There's always joy when you return home from the grocery store and your bill isn't as high as expected, but what really makes a happy and economical kitchen is a change of mindset — not necessarily just shopping habits.

As much as I love place cards when entertaining, my table usually isn't big enough to hold food, glassware, elbows and place cards. This idea accomplishes the same thing by using printed doilies as placemats/cards.

We don't want foster fear in the kitchen or worry that you'll screw things up. The kitchen is a place for trial and error and learning. That said, this list of 40 mistakes to make in the kitchen from Cooking Light is pretty spot on; it is a great reminder for cooks young and old to doublecheck a few key things.

My love for potato pancakes knows no bounds. But sometimes I'm looking for something with a little more color and personality. Move over potatoes, there are some new veggies in town and they make for a savory treat!

When it comes to kitchen utensil storage, you really only have two options: containers on the counter or in drawers. These options work, but aren't the best use of the space. So what if you had a third option? Turn things on a diagonal!

The lure of steak is simply irresistible. Add in beer-soaked mushrooms, caramelized onions, and some fingerling potatoes roasted with blue cheese, and you'll have every neighbor within 300 feet of your front door standing in your kitchen. So lock 'em out, or welcome them in. Either way, this 30-minute meal will knock the socks off your local steak house.

Spaghetti is the first thing many of us learn how to make in the kitchen (aside from toast). Do you still rely on marinara to make a meal with this standard pantry pasta? Check out a few more ideas to add to your repertoire, including spaghetti pie, spaghetti tacos and even spaghetti baked inside a loaf of bread!

Special moments and holidays don't have to hit you over the head. Sometimes they can be small additions to your everyday routines that can cause a smile or a touch of special-ness to your average Tuesday. This year we're not focused on a dish to make someone fall in love, but we have melted over these marvelous milk hearts.

Alcohol with your breakfast is one thing, but how do you feel about alcohol made from your breakfast? Smokey, salty bacon and bright lemons — this we have to try!

Over the years we've taken a look at many kitchen makeovers. In this room, everything was done by the homeowners. From painting the tile backsplash and cabinets to installing new lighting and linens, this kitchen has it all — come see how they transformed it from basic (and kind of boring) to bright, white, and aqua!