Not feeling the tinsel garland this year? Perhaps we can interest you in one of these food-themed garlands, instead? They’re all made with supplies from the kitchen.

<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/3-easy-diy-garlands-for-your-food-lovers-christmas-tree-238172′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>

Icing helps transform cookies from plain and simple to colorful and beautiful — not to mention the fact that it makes them even more delicious. While decorating cookies with icing isn’t nearly as tough as it may seem, there are a few mistakes you want to be sure to avoid.

<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/5-mistakes-to-avoid-when-frosting-cookies-226192′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>

If a morning starts with French toast, you know it’s going to be a good day. The best is browned and crispy on the outside while incredibly custardy and rich on the inside. Really good French toast can seriously make you reconsider ever making pancakes and waffles again. So what are the secrets to achieving greatness? Here are five key things to watch out for.

<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/5-mistakes-to-avoid-when-making-french-toast-238188′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>

Look at the middle of this pantry and tell us what you see. What’s that? A countertop? Nailed it!

This pantry is smart because it’s not just a closet with shelves. It has a few feet of usable counter space, which can come in handy when gathering supplies or putting stuff away, or even if the kitchen space just isn’t enough during a big cooking project.

You don’t have to have an enormous walk-in pantry to take advantage of this idea, either — just a small closet will do. Instead of filling a closet with floor-to-ceiling shelves, interrupt the space (around waist height) for a small counter.

<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/this-pantry-has-a-very-inspiring-amount-of-countertop-space-237290′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>

Thanksgiving is over — phew! — but December doesn’t offer much relief. This is the calendar month that fills up the fastest. Between holiday decorating and gift shopping, celebrations and school events, getting dinner on the table quickly is a high priority. But before you reach for the takeout menu, allow us to introduce you to the Snack Board Supper. It just might be the smartest (even healthiest) way to eat during the holidays.

<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/the-snack-board-supper-a-better-way-to-eat-in-december-238140′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>

We’re all about decorating for the holidays in as many places as possible. Garland in the bathroom? Sure! Mistletoe in the coat closet? Yes, please! That’s why we’re totally obsessed with the idea of hanging wreaths in front of kitchen windows — especially windows that happen to be over the sink.

<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/wreaths-in-the-kitchen-heres-where-to-put-em-238168′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>

It’s hard to beat the smell of gingerbread cookies wafting through the air as they bake. In fact, it’s arguably a solid reason to bake them in the first place (although it definitely doesn’t hurt if they taste great, too). Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, these cookies have just the right balance of sweet and spice.

Here are a few tricks of the trade to make the best gingerbread cookies yet — and the mistakes that can lead to subpar results.

<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/5-mistakes-to-avoid-when-making-gingerbread-cookies-238186′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>

How hard can assembling a successful cookie platter really be? Aren’t you just putting cookies onto a plate and calling it a day? Well, there are more things to consider than you might think.

Luckily, these tricks and tips will help you create the perfect, most stunning and well-thought-out cookie platter. And with the holidays right around the corner, there is no better time to learn and be inspired than now!

<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/the-7-elements-of-a-successful-cookie-plate-238176′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>

I love the pop of sweet, tart juice you get from biting into a handful of pomegranate seeds, but I rarely get the pleasure since de-seeding the red orbs can be a bit of a chore. Luckily, there are a handful of tips and tricks to accomplish it with ease. I’ve tried almost all of them, but I’ve found this one to be the best.

<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/do-you-know-this-tip-for-taking-out-pomegranate-seeds-238083′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>

Don’t you love the smell of a baked potato right out of the oven? Nowadays, you can go beyond just salt and butter and stuff one with an abundance of ingredients. You can try hummus, pulled pork, apples, and even sauerkraut.

Read more: How To Bake a Potato: Three Easy Methods

With our recipe roulette, the possibilities for how to stuff your baked potato are endless. All you have to do is hit pause whenever you like on the video and let the universe decide your ingredients. See the recipes below for exact amounts. You’ll likely never eat a baked potato the same way again.

<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/how-should-i-stuff-my-baked-potato-video-238261′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>