Design advice, inspiration and observations that struck a chord this week

We click open invitations and RSVP via text, but a handwritten thank-you is sometimes still best. Here's how to tell

3 simple steps to chalk it up in any color anywhere for cheap

Give your host a unique gift that will make a lasting impression

The perfect table for grownups and kids — no power tools required

Reclaim dated dining chairs for far less than buying new, using spray paint, modern fabric and a handful of tea bags

Use color and texture to create a pleasing connection between your house and garden

A bold move gives a generic Portland kitchen personality without a major overhaul

Learn stripping, staining, painting and reupholstering basics to make bargain-basement furniture worthy of center stage at home

More visual height is no stretch when you pick the right furniture, paint and lighting