One of the most common electrical problems that faces homeowners is dead outlets. It doesn't matter if you live in an ancient home or your property was just built last year, dead outlets happen in almost every house and for a number of reasons.

Usually, an outlet will go out because the breaker or fuse that it is affiliated with it has been blown. Generally, this will occur because too much pressure is being put on the outlet for the power source to handle. The cause is usually a large appliance plugged in, like an air conditioner that is either an older model, meaning it probably uses extra electricity, or that is sharing the plug with another high-wattage appliance.

You'll need to go to either your fuse or breaker box to fix this problem. If your home uses breakers, flip the switch that corresponds with the outlet in question firmly into the off position, making sure it completely falls in place. Your breakers should be labeled, so identifying which one to switch should be relatively easy.

If you have a fuse box, make sure that your replacement fuse has the same wattage as the one that blew before twisting it into place.

We all know Thanksgiving can be a hectic holiday, particularly if you’re hosting. When the 10+ pound turkey has yet to be picked up, the sides have yet to be planned, and your guests are due to arrive in hours, decorating the table is the least of your worries. Don’t be discouraged: you don’t have to be Martha Stewart to create a beautiful, easy, inexpensive holiday centerpiece. In fact, you may have all the supplies to wow those soon-to-arrive guests in five minutes flat:

Option 1: Glass Vases or Wine Bottles + String Lights

Check your cabinets for empty glass vases, hurricane candle holders – any decorative glass bowl will do. If you’re in a pinch, an empty wine bottle creates the same effect! Now, fill with string lights and voilà – instant centerpiece. Battery operated string lights are easiest because you won’t have to worry about the cord, but you can also get creative with hiding the cord under your table runner. Add pinecones and/or branches as you wish.

Option 3: Leaves of Your Choice + String Lights

This incredibly simple centerpiece looks fantastic with deep green magnolia leaves or a collection from your front yard’s best yellow/orange/red ensemble. The rustic tablecloth used in this picture matches well, but any neutral color would work.