On the Cover

Affordable Entertaining, pg. 31
Merlot or Pinot? Real Simple throws a wine-tasting party that will impress everyone — from the novice to the expert.

Clever Hostess Gifts, pg. 211
Don’t show up empty-handed. Twenty gifts to buy in bulk that will get you invited back.

Back-to-Basics Thanksgiving, pg. 300
From a classic roast turkey to snazzed-up mashed potatoes (add caramelized shallots), a stress-free meal strategy for the big day.

Easy Organic Decorations, pg. 312
Bring the outdoors inside, without the mess of muddy footprints. Decorating with fruits, leaves, and herbs can freshen any room.

More Holiday Recipes

Holiday problems, solved, pg. 343

Easy, unique hors d'oeuvres, pg. 351

Updated Thanksgiving desserts, pg. 359

Plus the Best...

Cleaning tools, pg. 135

Cold remedies, pg. 251

Makeup pencils, pg. 265

Cashmere sweaters, pg. 279

In This Issue

Beauty

Three eye problems, fixed, pg. 87

Decoding beauty ingredients, pg. 97

Updos for holidays or Mondays, pg. 107

Break out of your fragrance rut and try a new scent, pg. 332

Home

Timeless tips from legendary decorators, pg. 121

The best cleaning tools, pg. 135

Twelve problem-solving screens, pg. 145

Style

Stay warm in thick knits, pg. 165

A buying (or just browsing) guide to gemstones, pg. 181

Tie one on — a fun bow, that is, pg. 195

Life

Hostess gifts to have on hand, pg. 211

The do’s and don’ts of extending an invitation, pg. 225

How to avoid putting your foot in your mouth, pg. 233

Body

Solutions to common holiday posture problems, pg. 243

A survival guide to cold-and-flu season, pg. 251

What’s in a dream? The science behind sleeping story lines, pg. 320

Cooking

Five Easy Dinners, pg. 369

Fake It, Don’t Make It: Quick Sticky Buns, pg. 381

Shopping List/Recipe Index, pg. 385

In Every Issue

Simple Solutions, pg. 53
An easy way to organize gift wrap; charging stations for electronic gadgets; where to store coffee; and more.

Road Tests

Makeup pencils, pg. 265

Dish drainers, pg. 273

Cashmere sweaters, pg. 279

French fries, pg. 287

The Organizer, pg. 157
With a little finessing, one family’s linen closet goes from cluttered catchall to streamlined solution.

Soul

Thoughts, pg. 4

Your Words, pg. 39
What is your most reliable Thanksgiving shortcut?

Life Lessons, pg. 75
A mother tries her best to let go…of the car keys.

The Motivator, pg. 291
Remembering late, lamented loved ones keeps them near. Life coach Gail Blanke shares the story of the brother she lost.

Giving Thanks, pg. 326
Five women say “Thank you” to the people who changed their lives.

Real Life, pg. 396
Meet reader Carmen Staicer, a Virginia mother, writer, and blogger who hopes to live to be 100 and run a marathon — but not necessarily in that order.

Why Not?, pg. 6

Contributors, pg. 26

Editor's Note, pg. 29

Credits, pg. 390

Real Simple to Go, pg. 398