The secrets to the coziest, most functional family den ever, according to pro designers {issue 61}

Plus, a super-fun gift that's absolutely perfect for siblings.

December 2, 2021 No. 61 Now that it's December, we're putting together our winter bucket lists. Snowmans made with special kits, hot cocoa in personalized family mugs, and movies with individual popcorn poppers ... we can hardly wait! — Thao      The Secrets to the Coziest, Most Functional Family Den Ever, According to Pro Designers I grew up binging "Leave it to Beaver" with my Dad. Now as a frazzled parent myself, some elements of the series seem more than a little ridiculous. Take the den where, even for a faux Midcentury family, the space looked overly immaculate at all times. There were two growing kids living there, after all … where were the toys and tracked-in patches of mud?  Today's family den is decidedly more real — and has become the de facto place for many families to chillax in. I interviewed designers, many of whom are real parents themselves, for their advice on how to maximize dens in cozy, sanity-saving ways. Here's what they had to say: read more > ask a pediatrician This week, Dr. Hoshino talks to us about how to avoid common colds and viruses in daycare and school settings. See what she had to say here.     live     How I Transformed a Shed into an Play Area in Just 2 Days Just a few simple steps — and some trusty products — gave this underused space new life. read more >     Simple Tips for Designing a Space That Kids and Adults Will Use Every Day Just stick to these easy design rules to create a super-functional room. read more > eat     I Tried The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Wild Rice Casserole and It's a Crowd-Pleasing Favorite It doubles and freezes beautifully. Your future self will thank you. read more >     Food52's Incredibly Comforting Chicken Chile Soup Will Warm You Down to Your Toes It's like a hug in a bowl — and perfect for easy holiday entertaining. read more > play     The Extremely Fun Gift That's Especially Perfect for Siblings They'll be occupied for hours — argument-free! read more >     The Simple Game We Play to Help My Kids Let Go of Old Toys This is a GREAT time to practice some before-holiday minimizing. read more > cubby finds: wool pom poms slingshot rug garland mobile ask maxwell Now my son has escalated a new situation in our house of which my wife and I are both apparently guilty — we don't lower the toilet seat before flushing each time. My son says we're both disgusting. What is the truth here?!?! — Carl Dear Carl, Since COVID began, germ etiquette has definitely ratcheted up and this is one that my own daughter brought into our home two months ago when school began again IRL. While I generally lower the toilet seat as a sign of politeness when there's company or in a restaurant bathroom, I've generally left it up while at home and had NEVER heard of this argument.  read more > Maxwell Ryan is a father and was an elementary school teacher in NYC before founding Apartment Therapy. He'd love to answer your question: askmaxwell@cubbyathome.com ( trust us ) Mortal enemy Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences  View this email in your browser  Apartment Therapy is full of ideas for creating a warm, beautiful, healthy home. If we've inspired you, we may receive a share of purchases made through this email. Apartment Therapy Media 270 Lafayette Street, Suite 1300 New York, NY 10013 ABOUT | CONTACT US | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE