CONNIE OLIVER: Versatile holiday ideas for decor, gifting

Decorating your home for the holidays can be a joyful, heartwarming experience. It doesn't take a lot of money to create a festive environment. Handmade seasonal decorations and accents can be fun and nostalgic. Making your own decorative items is affordable . . .

Posted: 2010-12-04

Inexpensive detector can save your life

SNOW tires, weather stripping, parkas: all part of preparing for winter. To that list add prevention of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a byproduct of burning gas, oil and other fuels. Everything from a blocked chimney to an improperly installed . . .

Posted: 2010-12-04

Perfecting a Christmas poinsettia

Season's most popular plant requires careful nurturing

Have you ever wondered about the origins of the poinsettia and what it takes to produce this beautiful Christmas plant that has become synonymous with our annual holiday traditions? The poinsettia originated from South America where it can reach up to . . .

Posted: 2010-12-04

Party smarty

What to do -- and not to do -- at holiday soirées

It's the people in our lives that make the holidays an extra special time of year. Whether you are invited to a corporate party or spending the evening with a group of friends, make a great impression by revealing your . . .

Posted: 2010-12-04

Bringing your Christmas tree out of the past

Decorations are going on earlier and following fashion, interior design

It's barely into December, but it's never too early to deck the halls. Opting to extend the holiday season, more and more people are setting up their tannenbaums as soon as their Halloween decorations come down. "We're decorating our trees a lot . . .

Posted: 2010-12-04

How to have fun with a roll of packing tape

Four years after publishing I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence, Amy Sedaris's bestselling guide to entertaining with kitsch and panache, she's back with a guide to easy DIY, with Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People (Grand Central). Nathalie Atkinson . . .

Posted: 2010-12-04

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Furnace noise problems have many causes

QUESTION: I read your column every week in the Free Press and wonder if you could give me some suggestions for my problem. I live in a small River Heights bungalow, built in 1954. I had a new furnace installed about . . .

Posted: 2010-12-04

SOLUTIONS: Get a grip! Stop sliding, protect your floors

QUESTION: I am wondering if you have any suggestions. I have laminate flooring in my living room and leather couches/chair. Every time we sit down they slide a bit. How can I keep them from sliding? Regards. Rachel, Winnipeg ANSWER: Your . . .

Posted: 2010-12-04

Monochromatic not a black-and-white issue

Dear Leanne: I really like the look of monochromatic colour schemes in homes and I was wondering if there are any rules to follow to make this work. It looks simple in the magazines, but now that I am starting . . .

Posted: 2010-12-04

Home-renovation show for the holidays

Are you looking for the perfect stocking stuffer this season? Is there something out there that will provide hours of entertainment, improve your home and lifestyle and maybe even introduce you to star power; all at an affordable price? Actually, this . . .

Posted: 2010-12-04