The reasons why your Christmas tree is dropping needles won’t surprise you: if you have bought a cut tree rather than a potted one with roots, essentially, you have a dying plant on your hands. The trick is to slow the march towards Christmas tree expiration as much as possible, which will, in turn, slow down the rate that it drops needles. There are many methods, from the right tree placement to a solid watering schedule, that you can use to keep a Christmas tree alive for as long as possible....

Whether used to hang the wreath or as a decorative bow, a ribbon makes a fabulous flourish, adding beautiful color and texture. Depending on the color and style you choose and your existing Christmas decorating ideas, a ribbon can be a subtle addition that helps bring the wreath together or can transform it into a beautifully bold statement piece. With winter on the way, we’ve rounded up a host of Christmas wreath ideas and fall wreath ideas that have beautiful wreath ribbons to help inspire your seasonal decorating....

Interestingly, six of the top 15 features that make buyers more likely to buy a property are external, with a lawned garden, security system, paved patio, outdoor lights, bi-fold doors and decking, all working to increase the number of potential buyers for a property. Inside, it’s functional additions like a downstairs toilet, built-in storage, a separate shower cubicle and underfloor heating that would attract the most buyers. Interestingly, having separate living spaces rather than just one open plan space for the whole family also appeared to be popular with prospective buyers, which could be a sign that more of us are starting to appreciate a separate living room to a kitchen diner, to kick back and relax in at night....

There are a number of clever tricks you can use – and here, the H&G team and Hamish Smith, Creative Director at Ca’ Pietra, give their top tips on choosing space-boosting tiles. Some of these bathroom tile ideas are unexpected, but having tried them out in our own homes, we can attest that they’re effective. 1. Don’t think tile size, think grout-matching Should you go for a large or small tile when considering small bathroom ideas?...

Whether you’re looking for tropical, wild oceanside expanses and mountainous forests on the west coast, or cultural social hubs in historic Mexico City or La Paz, these new hotels in Mexico cater for all tastes. Get ready for sparkling seas, meticulous yet inviting interiors, and a burgeoning foodie scene… We’re already packing. See: The best hotels in the world – take a look 1. Baja Club, La Paz, Baja California, Mexico Traditional charm meets luxe new additions at this classic Mexican hacienda that’s been reborn as a colonial-meets-contemporary hotspot in the historic center of La Paz....

When it came to renovating her own Connecticut kitchen, Sallick got the chance to indulge in all her favorite pieces from the studio and beyond. The result is a contemporary kitchen with farmhouse-style flourishes, a well-thought-through layout and touches of personality throughout. From a dining area with a stunning view to all-out tiling, Sallick gave us a tour of her kitchen and showed us what makes it tick. 1. Make the most of the space ‘I wanted to use the existing space more effectively, and to take advantage of the view toward the greenery on my terrace and the setting sun,’ said Sallick, who reconfigured the original layout....

Nurturing your own organic, home-grown fruit is simply one of the best backyard ideas. It is so rewarding and the produce tastes far superior to anything you can buy. You will also be able to grow varieties that are rarely seen at the grocery store. ‘There are lots of ways you can add fruit trees to your kitchen garden ideas, be that in a dedicated orchard, espaliered on fences, fanned across walls, grown in containers, or planted among ornamentals,’ says Period Living’s gardening expert Leigh Clapp....

Here at Homes & Gardens, we never stop reviewing — even when we’re asleep, we’re testing the best mattress toppers. Our team of experts have tested some of these toppers for up to a year at a time. Not only have I personally managed most of the sleep content at H&G, but I’m also verified customer advisor on mattresses. Mattress toppers are great for adding increased support or cushion to your mattress, but if your bed has started to permanently sag, you should head straight to our guide to the best mattress, featuring the full-size editions of several of the toppers on this list....

The Homes & Gardens edit of the best outdoor furniture stores can help you create the ultimate outdoor experience for your backyard ideas. The team’s insider knowledge will allow you to simplify the process of knowing where to buy only the best patio furniture. We present stores that offer timeless appeal, statement style, outdoor durability, and all-year-round practicality, enabling you to extend your living space out onto the terrace and beyond....

Like all other US locations, however, upstate New York is experiencing big changes following the pandemic, with new vacation hotspots holding their own alongside old favorites. See: How to buy a house – a first-time buyer’s guide The best places to buy a vacation home in New York We’ve spoken to real estate experts with experience in the area to name the best places to buy a vacation home in 2021....

Unsurprisingly it’s the most common in the Northern Hemisphere. Light entering our eyes affects the activity of the brain cells that control our internal biological clocks and body rhythms, partly by regulating the production of melatonin, our sleep hormone. For most people, continual use of light therapy products is needed throughout the darker months and products now come as everyday items, such as table lamps to provide an unobtrusive option....

However, with limited space available, selecting the right tree is key. It is important to look for a tree that can comfortably grow in a small garden – and one that will add year-round interest to your front yard landscaping ideas. ‘While really any tree can be grown in the front yard, the best varieties are those that offer some kind of ornamental value such as flower, leaf color, or general texture,’ advises Blythe Yost, CEO of the online landscape design company Tilly (opens in new tab), ‘A few well placed shade trees will lend significance and grandeur to your property for years to come – they are a great investment and will do wonders for your curb appeal....

The cottage is based in the North Carolina area of Montreat, and was where Graham lived for many years. The home is currently owned by Graham’s daughter, Ruth, and has been used as a vacation rental, where guests could experience the Grahams’ family life through a collection of original furnishings, books, photos and mementos. The house has a rustic, cozy cabin vibe, with wood panelling throughout. The four-bedroom, two-cottage bathroom property sits one third of an acre of manicured grounds, including mature trees and an attractive patio terrace, perfect for entertaining....

‘I have been on the move since I was 15 and have lived in London, Paris, LA, New York, and Bermuda – this is why home for me is always where my family is,’ Catherine shares, in an exclusive discussion with H&G. The global icon continues, discussing everything from her earliest memories of home on the Welsh coast to her 1920s library in New York City – and everywhere in between....

Dr Beckmann spokesperson, Susan Fermor said: ‘As many of us are now working from home, our houses are playing a dual role as an office and a home so many areas will need extra cleaning and attention to combat excess dirt and bacteria that may be building up. Some household jobs may have been overlooked so now is the time to tackle them.’ See: Cleaning tips – our essential guide to keeping your home spotless On the increased demand for cleaning products Susan Fermor added, ‘We’ve seen an unprecedented demand for our anti-bacterial products and our staff have been working hard to cope with the increased demand....

1. PLAN THE ULTIMATE DUVET DAY Prioritise some downtime for the ultimate duvet day during lockdown – when else do you have the excuse to build a duvet nest? Stepping away from the news updates for a few hours, and indulging in some comfort, is much needed. Save your softest, cosiest oversized attire and bed yourself in to catch up on classic movies or the boxsets you never had the time to watch....

Her particular skill is in creating interiors that appear to be decorated in an English country style but which reveal sophisticated and pleasingly piquant European nuances to those who look more closely. This is little wonder. Born in Munich and spending her early years in Germany, Italy, Austria and Switzerland, before settling in England, Henriette had ample opportunity to soak up the aesthetics of different European cultures. And she continues to be a keen traveller....

While it doesn’t have Dyson’s latest technology, it’s powerful and effective on carpets and hard floors, exhibiting many of the qualities that we look for in our guide to the best cordless vacuums. Currently listed at $449, it’s surely not cheap for a cordless vacuum, but it is the lowest price you’ll find on one of the best Dyson vacuums unless you find one on sale. So, if you ever wanted a Dyson, you’d be remiss if you didn’t at least see what this model is all about....

If you’re wondering how to sleep better, experts have revealed that a snake plant may be the accessory your bedroom needs. This plant has a host of benefits that will make your space cleaner and better for your wellbeing – to help you sleep through the night. Here, sleep experts share what you need to know. Why the snake plant will help you sleep better ‘While most house plants are good for your environment and air quality, snake plants are especially good for placing in the bedroom to help you get to sleep,’ explains Sleep Hygiene Expert Steve Payne at Sleep and Snooze (opens in new tab)....

Previous renovations had stripped the property of its personality and historical charm, so Martinez focused on reintroducing finishes and architectural details befitting a house of its era. Viewing it as a once-in-a-career opportunity, Eche understood the family’s need to reinject the residence with its lost sense of classical elegance, while conveying a visual language that felt current, liveable and inviting. Miraculously, the dramatic spiral staircase, with its original metalwork, was untouched....