Ideas & Tips — Seasonal

As the seasons change, so does what we want out of a beer. Gone are the days of light, crisp lagers and wheaty hefeweizens — it's time for dark, heavy brews with seasonal ingredients and spices, perfect for drinking while warming your feet by the fireplace. Known as winter warmers, these beers have what it takes to stand up to the cold weather, namely, strong dark flavors and alcohol levels that are sure to keep you warm: Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig Ale, 5.9% ABV, Boston, MA: Named for the generous and hospitable business owner in A Christmas Carol, this beer is chock full of...

The latke is a beautifully simple food. The traditional Hanukkah dish, these fried potato pancakes are delicious on their own or dipped in applesauce and sour cream, and make a great addition to the table at this time of year regardless of religious background. However, since there are eight opportunities to fry up latkes during the holiday, some foodies might get bored with making the same plain potato pancakes every night. Here are eight alternative latke recipes that, while they might shock some traditionalists, will add some variety to your celebrations: Cheesy potato latkes: Have you ever melted cheese over french fries?...

There are many upsides to maintaining or starting a garden in the winter, the first of which may be that gardens make for beautiful additions to the home. Also, the options are more profuse than normally assumed with greenhouses, indoor and outdoor gardening all serving as viable options, even with the extra care needed to defend against any oncoming frost. Some of the benefits that come with gardening, specifically during the winter, include the cost effectiveness of growing your own produce and the bonus of extra activity and exercise during the months when people are typically inclined to stay in...

If you're like many Americans, chances are you're already starting to feel the first tremors of what will become the earthquake of holiday-season stress. With all the obligations, expenses and logistical struggles of the holiday season, it's no wonder that many people turn to alcohol to escape from all the pressure. However, if you want some healthier options that won't leave you hung over and vaguely ashamed the next day, try sipping some of these naturally relaxing beverages throughout the day: Cherry juice: This lip-puckeringly tart drink has been shown to increase the duration and quality of sleep, helping you rebuild your...

You've invited everyone over to your home for New Year's Eve, and now it's time to start getting into the nitty-gritty of party planning and preparation. Hosting a New Year's party can be understandably stressful: People have high expectations about how they want to ring in the new year, and good preparation can mean the difference between a hopping party and a drunken, disorganized mess. Here are some tips to help you provide the best experience possible for your guests: Make a list. As in any situation where there are a lot of tasks to get done at once, it's helpful...