“Everyone should have a slow cooker,” says Sandy Wolner, RD and test kitchens director at Pampered Chef. “It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it tool that is easy to use. With a little planning, you can come home to super tender roasts, flavorful soups, and more. Plus, they’re easy to clean.” If you’re looking to invest in a slow cooker, this list has plenty of options to keep meal planning simple, affordable, and virtually mess-free....

To find the best outdoor Christmas lights, we spent hours researching the options on the market while considering factors like bulb type, power source, safety testing, and length. We also received tips from Stefan Bucur, home decor expert and founder of Rhythm of the Home, on how to shop for outdoor lights. “Outdoor Christmas lights are generally more durable and waterproof so they can be considered better, especially if the manufacturer confirms that they can be also safely used indoors,” says Bucur....

“Any organizer should have a place for different types of jewelry. Necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. Huge bonus if they look good, and function well, where you can find something quickly when you need it,” says Beth Spiroff of Beth Spiroff Professional Organizing. To find the best jewelry organizers for your home we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind the type, material, and dimensions. We also consulted Spiroff for additional insight....

When shopping for an outdoor blanket, consider your lifestyle and needs. Pearce says to look for “materials that are forgiving to sunlight, water, and stains.” Since your pick may be exposed to sand, ocean water, or just some dripping condiments, you’ll want something that is easily washable. To help you find the best option, we researched the best outdoor blankets, considering their size, material, ease of cleaning, and additional features....

While you might be tempted to go with a gag gift, it’s always better to spend money on something useful. To give you some ideas, we spent hours researching and compiling a variety of fun and clever gifts. We also consulted Jodi R. R. Smith, etiquette expert and author at Mannersmith, for more advice on how to choose the perfect white elephant gift. “There [are] some things that you can’t go wrong with in general: beeswax candle sticks, pretty stationery, a box of chocolates, lottery tickets, a small bottle of rum if it’s the right crowd to give alcohol to,” says Smith....

To come up with these recommendations, we tested 27 percale sheets in our Lab and evaluated them based on quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value. For expert tips and insight on what to look for in percale sheets, we spoke to Jeffrey Kambak, CEO of U.S. operations at The Trident Group (a textiles manufacturer) and vice president of the Home Fashion Products Association. Kambak says percale sheets are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, however, many consumers still don’t know what to look for when shopping for them: “There’s a lot of misinformation out there,” says Kambak....

There are many different types of electric ranges with an array of features to choose from, such as convection technology, air-fry and broil settings, and ranges with double-ovens and induction cooktops. Stuart Eason, founder of professional appliance servicing company, Appliance Expert, says that one of the most important features to look for in a good electric range is a self-cleaning function. “The technology in self-cleaning ovens has been around for 40 years, and it really works,” he says....

To really go above and beyond on your pie baking, be sure to keep your butter ice cold, use fresh spices, and crimp the piecrust edges carefully using the thumb and forefingers of your opposite hand all the way around the rim. Serve your pie a la mode—or, for a savory twist, sprinkle a half cup of grated cheddar cheese over the top crust about 20 minutes before you remove it from the oven....

How to Choose Plant Shelving A basic bookshelf might do just fine for your plant storage needs, but there are some things to consider before you invest in a plant shelf. Know your dimensions Think about the size of your plants now, and how they’ll grow when you’re choosing shelving. Adjustable shelves will allow you to change heights as your plants mature, and totally open shelving gives your plants access to more light and air—and is more forgiving for larger, trailing plants....

To help, we’ve gathered pro tips for booking the best airline prices during the holidays. Book Holiday Travel by the End of October for the Best Prices The best time to book tickets is ASAP if you want to save money on holiday travel. But vacation times and holidays can be hard to plan, so aim to book flights by October 31 for travel during Thanksgiving and Christmas. “After Halloween, prices will increase considerably as Thanksgiving gets closer,” says Phil Dengler, travel expert and co-owner of travel resource site The Vacationer....

News flash: Whether you make it from a box or completely from scratch, the key to an indulgent, flavorful batch of macaroni and cheese is nutmeg. Just a ⅛-teaspoon of whole nutmeg grated on a Microplane transforms the ultimate comfort food dish into an even better version of itself. Even if you’re not going the whole nine yards by making your own decadent macaroni and cheese, you’ll be amazed at how freshly grated nutmeg can transform a basic box of shells and a powdered white cheddar cheese packet....

Made up of carbon-negative biochar, vegan compost, and root-boosting mycorrhizae, Rosy Soil doesn’t rely on peat moss, the main ingredient in commercial potting mixes. While peat lands make up less than 3% of the Earth’s landmass, they sequester more carbon than any other terrestrial ecosystem. When these lands are mined for peat moss, this carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. “Essentially, we’re using one of our most vital natural resources for sinking carbon as a potting mix,” Giuliano says....

Think about it: When you lie down, do you find that your head is falling flat or is too elevated? The position of your head is extremely important to promote healthy spinal alignment, which simply means your neck and spine are ultimately in a straight, neutral line. Otherwise, you’re at risk for strains and aches come morning. Shoppers swear the Tempur-Pedic Symphony Pillow helps with pain. One person even called the pillow a “life saver” and said that they now “sleep through [the] night most nights, and wake up with no back/neck pain,” adding that it’s “worth every penny....

Another tile pattern that’s been around for more than a century: penny tiles. First made of unglazed white porcelain in the early 1900s, these small circular tiles have been a popular choice for bathroom floors for decades. To maintain a timeless style, opt for penny tiles in neutral colors and classic materials. If you’re not afraid to pick up a paintbrush, go ahead and brush on a trendy hue. Fortunately, paint is the easiest and most affordable way to change your bathroom’s design....

Learn more about several types of cocktail glasses and wine glasses (either visually or by reading our short descriptions). With this bartender-friendly guide and our tips, you’ll have a well-stocked bar cart and impressive glassware collection in no time. Related Video

One Sauce Fits All This green sauce lands somewhere between chimichurri and Italian salsa verde. The blend of herbs, olives, capers, lemon, and olive oil includes a couple of anchovies for a subtle, savory—not fishy—flavor. “I know if you make it just once, you’ll douse, dollop, and slather it on everything,” Vivian says. Gas Station Biscuits Vivian found the inspiration for these breakfast stackers in a gas station in eastern North Carolina....

Color Fanatic’s Foundation There’s a reason graphic design elements are often placed on a white background. White has an unmatchable way of making the foreground explode into focus; the same goes for interior spaces. As shown here the white walls in this living room allow the rainbow of textiles and finishes to take center stage. The other advantage is that colorful personalities have the license to go wild. White negative space allows the eye to rest between each dose of color, making the room feel balanced and poised, no matter how exuberant the styling....

What is the jellyfish haircut? “The jellyfish haircut features a short, head-hugging layered shape through the top of the head, and long, disconnected lengths around the perimeter,” says Adam Federico, hairstylist and R+Co’s vice president of technical education. It emulates, well, a jellyfish—the top part of the hair is the body and the lengths are the tentacles, adds Joey Figueiredo, a stylist and owner of Sola Salons. It’s important to note that there are a few different iterations the cut can take (more on that point in a moment)....

What Is a HEPA Filter? HEPA, which stands for high-efficiency particulate air, is a type of air filter that basically looks like folded paper. If you have a quality portable air purifier in your home, it likely has a HEPA filter, which is a filter consisting of an interwoven matrix of fibers for air to pass through. Because the fibers are densely packed, they create a very small pathway for air to travel through....

Over and under bathroom sink storage cabinets provide the majority of potential extra room, but these might not cut it if you have a lot of stuff to store or if your bathroom is particularly small. The trick is knowing which updates can help solve those organizing issues. Here are some smart ideas for bathroom sink cabinets to help you maximize style and organization within a limited space. 1. Consider an alternative to traditional bathroom sink cabinets....