whitening System, an electric toothbrush that whitens as it cleans. Apply the hydrogen peroxide–based gel with your regular paste and brush as usual. A little blue LED light in the head boosts the whitening agent, lightening teeth. Ninety percent of our testers (coffee, tea and/or wine drinkers) said the system whitened their teeth after just two days of use. Sonic Blue Teeth Whitening System Buy It: $129; gosmile.com 5 REASONS TO BUY Apple watch IT'S A…

SEQUINS & SLEEVES! Now you won't have to borrow your husband's jacket or shiver in a pashmina. For once, not every party look bares arms. Love this dress with black opaque tights and closed-toe heels! Dress, $225, Michael Michael Kors. Tights, $18, Lauren Ralph Lauren. Clutch, $44, Accessorize. On Location: The Optimist; theoptimistrestaurant.com GIGANTIC FLORALS No more itty-bitty buds! Look for big, graphic blooms on a full ankle-length skirt. Shop your closet for a tee to go with it. BEAUTY NOTE Skip the blowout: A sleek, low ponytail is equally chic. Part your hair on the side, then tie at the nape of your neck, spritzing the part only with fine-mist hairspray to set. (Try L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Lock It Fine Control Hairspray, $5.) Top, $60, Mango. Skirt, $129,…

DELICIOUS RECIPES. NEW COOKING TOOLS. EASY PREP TIPS. DIRECTIONS In lg. heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 in. vegetable oil to 360°F. Separate 1 pkg. (16.3 oz.) refrigerator biscuits into rounds. Fry rounds 1 to 2 min. or until golden brown, flipping once. Transfer to wire rack using slotted spoon; let cool. Fill pastry bag, fitted with sm. plain tip, with 1¼ c. good-quality raspberry jam; use tip to poke sm. hole in side of each donut, then fill centers. Makes 8.…

MONDAY Parmesan & Sausage Bolognese DIRECTIONS In lg. skillet on med.-high, cook 12 oz. spicy Italian sausage, casings removed, 5 min. or until browned, breaking up meat with spoon. With slotted spoon, transfer sausage to bowl. Discard all but 1 Tbsp. fat in skillet. Return sausage to skillet along with 3 cloves garlic, pressed. Cook 30 sec. Stir in 2 Tbsp. tomato paste and cook 2 min., then stir in 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes, 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar and ½ tsp. salt and heat to simmering. Cook 7 min. or until thickened slightly. Stir in ½ c. finely grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ c. heavy cream. Serve over 1 lb. cooked rigatoni with more Parmesan cheese, if desired. SERVES 6 About 500 cals, 20 g protein, 69 g…

#GHSealofCuteness @3bulldogges: Say "biscuits"! These guys are the cat's pajamas in their matching onesies. Tag pictures of your cats, dogs, chicks, bunnies or iguanas named Lizzie with #GHSealofCuteness on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, and your furry/scaly friend(s) could be featured in an upcoming issue of Good Housekeeping. 3 HOLIDAY HAZARDS These seasonal staples could harm your furry friends TINSEL Sure it's shiny, but it's not a cat toy! A single strand can become tangled in a cat's intestines, causing serious damage. HOLLY & MISTLETOE Though poinsettias get the bad PR (and yes, ingesting them can bring on a bellyache or worse), these leaves and berries are toxic to dogs and cats, too. CANDY CANES Their tricky shape and the wrapper can be a choking hazard. Even scarier: Sugar-free ones made…

FASHION FINDS. BEAUTY SECRETS. STYLE FOR LESS. You might have seen Beyoncé rocking the temporary bling. Metallic tattoos, the grown-up version of kids' washable tats, are the newest way to create an arm party. Apply a few and mix with delicate bangles, a cutout cuff or even an oversize watch. They last up to six days and can be easily removed with baby oil. Bling 'em on! Flash Tattoos, $22 for four sheets, flashtat.com. Ring, $55, Rue Gembon. Arrow bracelet, $78, House of Harlow 1960; glamboutique.com. Gold bangle, $155, Holst + Lee. Wrap bracelet, $55, Chan Luu. Sweater, $130, Kate Spade Saturday.…

Coat, $198, Lou & Grey; Loft. Sweater, $149, Club Monaco. Pants, $98,The Limited Collection Inspired by Scandal. Sunglasses, $149, Bobbi Brown. Bag, $40, JustFab. Shoes, $135, French Connection. A tan bag is seasonless! MAKE IT SPORTY ACCESSORY SWITCH-UP GET A LITTLE EDGY Bag, $69, Pink Cosmo. Sunglasses, $60, Polaroid. Shoes, $68, New Balance. Cuff, $75, ABS by Allen Schwartz; saks.com. Bag, $64, Nila Anthony. Boots, $90, Sole Society.…

ROSE GOLD EYES The warm, pink-tinged metallic looks radiant on all skin tones. 1. Pick a cream shadow — it's easier to apply and blend than a powder. 2. With a finger, blend on lids from lashline to crease, says Blair Patterson, Estée Lauder director of global makeup artistry. (Using an eye shadow crayon? Scribble on, then diffuse.) 3. Glide a skinny eyeliner brush through shadow; trace lower lashline from inner to outer corners. Watch April at goodhousekeeping.com/beautyhowto. From top: NYX Cosmetics Infinite Shadow Stick in Rose Gold, $9, drugstores. CoverGirl Bombshell Shine Shadow by LashBlast in Copper Fling, $9, drugstores. Mary Kay Cream Eye Color in Apricot Twist, $14, marykay.com. Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadow in Rio de Rose Gold, $18, qvc.com. "I want to use a hair…

LIGHT IT UP IN OUR FAMILY, decking the halls isn't just a task to be checked off — it's part of the magic of the season. We kick things off by trimming the tree while listening to traditional Christmas music — and sipping on a glass of bubbly (my husband Alexander's ritual, which I admittedly love). For me, the simple pleasures matter most — hanging twinkling lights, building a crackling fire, reveling in the first snowfall. Of course, there are gifts to be wrapped (see our favorites at right and on page 46) and there's running around to do, but here's hoping you keep humming your fave festive tunes while you go about your "elfery." WE XOXO THIS GAME! A brass and marble Tic Tac Toe set doubles as stylish…

5 GREAT IDEAS FOR: TEA towels They're lovely and inexpensive, and they can transform anything from a candle to coffee beans into a pretty present 1 BREAD WINNER Your hostess will think you're the mostest when you show up with this baguette bundle. Cut a loaf in half, then wrap in a towel. Tie a jam jar on top with velvet ribbon. Towel, $6 for two, amazon.com 2 STRIKING CANDLE A standard white pillar candle feels special wrapped in a towel with a bold, graphic print. Fold cloth in half lengthwise, then in half again, to equal the candle's height; wrap around the candle, then secure with a satin ribbon. Tuck a long-stemmed match into the ribbon's bow. Towel, $15, zazzle.com for similar 3 HAUTE DOGS Turn a towel into…

FRIENDS FOREVER From left: Janice MacKinnon, Bill Millard, Jake MacKinnon and Tish Millard in the MacKinnons' Petaluma, CA, front yard ASK JANICE MACKINNON and Tish Millard how they know each other, and they'll tell you to pull up a chair. A decade ago, the California moms were perfect strangers. In December 2004, Tish's son, Kalem, 20, passed away after an ATV accident. Kalem's organs were donated — and Janice's son, Jake, then 19, diabetic and in need of a pancreas transplant, received Kalem's. "Words can't express what you've done for our family," Janice wrote in a letter after the surgery. She didn't know Jake's donor's identity yet, but the transplant network passed her note along. Soon afterward, Tish replied — and over the next nine and a half…

FABULOUS READS. AUTHOR INTERVIEWS. BOOKWORM FUN. Treat book lovers on your list to pretty bound classics, boxed sets and more Whitman Illuminated: Song of Myself by Walt Whitman ($29), illustrated by Allen Crawford. Whitman's famous Leaves of Grass poem gets a gorgeous visual treatment that'll wow poetry fans. Gwynne's Grammar by N.M. Gwynne ($20). Uh…what's a dangling participle again? Bet your favorite wordsmith can tell you — and that she'll love this handy guide. Penguin Drop Caps Series ($20–$26). Each vibrant hardback in this swoonworthy series is embossed with a letter for a famous author: "A" for Austen, etc. Penguin Hardcover Classics Working your way through the literary canon (like Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, $30, seen here) is much more fun when you've got a beautiful book in your hands. The…

FAMILY WELLNESS THE POWER OF PLAY Help your kids excel in school…without hiring a math tutor. It's as simple as encouraging playtime before class: A quick game of tag, an impromptu dance party — any 30-minute bout of activity — could sharpen their focus and help them follow instructions more accurately later that day, finds a University of Vermont study. Researchers tracked 200 students who either exercised or worked on seated crafts. The active ones showed better attentiveness and less impulsivity — an effect that was even more pronounced if the child had ADHD. Exercise seems to stimulate the release of brain chemicals involved in learning. Someone needs a lift! What if we told you that all it takes to turn that frown upside down is a quick posture check?…

GAME CHANGERS SMART BLING Introducing a new generation of wearable tech that's actually — well, wearable! This chic Bluetooth LE–enabled cocktail ring (Ringly, $195+) flashes subtly to alert you to incoming calls, texts, e-mails, Facebook status updates, you name it. A polite (and fashionable) alternative to constantly glancing at your smartphone! Similar technology is now in bracelets, necklaces and watches, too. Future of Fashion… POSH PENDANT It sends alerts with blinking lights. And you can set the gem color to match your outfit! (CSR, price not yet announced) WAY-COOL WATCH Tracks calories, steps and sleep. Available in nine colors with changeable bands. (Misfit Shine, $100+) WRIST CANDY This high-end bracelet has semiprecious stones and a curved touchscreen. (Mica, price not yet announced)…

INSIDE THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE Searching for the perfect supersoft, absorbent, durable towels? Soak up these shopping tips from the experts in the GH Institute Textiles Lab 1 PICK COTTON Buy 100% combed or ring-spun — its fibers are smoothed and very tightly twisted for maximum absorbency and durability. 2 INSPECT THE SIDE SEAMS Neatly folded edges — secured with close, even double, stitching — signal quality. Woven edges are more likely to fray. 3 LOOK AT THE LOOPS High-quality towels have tightly packed loops; the denser they are, the more absorbent the towel. Brush the loops aside — can you see the backing? If so, it's a cheapie. NEW + APPROVED JCPENNEY HOME TOWELS To make your shopping even easier, behold these picks. Made of 100% ring-spun cotton? Check!…

MAKE IT! beautiful boughs Spruce up an entryway or a tiny apartment with fir, spruce or pine branches in an oversize jar. A great alternative to a traditional tree! pretty Pastels Soft blues, teals and pinks are a muted palette inspired by vintage ornaments. GARLAND Bring some shine to your swag by attaching vintage ornaments to a colorful length of ribbon woven through your greenery. WRAPPING Look at flea markets for vintage ribbon. FLOWERS During the busy holiday season, an orchid is a wise floral choice — it requires almost no care and will last for months! Vintage ornaments and wreath, The Haunted Lamp, Etsy. Chair, $836, abchome.com. Assorted candlesticks and votives, starting at $10, abchome.com. chic naturals Woodsy touches like birch and plaid create an inviting and cozy rustic…

SUSAN WESTMORELAND Food Director GIVING FROM THE HEART THIS YEAR, I'M ADDING A DIFFERENT KIND OF FOOD GIFT to my shopping list — one to benefit GH's partner, No Kid Hungry, an initiative aiming to end childhood hunger. As a mom, I find it heartbreaking that one in five kids lives in a home where parents struggle to put food on the table (16 million in the U.S.!). No Kid Hungry works with school breakfast programs, teaches families to shop and prep healthy meals and provides grants to local hunger-fighting organizations. Just $1 can help a child access 10 meals. That's why I love the special offer of perfect-for-pancakes batter bowls (page 148): The proceeds go to NKH! Find more giving options at nokidhungry.org. WOODN'T IT BE NICE? This graphic…

CREATIVE ACTIVITIES. KIDS' PROJECTS. FUN, FUN, FUN. Start with a no-bake kit, then get right to the fun part: decorating your prefab gingerbread house with candies, icing, cookies and more icing snow FROST THE ROOF. PIPE ON ICICLES WITH A PASTRY BAG. pretzel logs USE A SERRATED KNIFE TO "SAW" THE RODS. silver walkway PAVE A PATH: GLUE DRAGéE CANDIES TO COOKIES WITH ICING. Oh, deer! 1 WREATH, 3 WAYS Use a ring-shaped cutter, then decorate your cookie with candies that small fingers can apply with icing. gingerbread ring gumdrop lices chocolate candies colored prinkles STAINED GLASS Baking your masterpiece from scratch? Cut a star out of the cookie wall before popping it into the oven. Ten minutes before it's done, put crushed hard candies in the cutout and return…

Traditional Cutouts PREP 35 MINUTESTOTAL 55 MINUTES PLUS CHILLING AND COOLING 2¼ c. all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. baking soda ¾ c. butter (1½ sticks), softened ¾ c. sugar ½ tsp. salt 1 lg. egg yolk 2 Tbsp. light corn syrup 1½ tsp. vanilla extract ½ tsp. almond extract Ornamental Frosting (right) 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. In med. bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and baking soda; set aside. 2. With mixer on med.-high speed, beat butter, sugar and salt until creamy; beat in egg yolk, corn syrup and extracts. With mixer on med.-low speed, beat in flour mixture until just combined. 3. On lg. sheet parchment paper, lightly flour half of dough. Roll to ¼-in. thickness. Using 2-in. cookie cutters, cut shapes into dough; gently remove…