Pretty up your table with three different ideas for centerpiece designs. (By Michele Foley)

You lose cred when you use paper. (By Helena Echlin)

Carry a garden on your arm.

Burn-protection gear for home chefs. (By Louisa Chu)

Here’s what we’re looking for: charm, authenticity, local ingredients, moderate prices. And while most Roman restaurants look perfect from the outside, watch out for these telltale signs. (By Sara Altshul)

High-impact tableware on a low-impact budget. (By Michele Foley)

How to entertain the easy way. (By Amy Wisniewski)

Must you still dress up for nice restaurants? (By Helena Echlin)

Our product columnist finds the best aprons. (By Louisa Chu)

Tools for creating aromatic smoke, à la the molecular gastronomists (By Louisa Chu)

Get the most out of your wedding caterer. (By Roxanne Webber)

Designers reinvent the table setting. (By Michele Foley)

Beautiful tea towels from eight top designers. (By Michele Foley)

Five practical fixes to save space and beautify your kitchen. (By Lessley Anderson, Michele Foley, Chris Rochelle, and Eric Slatkin)

Kingpin food on a volunteer budget at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. (By Ruth Tobias)