Thoughts 10

The Simple List 16

Editor’s Note 31

Your Words

• This Month’s Question 33
  What was your most memorable holiday mishap?
• No-Obligation Book Club 40
  What was the last book you read and loved?

Trends Worth Trying

• Destined to Be a Classic 45
  Jewelry inspired by the Plaza Hotel
• One Pick Fits All 46
  Matte nail polish
• Two Women, One Look 48
  One-shoulder tops
• Five-Minute Wow 50
  Metallic eyes
• Everyday Indulgence 52
  Decorative cake stands
• 10 Finds Under $50 54

Solutions

• New Uses for Old Things 57
• Problem-Solvers of the Month 60
• Ask Real Simple 62
  How do I keep my black pants black?
• Start With 64
  Sparkling wine
• Fresh Pick 68
  Brussels sprouts
• Shortcut 68
  The easiest way to open a clamshell package
• Essentials 70
  Holiday travel

Life Lessons

• Good Read 73
  Mary Karr on how an act of kindness altered her perspective
• Modern Manners 79
  Julie Rottenberg on dinner-party latecomers. Plus, your etiquette questions, answered
• Expertise 83
  Katherine Russell Rich on 10 ways to embrace change

The Guide

Beauty

• In Fine Order 89
  The proper sequence for applying your skin care and makeup
• Beauty With Brains 97
  Does drinking water hydrate skin?
• Doctor You 107
  The best new beauty gadgets
• Road Test 117
  Shampoo

Health

• Just Breathe 123
  Three techniques to help you feel less stressed
• You, Improved 129
  Which is better: sugar or agave? Plus, tips to avoid sickness and trainer Tracy Anderson’s playlist
• 15 Minutes and You’re Done 135
  The fastest way to stronger abs
• The Decoder 141
  Eight expert remedies to soothe a sore throat

Fashion

• The Classic 145
  Timeless fall riding boots
• Fit Lab 155
  How to wear a pencil skirt, whatever your body type
• Real Steals 161
  Twelve cashmere finds, all $100 or less
• Style Setter 169
  Lela Rose’s favorite things

Home

• Decorating With 173
  Blue. A foolproof tutorial, plus a spectrum of ideas
• Speed Cleaning 183
  Five minutes to a sparkling stovetop
• Make Over My... 185
  Real Simple organizes one reader’s overstuffed entryway closet
• Transform a Corner 191
  Five ways to reinvent an often neglected space
• The Secret Life of Your Dishwasher 201
  How to get the most out of this everyday appliance
• Road Test 210
  Corkscrews

Money

• Moneywise 213
  Ways to pay off debt while still saving, why to buy pj’s now, and a $5 vacation
• Money Conversations Everyone Should Have 223
  Ten essential talks to have with your spouse, kids, and parents

Features

• What Makes My Life Real Simple 231
• Gorgeous Thanksgiving Tables for Less Than $50 232
  Four designers create beautiful (and inexpensive) holiday decorations
• The Most Meaningful Moment of My Day 240
  Twelve writers and one photographer share the routine times they cherish the most
• The Hectic Holiday Handbook 248
  A flurry of strategies and advice to survive the holiday season
• All About Lips 254
  From skin care to lipstick, we’ve got you covered

Food

• A Simple, Splendid Potluck 264
  Thanksgiving made easy: 21 recipes and tips
• Beyond Cranberry Sauce 281
  Three unexpected holiday relishes
• Four Foolproof Pies 285
  Tasty updates on all the classics
• Wines and Beers for the Big Feast 297
  What to sip, no matter your crowd or your budget
• Quick Takes 302
  Ten ideas for leftover turkey?
• Secretly Simple 306
  Candied nuts
• Five Easy Dinners 309
• Road Test 320
  Chicken broth 322
• Nutritional Index 330

Credits 330
Where to buy the products featured in this issue

Discounts & Deals 336
Exclusive discounts on hostess gifts 338

Real Simple to Go