Add a table for a flat surface, or an existing desk can do double duty. Put the wall to work with a selection of clear adhesive hooks. They’re so unobtrusive they nearly disappear on the wall and come off without a trace. Secure labels and tags on a clipboard for easy access. We found this one at a restaurant supplies store for just a few dollars. Thread one end of the twine through a hole for tangle-free unwinding, measuring, and clipping....

Make your Christmas tree sparkle (and show off your favorite ornaments) with these tree-lighting tips and tricks. Adding lights to your Christmas tree doesn’t have to be a holiday chore. Here’s how to string lights on a Christmas tree easily, efficiently,andartfully. Credit: Marty Baldwin you might also opt for novelty lights, such as flickering flames, flashing lights, or bubble lights. So for a 6-foot tree, you’ll need about 600 lights....

If you strip and repaint wood furniture, you canentirely change its look. This easy technique is also perfect for rehabbing inexpensive thrift store orflea-market finds. Removing the existing paint or stain makes wayfor a fresh finish on top. Credit:Kim Cornelison Adam Albright Prep Furniture Remove all hardwarefrom your wood furniture piece. Fill in any holes with wood filler, then lightly sand all surfaces that will be painted. you could also add furniture feet if desired....

Try these tips for creating a pretty, personal, and organized HQ for your beauty routine. How to Choose the Right Makeup Vanity Makeup vanities can be more functional than you might think. Or choose a piece that puts functionality and budget at the forefront, perhaps with fewer design frills. Credit: Miki Duisterhof 4 Things Every Makeup Vanity Needs 1. Storage for Lotions and Potions To create a truly functional makeup station, storage is key....

Learn the secrets to arranging pillows on all sizes of beds, plus the perfect formula for your sofa. They bring the house to life by adding color, texture, comfort, and style. But beyond aesthetics, pillows also make a home feel inviting and lived in. Credit: David Land They welcome guests to sit down and stay awhile in comfort. I love what Im seeing lately with all the custom pillows designers are putting together, she says....

This unique feature scores high on looks and designplus, tips on how to maximize the benefits. If youre looking torefresh a work surfacekitchen or bathrooma tiled countertop can easily become a featured statement. Jillian Smith-Moher one of the interior designers behindTwenty-Two Twelve. Credit:Michelle Johnson; Project:The Lake Placid LodgebyYou Should Stay Here; Interior Design:Twenty-Two TwelveandAutumn Hachey Why Choose Tiled Countertops? When it comes to designing the home, nostalgia is a driving force for many homeowners....

Can you substitute brown sugar for white sugar in baking recipes? Our Test Kitchen is sharing their sweet secrets so you could know whenand howto use each. Grant Webster Can You Substitute Brown Sugar for White Sugar? Credit:Grant Webster The answer isn’t a simple yes or no (apologies! ), but more of a “yes, but”… So, if your recipe calls for one cup of white sugar, swap one cup of brown sugar....

Don’t panic if you run out of flour or another key ingredient while baking or cooking. Use these Test Kitchen-approved substitutes. We Have Your Backup Plan Thats where substitutions can come to the rescue. Credit:Jacob Fox Try using a flour that has a similar protein content. Whole-wheat flour has a 14 percent protein content vs. 11 to 12 percent for all-purpose. So if you’re looking for a quick cinnamon substitute, you should only use 12 tsp....

Learning to determine whether a wall is load-bearing can help you properly plan your renovation and avoid unexpected expenses. If you tear down a load-bearing wall without proper preparation, it could blow your renovation budget. Luckily, we’ve got several tips and techniques for determining which walls are load-bearing. Credit:Getty Images / Dana Neely Getty Images / Dana Neely What Is a Load-Bearing Wall? Before removing a wall, always consult with a professional who can confirm whether it’s load-bearing or not....

Theres more than meets the eye when it comes to these helpful little tags. Learn when it’s safe to bleach your clothes and how to do it right. Until recentlybleaching laundryseemed pretty straightforward: white towels, bed linens, and cotton clothing were a no-brainer. Credit: Techa Tungateja / EyeEm / Getty Images As for anything else, well, that’s what garment care labels are for. Which Fabrics Can Be Bleached? The first place you should turn to when debating whether to bleach clothes is the garment care label....

Use our Test Kitchen’s easy go-to tricks to tell if eggs are bad. If your refrigerator loses power, your eggs will be ok if the temperature stays at 40F or less. Grant Webster 1. Credit: Michela Buttignol If the egg immediately sinks and lays flat on its side, they are fresh. But if you’re in doubt, throw them out. Smell Test You’ve probably heard the phrase “smells like a rotten egg....

One of our favorite reasons to cook fish is that it’s fast. With speed like that,quick and easy seafood recipesare an excellent choice for busy weeknights. Our Test Kitchen has cooking temperature and doneness testing tips to help you avoid overcooked fish forever. Credit:BHG/Zoe Hansen When fish reaches theproper cooking temperatureand is fully cooked, it will display these cues. Undercooked fish resists flaking and is translucent. If your fish is undercooked, continue heating it until its done....

These tried-and-true methods for checking doneness guarantee the perfect pumpkin pie. Have you been tasked withmaking a pumpkin piefor a holiday meal? Consider yourself lucky, as they’re one of the easiest pies to make. Credit:Jake Sternquist Should pumpkin pie be jiggly after baking? If I use the knife test, how can I hide the crack? Simply insert a knife near the center of the pie. Credit:Jake Sternquist If the knife comes out clean, your pie is done....