Avoid these hosting no-nos for an easy going evening. Truth is, hosting is not easy but it can be enjoyable if you plan it right. Here are nine things you should never do the day you’re hosting your affair. Tablecloth: Veranda Design, Courtesy Lisa Corti; Placemats and Flatware: Courtesy Soirée Everyday; Glassware: Cosimo Pink & Yellow by Campbell-Rey, Courtesy Collecto.Credit:CARMEL BRANTLEY Deciding on yourmenuahead of time gives you time for proper meal prep....

Essential tips to keep your family safe and food quality high. But are there wrong ways to use it? This can affect the food’s taste and raise potential health concerns over time. Credit:Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Props Stylist: Christina Brockman These materials won’t interact with food, preserving taste and safety. Another downside of using aluminum foil for storage is that it doesn’t provide an airtight seal....

And what to wash in hot water instead. Expect it to shrink and distort in hot water, just like with wool. The heat will damage the natural oils in the fibers that keep cashmere soft and cozy." Credit:Getty Images And last time we checked, no one wants their yoga pants to lose their gloriously comfortable fit. Hand washing with cold water is the safest choice," she says. “Hand wash your favorite crochet blankets with a mild detergent in cold water....

These pointers will make you the MVP attendeeand help you score an invitation again! for more than 27 years. However, some things are timeless, and they’re justplain good manners." Credit: Getty Images So we tapped several manners-minded experts to share their topdinner party guest tips. 9 Things to Stop Doing When You’re a Dinner Party Guest 1. Call or text to ask the host: “Can I help you? Do you need me to cook anything?...

If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Let’s turn that summer vacation into a winter escape. Florida isn’t called the Sunshine State for nothing. Credit: Ryan Wendler/Disney to the biggest NASCAR race of the year. A Florida winter really is as sunny as it gets. Here are nine of the best things to do in Florida during the winter. Credit: Orlando Sentinel/Getty Images It’s definitely a sight worth seeing....

Southerners are a nostalgic bunch. This can sometimes lead to panic, stress, and regret, but it doesnt have to. We chatted with two of the Souths foremostprofessional organizersabout how to declutter sentimental items guilt-free. Credit:Andreas von Einsiedel/Getty Doing so ultimately backfires, and makes it more difficult to declutter in the future. This will force you to repeatedly question what you think is sentimental, she shares. This also teaches you how you respond to items worthy of keeping versus items that arent....

Youll be the Nancy Drew of thrifting. We all have that one friend whos a secondhand shopping maven. And if they havent spilled their secrets to you yet? Credit: Michael J. Lee; Interior Design: Sabbe Interior Design Thats what were here to do. See and feel what high quality is really like. Its easier to spot a good piece when you know what youre looking at. Credit: Photo: Annie Schlechter; Styling: Matthew Gleason...

Deck the halls this Christmas with fresh greenery. The right seasonal foliage sets the tone for your celebrations. Eucalyptus Silver dollareucalyptus is a fragrant choicethat looks more modern than fir or cedar. Credit: Photography: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason Eucalyptus is best for flower arrangements because it has a long life when kept in a vase of water. It works well in wreaths too. Cedar The natural oils and striking edges help give cedar branches staying power....

Turns out, our grandmothers were right to carry it around in their purses. In fact, hairspray can be used in many more versatile ways, from beauty to household. Here are 9 unexpected uses for hairspray that prove it really is that dependable. Credit:Southern Living / Jessica Juliao Household Uses Hector Manuel Sanchez Making Flowers Last Longer Specifically, hydrangeas! Keeping Screws Tight Want to ensure all of your household projects are set up for success?...

We asked Southern designers to share the retro shades that feel just right for the modern home. What’s old is new again! Frombaby namestorecipesand home decor, all things vintage are swinging back into styleand color palettes are no exception. Alison Gootee; Styling: Page Mullins. Mauve is a color Im thrilled to see return to the limelight, says Birmingham-based designerJeremy Clark. Its moody undertones are both powerful and subtle. Id like to see this in a British-inspired cupboard with iron accents and found glass storage jars....

From vibrant foliage and outdoor fun to apple orchards and charming town squares. From quaint and quiet to historic and bustling, here are the 9 best Virginia mountain towns to explore. However, its also a fact that residents of the Old Dominion happily share with visitors. Credit: Robbie Caponetto The only thing that makes this innovative community more colorful is the spectacular autumn showcase the trees offer. No matter which location you choose, you simply have to look outside to find trees on display....

It’s easy when you know what birds need. Setting up a birdhouse doesn’t guarantee feathered beauties will flock and take up residence. Attracting birds to your garden requires thinking about their food, water, and nesting needs. Credit:Getty Images “Biodiversity is important as different species of birds require different types of food sources,” says Smith. Grow Natives Native plants are indigenous species that grow in a specific region or ecosystem. Native plants are easier to maintain and take care of because they’re well-suited to the area....

Intense heat and humidity might be impacting your home. Heres what you’re free to do to prevent it, according to the experts. Southerners know how tobrave intense heatand humidity, but can we say the same about our houses? Credit: Mike Swartz Unfortunately, Southern summers can take a toll on a home. As temperatures climb, experts advise Southern homeowners to monitor their home’s condition. Stay on top of repairs and take protective action as much as possible....