One of the joys of the holiday season is rediscovering the dining-room table. Cleared of all the homework, craft projects, laundry, unpaid bills and dust, it gleams again, but it is barren. In anticipation of holiday feasts and in gratitude for the months of ignominious service, it deserves decorating.Read more

• Story | Tallying up centerpiece costs

New alarm systems can give homeowners updates or let them check on things from afar.Read more

Tallying up the costs
Elements used for all centerpieces

Tips for happy houseguests

Sharing your home over the holidays is what the season is all about, but it can also be trying, especially if you’re busy and unable to be the most attentive host. Here are some easy tricks from Woman’s Day magazine to make sure your houseguests are as comfortable in your home as you are — or even more so — without you feeling like you have to go overboard.Read more

I've been steeling myself for the coming tidal wave of holiday craziness and needed an antidote for that mad dash in a "gotta-get-it, gotta-have-it" world. The word "peace" beckons us all to embrace a less commercial, more simplified ideal that the Christmas holiday embodies.Read more

Wreath of the week

What it is: Fabulous feather wreathRead more

Shopping bag

Looking for a pretty new way to give a gift of wine? We love these paper Vera Bradley Tastefully Dressed wine wraps. The set includes six wraps in different colorful patterns, as well as ribbon and matching gift tags. $15, Chiffoniers, 3811 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, the Vera Bradley store, 1443 Main St., Southlake; and www.verabradley.com.Read more

Places to go

Let Christmas begin. Area Calloway’s nurseries will host their Christmas open houses from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. You can preview the stores’ holiday collections as well as have a free picture taken with the man himself — Santa Claus. Arts and crafts will be available for children while supplies last. Refreshments will be served, while supplies last. Calloways will offer another Christmas open house Nov. 28. For more information, check www.mytexasgarden.com.Read more

Polishing and staining the slab is a surprising option for some homeowners.Read more

The tree is cold-hardy, long-lived and durable, and can grow 2 to 3 feet a year.Read more