Blog Posts by Country Living

Display your stars-and-stripes style with these 12 patriotic decorating ideas.

american flag1. American Flag Gate

A red-white-and-blue gate, one of two the homeowner had made to replicate one she admired in the American Folk Art Museum in New York City, welcomes visitors to her newly renovated Victorian-era house.

2. The Spirit of America

Country Living contributing editor Gena Sigala gave this living room patriotic flair with a few super-speedy makeover tips. Hint number one: Arrange throw pillows from the outside in. Everyone knows colorful pillows are the quickest change agents around - but how do you choose the right ones? And where should they sit? "I start with a large, matched pair at the ends of a sofa," Sigala says, "then work inward with smaller options in similar shades and motifs

Plus: More stylist's secrets to decorate a room in a day »










3. Subtly Patriotic

Designer Sarah Richardson decorated this master bedroom from her summer cottage in red and Read More »from 12 All-American Decorating Ideas

Inspired by turn-of-the-century celebrations, these seven joyful tributes to red, white, and blue harken to a time when impromptu hats were folded from leftover newspapers, and marching bands, firecrackers, and lawn games marked the day.

happy fourth of july sign1. Rosette Banner

Make this banner in five easy steps. You can adapt the rosettes to any size of your choosing.

Get the step-by-step instructions »

















4th of july craft hats2. Festive Paper Hat Place Cards

Fold these charming paper-hat place cards, then add colorful bands, rosettes, and toppers. Make a sparkling hat topper by coiling a metallic pipe cleaner around a pencil, then carefully inserting the pipe cleaner into the top of the hat. Print or hand-stamp a name banner and trim with pinking shears. Fold hats using newspaper or red, white, and blue crepe paper. Look for striped and dotted paper, too.

Get the step-by-step instructions »










napkin holder3. Napkin Holder

Newspaper's faded tones lend these projects vintage appeal. We used the same folding technique as the hat place cards, then

Read More »from 7 Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Crafts

Take the guesswork out of summertime grilling and serve up the tastiest, juiciest dishes every time. Plus: Our best summer grilling recipes and tips!



1. Flavor It
When it comes to backyard grilling, there are several ways to add extra flavor to your food. The quickest way is with glazes, which are syrupy coatings often made with honey, maple syrup, or molasses that are brushed on during the last few minutes of grilling. Similarly, wet and dry rubs require little preparation time. Apply these blends of herbs and spices (wet rubs incorporate moist ingredients, such as oil, mustard, and yogurt) up to a few hours before cooking to create a savory crust. To more deeply infuse foods with flavor - and tenderize them, too - immerse them in marinades that are made with acidic liquids, such as lemon juice, vinegar, and wine.

Plus: Taste test! The best BBQ sauces in the country »

Read More »from 10 Grilling Tips for Your Best Cookout Ever!

The floral designers at Manhattan's Flower School New York reveal their top 10 floral arranging tricks. (You won't believe what they do with tulips!)




1. Use Branches
Why bother with floral foam or marbles when the best arranging tool is right in your backyard? "You can use tree branches to form a backbone that will support more delicate stems," says florist Felipe Sastre. Here, Sastre crisscrossed six pear boughs and weaved in hydrangea and lisianthus, as well as lady's mantle. If your branches are alive and leafy like these, scrape the bottoms, then split them up the center a couple of inches to aid water absorption.











2. Transform Tulips
To make these common bulbs more exotic, just put your thumb under each petal and fold it back with your forefinger. "Afterward, they almost resemble camellias," says Sastre.












3. Arrange from Every Angle
"It's so much easier to arrange a bouquet on a lazy Susan," says florist Meredith Perez, "because you can turn the vase and see your display from

Read More »from How to Arrange Flowers like a Pro

No matter what kind of father you have-a dapper dad or a preppy pop; a baseball lover or a wanna-be bartender-get him a Father's Day gift he'll actually like.

See all 21 of our Father's Day gift ideas »



1. For the Dapper Dad

Dad will "talk the talk and walk the walk" with freshly buffed shoes, thanks to Izola's cleverly packaged Shoe Brush, made of lotus wood and boars' hair bristles. ($25, izola.com)

2. For the Prep

This Swiss-made quartz Royal Sussex Regiment Watch and Watchstrap easily transition between his fancy and causal duds. Gift him one strap, and he can choose from 60 different styles when he needs something new. ($210 for watch, $29 for watchstrap, smartturnout.com)

Plus: He can show his hometown pride with 7 state-shaped gift ideas »

3. For the Outdoorsman
Whether he's out on a hike or at a ball game, Dad'll appreciate a handy-and eco-friendly Ello Pure Glass Water Bottle. The non-toxic and BPA-free vessels come in Read More »from 9 Great Father's Day Gift Ideas

Country Living's resident vet, Dr. Robert Sharp, answers important health and behavior questions about your favorite dogs. (Have your own questions? Drop Dr. Sharp a line at countryliving@hearst.com)

Q: I just took in an abandoned cocker spaniel, and I'm concerned she may have heartworms. What should I be looking for?

A: Unfortunately, by the time a dog exhibits noticeable signs - a swollen abdomen, chronic cough, and lack of energy - he or she may have had heartworms for years, and the disease is probably advanced. So don't wait: The simplest way to catch the problem early involves a basic blood test your veterinarian can perform.

Plus: 70 More Pet Questions, Answered! »

Dog

Q: My goldendoodle puppy, Ranger, seems confused by the concept of fetching. How can I get him to play?

A: Most dogs love to chase stuff: squirrels, the neighbor's cat, and, of course, balls, sticks, and Frisbees. So, the first part of any game of fetch - bounding after a given

Read More »from Your Top Dog Questions, Answered!

This long weekend, use these 7 timeless tips for creating a beautiful country garden on a budget.

1. "Cheap" is not a bargain.

Save up for important things - tools, fences, furnishings, containers, paving - and buy or build long-lasting items. Investing in quality can help you avoid the labor of having to replace items all too soon. If you're the handy type, you can save bundles by crafting and installing elements yourself.

You might also like: The $150 garden makeover »








2. Buy smaller plants

Nursey-grown plants can be pricey, and there are good reasons why: A gallon- or quart-size perennial usually represents at least two years' work by the nursery staff. Forgoing the gallons, concentrate on economical three-inch and 2 1/4-inch containers. But note, some plants aren't available in these smaller sizes because of their extensive root systems.









3. Shop end-of-season sales.

Take advantage of the green industry's equivalent of the department-store bargain basement: Your nursery would

Read More »from 7 Tips to Plant a Beautiful Garden — for Less!

We asked bloggers nationwide to share can't-miss, off-the-beaten-path summer destinations in their home states. Here's a sneak peek of the ultimate list of site to see, places to shop, and plans to make before September; then head over to CountryLiving.com for the other 33 states! »


antiques storeAlabama

"My absolute favorite spot in Montgomery is Rescued Relics," says Ashley Mills, the lifestyle blogger behind The Handmade Home. "I try to go at least once a week." This not-for-profit warehouse sells architectural salvage from the town's historic buildings and homes, and keeps an ever-changing inventory of pre-1960s hardware, sinks, doors, light fixtures, mantels, window sashes, flooring, and balustrades.

423 Madison Ave., Montgomery, AL; (334) 240-4512

Plus: See more fun things to do from the Southeast »

Arizona

Picture the very best garage-sale gems all in one place. That's Qcumberz in Phoenix. "Inside, it's an insane, cluttered mess," says Adrianne Lentine, a fearless DIYer at Dream Book Read More »from 50 Things to Do This Summer in 50 States