Christmas
Prepping for Christmas goes way beyond shopping for gifts. Of course, the presents are nice—but an entire month of festivities is what really makes the season so merry. Once December rolls around, it’s time to kick your shopping, decorating, and baking efforts into high gear. Get yourself in the spirit by lighting a woodsy or seasonally scented candle. The scent of the season wafting through your home is sure to inspire your creativity as you finalize those Christmas party ideas (there is, in fact, a scientific reason why the holidays smell so good). Then, pop in one of your favorite holidays movies and pick out some festive Christmas crafts to create. Don’t forget to spend some time finalizing your holiday menu a week or two ahead of the event—there are plenty of make-ahead recipes that will help you relax and enjoy the party just as much as your guests are. And, don’t worry, we have plenty of gift ideas, too, so you can cross that off your to-do list, as well.
Best Christmas Gifts for Grandma in 2017
Having a hard time finding the perfect Christmas gift for grandma? Use our list of the best holiday gifts this year that you can buy right now.
The Best White Elephant Gift Ideas for 2017
Were you asked to bring a white elephant gift to a Christmas party? Choose one of these funny gift ideas you can buy now.
How to Stack and Frost a Layer Cake
Get our tips and tricks for stacking and frosting a beautiful, professional-looking cake every time.
20 Easy Cake Recipes
Baking a cake from scratch doesn’t have to be daunting—try one of these easy recipes for crumb cake, cheesecake, chocolate cake, and more.
8 Bite-Sized Appetizers You Can Make in a Mini Muffin Tin
Turn that novelty bakeware into a kitchen workhorse.
Boyfriend Gift Ideas for Every Type of Guy
Not sure what to get the man in your life this year? Try these budget-friendly picks from our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide. Or, find more great gifts for everyone on your list here.
4 Cookies You Can Make With a Box of Puff Pastry
Don’t flake: Keep a box or two in the freezer and you’ll always be ready for an impromptu cookie swap.
How to Make a Moscow Mule
This 3-ingredient cocktail never fails to satisfy.
Gingersnap Baked Alaska Pie
This impressive twist on a traditional Baked Alaska is sure to satisfy all your holiday guests—the cookie lovers, the pie fanatics, and the ice cream die-hards, too. We’re suckers for coffee ice cream (and it pairs wonderfully with the warm spices in the gingersnaps), but feel free to use any flavor you please. In the summer, try a graham cracker crust and chocolate ice cream for a tasty take on s’mores. The key to success here is creating a stiff meringue, so be sure to pay attention to the indicators in the recipe. To test whether you’ve achieved stiff peaks, remove the whisk attachment from the mixer and hold it upright. The meringue should hold its peak and not droop down the sides.