Monday, November 23, 2009

Dazzling dining: Thanksgiving means autumn hues and seasonal trimmings

Most family traditions are inextricably bound to birthdays and holidays. But the one celebration that especially brings out the most festiveness in all of us is Thanksgiving. The extravagance of food, punctuated by a family's edible favorites, is paired with, most arguably, the year's best-dressed table. For visual feasting is as much a goal as giving thanks and satisfying the palate. - 11/20/2009

Columnists: Susan R. Pollack
Welcome Mat: Elton John, fine art & handmade show, home décor

It's not too surprising that Sir Elton John's Los Angeles apartment is colorful with a '70s vibe. - 11/20/2009

Viewpoints

Homestyle Blog

Susan R. Pollack: Just in time for holiday season shopping, Detroit fans have a fresh place to flock: a new "roost" called City Bird opening … Continued

Crafts Blog

Jocelynn Brown: Longtime quilter Kyra E. Hicks has done it again! The author of "Black Threads: An African American Quilting Sourcebook" and … Continued

Gardening

Vickie Morgan: You know how you want wildlife, but you want them to behave themselves while they are on your property? Well, they are not cooperating for … Continued

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Kate Lawson: Simply the Best

Turkey Day feast is all about the stuffing

My favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal isn't the turkey or the pie. For me, it's all about the stuffing. - 11/20/2009

Glenn Haege: The Handyman

These gadgets help make life a little easier

While some gadgets are truly just "junk," there are many gadgets that can be useful, especially around the home. Here are some gadgets I like that can help with home projects or make life around your home easier. - 11/20/2009

Khristi Zimmeth: Trash or Treasure?

World War II souvenir fascinated vet's family

A Japanese officer's riding saddle and accessories are collectible items.

'For many a year, we have held on to a little piece of history," wrote Frances Kozoro O'Mara to Trash or Treasure. "As the war with Japan came to a close, my brother was in the occupation of Japan during the year 1945. At that time, he sent home to me an officer's riding saddle, with riding whip and stirrups, after the final surrender of Japan. All these years, I have kept it in good condition in the original box that it was mailed to me in." - 11/20/2009

Jeff Ball: The Yardener

African violet experiment had its winners, losers

African violets will thrive in an east- or south-facing window.

I did something last weekend that I have not done for 25 years. I bought an African violet. In a weak moment Nancy has given me full responsibility for whatever I want to grow on the long table sitting by large south-facing windows. - 11/20/2009

Jocelynn Brown: Handmade

Once-rough dog hair spins into nice clothing

Gloria Brand of Northville uses the hair from her dog Ivana, a Bouvier de Flandre, to make yarn, which is then mixed with Romney sheep wool to make her knitting items. 2

'Knitting with Dog Hair, Better a Sweater from a Dog You Know and Love Than From a Sheep You'll Never Meet," reads the title of a book by Kendall Crolius and Anne Montgomery published in the early '90s. - 11/20/2009

Nancy Szerlag: Gardening

Lightweight blower vac does the job, easy to use

Worx TriVac is a leaf blower and vacuum that shreds leaves and at less than 9 pounds is also lightweight. The TriVac is available online for $89.85.

My friend Darby called the other day wanting to know if that was me she saw singing the praises of the electric Worx TriVac blower/mulcher/vac on a TV infomercial. That was me, I assured her. The company sent me the tool to test and I loved it, so when they asked me to be part of the infomercial, I jumped at the chance. - 11/20/2009

Jeanine Matlow: Smart Solutions

Revive holiday decor with simple ideas

Edit your existing accessories and allow your seasonal décor to shine.

If you're making a list and checking it twice, why not treat your home to something nice for the holidays? It doesn't have to be costly to be considered new and improved. - 11/20/2009

Mary Carol Garrity: Style at Home

For holiday zing, hang wreaths that wow

Plain or dressed up with bows and berries, wreaths make fabulous holiday decorating tools.

I love a gorgeous garland. I adore shimmering, showy Christmas-tree ornaments. And I've never met a set of holiday dishes that I didn't like. But if I had to pick the single most-amazing holiday decorating tool that you can use to transform your home for the season, my vote would go to the humble, versatile, never-fail wreath. - 11/20/2009

Judith Harris Solomon: Marketplace

Eye-catching items shine a light on Hanukkah fest

This metal sculpture features a band of clown musicians.

Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday celebrated by Jews all over the world. It commemorates the re-dedication of the holy temple after its desecration more than 2,000 years ago and the fact that a one-day supply of oil for the temple's lamp miraculously lasted for eight days. - 11/20/2009

Martha Stewart: Living

Keep turkey hot, gravy lump-free with tips

Q . How can I make sure that a roast turkey will be warm when I serve it? - 11/20/2009

Tips

10 ways to turn home into a green machine

A continuing compendium of tips and tricks from Home & Garden Television. - 11/20/2009

Home author big on built-ins, less size

Sarah Susanka, author of the "Not So Big House" line of books, discusses her new book, "Not So Big Remodeling."

Sarah Susanka has made a career out of bucking the bigger-is-better trend in American homes. - 11/17/2009

Glenn Haege: Ask Glenn

Water-based polish will help eliminate dust from ceiling fans

Dear Glenn: I regularly read your column in the paper. You mentioned a product that reduces dust accumulation on ceiling fans. Could you tell me the name and where I might acquire it? - 11/17/2009

Design Writer

Veteran journalist Susan R. Pollack's stories about interior design, home furnishings and home improvement trends in Michigan and beyond appear here in the Homestyle section. You can also check for updates on her Homestyle Blog. Please send news tips and Welcome Mat items to her at spollack@detnews.com

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Homestyle columnists

  • Ask Glenn: Home improvement advice from master handyman from Glenn Haege
  • Nancy Szerlag: The master gardener offers advice on plants, tools and techniques to help your garden grow
  • The Yardener: Author Jeff Ball offers advice on lawn care and gardening.
  • Martha Stewart: The biggest name in homemaking shares her tips for gracious living.
  • Handmade: Detroit News staffer Jocelynn Brown is a longtime crafter who knits, crochets, beads and makes soft-sculpture dolls.

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