H. Camille Smith

Combining the tropical flavors of coconut and pineapple with a pretty pink hue, this oh-so-sippable cocktail is sure to get you into a sunny state of mind -- any time of the year.

Properly cared for, a wood cutting board will give you decades of faithful service. Follow our tips for restoring the wood surface then whipping up your own inexpensive board conditioner to keep your butcher block in tip-top shape.

Skip the bottled mix! In just a few minutes, you can whip up a classic lime margarita with a summery, tropical twist.

Delight your valentine with white-chocolate-dipped fortune cookies in a crafty (and cute!) Chinese takeout box. Basic cooking skills and craft supplies are all you need, making this a great Valentine's Day craft project for kids.

Boost your kitchen's wow factor in a three-day weekend by installing a timeless Carrara marble backsplash in an updated subway tile pattern.

Turn inexpensive fence-post caps into a pretty jewelry or gift box. By itself, the box makes a thoughtful birthday, Mother's Day or holiday gift. Fill it with sweet treats or a small trinket for a handmade gift they won't soon forget.

Easily turn an old frame and upcycled leather into a personalized tray to stylishly hold his keys, watch, cash — all the things he needs to grab before heading out the door.

Give plain glass votives a trendy mercury glass makeover with mirror-effect spray paint. The antique-looking votives lend a sparkling glow to a table setting, mantel, coffee table — or anywhere.

Make brand new books look like old leather-bound tomes by covering them in a removable leather jacket that you've distressed and antiqued. They'll add a timeworn touch to your bookcase and make great handmade gifts for literary friends.

Instead of a traditional evergreen Christmas wreath, dress up your front door with a holiday swag made from fresh greenery, fabric branches and glittering pinecones.

Give an old bench a new lease on life by stripping then refinishing the legs and freshening up the upholstery with new foam and fabric.

Vintage cutlery boxes are a frequent fixture at estate and yard sales — usually in pretty worn condition. With just a little elbow grease, you can refinish and re-line them for a massive upcycled jewelry box.

Celebrating the holidays in grand Gilded Age style is a time-honored tradition at Asheville, N.C.'s Biltmore House. Tour the grand mansion, decked in Christmas finery, plus get decorating tips from Biltmore's experts so you can bring the luxe look home.

Dyeing Easter eggs is a favorite holiday tradition for kids and grownups alike. Give your plain dyed eggs a kicky, multicolored twist this year: Add olive oil to the dye solution to create a swirling, mottled effect.

With just a little creativity, you can turn a scrap piece of leather into a fashion-forward pin or hair clip that makes a sweet handmade gift you can give any time of year.