A Virginia home, decorated for Christmas

(John McDonnell / The Washington Post)

In Fauquier County, one family is decking the halls with evergreen country elegance.

Adrian Higgins

The secret to a happy holly day: Branch out

The secret to a happy holly day: Branch out

More compact, hardier Red Hollies rise up to challenge the two hollies that long dominated the landscape.

Jura Koncius

Destination Design: Middleburg

Destination Design: Middleburg

Shopping for the holidays in Middleburg, where the stores and restaurants (many in buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries) are dressed in pine garlands and twinkling lights.

More Home & Garden

Christmas in the country: how to get the look

Christmas in the country: how to get the look

How to bring a bit of Fauquier country charm to your Christmas.

Bok choy to the world

Bok choy to the world

The Asian vegetable bok choy finds its way to our salad bowls and skillets.

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The secret to a happy holly day: Branch out

The secret to a happy holly day: Branch out

More compact, hardier Red Hollies rise up to challenge the two hollies that long dominated the landscape.

How to convert an electric fireplace to gas

How to convert an electric fireplace to gas

In this reader’s case, there is probably no easy way to do it.

House Calls: The end of the bachelor days

House Calls: The end of the bachelor days

A Fairfax woman wants to convert her husband’s “bachelor pad” into a more sophisticated living room.

A Virginia home, decorated for Christmas

A Virginia home, decorated for Christmas<span></span>

In Fauquier County, one family is decking the halls with evergreen country elegance.

GE upgrades the kitchen’s buzzes and beeps

GE upgrades the kitchen’s buzzes and beeps

Company worked with a composer on its newest appliance lines, seeking a more “harmonious” sound.

Six ways to get out of a holiday rut

Six ways to get out of a holiday rut

Bring some extra meaning to the season with these fresh ways to celebrate.

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Gifts for the gardener

Gifts for the gardener

For anyone on your list who likes to garden, cook, or simply eat well, here’s a shopping bag of books.

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Decking the halls and knocking out the boxwood

Decking the halls and knocking out the boxwood

A blight is killing boxwood shrubs, so be make sure you know the origin of the boughs you hang this Christmas.

How to paint a hallway to make it seem wider

How to paint a hallway to make it seem wider

One idea, Jeanne Huber suggests, is to paint the end wall a darker, warmer color than the side walls.

House Calls: Rustic living room makeover

House Calls: Rustic living room makeover

An Arlington homeowner thinks his living room needs a boost of color.

Tips for organizing holiday decorations

Tips for organizing holiday decorations

Getting organized could spare you unloved holiday traditions.

Christmas decal? Don’t rule it out.

Christmas decal? Don’t rule it out.

Wall-hung, postmodern alternatives to the Fraser fir are poised to enter the home-decorating mainstream.

Photos

Christmas tree alternatives

Christmas tree alternatives

Who says your tree has to be three-dimensional? Here are some modern alternatives.

Photos

Logan Circle Holiday House Tour preview

Logan Circle Holiday House Tour preview

The annual event features homes in the trendy Northwest Washington neighborhood.

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In Vienna, the waltz of the tiny tomatoes

In Vienna, the waltz of the tiny tomatoes

At Schönbrunn Palace, unusual fruits that look vaguely familiar grow.

Cut-your-own Christmas tree farms in the D.C. area

Cut-your-own Christmas tree farms in the D.C. area

Grab an axe and try your hand at tree-cutting.

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Tabletop Christmas trees: It’s a nice little tree, Charlie Brown

Tabletop Christmas trees: It’s a nice little tree, Charlie Brown

A tabletop tree can fill an apartment with Christmas spirit and a piney scent. Also, read tips on how to keep a tree fresh.

Your December home improvement checklist

Your December home improvement checklist

What to do to keep your house warm and safe for winter.