(Because the higher the cake, the closer to heaven.) Here are 10 5-star layer cakes our readers love, and your guests will too. And the rum-infused frosting is the icing on the cakeliterally. Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser Its baby pink frosting, topped with freeze-dried strawberries, blends right in with any Easter spread. We keep it simple and sweet with a light, airyErmine frosting....

Liven up your backyard, kitchen, and spring parties on a budget. hapabapa / Getty Images May is our tiptoe into summer. (And we all know thatSoutherners feel a certain way about the heat.) Credit:hapabapa / Getty Images (Not to mention, youll have easy to-and-from food storage without the risk of damaging yourgood stoneware.) The glass drink dispenser is a party must-haveideal forbatch cocktails, punch, lemonade, and sweet tea. And lets be honest: Youll probably want to pull it out again during tailgate season....

But like any good party, theres always room for a few more. The hardest thing about appetizers is deciding which recipe to makeespecially when they all sound so good. Once you’ve tried one, you’ll understand why. Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Credit:Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley...

Whether you’re interested in trying out a totally new and unique hair shade (any age welcome!) or you would like to embraceyour natural greygracefully, this is the hair color to try. This technique works for all lengths and is great for those who gradually want to embrace their natural grey. Credit: @hellocindeee / Instagram It also minimizes grow-out pains and lessens how often you oughta go into the salon. Subtle Ash Grey Balayage Want to try out this shade without fully committing?...

BBQ sauce recipes to try that are better than any bottle. Texas-Style BBQ Sauce Texas barbecue is in a league of its own. Ketchup-forward and slightly spicy, this Texas-style sauce is full of savory flavor thanks to Worcestershire sauce and cumin. Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox Homemade BBQ Sauce The beauty of this homemade BBQ sauce is its versatility. It’s also a pretty rusty orange color that glazes anything from brisket to ribs beautifully....

What is a weed? A weed is any plant that’s growing where you don’t want it. Some weeds are ugly. Wisteria in bloom. Photo: Steve Bender. How can youkill and prevent weedsand secure your sanity? As always, ask Grumpy. Here’s what works, organic or not, and I’ll let you make the choice. emChinese privet. Photo: Steve Bender/em. So why do Southerners hate them so? Because these rampant vines smother, strangle, crush, and destroy everything around them....

Monogrammed backpacks are just the tip of the iceberg. Getty Images Theres something inherently nostalgic about the start of a new school year. That long-awaited day in August (or September depending on where you live) always feels so bittersweet. Credit:Getty Images And that applies to babies of all ages, from those heading to Kindergarten to those starting senior year. Here are 10 back-to-school traditions youll only find in the South....

One reader said: “I wish I could give this more stars!! It was absolutely fantastic.” This recipe, which requires minimal hands-on time, features layers of vanilla and chocolate pudding. Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox It’s easy and the ultimate crowdpleaser. For those looking for a dish that will deliver major flavor and comfort (in less than no time! ), this is the bake-and-take recipe we highly recommend. Credit: Will Dickey; Prop Styling: Christina Daley; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners...

Jamesmcq24 / Getty Images When is the last time you replaced yourshower curtainliner? These are the bathroom items you should replace more often. Hang these up after your shower if they never seem to get dry. Credit:Jamesmcq24 / Getty Images Replace them every couple of years or if they become mildewed or wear out. This will help keep unsightly and unhygienic mildew at bay. But eventually, microbial growth will win out in this humid environment....

While the South adores many flowers in the spring, there’s no flower quite like theazalea. The park’s two 120-foot-deep ravines feature Whitewater Branch, a spring-fed creek that runs through their base. Their azalea bloom period runs from late December to March each year. Credit: Courtesy of Gibbs Gardens Their garden blooms typically peak in February. Because the park features different azalea varieties, their bloom times are rolling and they peak at different times....

Pack your bags for sun, sand, and freewheeling fun. Here, weve rounded up the Souths best beach towns for girlfriend getaways. St. Augustine, Florida Turn back the clock with a trip to the Ancient City. Credit: Kenneth_Keifer/Getty Images “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. But theres so much more to the area than the famed honky tonk. ); or visitMustang Island State Park20 minutes away to witness the areas diverse wildlife....

Whether the Bristol Motor Speedway or the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee towns go all out for the holiday season. These ten towns will get your Christmas travels started right. Additionally, youll find local handmade gifts for sale and visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Credit:Carly Kendall Festivities evoke the feeling of Christmas from 1880, the year the town was settled. Those with reservations can enjoy the Victorian Christmas dinner in Hester Hall....

Here are the best companion plants for watermelons. Much of companion planting is based on observation and folklore. On the flip side, some gardeners also believe there areplants you shouldnt plant together. Credit:Willowpix/Getty Images Watermelons are in the cucurbit family, whichincludes squashand cucumbers. These plants have separate male and female flowers and cannot self-pollinate. To pollinate and produce a watermelon, a bee must visit multiple timesto transfer 500 or more pollen grains!...