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Kwanzaa traditions link African traditions and American customs. Learn more about the holiday’s important history, symbols, and customs. Kwanzaa is a relatively new observance in December, dating back to 1966. Credit: Sue Barr/Getty Images “Kwanzaa is an African American cultural holiday,” saysblogger Riche Holmes Grant. “It’s all about family, community, and being together.” As with any holiday, Kwanzaa traditions vary and continue to evolve with each celebration. Credit: Sue Barr/Getty Images...

Hint: Its not just shiplap. blend of farmhouse, modern, and antique styles. Scalloped Edges Possibly the most-used design trend I saw at Magnolia was scallop motifs. Credit:Claire Hoppe There were scalloped vases, baskets, candles, and coasters, just to name a few. Scallops are a playful yet subtle way to dress up daily items. One of the easiest ways toincorporate scallopsinto your home is on your kitchen table. Credit:Claire Hoppe Use scalloped placemats, napkins, and plates to create a fun dining look....

Avoid these Christmas lighting faux pas to make the most of your outdoor decor this season. Steven White / Getty Images Christmastime can be magical, especially with twinkling lights illuminating snowy neighborhoods. Whether they’re used todecorate homesor department store windows, dazzling lights add festive visual interest to any structure. Credit:Steven White / Getty Images However, hanging the lights can be a long and intricate process. Here are a few common Christmas lighting mistakes you could easily avoid this year....

Got kids, pets, heavy furniture, or lots of guests? Choose from these 5 options for the best long-lasting flooring. Choosing the right flooring for your home can be a difficult undertaking. Credit: Stacy Zarin Goldberg With so many options available, it’s no wonder that homeowners are easily overwhelmed. However, if you long for warm tones and beautiful texture, solid hardwood is a good choice. Solidhardwood floorsare durable and long-lasting, ideal for withstanding heavy foot traffic for decades....

Freshen up cabinet wood grain with gorgeous results. But how do you know when you’ve found the right stain color? And how do you even get started picking the best shade? Credit: Courtesy of FORM Samples, samples, samples. To get started, browse the most popular stains right now to help narrow down your selection. Blue Wood Stains Yes, you read that right. Credit: Jay Wilde “It’s timeless and sophisticated and brings back a luxurious touch to the kitchen....

Last minute dinner party? Stress less with a fully prepped hosting closet. Courtesy of Kenzie Elizabeth Some of the best parties and gatherings are impromptu. Credit:Courtesy of Kenzie Elizabeth Elizabeth shares the must-have items that she keeps in her hosting closet to entertain all summer long. What Is a Hosting Closet? Her next project for the closet: a bulletin board full of past dinner party invites and photos. A Set of Mini Vases...

Discover several fixes to repair a garden hose instead of replacing it. Some problems are relatively easy to assess and fix, while others take more time and effort to repair. Seal Pinhole Leaks with Rubber Cement A pinhole leak is one of the more common problems that homeowners encounter. Credit:Getty Images / Kinek00 Ultimately, pinhole leaks are minor problems that can be patched relatively easily. Start by drying the garden hose as much as possible....

A garden inspired by nature doesn’t have to look weedy or messy. Maybe you’re thinking aboutreplacing your lawn with something more sustainable. Perhaps you have a shady spot where nothing grows. Credit: Carson Downing Or you may be looking tocreate more habitat for wildlifesuch as birds and butterflies. Here are five design tips that will help you create a space that appeals to both people and wildlife. Choose compatible native plants....

Moon gardens bring a touch of magic to home landscapes. Skyhobo / Getty Images Moon gardens add a new dimension to your yard. There are many reasons to create a moon garden, which is at its best at night. Credit:Skyhobo / Getty Images Perhaps you love to entertain then, or thats the time you are free to enjoy your outdoor space. Maybe you want a place for communing with nature as the garden glows in the moonlight....

Proper fern care is essential for full, lush, and verdant foliage. These tips will help produce thriving indoor ferns in your houseplant garden. Although many peoplegrow ferns outdoors, they makebeautiful houseplants. Credit: Brie Passano An easier fern that can survive some neglect, such as theBoston fern, is a great starter species. BHG / Michela Buttignol 1. Fernfronds can be burnedby direct sun, resulting in a dry, crispy plant. Credit:BHG / Michela Buttignol...

Learn how to handle disputes, pay your dues, and communicate with the board for best results. HOAs are also responsible for maintaining certain components of a communityusing dues from its members. This, in a nutshell, helps the community to maintain a certain level of value. Credit:KIM CORNELISON / Interior Design: Lucy Penfield What Is the Purpose of an HOA? HOA boards are typically comprised of residents of the community who help set and enforce rules....

Find out if that chicken soup is as good for the sniffles as it is for the soul. We’ve rounded up some of the best foods to eat when you have a cold. There isn’t a magic food that will cure a cold. Credit: Blaine Moats Were dishing up the best foods to eat when you have a cold. Each item on the list packs in as many of thoseimmune-supportingqualities as possible per bite....

Get crafty with your gals this year. With its focus on invaluable, sometimes-lifelong platonic friendships, it’s a holiday well worth celebrating. It also makes your event feel more lively and festive. Credit:Rebekah Molloy 5 Galentine’s Party Activities Your Girls Will Love 1. Make Mine a Mocktail Cutting back on alcohol consumption isn’t a passing fad. A mocktail party lets you have fun and be social while still practicing self-care. Credit: Jacob Fox...