Wanda Simone
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From House to Home
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Articles by Wanda Simone
No Bake Berry Cheesecake Fruit Salad
If you are looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert for a summer celebration, this berry cheesecake fruit salad is your new best friend. This recipe takes simple strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries and coats them in a cloud-like, decadent cheesecake fluff that tastes like a party in every spoonful.
Patriotic 4th Of July Bark
There is nothing that screams Independence Day (or Memorial Day) celebration quite like this 4th of July bark. I am absolutely obsessed with how simple yet stunning it is to whip up for any backyard bash! It is the ultimate stress-free dessert that brings a patriotic pop of color to the table. The layers of rich semi-sweet and creamy white chocolate pair perfectly with the satisfying crunch of colorful M&Ms and those patriotic star-shaped sprinkles. What’s not to love?
Easy No-Bake American Flag Taco Dip
There is nothing quite like this no-bake American Flag Taco Dip to kick off a 4th of July backyard barbecue or Memorial Day holiday gathering. I absolutely love this recipe because it is a show-stopping crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes. You get that irresistible combination of taco-spiced refried beans, layered perfectly with cool, creamy guacamole and smooth sour cream.
21 Easy Mother’s Day Brunch Recipes To Make Mom Feel Special
These Mother’s Day brunch recipes are a wonderful way to make Mom feel appreciated without spending hours in the kitchen. Find easy-to-make dishes, from appetizers to mains to desserts, that help create a special, stress-free celebration for the whole family. Mother’s Day is such a special occasion, and I love finding simple ways to make it feel extra memorable.
17 Painted Ceiling Ideas That Are Not White
If your ceilings are still white, you’re missing one of the easiest ways to make your home feel more custom. These painted ceiling ideas show how adding color, pattern, or contrast overhead can completely change the look of a room. From subtle updates to bold statement ceilings, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to try it yourself. I’ll be honest…white ceilings are just not my thing. I don’t have a single one in my house, and once I started painting them, I never looked back.
Pretty Pastel Swirl Bundt Cake With Strawberry Frosting
This pastel swirl bundt cake is one of those desserts that looks like you spent way more time on it than you actually did. The soft colors baked right into the center give you that pretty “surprise” effect when you slice it, which makes it perfect for spring gatherings like Easter dinner or Mother’s Day brunch. It’s a pound cake recipe so it is super simple to pull together. But it still feels special enough for a celebration.
Simple Green Shamrock Mint Chocolate Fudge With Condensed Milk
Mint and chocolate has always been one of my favorite flavor combinations, and this shamrock mint chocolate fudge is such a festive way to use it. It’s rich and creamy, with cool mint combined with smooth chocolate. And the bright green color makes it absolutely perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. I cut mine into shamrock shapes, which instantly makes any dessert tray look more fun. They’re the perfect treat for a party and always seem to disappear faster than I expect.
10 Easy DIY Garden Trellis Ideas
These DIY garden trellis ideas can add charm and function to any outdoor space, supporting climbing plants while providing privacy or visual interest. These simple, budget-friendly projects are customizable to fit any garden size, making it easier to create a beautiful backyard you’ll love. Trellises are one of those garden details that do a lot of work without getting much attention.
Easy Rotini Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing
This rotini pasta salad is one of those recipes that always earns a spot on the menu. The tri-color rotini adds a little visual interest, the Italian dressing brings in bold flavor right away, and the combination of cheddar cheese, olives, and cherry tomatoes gives you that mix of creamy, salty, and fresh that people love. It’s simple, colorful, and reliably good without trying too hard. It’s also easy to prep ahead, holds up well on the table, and travels without issue.
The Best Red Velvet Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting
These red velvet cupcakes are one of those recipes I come back to again and again The cupcakes turn out soft and moist every time. And they hold together well. Which makes them easy to frost, transport, and serve. Like all cupcakes, they are also simply easier to deal with than a cake, especially when you’re serving a group. The cream cheese frosting is a big part of why this recipe works so well. It’s smooth, easy to work with, and has that familiar red velvet flavor people expect.
10 Pretty Pink Cocktails For Your Next Girls Night
These pink cocktails are a fun and festive way to add a splash of color to your next gathering. Whether you’re hosting a Galentine’s Day celebration, a bachelorette party, or just a girls’ night in, these simple, make-ahead recipes are perfect for serving a crowd. I love a pretty cocktail, but I love an easy one even more. Especially when I’m making drinks for a group. These pink cocktails are all recipes that look festive without keeping you stuck behind the bar all night.
Easy Mini Pigs In A Blanket With Crescent Rolls
These mini pigs in a blanket are one of those recipes I come back to again and again because they’re ridiculously easy and always disappear fast. If you need a reliable appetizer for a party, game day, or even a casual get-together, this is it. It’s simple to plan for and easy to shop for, with just three main ingredients plus an optional garnish. The end result is a classic, crowd-pleasing party snack that both kids and adults love.
The Most Popular 2026 Paint Color Trends
If you’ve been wondering what the 2026 paint color trends look like across all the major brands, this will give you the quick, practical version. I went through all the Color of the Year announcements and organized them into real-world color families you can actually use. Every year, I go through the Color of the Year announcements expecting to feel at least a little excited. And as someone who genuinely loves color, I’ll be honest…2026 was a little disappointing.
How To Decorate A Candy Cane Christmas Tree
These Candy cane Christmas trees mix red, white, and pink ornaments with peppermint details and layered ribbon for a playful but pulled-together look. Using the same color palette across two trees helps them feel cohesive, even though the ornaments and details are different. This year I only put up two Christmas trees, and I didn’t even finish all of the coordinating room decor. That’s not how I usually do things, but I decided I’d rather share what did get done than skip it altogether.
Free Christmas Printables (Gift Tags, Wall Art, Coloring Pages And More!)
Find the perfect finishing touch for your presents with this collection of printable Christmas gift tags in colorful, traditional, and black-and-white styles. They’re easy to download and print, so you can add a personal (and pretty!) touch to every gift under the tree. If you’re looking for easy ways to add some festive flair without spending a lot, you’re in the right place.
Free Christmas Printables
Find the perfect finishing touch for your presents with this collection of printable Christmas gift tags in colorful, traditional, and black-and-white styles. They’re easy to download and print, so you can add a personal (and pretty!) touch to every gift under the tree. If you’re looking for easy ways to add some festive flair without spending a lot, you’re in the right place.
Easy Oven Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip (With Canned Chicken)
This buffalo chicken dip is one of my go-to recipes for parties because it’s so easy to make and is always a hit. It’s cheesy, spicy, and tastes kind of like buffalo wings in dip form. But is way less messy to eat, and goes really well with chips, celery sticks or crackers. Plus, I love that I can prepare it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven before guests arrive, so I’m not stuck in the kitchen during a party. Here is your shopping list (for 12 servings): Canned goods – 2 cans chunk chicken.
Quick And Easy Christmas Finger Foods
These Christmas finger foods offer a variety of tasty bites that everyone can easily grab and share. These are true one-bite wonders, so your guests can actually hold a drink in one hand and eat with the other without needing a fork or a balancing act. Welcome to your go-to guide for Christmas finger foods recipes! If you’re looking for easy, tasty ideas to serve at your holiday gathering, you’re in the right place.
How To Make A Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
I love a good holiday snack that’s a little different, and this Christmas tree charcuterie board recipe is just that. It’s surprisingly easy to put together, and it looks so festive sitting on the buffet table. I like to think of it as a fun, edible decoration that everyone can nibble on. Plus, it’s a fun way to mix things up from the usual platter and you can make it ahead of time to keep things simple on the day.
Grinch Christmas Decor Ideas
From DIY Grinch crafts to Christmas tree ornaments and home decorations, these Grinch Christmas decor ideas will give you lots of inspiration for a fun and festive holiday season. It seems like lots of people are obsessed with the Grinch these days. And I’m one of them! It’s my new favorite holiday decor! So I decided to do my whole office in Grinch-themed Christmas decorations.
Elegant Champagne And Chambord Kir Royale Cocktail
There’s something about a Kir Royale that makes any event feel extra special without requiring a lot of effort. Made with just two ingredients (champagne and Chambord), it’s incredibly easy to whip up and always looks so pretty in the glass. It’s the kind of cocktail that instantly elevates any celebration, whether it’s ringing in the New Year, a Galentine’s Day gathering, a bachelorette party, or even serving as a signature drink at a wedding.
Green Grinch Cake Pucks With Red Velvet Cake
These Grinch cake pucks are such a fun way to bring a bit of holiday cheer to the dessert table. They’re made from red velvet cake mixed with cream cheese frosting, shaped into pucks, and finished off with green chocolate and sprinkles. Perfect for a Grinch-themed Christmas party! They do take a little time to put together, but I think the effort is totally worth it when you see how festive and cute they look. And who doesn’t love red velvet cake with cream cheese?
DIY Mini Christmas Tree Crafts And Ideas
These DIY mini Christmas tree crafts and ideas are a charming way to add holiday cheer to mantels, tabletops and other small spaces. They’re simple, fun projects that let you personalize your decor and make your home feel festive without taking up a lot of room. Living in smaller homes over the years has taught me to appreciate decorations that don’t take over the whole room. Which is probably why mini Christmas trees have become such a go-to for me.
Super Cute Grinch Charcuterie Board With Fresh Fruit
If you’re looking for a cute (and ridiculously easy) way to add a little Whoville fun to your holiday table, this Grinch charcuterie board is one of my favorite last-minute ideas. It’s made with fruit and veggies arranged to look just like the Grinch’s face. The bright green fruit, the little pops of red, and that unmistakable Grinch silhouette always get a big reaction.
Green Grinch Sangria With White Wine And Melon Liqueur
If you’re looking for a fun holiday drink that channels a little Whoville spirit, this Grinch Sangria is such a cute (and delicious!) option. It starts with a light Pinot Grigio base, gets its signature green color from melon liqueur, and has plenty of fresh fruit mixed in so it feels bright and festive. It’s easy to mix up ahead of time, perfect for parties, and always a hit with guests who like their cocktails on the lighter, fruitier side.
19 Easy DIY Christmas Centerpiece Ideas For Your Holiday Table
Whether you’re setting a traditional table for dinner or want something for your coffee table, these easy DIY Christmas centerpiece ideas will give you some inspiration for your holiday tables. No matter how many people I’m having for Christmas dinner, I love to create a memorable table. Since I only have one set of Christmas dishes, the main way I do that is by creating a special centerpiece. But with everything going on around the holidays, I don’t usually have a lot of time to put it together.
38 Easy Christmas Cookies Recipes For All Your Holiday Baking
These easy Christmas cookies recipes include a mix of my go-to favorites and creative treats from other bakers that always turn out beautifully. Whether you want classic flavors or something a little more festive and fun, you’ll find plenty of ideas to make your holiday baking simple and delicious. I don’t know about you, but there’s something about Christmas cookies that always puts me in the holiday mood.
How To Make A Room Look Bigger With Paint
These paint tricks show you how to make a room feel bigger with paint. No major renovations or knocking down walls required! If your space feels tight or closed in, these simple color and placement ideas can help it look brighter, taller, and more open. If you’ve ever stood in a room and wished it felt just a little bigger, you’re not alone. I’ve lived in plenty of small spaces over the years, and while I can’t magically raise the ceilings or bump out a wall, I can pull out a paint can.
The Best Thanksgiving Recipes For Your Holiday Meal
These Thanksgiving recipes include the dishes I reach for most often for my holiday meal. There’s a little bit of everything here (appetizers, mains, sides, warm drinks, and desserts) so it’s easy to round out your Thanksgiving menu. I’ve made a lot of different dishes for Thanksgiving over the years, but there are a handful that always stand out.
Easy Green Beans Almondine With Lemon
If you’re looking for a simple way to dress up your holiday sides without adding extra work, Green Beans Almondine is one of my favorite recipes. Don’t let the fancy name fool you. This dish couldn’t be easier. It’s made with tender French green beans (fresh or frozen both work!), a squeeze of bright lemon juice, a little lemon zest, and a handful of toasted slivered almonds for just the right amount of crunch. And the best part?
75 DIY Christmas Wreaths Ideas For Every Style
These DIY Christmas wreath ideas offer plenty of ways to add personality and color to your holiday decorating. Whether you prefer simple and classic or fun and over-the-top, you’ll find designs that fit your style. If you’re anything like me, once November rolls around you’re ready to add a little extra sparkle to the front door, without spending a fortune on store-bought décor. That’s why I love DIY Christmas wreaths.
14 Gift Guides To Simplify Your Holiday Shopping
If you’re trying to check people off your list this year, these Christmas gift guides are packed with ideas for everyone. From the hard-to-shop-for person to friends with specific hobbies, I pulled together all of my favorite finds to make holiday shopping a whole lot easier. Looking for some fresh ideas to make your holiday shopping a little easier? You’re in the right place.
24 Christmas Gift Ideas For Gardeners That They'll Actually Use (2025 version)
Looking for some good gifts for the gardener in your life? Whether they’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, there’s bound to be something on this list of the best gifts for gardeners! When it comes to finding gift ideas for the gardener in your life, you’re in luck. There are all kinds of tools and gadgets that make gardening easier which make perfect presents.
96 DIY Christmas Ornaments You Can Make Today
These DIY Christmas ornaments are a wonderful way to add a homemade, personal touch to your holiday decor while saving money and creating lasting memories. With over 60 different styles and easy-to-follow tutorials, there’s something for everyone to enjoy making this festive season. There’s something so special about trimming the tree with ornaments you’ve made yourself.
Easy Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs With Chili Sauce
These cranberry meatballs are honestly one of the easiest, tastiest holiday appetizers I’ve ever made. You just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do all the work. No oven space required! Which is a huge win when you’re juggling a bunch of dishes for a holiday party or Thanksgiving dinner. And let me tell you, the flavor combo is seriously addictive.
Easy And Elegant Blackberry Goat Cheese Crostini
This blackberry goat cheese crostini is such a simple recipe, but it’s honestly one of the best appetizers I’ve ever made. It’s basically just baguette slices spread with a whipped mixture of goat cheese and cream cheese, and topped with fresh blackberries. The combo of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors is seriously addictive, and it looks so pretty on the table.
Festive Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball With Cream Cheese
This cranberry pecan cheese ball is such a simple appetizer, but it’s packed with flavor thanks to two kinds of cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans. It’s one of those recipes that comes together in no time, and I love that I can make it in advance. That way, I don’t have to stress about last-minute prep during the holidays. Plus its festive holiday flavors are great for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings, and it looks so pretty on the table.
Wicked Party Decorations For an Over The Top Celebration
With plenty of pink and green, these Wicked party decorations can turn any celebration into a fun and memorable event. Find lots of elegant Oz ideas that will wow your guests for birthdays, Halloween, New Year’s Eve or even graduation parties. When I started planning my Halloween party this year, I decided to lean into one of the biggest trends of the season.
13 Of The Best Fall Sangria Recipes
These fall sangria recipes are a wonderful way to add cozy, flavorful drinks to your autumn gatherings. They’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and packed with seasonal ingredients that bring warmth and cheer to any occasion. Sangria is one of my favorite cocktails to serve for a party. It’s made in advance, almost always comes in a big batch recipe, is super easy to put together, and there are so many variations you’ll never get bored of the same old recipe.
12 Ways To Decorate With Fake Spider Webs And Creepy Cloth
Fake cobwebs are one of the easiest ways to add spookiness to your Halloween party decor or outdoor yard haunt. Find some cool ways to decorate with fake spider webs and creepy cloth that will make your Halloween decorations look awesome and learn how to hang them so they look good. Spider webs are one of the easiest ways to add Halloween spookiness to your yard, house or party. Everyone knows what it’s like to unknowingly walk through a spider web and have that creepy crawly feeling afterward.
10 Quick Living Room Refresh Ideas You Can Do Before Guests Arrive
These quick living room refresh ideas are just what you need when you want to brighten up your space without spending a lot of time or money. These simple tips can be done in a day, making your room feel fresh and inviting. Perfect for last-minute guests or a little weekend pick-me-up. We’ve all been there. Your mother-in-law (or a friend you haven’t seen in ages) calls to say she’s coming for a visit, and suddenly you’re seeing your living room with fresh eyes.
Easy Avocado Deviled Eggs Without Mayo
If you’re looking for a quick appetizer that still feels a little special, this easy avocado deviled eggs recipe is my go-to. They’re creamy from the sour cream and avocado, brightened up with a squeeze of lemon juice, and finished with a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper. Nothing fussy, just delicious. The best part? That naturally gorgeous green filling looks right at home on a holiday platter.
How To Hang Creepy Cloth From The Ceiling
Learning how to hang creepy cloth from the ceiling can transform your Halloween party decor into a spooky, atmospheric setting. I’ll walk you through a simple, step-by-step method that won’t cause lots of damage to your walls and ceiling. If you’re planning a Halloween party and want to add some spooky atmosphere, learning how to hang creepy cloth from the ceiling is a game-changer. It is one of those decorations that completely changes the feel of a room.
Haunted Mansion Decor Ideas
These Haunted mansion decor ideas can transform your Halloween into a spooky, fun-filled celebration inspired by the beloved Disney ride. With my list of decorations and some easy-to-recreate scenes, you’ll create a memorable party that’s both charming and chilling. Perfect for an awesome Halloween! Halloween has always been one of my favorite excuses to go over the top with decorating, and this time I went all in.
How To Decorate An Open Concept Living Room
If you’re wondering how to decorate an open plan living room, I’ve learned a few practical tricks from years of living in a space with all its quirks. These simple, actionable ideas can help your open-concept area feel cozy, stylish, and perfectly pulled together. When I first bought my house, I thought the open concept layout was going to be a dream come true. More space, better flow, easier entertaining. And in many ways, it does deliver on those promises.
11 Seasonal Fall Planters Ideas
Fall planters are a wonderful way to bring seasonal charm and warmth to your home’s outdoor space. This list offers creative ideas for window boxes and container gardens, blending classic favorites like mums and kale with unexpected plant choices to keep your fall decor fresh and inviting. When the weather cools down and the summer blooms start to fade, I love putting together a few fall planters to keep the garden looking fresh and colorful.
13 Of The Best Fall Cocktails
These fall cocktails are the perfect way to add warmth and coziness to those cool evenings. Whether you’re relaxing solo or entertaining friends and family, this list of delicious, autumn-inspired drinks will make your gatherings extra special and your nights a little sweeter. When the weather turns crisp and the leaves start to change, nothing sets the mood quite like this lineup of cozy fall cocktails.
RumChata White Russian
This RumChata White Russian recipe is the perfect cozy cocktail for cooler evenings. It’s super creamy and smooth, made with RumChata, vodka, Kahlua, and a splash of cream, so it’s rich without feeling heavy. The best part? It has a subtle cinnamon flavor that makes it feel extra special, almost like a warm hug in a glass. It’s become my go-to drink when I want something comforting but still a little fancy.
12 DIY Wall Art Ideas That Will Instantly Transform Your Blank Walls
DIY wall art is a fantastic way to add personality and charm to any space without breaking the bank. These easy, budget-friendly decor projects that will give your walls a big, beautiful impact with just a little time and effort. One of the easiest ways to give a room personality is by adding art to the walls. But let’s be honest, buying large pieces of artwork can get expensive fast. That’s why I love DIY wall decor projects.
Phantom Of The Opera Party Menu (Elegant Food & Cocktail Ideas For A Masquerade)
This Phantom of the Opera party menu offers a charming collection of recipes perfect for hosting a themed dinner that’s both fun and stress-free. With easy-to-make appetizers, mains, sides, desserts, and cocktails that can be prepared ahead, you’ll create a memorable evening without the fuss. If you’re looking to throw a party with drama, elegance, and a touch of mystery, a Phantom of the Opera theme is perfect.
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