detnews.com - Homestyle

Dazzling dining: Thanksgiving means autumn hues and seasonal trimmings

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:22:00 EST

Most family traditions are inextricably bound to birthdays and holidays. But the one celebration that especially brings out the most festiveness in all of us is Thanksgiving. The extravagance of food, punctuated by a family's edible favorites, is paired with, most arguably, the year's best-dressed table. For visual feasting is as much a goal as giving thanks and satisfying the palate.

Glenn Haege: These gadgets help make life a little easier

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:22:00 EST

While some gadgets are truly just "junk," there are many gadgets that can be useful, especially around the home. Here are some gadgets I like that can help with home projects or make life around your home easier.

Kate Lawson: Turkey Day feast is all about the stuffing

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

My favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal isn't the turkey or the pie. For me, it's all about the stuffing.

Khristi Zimmeth: World War II souvenir fascinated vet's family

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:17:00 EST

'For many a year, we have held on to a little piece of history," wrote Frances Kozoro O'Mara to Trash or Treasure. "As the war with Japan came to a close, my brother was in the occupation of Japan during the year 1945. At that time, he sent home to me an officer's riding saddle, with riding whip and stirrups, after the final surrender of Japan. All these years, I have kept it in good condition in the original box that it was mailed to me in."

Jeff Ball: African violet experiment had its winners, losers

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:17:00 EST

I did something last weekend that I have not done for 25 years. I bought an African violet. In a weak moment Nancy has given me full responsibility for whatever I want to grow on the long table sitting by large south-facing windows.

Jocelynn Brown: Once-rough dog hair spins into nice clothing

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:17:00 EST

'Knitting with Dog Hair, Better a Sweater from a Dog You Know and Love Than From a Sheep You'll Never Meet," reads the title of a book by Kendall Crolius and Anne Montgomery published in the early '90s.

Nancy Szerlag: Lightweight blower vac does the job, easy to use

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:17:00 EST

My friend Darby called the other day wanting to know if that was me she saw singing the praises of the electric Worx TriVac blower/mulcher/vac on a TV infomercial. That was me, I assured her. The company sent me the tool to test and I loved it, so when they asked me to be part of the infomercial, I jumped at the chance.

Judith Harris Solomon: Eye-catching items shine a light on Hanukkah fest

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:22:00 EST

Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday celebrated by Jews all over the world. It commemorates the re-dedication of the holy temple after its desecration more than 2,000 years ago and the fact that a one-day supply of oil for the temple's lamp miraculously lasted for eight days.

Mary Carol Garrity: For holiday zing, hang wreaths that wow

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:22:00 EST

I love a gorgeous garland. I adore shimmering, showy Christmas-tree ornaments. And I've never met a set of holiday dishes that I didn't like. But if I had to pick the single most-amazing holiday decorating tool that you can use to transform your home for the season, my vote would go to the humble, versatile, never-fail wreath.

Jeanine Matlow: Revive holiday decor with simple ideas

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:22:00 EST

If you're making a list and checking it twice, why not treat your home to something nice for the holidays? It doesn't have to be costly to be considered new and improved.