WASHINGTON, DC-JUNE 08: on June 08, 2012 in Washington, DC.(Photo by Mark Gail/The Washington Post)

Christmas for the calorie counter

Just walk away from the buffet table before they start telling you that you’d be perfect as Santa Claus.

Style

WASHINGTON, DC - NOV 21: A new hermitage that was designed by Catholic University architecture students provides a space where visitors can get away for a solo, silent spiritual retreat. It looks like a small house and is self-contained like an apartment or nice hotel room. It sits on the grounds of the Franciscan Monastery in NE Washington.(Photo by Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post

In silence, a huge challenge

People visiting silent retreats in a noisy, plugged-in world can stress about how to handle the quiet.

Magazine

White Sulphur Springs, VA - October 23, 2012: Richard Rosendale, Certified Master Chef, Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage at The Greenbier Resort is also USA Captain for Bocuse d'Or 2013. Rosendale was photographed in the tunnel leading into the bunker at The Greenbrier Resort on Tuesday October 23, 2012. (Photo by Joseph Victor Stefanchik for The Washington Post)

America’s hope

W.Va. chef Richard Rosendale is daring to do what no U.S. chef has ever done: Win the Bocuse d’Or.

Food

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 7:
Nancy’s Flower Cookies photographed in Washington, DC.  Photo by Deb Lindsey/For The Washington Post)

Decorated sugar cookies, done naturally

Nancy Baggett’s techniques create options for holiday favorites.

Wellness

POTOMAC, MD - AUGUST 26, 2011. California inspired Thanksgiving prepared in Potomac, MD on August 26, 2011. All tableware provided by Crate and Barrel. (Photo by Tracy A Woodward/The Washington Post)

Real-world holiday weight-control tips

How three people who’ve shed a lot of weight keep the pounds off this time of year.

Weddings & Romance

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 17: Wedding of Nina Chawla and Sumeet Karnik at the St. Regis in Washington, DC Saturday, November 17, 2012. (Photo by Michael Connor / Connor Studios)

On Love: ‘I saw his genuine intentions’

For one couple, the second time around is the charm.

Advice

School of hard knocks, the sequel

A couple who overcame childhood hardships want their own kids to have similar life lessons.

Travel

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING - JANUARY 20: AJ Puccia skis Pepi's Bench at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, January 20, 2011. (Photo by Tristan Greszko) ONE TIME USE ONLY - NOT FOR RESALE OR DISTRIBUTION - CAN USE ONLINE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE STORY

Living the high life in a country yurt

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort features a fully equipped yurt — complete with yurtmeister.

Travel coverage

Home & Garden

Images of floral designs by Sarah von Pollaro

The art of floral design

No foil-wrapped holiday poinsettias for Sarah von Pollaro, who finds her muse from the National Gallery.

Fashion

Alice + Olivia metallic sweater

Trend Report: Gilty pleasures

As the season of long nights, short days and partying arrives, make gold a standard accent in your wardrobe.

Lifestyle Videos

Decorating the Home of the Commandants

Decorating the Home of the Commandants

Every year, dozens of Marine Corps spouses gather at the Home of the Commandants, which is home to the Corps’ highest-ranking officer, to decorate the house for Christmas.
Decorating the Home of the Commandants

Decorating the Home of the Commandants

Every year, dozens of Marine Corps spouses gather at the Home of the Commandants, which is home to the Corps’ highest-ranking officer, to decorate the house for Christmas.
Diana Ross performs at TNT’s ‘Christmas in Washington’

Diana Ross performs at TNT’s ‘Christmas in Washington’

Singer Diana Ross performs classic Christmas songs at TNT’s “Christmas in Washington” special.
Psy performs Christmas-themed ‘Gangnam Style’

Psy performs Christmas-themed ‘Gangnam Style’

South Korean singer Psy performed his hit “Gangnam Style” at TNT’s “Christmas in Washington” special.