Here’s a Hint: Make sure your dog always wears a collar with ID tags, and have it microchipped as soon as possible. That way, if he or she gets loose, your chances of recovery will be greater. Here’s a Hint: Check your fence once a month to be sure your pet hasn’t dug an escape route or gnawed a hole through a hidden corner. See a number of cool fence ideas here!...

1. Warmed-Up Undertones According to paint manufacturers, the biggest color story of the year is a consumer shift from cool to warm undertones and hues. This warm-up began in 2021 with a movement from the popular all-white spaces of the past five years to cozier creams and light taupes. Interestingly, warm organic elements and textures, such as natural stone accent walls, exposed brick, and warmer wood tones, are also increasingly being incorporated into new home construction projects across the country, like this stunning great room from RC Dent Construction featured recently during the 2021 Utah Valley Parade of Homes....

Surrounded by bright colors, stucco walls, and tropical plants, why bother globe-trotting? This Asian-island-inspired backyard oasis is the perfect spot to entertain guests and enjoy nature. An oversize umbrella ties the outdoor room elements together, providing guests a place to socialize in the shade. Between the seating and cooking areas can be an ideal spot for a dining table. This long table provides ample room for hosting a dinner party....

Editor’s Tip: Check local regulations and/or your homeowner’s association regarding fire pits before installing one in your backyard.

Test Kitchen Tip: If you’re not feeling the coffee rub and would like a little spice, try using Cajun seasoning on the salmon. Test Kitchen Tip: Did you know that fresh ginger is equipped with phytonutrients that help reduce inflammation? Use it in this recipe’s stir-fry sauce.

Buy It: Food to Live Dragon Fruit Powder ($13, Walmart) Buy It: Wilton Decorating Set ($10, Target) Buy It: PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter ($5, Target) Buy It: Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker ($60, Bed Bath & Beyond)

To make the star: Place a pretty section from a sweater over a cardboard star form (available at crafts stores) and cut, leaving 1-inch excess all around. Starting at the center and working out, hot-glue to secure. Glue edges under the form. To make the garland: Cut star shapes from sweater fabric using our free downloadable template. Adhere heavy iron-on fusible interfacing to the backs of the stars; trim. Hot-glue a large sequin in the center of each star....

To play this Halloween party game, set the tray on top of a stool and have kids try to toss the bags on top. Editor’s Tip: Our downloads are the mirror version of what you see pictured. Print and trace them onto the back side of the vinyl as directed. When adhered they’ll face the correct way. Get the bat cardstock patterns. Get the cat cardstock patterns.

Editor’s Tip: Add visual interest by using twisted taper candles instead of classic white candles.

Gothic Halloween Bar Cart The rich, elegant hue of a blackberry margarita inspires this haunting Halloween bar cart. Set the scene with oversize black crepe paper flowers and faux moths that have seemingly escaped from their glass enclosure. Create the black flowers using crepe paper, which comes in rolls almost 10 inches wide. Realistic paper moths ($23, Etsy) of various sizes climb the wall thanks to removable hanging strips. Suspend them beneath a glass cloche on the bottom shelf of the bar cart....

One distinctive feature of irises is their lance-shaped, spiky foliage—the blooms are often confused with lilies, but the foliage is a tell-tale sign of which plant you’re looking at. Irises are perennials that easily self-multiply and can be divided, meaning you can plant more irises in your garden for free each year. 1. Irises Have Been Important Flowers Since the Ancient Greeks A lot of the iris’s long history traces back to the Greeks....

Although the only way to completely pet-proof your furniture is to keep them away from it altogether, some upholstery fabrics wear better than others. The best pet-friendly fabrics are durable, resistant to stains, and easy to clean. In general, pet owners should avoid loosely woven or nubby-textured fabrics, which can easily get snagged by nails or claws. These fabrics also tend to trap more pet hair and dander, making it more difficult to clear away allergens....

Boston Market The fast-casual restaurant already sold out of its delivery ham meals (which serves 12) this year, but you may be able to find it available for pick up a la carte or as a catered meal for 3 to 5 people if you live near a Boston Market location. If you’re not a ham fan or prefer Thanksgiving food, you can still order a full roasted turkey dinner (which also serves 12) that includes mashed potatoes, gravy, homestyle stuffing, and dinner rolls....

1. Know Your Wall’s Material Before you even begin hanging artwork, identify your surface material. Drilling into drywall is a lot different than drilling into a brick wall, and if you don’t do it carefully, you could cause damage. Drywall is a soft surface and can effectively hold a calendar or small framed picture. But anything much bigger or heavier should be secured with an anchor. The same rule applies to plaster walls, which are even more prone to crumbling under pressure....