Learn how, when, and where to display Old Glory to give it the respect it deserves. As with any sort of etiquette, compliance is voluntary but strongly suggested. Use our handy calendar of those dates to plan your display. Credit: CoryUlrich/Getty Images How to Display the American Flag When can I display the flag? What position should the flag be in when it is displayed? How should I display the flag in other locations?...

Keep your drains safe by using these Test Kitchenapproved methods for proper cooking oil disposal. You’ve made a juicy batch ofhomemade fried chickenfor dinner, but now you’re faced with cleaning up. If you’re new to deep-frying at home, keep that used oil away from the drain! Credit:BHG / Andrea Araiza Oils and fats solidify and can block your pipes, causing major damage. Here’s a roundup of the best methods for disposing of cooking oil while keeping your plumbing safe....

Wondering what to do with all that old paint? confirm you’re not throwing away liquid paint, which could allowtoxic chemicalsto contaminate the environment. Some states and municipalities have specific rules about paint disposal, so check before you begin. Credit: Kim Cornelison So before you get rid of old paint,pop the lidand take a whiff. If it just smells like paint, it’s likely still usable. If it smells rotten, it’s best to dispose of the paint....

Learn how to instantly age a piece of furniture using sandpaper and this easy distressing technique. Antique furniture often bears its age through chipped paint or a well-worn patina. If it’s unfinished, sand and prime, then paint the base color. Credit: Brie Passano If it’s painted, wipe with a tack cloth and paint the base color. Or, prime again and paint the base color. Rub wax over the base coat, going with the grain....

Save money in your garden and keep your plants healthy by dividing them regularly. Dividing is perfect for filling in bare spots in your garden or for sharing with friends and neighbors. However, not all types of perennials appreciate being divided. Credit: Julie Maris Semarco Here’s what it’s crucial that you know for success. Dividing can be stressful on the plantsand they’ll recover better from the shock in cool, moist conditions....

Sand-set (sometimes called dry-laid) installations are much easier to build than mortared surfaces. They don’t require specialized skills, and because there’s no concrete required, they are less expensive. Plus, the gravel ensures good drainage. Credit: Ed Gohlich A properly bedded sand-based paver patio will last for years and require little or no maintenance. Your dealer will help you convert those measurements to gravel, sand, and paving quantities. Soil conditions will influence the construction of your project....

Enter: the No-Demo Reno. Bobby Berkis a design expert and TV host. Paints great, Berkwho has partnered with home services siteThumbtacksays. Credit:Paul Archuleta / Getty Images (Left); Kritsada Panichgul (Right) | Design: Better Homes & Gardens Changing other materials around the cabinets can make a huge difference. If you install a nice neutral countertop and a neutral backsplash, oak cabinets can actually be gorgeous. He also recommendsreplacing any old hardwarewith a new, modern set....

Learn how to manually empty the water from a top-load or front-load washing machine. Afterreviewing the manual, prepare a few towels for the job. Similarly, a plastic drop cloth can help to protect the floor and prevent water damage. Credit:Jacob Fox Another issue to consider is where to put the water. Once it’s collected in a bucket, you’ll need a place to dump it out. Avoid filling a bucket you could’t lift, maneuver, or dump out....

Minimize the risk of remodeling surprises with this guide to creating and following a plumbing plan. A well-planned diagram is essential for any remodeling project that involves significant plumbing work. Professional plumbers usually map a plumbing job meticulously to prevent surprises during the project. Credit: Adam Albright You should, too, if you plan to DIY the work. A plumbing plan illustrates the system that will bring water in and take waste back out....

Plan out electrical work before taking on a major remodel. The completed plan needs to be a detailed, accurate representation of the house and the electrical system. Use this guide to learn how to draw electrical plans or wiring diagrams for your home. Credit:BHG / Kevin Norris This list ofelectrical drawing symbolsis a great place to start. Don’t complete this sketch from memory. Walk around your home and take proper measurements with a tape measure to ensure the accuracy of the plan....

It’s a straightforward process. Often, you’ll dredge foods before frying. This process is breadingmore on that below. Credit:BHG / Michela Buttignol BHG / Michela Buttignol How to Dredge Food Here’s how to dredge chicken or other food. Additionally, you could find breading trays to minimize dredging and breading messes. How to Dredge Vegetables The basic definition of dredge applies to vegetables, too. Credit: Mike Dieter “Dredge” versus “Bread” Breading food takes dredging a couple of steps further....

Deck out your tree in the unexpected holiday party lookthe ugly Christmas sweater theme. Experts chime in with tips. ADAM ALBRIGHT We all know and love the ugly Christmas sweater, a festive fashion staple. Credit:ADAM ALBRIGHT Interior design has caught up to the charming fan-favorite knit. Why not host an ugly sweater partyfor your treebut still look camera worthy? Heres how to dress up an ugly Christmas sweater tree that will easily take centerstage....

Jason Donnelly Basic sugar cookies can be transformed into something special with a simple drizzle of homemade icing. Read on to learn how to make icing and how to execute the drizzle. Use this method onother types of cookies, too, for a festive touch that takes mere minutes. Credit:Jason Donnelly Make a Powdered Sugar Icing to make it drizzle cookies, you need icing. Here’s how to make icing using our basic powdered sugar icing recipe....