November is often the month when you begin to feel both the tingle of holiday cheer arriving and the cooler weather breezing through. This edition of Good to Be Home is packed full of ideas to help you get in the mindset of the season with a guide to decorating the often ignored rooms in your home, tips for protecting it from holiday woes, unique cakes to round out your feasts, and strategies for turning your property into a winterized fortress.
Liven up your abode for the holidays by going beyond the living room to adorn unexpected spaces like your kitchen, bathrooms, and office. With the enclosed seasonal styling tips, you can discover easy ways to infuse these rooms with merriment and create a magical experience throughout your entire house.
Don't let holiday cheer turn into misfortune—follow the enclosed guide to prepare for common home hazards that can arise during the festive season, including fire risks from decorations and slip-and-fall dangers from clutter. Learn simple steps to safeguard your home and loved ones, ensuring a happy and safe season.
Go all out for your desserts this year using the recipes inside, which offer delicious and unexpected treats perfect for surprising your guests. Whether you opt for the classic citrus poppy seed cake or the chocolate-coconut lamington squares, they're sure to bring warmth, happiness, and a touch of wonder to your holiday gatherings.
As winter approaches, safeguard your home from the elements to prevent costly damage. This issue details key steps to prepare your interior and exterior, from cleaning your gutters to storing your patio furniture to servicing your HVAC system. By following these precautions, you can create a cozy and secure haven for the colder months to come.
Here’s to basking in the beauty that November brings! As always, it’s a pleasure to send you this magazine.
The holidays will soon be here in full force, so now’s an ideal time to get your home prepped for the fun ahead. While you may have a tub full of decor earmarked for your living room, there are other areas of your home, such as your office or bathrooms, that are just as deserving of a special cheerful touch. Use this guide to help you add a bit of festiveness to such spaces and turn your haven into a true celebratory wonderland.
Whether you’re cooking a family meal or baking for an upcoming gathering, the kitchen takes center stage this time of year, making it the perfect room to infuse with seasonal decor. Since this area is often filled with a lot of movement and activity, it’s best to keep decorations small yet impactful. Open shelving or cabinets are prime locations for holiday dishware, placed on stands such as these, while the fridge offers easy real estate for themed magnets that can immediately enhance the atmosphere in your kitchen. Also, consider swapping out your dish towels for ones with a festive theme—think snowflakes, plaid, or holly—and switching to a soap dispenser that matches.
An advent calendar is another great choice for your kitchen, especially if you have young children. Simply hang it on an open spot on your wall or swap it in for another wall hanging for the season. And if your kitchen has a window, consider adding a live wreath to the middle of it or draping fresh garland around the edge. Either will both look beautiful and infuse the space with the merry aroma of evergreen.
Though a bathroom may not seem fit for a seasonal makeover, decorating yours is easier than you might think. As with the kitchen, small touches can go a long way. Begin with the basics: change your regular hand towels to ones with holiday colors or patterns, and add a simple, themed shower curtain like this one, pairing it with a complementary bath mat. In addition, switch to a seasonal-scented soap, such as peppermint, pine, or gingerbread, and put a bowl of potpourri in an open spot on your counter.
For a more whimsical touch, place gnomes, trees, snowflakes, or other themed figurines on shelves or the toilet tank. And if you want to go the extra mile, consider adding a garland or a strand of fairy lights around the bathroom mirror. These little tweaks can transform your bathrooms into cozy, festive oases you and any guests are guaranteed to love.
Though you may not linger much in your primary bedroom, it’s still worth decking out to create a magical environment to wind down in at the end of the day. When decorating, less is often more since you don’t want to feel overwhelmed by loud patterns while trying to relax. Change your bedding to a luxurious, solid-colored comforter or duvet, such as this burgundy velvet quilt from Target, and consider swapping your sheets for a plaid flannel option; of course, the latter will depend on your personal tastes and sleeping habits as well as your area’s climate. Complete the look by placing a holiday throw blanket at the foot of the bed and adding a few new patterned pillows.
Lighting is another great way to enhance the ambience of this room, so consider placing rechargeable candles on your dresser or other shelving. You can set them in festive candleholders like this one or opt for simple gold or silver versions you could leave up all year long. String small lights around your headboard as well, and you’ll create a serene atmosphere that will make your bedroom a space you never want to leave.
If you work from home, you likely have a room you spend eight or more hours a day in. So why not infuse it with a little festive cheer? Start by making the background or screensaver on your computer a seasonal photo or pattern, which may bring you extra joy each time you see it. You can also get creative with your desk items, such as by changing to a printed mousepad like this round, vintage-inspired option or placing your pens and pencils in a unique mug for the season.
Add even more holiday spirit to your office by adorning your walls with lights or placing a small tree behind your desk; the latter can also lend a special touch to your background for any video calls you may have. And if you have a corkboard or wall hooks in your office, consider tying a few ornaments on long ribbons and hanging them from these areas. It’s a quick and easy DIY idea that can make your office all the more joyful to be in.
Embrace the essence of the season by incorporating thoughtful, small touches into these often undecorated rooms of your home. With such a complete transformation, you’re guaranteed to experience the full delight of the holidays throughout the months ahead.
In anticipation of the holiday season, you may be excitedly planning for joyful gatherings and hanging festive decor like twinkling lights around your home. But amid all this merriment, it’s crucial that you remain cautious about potential hazards—fail to do so, and your celebrations could turn into calamities. Check out some of the most common seasonal home perils, and learn what you can do to help safeguard your loved ones, property, and finances.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, the number of house fires across the nation increases in fall and winter, with December taking the lead. This makes it essential to install fire alarms on every floor of your home, check them monthly, and establish a fire-safety plan with your family. (You can find more detailed fire-prevention tips on the American Red Cross website.) In addition, take these specific precautions against some of the biggest fire threats spurred by the holidays.
Festive features
Christmas trees are emblematic of the season for many, but they can also easily become fuel for fires if you don’t follow best practices. Live ones can ignite surprisingly fast when they get too dry, so check your tree for water daily, making sure the trunk is submerged in the stand at all times. And whether it’s live or artificial, place it at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, or other sources of heat.
Particularly popular around the holidays, candles can pose just as much of a threat if you don’t take proper precautions. Be careful to light yours on heat-resistant surfaces at least a foot away from anything flammable, and never leave lit ones unattended (or leave children or pets unattended near them). Finally, don’t overload sockets with excessive plugs and inspect your string lights for frayed wires before hanging them to prevent electrical fires.
Kitchen disasters
Cooking holiday meals can also put your home at increased risk of fires, especially if you want to try your hand at deep-frying a turkey. Always follow recipe instructions closely, wear well-fitted clothing that won’t droop onto hot surfaces, and keep a close eye on any food cooking on the stove. Also, make sure your kitchen is stocked with a fire extinguisher (which it should already be), and verify that it isn’t expired so it’s ready to go in a pinch.
Criminals have their own unique ways of savoring the season, namely by helping themselves to your valuables. Upcoming gift and decor shopping may stuff your stoop with goods that could tempt thieves, while traveling to visit relatives or taking winter vacations could leave your home vulnerable to crimes, including vandalism, break-ins, and theft of costly possessions like electronics and jewelry.
However worrisome these risks may be, there are numerous simple preventative measures you can take to help reduce them. Upgrading your security features with smart locks, sensor cameras, and full home-security systems, for example, can ward off burglars. And if they don’t, they can enable you to take swifter action and provide useful evidence when filing an insurance claim. Such security may not stop porch piracy, though, so consider having shipments sent to a nearby Amazon locker or having the postal carrier hold your packages for in-person pickup rather than leaving them exposed (even briefly) at your front door.
Hosting around the holidays can be a thrill, but it can also lead to some unexpected mishaps. Increased foot traffic, more wires being strewn about, and added clutter like stacks of presents could increase the likelihood of trips, slips, and falls. In addition, potentially icy weather can make guest arrivals or departures perilous, particularly if you’re serving adult beverages.
To keep your guests safe, do a walkthrough of your home’s exterior and interior before every gathering. Check that your walkways, driveway, and front patio are clear of obstacles and slip hazards, and consider applying extra deicing agents to make sure they remain that way. Inside, clean up any clutter that could get caught underfoot, obstruct access to stairways if possible, and pen antisocial pets well away from your guests. It’s also a good idea to keep any children monitored at all times. Taking such steps may help reduce the risk of an injury ruining an otherwise joyful event.
Practicing a little precaution can go a long way toward ensuring a smooth holiday season. For added peace of mind, safeguard your property with a sufficient homeowners insurance policy in case something does go wrong, checking in with an insurance professional to review your coverage limits and protected perils. Once you know your bases are covered, you can look forward to enjoying your celebrations and creating cherished memories with those you love most.
This holiday season, let your kitchen be filled with the soft glow of the oven and the sweet scent of homemade goodies. Whether baking for yourself or for a gaggle of loved ones, these recipes from the Sweet Little Cakes from Mrs. Zabar’s Bakeshop cookbook offer delightful desserts that are sure to satisfy, helping you experience festive gatherings brimming with warmth, happiness, and a touch of surprise.
This recipe reinvents the classic cake, swapping the sugary glaze for real orange juice and topping it all with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar.
Surprise your guests with a taste of Australia through these easy-to-make squares featuring chocolate, coconut, and a hint of raspberry.
Excerpted from Sweet Little Cakes from Mrs. Zabar’s Bakeshop: Perfect Desserts for Sharing. © 2023 Tracey Zabar. Photography by Ellen Silverman. Used with permission of Rizzoli New York.
Poppy seed cake is often made with too much lemon and a sticky, overly sweet glaze. Try my take on this old favorite. If desired, substitute lemon, lime, clementine, or tangerine zest and juice for the orange. Serve with candied orange peel on the side.
Makes one 5-inch bundt cake (serves 4)
This amazing treat from Down Under will wow your guests. You will be surprised at how easy it is to whip up a little batch to make everyone happy.
Makes four 4 by 2-inch cakes (serves 4)
It’s that time of year again, when heavy boots take the place of sandals and savoring hot mugs of cocoa becomes routine. But closets and cuisine aren’t the only areas to make changes in. In the face of looming threats such as snowstorms and ice, the interior and exterior of your home need proactive winterizing to properly prime them for the months ahead. Use this list of essential tasks to help you transition seamlessly from the comforts of fall to the chill of winter.
Clean your gutters
Clogged gutters can become cold-weather nightmares that cause damage to your foundation and roof. Before the temperatures dip, thoroughly clean your gutters and downspouts, removing any debris that is obstructing drainage. Begin near the downspout, carefully climbing a ladder and then using your hands or a gutter scoop to extract material collected in that area; make sure to have a bucket nearby to deposit it in and wear goggles and gloves to protect yourself. Then move to the opposite end and use a hose to flush the entire gutter with a strong stream of water, working your way back to the downspout. Afterward, check that all obstructions have been cleared.
To minimize future blockages and maintenance, consider adding gutter guards, which are typically mesh screens designed to cover your gutters and prevent leaves and other debris from compiling in the first place. You’ll still want to check them occasionally, though, to ensure that there are no issues.
Store your patio or deck items
Harsh elements and cold temps can compromise your grill and outdoor furniture. Start by giving them all a thorough cleaning—your future self will thank you once hotter weather returns and you’re jonesing to throw a barbecue or relax outside. Then place fitted covers on each item or, even better, move them to a covered space like your shed or garage; just make sure to first take out any shovels, scrapers, snow brushes, and deicing agents before they get buried. Also, if you have a gas grill, close the valve on the propane tank, disconnect it from the grill, and store it upright in an outdoor location at least ten feet from your home and anything flammable.
Take your plants in
If you haven’t already, bring your potted plants indoors, ideally before temperatures consistently fall below 45 degrees. Inspect and treat them for any pests first to prevent indoor infestations, and then place them near south-facing windows to replicate their natural sunlight requirements; also take care to adjust their watering schedule as needed. However, keep in mind that not every plant requires being brought inside for winter. Find out your plants’ particular needs to see whether they would be able to withstand the lower temperatures. You can use an app like Pl@ntNet to identify their species and get all their essential care information.
Seal doors and windows
Drafty windows and doors can siphon warmth (and money) from your house thanks to windy weather, which may cause more cold air to seep in. Applying caulk or weatherstripping to windows, doors, and other openings to seal leaks can help you save on heating costs, produce more comfortable, temperate surroundings, and even prevent mold growth. Still feel like your home’s on the cold side? It could be your attic—improper insulation up there can lead to 20 to 30 percent heat loss. Consider reaching out to an insulation service to assess this area and get it properly protected before winter.
Have your HVAC serviced
On a bitterly cold winter night, a broken furnace is nothing short of disastrous. If you’ve yet to do so, schedule a professional furnace inspection to have a qualified technician do a complete cleaning and tune-up of your system and make sure your furnace is running as it should. They can catch little problems, like malfunctioning thermostats or clogged burners, before they become big issues, helping you save money and hassle over time. Also be on the lookout for any strange odors throughout your house or visible corrosion on burners or wires; these are issues that require immediate servicing.
Protect your pipes
Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst, resulting in potential water damage. One way to prevent this is to purchase precut foam pipe sleeves to insulate any exposed pipes in your crawl space, attic, and garage. Installing these sleeves is simple: just slide them over the pipes and duct tape the ends closed.
In addition, weatherize your hose bibs, or outdoor faucets, by turning off their water supply via the shutoff valve, which can usually be found in the garage or basement. Then separate the attached hoses and empty any water from the hose bibs themselves; for added protection, you could also put faucet covers on the bibs. These easy steps can prevent a pipe from bursting and possibly flooding should the temperatures drop drastically.
By taking precautionary steps to safeguard your home against winter risks, you can turn it into a comfortable retreat filled with warmth and comfort. So after finishing your prewinter checklist, light some candles, toss on a warm sweater, and rest easy knowing you’re well prepared for the season ahead.
