These seven trees adapt to a wide variety of soil types and grow in a range of light conditions. Your yard is begging fora nice tree to lend shadeand color to your existing landscape. Sun exposure, wind, and drainage are also important considerations in regards to proper site conditions." Credit: ak_phuong/Getty Images Once you’ve determined the function of your tree (i.e. “They are resistant to pests and diseases and have good drought tolerance when established,” says McFarlane....

Make a better casserole. Warm butter won’t give you the same flaky layering as cold pieces of butter will. But for a classic pot pie, both a top and bottom crust need to be present. Credit:Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Torie Cox, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster [If you dont,] the bottom gets soggy and not crisp. ensure to pinch the two crusts together as much as possible to prevent the gravy interior from leaking....

Don’t fall prey to these small-space missteps. Cody Ulrich When designing a tight space, theres less margin for error. Here are some of the biggest decorating offenders insmall kitchens, according to Southern designers. Credit:Cody Ulrich I think with any small space, its important to practice restraint, saysDallas decorator Noel Pittman. I make a run at think about what will still be functional and pretty in 10 years time. Choosing a Bitty Sink Sometimes, what sounds counterintuitive is actually the right choice....

There are a handful of essential party tips that every Southern host must know. But if you’re new to the entertaining game, don’t fret. Here are the top sevenentertaining commandmentsthat every Southern host swears by. For others, creating an invitation only invites stress, andprepackaged dips and ready-made saladsare a veritable lifesaver. For entertaining amateurs, delegation can be your best friend. Think Like a Guest Before your guests arrive, do a dry run of your own party....

Wait, our peanut butter sandwiches have been missing this condiment all along?! Pimiento cheese and crackers. Red beans and rice. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Banana pudding and a spoon. Read on to learn how to makethese unexpected and delicious duos. Since her brand is all about sandwiches, this pairing is served that style. Credit:Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Chef Michelle Wallace It’s such an amazing play of texture and big flavors....

For many people, a trip for two requires unlimitedsunshine and sand. If thats the case for you, weve rounded up some of our favorite coastal destinations for romance. Options include tropical hot spots, quaint fishing villages, resort towns, and remote islands. Credit:Courtesy of Bungalows Key Largo Some places offer stays with all the amenities you could ask for. Others are more tied to nature, and will appeal to active folks who love to be outdoors....

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation. These gifts are practical and thoughtful. Credit:Southern Living Southern Living The game is golf, and its their favorite game. John Carneyis a Birmingham-based PGA professional at theRiverchase Country Club. Heres to choosing the best golf gift and enjoying more tee times. Credit:Amazon Under $25 Callaway Odyssey Putt Target Amazon Crowded practice putting greens? The Odyssey Putt Target is the solution....

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you choose links we provide, we may receive compensation. For every bang out of mother-in-laweven the one who seemingly has everything. Credit:Southern Living Diane Gottsmanis a Southern etiquette expert, author, speaker, and founder of the Protocol School Of Texas. Dont be surprised if she pulls them out for each special occasion or family get-together. Maldon Salt Company Sea Salt Flakes If you havent used this salt, youre missing out....

If you choose links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shop deals from Le Creuset, Dyson, Kate Spade, and more. Southern Living / Reese Herrington Amazon Prime Big Deal Daysis finally here! Credit:Southern Living / Reese Herrington What is it exactly? It runs from today through tomorrow, October 11, with hundreds of thousands of deals to browse. The deals are so good, prices start at just $6. Credit:Amazon There are deals for smaller cleaning tasks, too....

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. Practical, fun, and thoughtful gifts for every man in your life. Credit:Southern Living Plus, Blackmon weighs in with expert tips on choosing the right gifts for men. The side of the dock features a magnet to hold screws and drill bits in place. Upgrade his pillow with Coops Original pillow, which is adjustable to suit any sleep style....

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Say goodbye to slippery bathroom floors. Credit:Southern Living Besides preventing you from slipping on the bathroom floor, bath mats also help youkeep your bathroom floors clean. When tossed into the laundry along with towels and sheets, they come out soft and fluffy. Plus, they last for a very long time. Credit: Southern Living Besides thickness, we also recommend considering material, size, and care....

Think of these as CliffsNotes for your next Tennessee trip. Chattanooga Robbie Caponetto For nature lovers who also enjoy city life, Chattanooga is hard to beat. And with that comes an abundance of hiking, kayaking, ziplining, and biking opportunities. Credit:Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp A stop atCruze Farmfor some of the best soft-serve youve ever had is an essential. Downtown and historic Market Square is home to mom-and-pop shops, a fantastic farmers market, and year-round events....

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. Welcome guests in and keep grime out. Credit:Southern Living We also researched other important factors such as material, size, maintenance, and color options. Keep reading to find the perfect doormat for your indoor or outdoor space. It consists of two piecesa rubber mat and interchangeable, machine-washable cover. Credit: Amazon The brand offers hundreds of cover designs to choose from, including seasonal and monogrammed options....