when you obtain the dried hydrangeas, trim the stems so they’re an easy length to work with. We found 6-inch stems worked best. Secure the stems to the wreath with florists wire. Simply loop it around the wreath and twist to secure. Once you’ve worked your way around, add smaller hydrangea flowers to fill in any gaps. If needed, you might use hot glue to keep the flowers in place....

Take pasta night to the next level with our easy recipe for rich homemade Alfredo sauce. A luscious, homemade Alfredo sauce recipe makes for a culinary dream come true. BHG/Madhumita Sathishkumar What Is Alfredo Sauce? Credit:BHG/Madhumita Sathishkumar Theoriginal Alfredo saucerecipe was developed by restaurateur Alfredo di Lelio in 1920s Rome. How to Make Alfredo Sauce from Scratch 1. Fresh parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano are hands down your best options for flavor....

A thief typically wants to avoid making the noise created by breaking glass. Thus, the higher quality of the sash, the more protection it offers. Swing it away, and you’re free to launch the window to any height. Credit: William Geddes Keyed Sash Lock Keyed sash locks are available to fit most double-hung windows. A strong casement in good condition may not need a lock at all. For additional protection, install a keyed lock along the sash rail....

Make the most of damaged garden pots by transforming them into a sweet fairy garden overflowing with charm. Transform a broken clay pot into a miniature wonderland with this whimsical fairy garden idea. Here’s how to make a fairy garden out of a broken pot. Credit: Carson Downing Be cautious of sharp edges. Use a clear silicone adhesive or sculpting clay to hold pieces of the fairy garden pot in place....

This DIY well and basket will add instant cottage charm to your fairy garden. This rustic well makes a sweet accent for afairy garden, helping to add scale and interest. The detail and design of this craft makes it a stand-out element for anytiny garden. Credit: Blaine Moats you’re free to make your own well and basket in an afternoon with a few basic supplies. Then, put them in your fairy garden for a littlecottage charm....

Get ready for months of outdoor entertaining around your own ring of fire. Dig out the dirt within the circle to about 18 inches deep. Create Level Base Fill the pit with 6 inches of gravel. Rake smooth and tamp after each load to make a solid base. Then spread a layer of course sand over thegravel, tamp, and check that it’slevel. Our inner circle is 38 inches in diameter....

This simple project combines handy storage with pretty wall decor. For a 45-inch-square rack like ours, follow the cut list above. Sand all edges smooth and wipe with a tack cloth. Credit: Carson Downing This creates a slight lip that prevents plates from slipping off the shelves. Determine Shelf Placement Measure and mark placement of shelves on side rails. To help determine shelf placement, consider measuring the height of the dishware you plan to display....

Have your cake and ice cream too with this customizable homemade ice cream cake recipe. A cousin of thetrifle, this layered dessert was originally made with biscuits and cream. You’ll get the perfect cake-to-ice cream ratio with every bite. Credit: Blaine Moats Prepare for kids and adults alike to cheer when you bring out this dessert. It’s a science! Ingredients 1pkg.2-layer-size chocolateorwhite cake mix 12gal.vanilla beanorother desired-flavor ice cream, softened...

Impress your guests with an ice ring for punch that doubles as a pretty centerpiece by following this guide. A big punch bowl is the ultimate drink idea for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Adding too much ice or continuing to drop in cubes will dilute the flavors of yourhomemade punch. Credit: Jason Donnelly The best way to keep your beverage cold throughout a party? An ice ring made with flavorful ingredients, such as a reserved portion of the punch recipe....

Bubbling fountains bring life to any outdoor space. Install one this weekend and enjoy it for years to come. Kritsada Panichgul To bring your garden to life, consider adding awater feature. Credit:Kritsada Panichgul Moving water catches sunlight and generates a soothing sound to make your outdoor space more relaxing. Fountains make a great impression along a walkway, by a front entrance, or near a patio. However, they require electricity, so select a spot near an outdoor outlet....

So stick to a tube pan, if possible. Just be sure to reduce the baking time tofollow a cupcake recipeinstead. you’re able to also drizzle the cake withchocolate sauceorhomemade caramel. Credit:Brie Goldman Food: Annie Probst Props: Breanna Ghazali There’s also nothing wrong with spooning freshraspberry sauceover each slice. Meanwhile, sift powdered sugar and flour together 3 times; set aside. Food: Annie Probst. Credit:Brie Goldman. Food: Annie Probst. Props: Breanna Ghazali...

Cover and let them soak in a cool place overnight. Drain and rinse the beans; discard the soaking liquid. It’s as simple as adding it in after cooking the beans! Credit: Blaine Moats Some cooks like their baked beans saucy, while some prefer them drier. If you like them saucy, add additional reserved bean liquid during cooking. Keep in mind, though, that beans will continue to soak up the liquid after cooking....

Ready-to-assemble bookcases are available at home retailers but often look diminutive and flimsy. For more impact, try assembling several side-by-side. These inexpensive bookcases can mimic the look of custombuilt-in shelveswhen united with trim. Credit: Adam Albright What You Need Step 1: Screw the bookcases together. Assemble bookcases if needed.Paint all units the same colorwe recommend a darker finish for a sleek, modern look. Once the bookcases are set in place, screw them together, eliminating gaps between the pieces....