30 Things Martha Thinks Everyone Should Know

We all hope the worst never happens, but we still want to be prepared to deal with emergencies. Having a fully stocked first aid kit is sure to help us take care of the small cuts, scrapes, and other problems we occasionally encounter; properly equipped, a first-aid kit might even help save our lives.

In theory, we all know how to paint a room. Dip a brush or roller in a color and spread it over the wall. But painting neatly and efficiently is a skill most of us could brush up on. This basic guide has the essential tips and techniques you need to get the job done.

Flower arranging is an art, but the art is easy to master when you follow a few simple techniques.

Fruit has a long history of being used as an adornment to grace a tabletop: A first-century fresco in Pompeii depicts a lavish table with a fruit centerpiece, and the French later raised this table decoration to a high art. Try using these easy-to-find fruits and nuts to transform your own table.

A good margarita depends on the quality of its ingredients; always use the best tequila you can find.

Everyone should know how to make a delicious Bolognese sauce, an Italian classic that you, your family, and your guests can gather around the table to enjoy.

Be sure to get the most meat with the least effort out of your lobster -- have nutcrackers and small forks or picks on hand, and follow these simple guidelines from Martha.

No kitchen is complete without a great recipe for chocolate chip cookies, a bona fide American classic. This recipe produces cookies with just the right edge and sweetness; it gives outstanding results every time.

While a whole roasted turkey is an impressive sight, so is a well-arranged platter of sliced meat -- and carving the bird before placing it on the table will make serving easier.

From preparing the bird to serving slices of it doused in gravy, here are 12 steps to the perfect turkey.

The grilled cheese sandwich is a perfect example of why we cook our food. By itself, a plain cheese sandwich might not always be an exciting dish, but once it's placed in a hot skillet or grill pan, it becomes a Sandwich Reborn.

Good cooks in many cultures have found delicious ways to revive stale or leftover bread. But the French take first prize with their simple recipe for pain perdu, literally "lost bread," which we have come to know as French toast. Once you've mastered the basics -- coating slices of bread in an egg-and-milk mixture and sauteing them -- a range of possibilities opens.

Rice is a staple food for almost half the world's population. Nevertheless, many of us have trouble cooking rice without burning it and having it stick to the bottom of the pot or having it absorb so much water that it turns into mush. But here's a technique that can help you achieve great results each time.

When it comes to all-American desserts, chocolate cake towers over its competitors; it's always a show-stopping finale. To show off the cake to best effect, present it at table; slice it in front of your guests.

Prepare this American classic with the finest ingredients, such as Comstock bacon, plump Jersey tomatoes, fresh crusty bread, garden lettuce, and homemade mayonnaise. Enjoy a BLT when tomatoes are at their peak in late summer and early fall.

It's something many of us learn at a very early age: There is breakfast, and there are pancakes. And on special days -- holidays and weekends if we're lucky -- the griddle comes out, the batter gets mixed, and soon we're tucking into a steaming stack of hotcakes, preferably dripping with pure maple syrup and melting butter.

Crudites -- fresh, crispy vegetables -- make a satisfying hors d'oeuvre perfect for any party.

Every gentleman needs to know how to tie a bow and a necktie, and with this handy, illustrated guide from Martha, it's so simple, you won't believe it.

Most of us give little thought to our dishwashers -- we just load the dishes, add the detergent, and turn it on. But a bit of planning goes a long way toward keeping your dishes and utensils in their best shape and getting them as clean as possible.

There is no single technique or product that takes care of every spot and spill. But, there are some easy-to-follow guidelines that can help ensure your clothing and linen receives the best possible care, no matter what the stain.

Though a perfect cup of tea requires only a few simple steps, getting each step just right is an art form.

Your photographs are important -- they capture moments, and memories, that you never want to forget. And with these handy tips, you can be sure to always take the very best picture possible.