Take a page out of these welcoming spaces for your own reading-ready nook. Word to the wise? Dont put [open shelves] in unless you have books, she notes. Credit:Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper Its too hard to fill with just bric-a-brac. “Dark colors have a cavelike effect and create a sense of privacy,” she says. The cushy seating encourages people to tuck in for a while. Credit: Marta Xochilt Perez; Styling: Page Mullins...

Give old towels new meaning with these expert-approved tips. Getty Images Bath towels (and bath sheets) are a bit of a mystery. We spoke to some experts for ways to put those old towels to new uses. Credit:Getty Images Towels are highly absorbent, and theyre an eco-friendly alternative to disposable pads. Turn Into Cleaning Rags Downgrade your towels tocleaning rags. Most towels are textured and are quite absorbent, making them the perfect material to use for cleaning....

We love bringing home small treasures from our trips to the beach. There’s something special about stumbling upon aseashellas you’re walking along the water. While we love bringing home these souvenirs, they often get tucked away. Credit: charmedesign / Getty Images Embrace your crafty side to make marvelous masterpieces from your collection of shells. Pretty Seashell Container Put shells, starfish, and other found items in a glass canister. Mosaic Masterpiece A great way to use a big batch of shells is to create a mosaic....

Most crown molding falls into one of two categories: curvy colonial/traditional and straight-edged contemporary/craftsman. Repetitive patterns like dentil molding can tie together a space with their characteristic details. It’s best suited for elegant spaces like formal dining rooms and bedrooms. Credit:Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller Use Layers This crown molding owes its complexity to multiple layers united by paint. Invite Elegance Large and more steeply angled crown molding heightens the elegance of any space....

Put your store of red potatoes to work this week. Our recipe for mini meatloaves with potatoes, leeks, and Brussels sprouts couldn’t be easier to make. Smashed Baby Red Potatoes Sometimes you just have to let the baby red potatoes shine. Credit:Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay Clark Lemon-Tarragon Potato Salad We never tire of potato salad, and this is a totally underrated one. Lemon-tarragon potato salad pairs a herby depth with a bright tanginess that will have everyone asking for your recipe....

speakingtomato / Getty Images Ground covers are true gems in the garden. They provide a soft green backdrop throughout the year so the rest of your plants can take center stage. Some ground covers become a highlight themselves when they burst into bloom and create large swaths of color. Credit:speakingtomato / Getty Images The best ground covers are as tough as they are beautiful, demanding little care or water. Theyspread with easetobeat out weedsand keep your garden looking lush....

We’re already looking forward to Easter Sunday. Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall Credit:Alison Miksch Credit:Emily Laurae Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Credit:Stacy K. Allen; Props: Josh Hoggle; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Credit:Courtney West Credit:Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

There’s no easing intosummer in the South. Although the beach is the obvious hot-weather destination (and we have one of those on this list! Or even tackling Disney World. Credit: Getty Images / Chris Stein At least that’s how you sell Sun Studio to your kids. You’re aching to introduce them to the roots of Southern music. C’mon, this is where the King got his start! Credit: Disney While in town, swing by Graceland and check out Elvis and Priscilla’s over-the-top wardrobes....

Must-visit spots for farm-fresh fanfare and specialty goods. Come hungry and feel free to bring your dog. If you live nearby, you’re able to even get your knives sharpened while you shop! Credit:Courtesy of The Market at Pepper Place This market can trace its roots to 1921 and has been in its current 49-acre location since 1956. Also in Birmingham,The Market at Pepper Placeis another favorite, albeit a bit smaller....

For pretty flowers or vibrant foliage throughout the season, plant these fast-growing annuals. Roberto Machado Noa/Getty Images Annuals give their all during their short lifespan. Many annual flowers bloom profusely and continuously throughout the season. Credit:Roberto Machado Noa/Getty Images They can be grown in garden beds,raised beds, pots, andhanging baskets. Unlike perennials, they need to be planted afresh each year. The list below includes both flowering annuals and plants grown for their attractive, vibrant foliage....

Heres how to grow a privacy hedge in a hurry. Getty Images / Annick Vanderschelden Photography Sometimes we all need a littleprivacy. Maybe youd like to sit on the patio and sip your coffee while lounging in your PJs. Credit:Getty Images / Annick Vanderschelden Photography A living wall ofshrubsis much nicer! Shrubs also provide beauty and shade and support wildlife such as birds andpollinators. Many fast-growing shrubs also flower to add color and fragrance to your garden....

Enjoy your harvest sooner. Getty Images Growing avegetable gardenis fulfilling, especially when it’s time to harvest. You’ll be able to cook meals with the freshest ingredients availabledirect from your garden. Credit:Getty Images We consulted two gardening experts about fast-growingvegetablesto grow. Arugula Arugula is known for its peppery bite that adds a kick to salads and sandwiches. “Arugula thrives in cooler weather and can be grown in both spring and fall,” she says....

We love thesenon-alcoholic drink recipesand are sure your guest of honor will too. Ginger-orange mocktails are ideal for a mid-morning shower and might just be our easiest shower punch recipe. No one will be missing the mimosas when this fresh sipper is served. Credit:Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely We absolutely love the color of Berry Splash and the fresh mint makes it even more refreshing....