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One of my favorite things to decorate is my dining table. There are so many possibilities when you combine place mats, chargers, different dinnerware, napkins, napkin rings -- and let's not even get started on the centerpieces and candles.

Solatube International, a company near San Diego specializing in tubular skylights since 1988, when it started selling a periscope-like design by Australian mechanical engineer Steve Sutton, now produces an altered version called eChoice.

Q: Fortunately, I don't have a plumbing problem with my house. But I am having a problem with a snooty friend who always tries to act smarter than me, even when it comes to plumbing. This friend is installing a new bathroom, and she had to brag that they are getting a "console tabletop"-type sink.

Ruhuni and Barry are the ultimate hockey parents. Sons Jacob and Noah are so heavily into the sport that their lives revolve around game schedules, ice times and practices. But when not at the rink, Ruhuni and Barry love hosting the team's social events in their large home. They recently renovated their kitchen and had plans to continue into the adjoining dining room.

Thanksgiving is the holiday sandwiched between Halloween and Christmas or Hanukkah. Thanksgiving doesn't have the glitz of costumes, the sweetness of candy or the excitement of gift giving. What it does have is lots of food with a side order of football.

Dear Helaine and Joe:

Even if money and time are tight, you can still have a wonderfully rich and full Thanksgiving. All it takes is a little organization and a willingness to let go of the need to do everything.

Sarah on "Never Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth":

You'd think the thin strips of wood above our fireplaces were gangplanks the way they make us quake at the knees when it's time to dress them up for the holidays. Even those who love to decorate for the season feel stage fright when it comes to tackling mantels. But I've got a secret for you: Creating a marvelous look on your mantel is simple when you follow one of these two strategies:

Q: I used my fireplace for the first time this year and noticed that the brick lining is cracked. A friend told me that I should never use mortar to repair the bricks, but he didn't know exactly why. He only knew it was not a good idea. I decided to wait until I could find out more about repairing the fireplace. Can you help?

The accessories in your home reflect your personality. Since Halloween has passed, you can now concentrate on Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations, so let's focus on making your home more inviting and representing that great personality. Let's start with Thanksgiving accessories.