Still stuffed from the previous evening’s feast, a West County family spends the day following Thanksgiving decking their house in holiday décor. Cozy in their pajamas as a fire crackles in the background, it’s a family affair, says the wife, who heads the decorating duties. By the Monday following the autumn holiday, their traditional, French-country two story is transformed from everyday into a magical holiday wonderland.

Editor’s note: With work done outside, this is the time of year gardeners begin to dream about next year’s plantings. This charming garden began as a personal, then family, project that the parents and also their children now wish to share with a wider audience. To protect their privacy, they have requested we not use their names. You can read more about the family’s gardening adventures, accompanied by beautiful photography, at www.spygarden.com.

Don't let your holiday gift-buying list stump you. For the gardener in your life, consider one of these great gift ideas from local area landscapers.

Every November, it’s the same question. What to serve with the traditional Thanksgiving feast? When you have such dispirit flavors as lemon-dilled Brussels sprouts, green peas a la Francaise and apricot-glazed sweet potatoes, not to mention a turkey that could be roasted, braised, baked or grilled, your wine choices can be just as varied.

Ah, winter is soon upon us. The dramatic leaves of fall are turning a crispy brown and drifting to the ground. What a perfect time to slide your feet into some slippers, grab a mug of hot chocolate and start planning a wintertime escape! Sure we love the seasons changing, but do you ever close your eyes and dream of being whisked away to a tropical paradise? I decided to make that dream come true with a weekend trip to Florida’s sunny Palm Beach and The Breakers Palm Beach.

In the lower level of the beautiful Town and Country residence of Jim and Karen Castellano, after you pass through Jim’s extensive sports memorabilia collection, you will wander into a sweet little “town” designed for their six grandchildren. Natural light floods the lower level of the home thanks to a wall of windows into the backyard, offering a bright, clean, organized playroom filled with everything an imaginative kid could want; a theater space with a dressing room that includes a chandelier, vanity and red velvet curtains; musical instruments and a microphone.