8 Dishes You Can Prepare Before Thanksgiving—And 2 You Should Never Make Ahead

A little planning goes a long way. A kitchen full of hot pans and hungry guests is a lot to manage. Prevent a last-minute scramble by considering dishes that can be made ahead. Credit: Emily Laurae/Southern Living Soup We’ll start with a no-brainer. Make it a week or a few days in advance, freeze, and thaw the night before. Stock Your turkey or chicken stock is another obvious make-ahead choice....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 223 words · Sandra Glass

8 Estate Sale Finds Experts Say Not To Pass Up In 2025

Trends change, and what’s old is new again. What’s hot this year inestate sale findscould have sat gathering dust last year. So what’s going to be popular this year? Credit:paula sierra / Getty Images What should you absolutely snag next timeyou’re first in lineat an estate sale? The experts shared their thoughts on what has their attention this year. But, remember, with any estate sale find, what’s worth grabbing is what catchesyoureye....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 268 words · Donald Gilbert

8 Etiquette Rules You Probably Didn't Know About Being A Good Weekend Guest

These tips will help you avoid any awkwardness. ‘Tis the season of weekend trips, and we want to make a good impression on our hosts. Always prepare ahead of time to avoid any awkward dilemmas. Credit: Laurey W. Glenn If you act from a place of thoughtfulness and consideration for your kind hosts, the rest will follow. Also, be sure to heed the houseguest rules below. It’s just good manners....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 243 words · Juan Roberts

8 Exciting Places In Texas Worth A Visit In 2025, According To A Texan

From unique natural parks to on-the-rise towns. Here are 8 memorable destinations in Texas to put on your bucket list for 2025. An exact date hasnt been announced, but officials say it should be up and running by spring. Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park in West Texas.Credit: Tara Donne Today, you’re able to walk on a platform above the excavation at theWaco Mammoth National Monument. (Finish your tour with a float at the soda fountain....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 169 words · Rebecca Sheppard

8 Exterior Paint Color Trends Designers Are Excited For In 2024

From the return of classic hues to punchy new shades, Southern designers are all about these colors. The materials (painted brick?) also often dictate our paint choices or lack thereof. Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller We love the texture and color of natural siding like cedar shake and stone, says designer Caroline Brackett. Catherine Bransetteris the founder ofCatherine Branstetter Interiorsin Nashville, Tennessee. Erika Powellis the founder and principal designer ofUrban Grace Interiorsbased in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 336 words · Megan Wong

8 Fall Coffee Cakes For Comfort And Sweetness In Every Bite

These coffee cake recipes will make you feel cozy this autumn. Plus, you’ll only spend half an hour on your feet. Be sure to allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving. Credit: Antonis Achilleos Store at room temperature for three days or in the fridge for up to five days. Folded into the batter are dried cherries, which give each bite a delicious tart taste. It’s delicately infused withlemon zest, but the cinnamon in the topping truly takes the spotlight....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 200 words · Miranda Sullivan

8 Fast Food Signs Southerners Always Pull Off The Highway For, According To Our Readers

They’ll never steer you wrong. Here are eight fast food stops our readers say are always worth the detour. Braums ice cream selection consists of over 100 flavors, all made with milk from the companys private herd. Credit:SolStock / Getty Images Youll find nostalgic fan favorites like the Triple Chocolate Cheesecake or the Premium Amaretto Peach Charlotte. So, the next time you see a giant ice cream cone sign, go ahead and pull off....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 150 words · Michael Hunter

8 Fast-Growing Fruit Trees That Are Worth Planting

Getty Images Plantingfast-growingfruit trees on your property provides delicious, nutrient-rich fruit during harvest time. “Fruit trees often require regular pruning to maintain structure and encourage strong branches,” says Thurmon. They’re one of his favorites. Credit:Getty Images Calamondins don’t need a lot of space, either. The berries are cooked and made into jam, syrup, and elderberry wine. “It spreads into thickets via underground stolons.” Credit:Getty Images “They thrive in the regions warm climate and are drought-tolerant, once established,” says Thurmon....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 325 words · David Butler

8 Favorite Easter Traditions Our Editors Will Never Give Up

Start these traditions with your family this Easter. Easter is no different. There’s something about Easter that feels distinctly Southern (even though we know it’s not). Credit:Owen Franken / Getty Images SomeSouthern Livingeditors took a walk down memory lane to reminisce on some of their own favorite Easter traditions. Read on to see if your family shares any of these spring customs. My mama always grew realrye grassfor my Easter basket, she says....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 252 words · Ryan Richards

8 Fig Recipes That Are Fresh And Flavorful

These fig recipes prove just how versatile the sweet fruit is. From wow-worthy appetizers and sweet desserts, these recipes givefresh figssome sparkle. Learn how to cookand bakewith fresh figs. Credit:Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn Honey-Balsamic Fig Compote There’s nothing better than a refreshing ice cream treat in the summertime. For your next dinner party, consider serving guests a bowl of vanilla topped with this sweet figgy compote....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 187 words · Jordan Hubbard

8 Foods That Remind Our Readers Of Their Childhood

John Madere / Getty Images Nothing makes us travel through time quite like food. With one bite or smell of a familiar home cooked meal, we are transported down memory lane. Here are eight foods that remind our readers of their childhoods. Credit:John Madere / Getty Images And just like those memories, fried chicken doesnt need to be complicated. Buttermilk, flour, salt, and pepperits a recipe that lets a mothers love shine through....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 231 words · Frederick Hardy

8 Georgia Getaways Perfect For Your Next Girls' Trip

We can have fun anywhere, anytime, if just given the chance. (As in, someone gets the ball rolling!) But when it comes to planning the best trip with your girlfriends, location is still important. Credit:Robbie Caponetto Here’s why Georgia is the perfect spot for yournext getaway: It hasallthe options. You’ve got pretty sightseeing, great shopping, insane food, and gorgeous riverfront views. It’s the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a refreshing brew with your best gals....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 300 words · Shawn Becker

8 Gin Cocktails That Will Lift Your Spirits

For when you’re looking for more than your average G&T. No surprise, gin is one of the most requestedspirits at any bar. It can be shaken, stirred, served over ice, and even frozen. Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Upside-Down Martini This is not your average gin martini. Strawberry Fields Cocktail Think of this drink as the seasonal G&T for spring and summer. It dates back to the Prohibition era and there’s a reason we’re still making it today....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 142 words · Steve Gordon