Featured in December 2011

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Thoughts, p. 10

The Simple List, p. 14

Editor’s Note, p. 31

 

Your Words

• This Month’s Question, p. 35 
  What is the greatest gift you’ve ever given?
• No-Obligation Book Club, p. 39
  Great new reads to tuck into this month

Trends Worth Trying

• Forever Find, p. 41
  Cheer-ful ornament
• One for All, p. 42
  24-karat beauty
• Object of Desire, p. 44
  Flashy trench
• Five-Minute Wow, p. 46
  Velvet headbands
• The Most Wearable Trend Right Now, p. 48
  Newfangled Art Deco

Holiday Gift Guide

• 50+ Gifts Under $50, p. 51
  Gifts for Women
  Gifts for Men
  Gifts for Anyone
  Gifts for Teenagers and Tweens
  Gifts for Kids
• Stocking Stuffers Under $30, p. 105

Life Lessons

• Good Read, p. 113
  Kathryn Harrison buys Christmas gifts months in advance; her husband, Colin, does it on December 24. A she said/he said about holiday shopping
• Modern Manners, p. 121
  Michelle Slatalla on what to do when your child questions the existence of Santa Claus (no!)
• Expertise, p. 125
  Five ways to get a thicker skin

The Guide

Fashion

• Real Steals, p. 133
  Festive holiday pieces for $100 or less
• A Show of Hands, p. 145
  Elegant wristwatches—from classic to modern—that will stand the test of time
• Fit Lab, p. 157
  Party skirts

Beauty

• Pretty Smart, p. 165
  The latest beauty products and tips that save time, money, and your sanity
• Road Test, p. 172 
  Brow tools

Health

• The Decoder, p. 175
  High-tech fitness
• 17 Ways to Party (and Stay Hearty), p. 180
  Expert strategies to be happy and healthy this holiday season

Home

• Road Test, p. 190
  Mini camcorders
• Personal Shopper, p. 193
  Side tables that suit your space, style, and needs

Money

• How to Retire Worry-Free, p. 203
  A straightforward road map to finding the right IRA for you
• Moneywise, p. 210
  Secrets to saving on clothing alterations; a cheat sheet for smartphone wireless data plans; the best way to cash in credit-card rewards points

Features

• Practical Magic, p. 220
  The easiest way to an elegant outfit? Pair fancy pieces with everyday basics
• Deck the Halls, p. 228
  From the tree to the mantel to the table, fresh and fabulous decorating ideas straight from the pros
• The Holiday I’ll Never Forget, p. 236
  Five women recount a very difficult Christmas past—and share what it taught them about resilience and faith
• Dramatic License, p. 242
  Standout hair and makeup looks that dazzle without going over the top

Food

• 30 Irresistible Holiday Cookies, p. 250
  A delectable assortment of baked treats that you can make with 10 basic dough recipes
• Quick Takes, p. 262
  10 ideas for holiday cocktails
• Eat, Drink, and Be Merry, p. 265
  A foolproof holiday meal plan that’s completely make-ahead
• Secretly Simple, p. 270
  Popovers
• Road Test, p. 273
  Hams
• Things Cooks Know, p. 279
  Baking strategies, techniques, and tips from the Real Simple test kitchen to yours
• Five Easy Dinners, p. 281
• Nutritional Index, p. 292

 

Credits, p. 299
Where to buy the products featured in this issue

 

Discounts & Deals, p. 304
Exclusive savings on fireplace accessories

 

Clip and Save: Real Simple to Go, p. 306