Take a walk down memory lane with this 1950s decorating classic, re-released for a whole new generation The year is 1956. America is a mere decade past World War II. Richard Nixon is next in command to President Dwight Eisenhower, the Dow Jones soars above 500, and Norma Jean Mortenson legally changes her name to Marilyn Monroe. Two words described the decade, as John Updike wrote in the short story “When Everyone Was Pregnant”: Fear and gratitude. And during this boom period, grateful young families thrilled to find themselves homeowners after the uncertainty of the Great Depression followed by a second Great War. Those empty rooms needed filling in order to make the house a home, and homeowners turned to the iconic Better Homes and Gardens brand. Better Homes and Gardens Decorating Book, the first edition of a title that would spawn ten editions over the years, became the new home bible for injecting class, style (and the occasional misguided cowboy wallpaper) into American homes. While exploring numerous styles, the main theme of the book is the on-trend mid-century modern sensibility, a style as appropriate today as it was six decades ago when the book was initially released. Filled with hundreds of full-color period photos, dozens of adorable illustrations, and decorating tips and tricks that are both helpful and nostalgic, the book remains a fun classic. With this welcome hardcover release, reproduced exactly as it looked and read in the 1950s, everything old is new again.

If you could buy only one decorating book, this should be it. Based on the Better Homes and Gardens signature do-your-own-thing decorating philosophy, this is four books in one:

Make the most of small living spaces Do you live in tight quarters? Is your pad's smaller square footage cramping your style? Well, living in a small space doesn't have to mean sacrificing style, comfort, or organization. Small Space Decorating shows you how to transform dull, cramped, or confining into stylish small spaces that live large. This book is packed with images, tips, and tricks for making the most of miniscule or challenging square footage—whether it's a single room or an entire house. Room-by-room guide shows you how to bring style to any small living space Advice on storage, color, accessories, and other key features that give a room functionality and personality Practical solutions for decorating challenges faced by apartment dwellers and other renters With a friendly tone and an energetic approach that will appeal to young singles and families alike, Small Space Decorating gives you the confidence and skills to make a big statement in even the smallest of spaces.

... The ultimate do-your-own decorating guide. Four books in one, it's a dream book, a workbook, a room-by-room planner, and a design primer.

Completely revised and updated with a fresh new design. More than 1,400 recipes—tested and perfected in the Better Homes and Gardens Test Kitchen--including 400+ quick and easy ones. All-new 20-Minute chapter, which includes more than 45 fast meal solutions. More recipes on your favorite topics: Cookies, Desserts, Grilling and Slow Cooker. Plus, the Grilling chapter now features recipes for the turkey fryer and more recipes for the smoke cooker. At-a-glance icons identify Easy, Fast, Low-Fat, Fat-Free, Whole Grain, Vegetarian, and Favorite recipes. Simple menu ideas featured in every main-dish chapter. Updated Cooking Basics chapter includes need-to-know kitchen survival advice including food safety, make-ahead cooking, must-have timesaving kitchen gadgets and emergency substitution charts. Essential need-to-know information now conveniently located at the front of each chapter for easy reference helps ensure cooking success. More than 800 full-color photos of finished dishes, how-to demonstrations and food IDs. Hundreds of hints and tips, plus easy-to-read cooking charts. Bonus Material: Exclusive to cookbook buyers, an online menu component offers hundreds of menu ideas and more than 75 bonus recipes.

501 easy, affordable DIY decorating projects for every room in your home Giving your home a facelift doesn't have to break the bank-or your back! This idea-packed book gives you step-by-step instructions for tackling small, inexpensive, and easily achievable decorating projects that will give your home a whole new look. 501 Decorating Ideas Under $100 gives you projects and inspiration for sprucing up every room of your home, from revamping store-bought curtains to making over a piece of furniture to creating an original work of art to hang on the wall, and so much more! 501 easy projects that can be done in a day or less for under $100 Projects include an array of styles, from funky to classic Step-by-step instructions show how to create a wide variety of projects Whether you're looking to brighten a dark corner of an apartment or want a completely new look for an entire house, the 501 projects in this gorgeous book will inspire and guide you every step of the way.

Lavishly illustrated guide presents gardening basics, landscaping, special gardens, and charts of over 800 plants, diseases, and pests.