A familiar Southern quandary. Key Takeaways “That’s such a Southern thing.” We’ve all heard it and know it can describe countless things. Using the last initial only gives linens a more contemporary vibe.Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez Two of those undeniably Southern things are double names and monograms. Maybe you’re looking to buy ababy giftfor a double-named infant or a wedding gift for a double-named bride. As the writer of these best tips, I have adouble nameMary Shannon....

Do you have what it takes? Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox My family has a long history with caramel. My grandmotherscaramel cakesare the stuff of family legend. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox When she died, they very well could have passed with her. Thankfully, my sweet, loving (and sweet-loving) mother has picked up the caramel-making torch for us. Dont misunderstand me: Hercaramel frostingis deliciouswhen she finally gets it right....

All it takes is a metal spoon and some elbow grease. You’re left wondering: “How do you open a can without a can opener?” We’ve found a safe, easy solution to opening a can without acan opener. Credit: Emily Laurae But we have tips for that too. Here’s what to do. What’s The Safest Method? Credit: Emily Laurae That’s right: you’ve got the option to open a can with only a metal spoon....

Kick clutter to the curb with these smart kitchen cabinet tips. When it comes to your kitchen cabinets, its whats on the inside that counts. However, in reality,organizing your kitchen cabinetsdoesnt have to be a tidying task of Herculean proportions. Credit:Molly Culver Photography So we tapped organizing experts to break down their tips for tackling these culinary corners. Think of this as your comprehensive guide for how to organize your kitchen cabinets once and for all....

The pros shared six top tips for looking polished right out of the bag. But it doesn’t have to be that way. For tips on how to pack clothes withoutwrinkles, we tapped the pros for their top strategies. Credit:Getty Images (Goodbye, hotel iron or travelsteamer!) Less Is More As much as you might be tempted, don’t overpack your suitcase. Giving your clothes room to breathe means less compression and, in turn, fewer wrinkles....

With these tips, your travel looks will be giving vacation glow instead of wet dog. Yes, its a challenge. Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics in lighter colors. Credit:Getty Images Fill your suitcase with clothes in fabrics that are lightweight and breathable. Stick to lighter colors that dont absorb heat from the sun too. You dont want that. Instead, in these temps try sticking to neutrals and pastels as they wont absorb additional heat....

Can you paint a tile floor to give it a refresh? Believe it or not, there is an option. you might revitalize old tiles and give your room a whole new look with afresh coat of paint. Credit: Courtesy of farmhouseliving.com The good news is, it’s probably easier than you think. Maggie Griffinis the founder and lead designer ofMaggie Griffin Designin Georgia. Can You Paint A Tile Floor? Yes, you canusuallypaint a tile floor, but it depends....

Youll no doubt enjoy thick slabs onBLTsandtomato sandwiches, or as is on a seasonal veggie plate. Youll also probably enjoy them cut into wedges and tossed into a light, refreshing salad. And for those times, you oughta know how to peel a tomato. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox When and Why Should You Peel Tomatoes? This is why you should also peel them if youre making atomato saucethat you want to be smooth....

I just smelled a Southern icon and it wasn’t Elvis. No, it was the sweet perfume wafting from the enormous white blossoms of our native Southern magnolia. Is a magnolia a good choice for planting in your yard? Credit: Jared I. Lenz Photography/Getty Images It really depends on how much space you have. A regularSouthern magnolia(Magnolia grandiflora) gets bigabout 60- to 80-feet tall and 30- to 40-feet wide. That’s too big for a small yard....

The charm extends beyond the colonial village. But this TidewaterVirginiacity is so much more than its colonial history. On a perfect early summer day, there’s nothing more relaxing. Credit:Heather Bien Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., this celebrated course even includes an island green. It’s also where you’ll find an impressive collection ofBritish ceramics. For a unique experience, the Williamsburg Salt Spa offers treatments including salt cave therapy and flotation therapy....

The best thing about hosting a Friendsgiving potluck is that you’re almost guaranteed to try something new. Here are our best tips for the biggest and best Friendsgiving meal ever. Map out what dishes you want for the rest of the meal. Credit: Alison Miksch For a really big group, you might double those categories. Supply Extra Snacks And Appetizers We’ve all been there when the four-hour turkey takes six....

Site, style, and soil are the keys to a beautifully planned rose garden. They’re carefully pruned into formal arrangements and allowed to climb and cascade over charming trellises. However, the idea of a rose garden is often thought of as an intimidating project. Credit:Wirestock/Getty Images They have a reputation for being temperamental, and planning a rose garden seems like a significant endeavor. “Style, what kind of rose garden are you envisioning?...

A crepe myrtlealso called a crape myrtle or crapemyrtleis a wonderful addition to just about any yard. Weve got all the answers on how to select, plant, and care for these fabulous trees. Van Chaplin The South’s love affair with crepe myrtles is undeniable. Credit:Van Chaplin In some areas, you see them on practically every streetand for good reason. Few plants can match their combination of spectacular summer flowers, colorful autumn foliage, and handsome sculptural trunks....