They just dont make things the way they used to, and these kitchen staples prove it. Skip big box retailers andhit thrift and antique storesto stock your kitchen with personality. Southern thrifters, chefs, and other experts share kitchen items you should almost always buy second-hand. Credit: Laurey W. Glenn Flatware Southerners lovesetting a table, so keep your head on a swivel for beautiful flatware. I would just thoroughly inspect them for rust....

Were willing to bet that if the answer to, Whats for dinner? includes meatballs, no one in your family will put up a fight. includes meatballs, that family member wont be putting up any fights. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox you could also swap up the flavor profile from the expectedItalian routewith Greek or Swedish flavors. Of course, meatballs arent just main dish fare: They’re delicious in sliders and anappetizer all-star....

Expert advice to thwart uncomfy sofas and buyers remorse. That is unless youve gone and made a major, spontaneous purchase. Then, you just might find yourself facing an over-extended budget and buyers regret. Credit:Emily Followill; Design by Wyeth Ray Interiors Furniture is one thing that should never be bought on a whim. Shopping unprepared might just be the biggest furniture woe yet. Purchasing furniture isnt likepurchasing artwork, says Whitney Ray, a Georgia-based interior designer....

A subtle touch of color creates the perfect space to relax. There’s no better color palette to set the stage for a spa-like bathroom than a soothing neutral. Butneutralscan be tricky to get right, particularly when one misstep can lead you into too-warm or too-cool territory. Credit:DEMI RYAN / Catherine Nguyen Photography When paired with brass finishes, it’s as serene as it is elegant. Sherwin Williams Alabaster White is my go-to for a crisp yet warm white that elevates any space....

Cranberry-Apple Cider Cranberry and apple cider are two of our favorite fall flavors. Mix them together, and you’ll have everyone’s new favorite Thanksgiving sipper. Rosemary-and-Ginger Mule If you love Moscow mules, you’ll love this seasonal zero-proof take. Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey Homemade rosemary syrup is the star of this herbaceous Thanksgiving mocktail. Ginger-Orange Mocktails Three ingredients are all you need for this go-to mocktail. A can of pineapple juice tops off the recipe....

Let your slow-cooker get a chicken dinner on the table on the busiest of nights. These slow-cookerchicken recipesare great any time of the year. This chili is simple to put together, yet so delicious. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox We use chicken thighs in this recipe to add extra flavor during the slow cook. There’s nothing quite as good as homemade chicken and dumplings. Slow-Cooker Salsa Chicken Taco-bout potential!...

Fishgrill/Getty Images One thing about us:Southern Livingeditors love plants. With that in mind, we asked our editors what plants they love. There are so few blue flowers in the garden, and these are showy. Credit:Fishgrill/Getty Images My grandmother grewblue hydrangeas, and they always remind me of my grandmother, Mama Mae. Steve Bender, recommends chaste tree, one of his top all-time trees. He says, Chaste treeis one of my favorites. Credit:glennimage/Getty Images...

Plant these tough-as-nails selections for gardens that shine no matter the weather. Getty Images /REDA&CO Mother Nature is unpredictable. Despite our best efforts, record-breaking rainfall events or severe heat and drought can take their toll on plants. Credit:Getty Images /REDA&CO Whats a gardener to do in the face of such extremes? They tolerate a range of growing conditions and thrive without pampering. Provide supplemental irrigation as needed during the first year after planting to develop a robust root system....

Greg Dupree We enjoypotatoesany time of day in any number of ways. Breakfasthash browns and tater tots. Lucky for us, these amazing potato appetizers prove the humble potato’s versatility even further. Credit:Greg Dupree These spuds are ready to party. These chips fry up super thin and crispy with the essential help of a mandolin. Pair them with yourfavorite homemade dipfor a party-time winner. Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christina Daley...

Part of their appeal lies in their vibrant blooms, which come in many colors. These popular plantings flower in a rainbow of huesevery color, that is, but blue. Purple is the most rare peony color. Credit:Alison Miksch Otherpeonieshave deep magenta petals, including ‘Big Ben’ and ‘Karl Rosenfield’. Both theirspring bloomsand fall foliage add color to the garden. Peonies are easy to care for and can live up to 50 years....

Our paint color wheel is getting a little shadier. For many, inky blues, deep charcoals, and pure blacks are off-limits when considering interior paint colors. When used appropriately, darker paints can open up a space. Credit: Photo: Mimi & Hill Since they’re more dynamic than over-usedwhites and neutrals, they offer a unique character to your home. The key, of course, is finding the right shade. We asked several designers to share their tried-and-true dark paint colors to make your decision process a little easier....

Because there’s nothing quite like the nostalgic taste of a pie in a graham cracker crust. Make one of our best graham cracker crust pies for a tasty treat that leaves out all the hassle. This classic key lime pie recipe is insanely easy to make, requiring just 15 minutes of prep time. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox The traditional graham cracker crust is the ideal accompaniment to the citrusy, creamy filling....

Ward them off naturally. Key Takeaways Every year, the rainy season ushers in springtime, which is a welcome arrival. Rather less unwelcome is what springand then, eventually, the heat of summerinevitably brings. Credit: Silvia Jansen/Getty Images Mosquitos buzz in, emerging from eggs laid in stagnant water across the region. It’s no wonder we’re constantly researching natural ways torepel mosquitoesin the garden. Or, throw a few sprigs on the grill to emit a fragrant smoke that chases mosquitoes away....