Thanksgiving cactus vs. Christmas cactus: Learn how to tell the difference between these festive holiday plants. Getty Images Knowing the difference between a Thanksgiving cactus and aChristmas cactusrequires an eagle eye. Read on to learn the key characteristics that make their true identities clear. Credit:Getty Images This is partly why they make sucheasy-care houseplants, though they do needmore regular wateringthan a desert cactus would. They have similar-looking flowers bloom in shades of pink, red, yellow, or white....

Moldy garlic doesnt bode well for your cooking plans. Heres what to know, including whether that garlic is OK to use. Garlic is one of the most universally beloved ingredients out there. Credit:Aninka Bongers-Sutherland / Getty Images | Design: Better Homes & Gardens So what should you do when you pull your garlic out and find that it is fuzzy? Is it still safe to eat? What should you do with moldy garlic?...

Many cookie recipes give you a detailed description of how the cookies should look when they are finished baking. To ensure your cookies won’t be undercooked or overbaked, always check cookies at the minimum baking time. In these cases, you’re able to usually tell by simply taking a look at the cookies. Credit:BHG / Julie Bang Do not let the edges become dark brown, or the cookies will be overbaked....

A soil test has been noted by successful gardeners to be the most efficient andmoney-saving step toward better gardening. In rainy regions, soil is typically more acidic; in desert areas, soil is more alkaline. Soil in these areas often needs to be amended to allow a wider variety of plants to thrive. Credit: Jacob Fox To raise too-low pH (acidic):Add garden lime, dolomite limestone, or wood ashes. To lower too-high pH (alkaline):Add horticultural sulfur, composted oak leaves, or pine needles....

Texture a ceiling to hide imperfections and add character to your home’s interior. Tasteful texture on a ceiling can add character to a room that isnt achievable with a smooth finish. Plus, texture can hide imperfections on ceilings, which arenotoriously difficult to finishandpaint. Credit:Getty Images / BanksPhotos flush the room and cover the floor with drop cloths. Consider taping plastic drop cloths to the walls to avoid splatter. Proper prep work on the front end can save hours of cleaning and repainting after youre done....

Learn our best method for thawing frozen turkey in time for the big feast. Hint: It just takes a little bit of planning. The whole meal revolves around theroasted turkey, so cooking it perfectly is crucial! Credit:Jake Sternquist How long does it take to thaw a turkey? The answer depends primarily on the weight of the bird. Never thaw at room temperature. Credit:BHG/Nelly Cuanalo Read the packaging carefully to see if this was done....

Our Test Kitchen will coach you through every step to go from frozen fish to 5-star restaurant-worthy dishes. Chances are very high that it has been frozen already, then defrosted to display. It takes about 1 hour. Credit:Carson Downing Dont use this method to defrost your seafood if dinner is still seven hours away. Can You Cook Frozen Salmon Without Thawing it First? Dont want to fuss with defrosting? Credit:Larisa Niedle...

What Is Chili? Why Is My Chili Thin? Other tricks from our Test Kitchen call forpantry staplesthat tackle the task quickly without diminishing flavor. Credit: Jason Donnelly Be patient, and the chili will get thicker with time. Masa harina (an instantly binding corn flour) also works beautifully for absorbing liquid. Test Kitchen Tip: Avoid coarse-ground cornmeal orpolentaas they can lend a grainy texture to your chili. Credit:Kelsey Hansen For 1 tablespoon of flour, use 2 tablespoons of water....

Host a budget-friendly summer soiree for any occasion. Set a Budget Before you send out the invitations, set a budget for yourself. This includes items you’ll use for all your gatherings, like seating, lighting, and outdoor decor. Credit: Maskot/Getty Images And budgeting early will help keep you on track. “Last-minute planning will always result in overspending.” It’s a cheaperand more sustainableoption than handing out plastic water bottles and looks pretty too....

Transport your guests to the West Egg for the night. LifestyleVisuals / Getty Images In case you forgot, it’s the Roaring ’20s. A lot goes into putting together a party that makes people feel like they’re in a different world. Credit:LifestyleVisuals / Getty Images From the design of your space to the food that you serve, every detail can enhance the evening. “A wig can add a personality you never knew you had....

The rules for a coquette party a la Sweeney? Tons of pink, sky-high platform heels, ribbons and bows, and lots of fun energy. From thedecor to dessert, it’s so easy to insert this ultra-feminine aesthetic into a Galentine’s occasion. Credit:Left: VICTORIA PEARSON; Right: CARSON DOWNING Here are the details on creating an ambiance worthy of your friendships. Sweeney’s bouquets included roses (of course), peonies, snapdragons, and more. Arrange them in pink glass vases and display them all over your table....

Learn how to tie four must-know knots essential to macrame. Macrame has been a popular craft for centuries, and this decorative knot-tying technique is still beloved today. Requiring only a few materials, macrame is a great craft project for beginners (including kids!). Credit:Adam Albright Some examples of good macrame supports include wood dowels, tree branches, and metal hoops. Once you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to practice macrame knot techniques....

This day-long DIY will add extra pizzazz to your kitchen. Installing a backsplash is more than just a way to amp up your kitchen’s style. We’ll show you how to cut, install, and grout ceramic tiles for a fresh kitchen finish. Credit: Stacy Goldberg Tile can be applied to drywall, butremove any wallpaperor loose paint. Sand the wall of any imperfections, and for good adhesion, wipe away the dust. Cut the sheets as needed, using a utility knife to cut the mesh from behind....