Blog Posts by Country Living

In need of a new summer time accessory that won't break the bank? Stitch up a spiffy clutch - for less than $8!

Want more DIY crafts? Click here.




Step 1: Print two copies of our template and cut out. Leave one template intact; cut the other along the dotted line (as shown) to create a total of three patterns. Click here for the template.

Step 2: Use the resulting patterns to cut three shapes from half a yard of oilcloth ($8.99 per yard; fabricdepot.com). Place the largest oilcloth shape on a table, right side up. Twist a hair elastic into a figure eight, with the bottom loop larger than the top (as shown). Center and tape the elastic atop the oilcloth. Baste in place a quarter inch from the edge; remove tape.

Plus: more cute summer crafts!

Step 3: Align the two smaller oilcloth shapes atop the larger one (as shown), right sides facing down; tape in place. Stitch around the outer edge, leaving a quarter-inch seam; remove tape as you go.

Step 4: Use scissors to make small slices about

Read More »from Sew Your Own Super-Cute Clutch

These fun and flattering retro-inspired suits blend the best of the old with the best of the new.

Want more retro suits? Click here to see our other favorites!




Yellow Skirted One-Piece
This polka-patterned swimsuit evokes the cheery styles of the 1950s. It's perfect for a day in the sun whether or not you cruise the boardwalk. ($178, dianesbeachwear.com)




Beach Blanket Bingo Swimsuit
This design is named for our favorite Beach Party film from the 60's, but its classic roots are even deeper: the flirty ruching and polka dot print add even more vintage flair! ($89.99, ModCloth.com)


Plus: saddle shoes make a comeback!




Miraclesuit Rialto Suit
Be a bathing beauty in this sapphire-colored suit, accented with a shirred front and a sweetheart neckline, which was all the rage in the 60's. ($116, EddieBauer.com)




Red & White Gingham Swimsuit
This timeless suit evokes memories of the 50's, with its classic gingham pattern and skirted front. ($75, unique-vintage.com)


Need a summer beach cruiser

Read More »from 6 Retro Swimsuits You'll Love

Spice up summertime parties, planned or impromptu, with these delicious fruity cocktails! We've got simple ideas for all your favorite fruit, from raspberries to pomegranates to pineapple. With some crowd-pleasing serving tips, these beverages are perfect to pair with easy and delicious summertime food fare.

Plus: Plan the Ultimate Outdoor Party

1. Raspberry Rickey:

This drink - mixed with red raspberry-infused vodka or not - quenches most thirsts on a balmy summer evening. Sip while savoring our strawberry-tomato salsa.

Complete How-To: Raspberry Rickey

Party Serving Tip: Chill cocktails with frozen fruit. Icy berries or grapes give sweet drinks the look of swanky martinis.

2. Pomegranate-Apple Cocktail:

This versatile drink has several variations - serve it hot or cold, with or without alcohol.




Complete How-To: Pomegranate-Apple Cocktail

Party Serving Tip: Put your kitchen sink to work as a beverage cooler. Whether it's carafe or pitcher, bottles or cans, Read More »from 4 Refreshing Cocktails and How to Serve Them

There's no picnic fare more traditional than the deviled egg-that's why we created 10 updated versions that everyone is sure to love.

Plus, more great summer sides!




Classic Deviled Eggs with Malt Vinegar
This easy version (pictured, right) is sweet and tangy thanks to sweet pickles and malt vinegar in the filling. Get the recipe.

Crème Fraîche and Pea Deviled Eggs
A spring pea puree and light and creamy crème fraîche add a fresh burst of flavor to this old picnic food favorite (pictured, center). Get the recipe.

Sour Cream and Bacon Deviled Eggs
Sour cream and bacon make everything better. Try this recipe for deviled eggs for your next picnic or summer party, which incorporates both into the eggs' fluffy filling (pictured, left). Get the recipe.




Check out our ultimate outdoor party guide!






Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs
Reminiscent of the classic brunch drink, these creatively flavored deviled eggs (pictured, top) are sure to be a crowd pleaser. Get the recipe.

Curried Deviled Eggs

Read More »from 10 New Takes on Deviled Eggs

A little bit of TLC before washing can go a long way when you're doing the laundry. Say buh-bye to stains forever.

See the other 40 of our classic cleaning tips for your clothes.

Plus: Make your compact laundry room packed with style

1. Body oils rub onto shirt collars and attract dirt, leaving them grimy and worse for wear. Reverse the damage by grabbing your shampoo and a clean paintbrush and paint a line over the soiled collar before washing.

2. Soaking clothes overnight in
a tub of water really helps loosen
dirt and grime and can be especially effective when your clothes have
that dingy-all-over look.



3. To keep brights their brightest
and blacks from fading, turn garments inside out and choose
the coolest temperature setting that will get them clean.

Plus: Super Cheap Craft Ideas


4. For stubborn food stains, such as coffee, soy sauce, or mustard, blot the troubled area with foam shaving cream and allow it to sit for half an hour. Repeat the Read More »from 10 Simple Laundry Prep Solutions

This Father's Day, give the gift of food! Dad is sure to love these simple, man-friendly dishes-and you will too.


Want more? Try our best summer recipes.


All-American Burger
The invention of placing a cooked ground-beef patty between a toasted bun is viewed as genius by many. America's favorite sandwich might even be considered a national treasure. Give Dad this burger and ice cold brew and you're sure to melt his heart.



Click here for the recipe!



Chicken Pot Pie
This comforting dish is filled with chunks of tender chicken, mushrooms, carrots, and peas, all topped with flaky biscuits-a few of Dad's favorite things.


Click here for the recipe!



Plus: check out America's favorite sandwiches!



Steak with Peppers and Onions
Once Dad tries our steak with peppers and onions, he'll want leftovers every night!


Click here for the recipe!



Rich Chocolate Layer Cake
Pre-made ingredients in this decadent chocolate cake help cut cooking time, so you can spend more time with the man of the hour.

Read More »from 5 Father's Day Dishes Dad Will Love

A fresh coat of paint is the ultimate cheap, quick, and dramatic way to liven up the décor of any room. Families spend too much time in the kitchen to leave the room out of design plans, and with these ideas major change is possible. All you need is a roller or brush and some buckets of the colors that inspire you.

1. Bring Charm to the Inside of the Pantry

For some fun and whimsy, consider uncommon colors and patterns for walls such as the red and white checkerboard pattern pictured.

Plus: Decorative Accessories that are Flying Off Shelves

2. Try Painted Flooring

Add color and texture to a kitchen by painting a plank floor. Here, the muted checkerboard pattern is eye-catching but not overbearing.

Plus: The Best Summer Recipes

3. Create Pasture-Inspired Animal Mugs

To dress up plain dishware, use templates of your favorite petting zoo animals. Place each shape on a small piece of contact paper and outline it in pencil. Cut along

Read More »from Decorative Paint Ideas for Your Kitchen

Planning a bridal shower for a friend? Host a laid-back soiree perfect for a lazy June Saturday. With these ideas, you can put on a lovely summer celebration without losing your cool.

Plus: The Ultimate Outdoor Party Guide

Go for a Farmhouse Picnic

Perfect for a slow and sweltering summer day, guests will have fine time at a covered picnic. For country-fresh tablecloths, use sheets, cotton yardage, or oilcloth. Plop cushions on hay bales or benches, and suspend paper or fabric "flags" from lengths of twine.

Enjoy the afternoon with friends while sipping on Passion Fruit Mojitos and some perfect summertime finger foods.

Drinks and Dessert Station

Guests are kept hydrated and happy - before and during the party- with a nearby beverage and dessert station. Frozen Raspberry Cake, anyone?

Easy Table Linens

Linens needn't be ironed. Lay the cloth in the morning, and let the summer humidity gently smooth its creases.

Plus: Simple Laundry

Read More »from Ideas for Hosting a Relaxed Bridal Shower