When finding extra space is crucial, an option like pocket doors can help maximize available floor space.

With holiday entertaining on the minds of many this time of year, it’s important to take steps to make setting the table stress-free and keep focus on what really matters – spending time with loved ones. To help combat inflation, consider these holiday meal options with all the trimmings at a price lower than last year.

Bringing together loved ones with classic seasonal meals is a staple of the holiday season, and few centerpieces call to mind childhood memories like a tender ham cooked to perfection. For a classic, delicious ham perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions, try this Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham.

A happy Thanksgiving to all my readers of this column. With the recent announcement that Albion College is transferring the Washington Gardner High School building at 401 E. Michigan Avenue to the non-profit Zero Day organization for transformation into senior living apartments and other things, we were heartened to learn that they will retain the Washington Gardner name for this facility.

Give a gift the whole family can enjoy this holiday season with a new tool for grilling, smoking and searing favorite meals. Griddles and pellet grills offer outdoor cooks the ability to explore cooking styles and flavor infusions, and the expansive capabilities, sizing options and features make them ideal gift choices.

Putting a festive spin on a holiday favorite can be as easy as this sweet and savory Bourbon Bacon Pecan Pie that’s a mouthwatering take on tradition. Or, if you’re in need of a quick snack everyone can share while mingling, opt for this Chocolate Cherry Pecan Snack Mix that takes just 20 minutes to prepare.

Winter weather, while often beautiful, can prove challenging for homeowners. Snow and ice accumulation can cause damage or disruption to many components of homes and properties, including heating systems and appliances, communication and access to and from property. Consider these tips to help prepare your family and home for winter weather.

From 1911 to 1970 in the United States, one of the ways to save money was to purchase Postal Savings Stamps. Stamps were sold at local post offices in denominations of 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, $1 or $5. They were affixed to cards of a same denomination, and then turned in for deposit at the Post Office. Deposits earned 2% annual interest.

One of the best parts of the holidays is being together with those you love, and for many families that time together involves the exchanging of gifts among loved ones young and old. Finding the right gift for everyone can be a challenge, especially if teenagers and young adults are on your shopping list. This year, consider some on-trend gift ideas to show appreciation for the Gen-Zers in your life with presents and stocking stuffers that can win them over.

Whether you’re hosting a large holiday gathering or simply savoring the season with those nearest and dearest, serving up flavorful dishes your friends and family will love is key to bringing everyone together. This holiday season, create a masterpiece such as a Hickory Smoked Spiral Sliced Ham with Bourbon, Honey and Orange Glaze for the perfect combination of sweet and savory with fresh orange juice, bourbon, ginger, cinnamon and honey that’ll leave guests asking for seconds.

While almost all bird seed may look pretty much the same to you, it doesn’t to the birds you’re feeding. Knowing what kinds of seeds different birds like can help you attract a variety of fine feathered friends to your feeders.

We continue with our theme of “Albion, 100 Years Ago.” November 1, 1923. “A number of local people witnessed the burning of a cross which was fastened 10 feet in the air above the steel truss on the cemetery bridge last evening at midnight. The cross was made of wood, being about 4 feet across and saturated with kerosene.