Mary Ellen Pfeifer Sanibel Islandis one of those rare Florida gems. This sleepy barrier island just 20 miles fromFort Myerswas once known best for its bountiful shelling and wildlife. But last year, Sanibel Island hit national headlinesand not for its vacation potential. Credit:Mary Ellen Pfeifer Paul Hennessy/Getty Images The Sanibel Causeway that once welcomed residents and visitors to the island was also partially destroyed. With no access to the island, residents were left wondering what remained of their properties and hometown....

We wanted to know what Southerners cant imagine Thanksgiving without, so we asked, and you answered. Here are 10 staples that will always grace our readers' Thanksgiving tables. Specifically, the Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce. Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Micah Morton, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner.Credit:Photographer: Greg DuPree Food Stylist: Micah Morton, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner Its smooth/firm texture and just-right tartness has earned it a permanent spot on the holiday menu....

Passed down from Great Aunt Gertie. It’s the cornerstone of Thanksgiving dessert. Punctuated by silky meringue, it electrifies every bite. Credit:Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox She once made my sister the butterscotch pie filling without the crustpudding styleupon request. My sister’s appetite for it still stands. “I [still] remember the smell,” my sister says. Credit:Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox “Warm and golden.” Today, the recipe is easy on arthritic hands....

Weve got the top care tips straight from the garden pros. The first item on the list?Fernsand lots of them. While colorful blooms are acontainer gardenfavorite to boost curb appeal, they’re often more susceptible to wilting. Credit:PHOTO: ROBBIE CAPONETTO; STYLING: CARMEN JOHNSTON Thesetough, but prettyplants can handle the intense heat and full sun. When it comes to the best fern variety for porches, it’s hard to go wrong. Choose The Right Variety The first step in porch-fern success is selectingthe right species for the surroundings....

If you choose links we provide, we may receive compensation. Southern Living / Alexander Huang Okay, so the holiday season hasn’t exactly commenced just yet. We also foundYaheetech’s 6-Foot Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Treefor under $100. Credit:Southern Living / Alexander Huang And is it really Christmas without some fun throw pillows? The clean and timeless design ofThree Posts' Kleckner Throw Pillowwill fit so many different decor styles. Give your holiday tablescape a Santa-inspired treatment with Pottery Barn’s set of fourFigural Napkin Rings....

If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation. These finds from Oxo, KitchenAid, and All-Clad will last a lifetime. Our top finds include picks from Oxo, KitchenAid, and All-Clad, from $10. Credit:Southern Living I won’t need my old cheap plastic cups any more. These are made for a lifetime, onefive-star reviewershared. Credit:Amazon Credit:Amazon Credit:Amazon Credit:Amazon Credit:Amazon Credit:Amazon Credit:Amazon Credit:Amazon

Fans of legendary Southern writer Pat Conroy may be more familiar with Daufuskie Island than they realize. Daufuskie is well within eyeshot ofHilton HeadandSavannah, both of which draw millions of visitors each year. Nevertheless, it has maintained general anonymity. Credit: Courtesy of Haig Point Over the past couple of decades, the world has slowly opened to the tiny barrier island. Keep reading to discover the places that make it special and what to do when you go....

If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation. Everything you need, including welcome mats, faux hanging plants, and solar lantern lights. Southern Living / Marcus Millan If youre already in the fall decorating mode, youre not alone. Credit:Southern Living / Marcus Millan Prices start at $14, and youll want to grab these deals up ASAP before theyre gone. Plus, it also comes with a chain basket to hang on your front porch or deck....

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This Italian-inspired casserole is just what you will need for the busy days of the week. It is a priority during the busy holiday season to spend time with special people. This Italian casserole, sent to us by Mrs. Harland J. you could assemble it a day ahead and chill overnight. Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle Wrap and refrigerate overnight, or freeze for up to three months....

Start this recipe before work, and dinner will be faster and easier tonight. While the chicken thighs bake, toss together aCucumber-Tomato Salad, add someasparagusto the baking sheet. make our easyCafeteria Noodles, or someBalsamic Green Beans with Pearl Onions. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox )bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs Directions Gather all ingredients. Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top plastic bag and pour marinade over, tossing to coat. Refrigerate 8 hours or until ready to cook....

An Italian cream cake is sure to win raves in your homeas it did in our Test Kitchens. Learn how to make an Italian cream cake, and impress everyone at your next gathering. Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox What Is Italian Cream Cake? Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox You might be wondering where its name came from. Then frost and refrigerate up to one day before serving for the freshest presentation....

For sweet treats that are light as air. If you need a lesson on how to make meringue, our Test Kitchen professionals are here for you. We’ve got all the tips and tricks you should probably know so that perfect this elegant sweet. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Learn how to make Italian meringue, and discover ways touse it in your favorite desserts. What Are the Different Types of Meringue?...