Archive for August, 2009

Last week I checked out one of my favorite design blogs designspongeonline.com and they had a post about the fork.  You know the utensil we use at every meal.  It was  a very interesting and fascinating look at the history of said eating implement.  One of the comments came from a reader who suggested someone needed to start an etiquette blog.  Well, I am taking on that challenge and will write about dining, table setting and party etiquette and manners.

Teaching manners to my children has always been important in our household.   I’m continually amazed at the poor manners I see in  adults and children.  If your mother didn’t teach you how to eat, be polite and act in social situations, how can you possibly teach your own children?

You eat soup and salad before the entree, so the soup spoon and salad fork are on the outside!

A basic table setting has the forks on the left and the knife and spoons on the right.  The napkin is placed next to the forks or under the forks or on the plate.  You always start with the outermost utensil and work toward the plate when eating.  The soup spoon is largest and on the outside, so that’s the one you use when eating soup.  The salad fork is smaller than the dinner fork (and to the left), so you know which one to choose when the salad arrives.

Once you know the basics, it’s easy to get creative when setting your own table for parties.  Whether you are at a formal event or casual family supper the  rules are the same.

Send me your dining, table setting and etiquette questions.  I’m at your service!

If you’re sending your teenager off to college this fall, I don’t have to talk to you about expenses.  Everything about higher education is costly, but furnishing a dorm room doesn’t need to break the bank.  You know how I love to “re-purpose” an item (find a new use for something).  You also know I’m a flea market and antique junkie and Goodwill is one of my favorite places to shop.

Rearrange the furniture to create floor space. By lofting the beds, we had room to add a couple of chairs and area rugs. Throw a couple of pillows on the floor and you have seating for several friends.

I have been working with Goodwill SEW along with Marquette and Carroll Universities creating dorm showrooms entirely furnished with items purchased at Goodwill stores.   The average cost has been around $200 for two students living in the space!  It takes a little time to shop, but the savings are amazing.  Why spend a bundle of money now when you know your student will want something different next year?

It's amazing how much money you can save with smart shopping. We did an the whole room for under $200! Have a game plan and color scheme in mind when shopping.

Most dorm room furniture can be moved around and beds can be lofted for more floor space.

Lofted or bunk beds free up the floor. Talk to your room mate about color choices and who will bring the important stuff like the TV, refrigerator and chairs!

I found a green folding chair and a second one I covered with a blanket.  You might find a love seat size sofa or a comfy arm chair to fit your space.

Posters add personality to your dorm room without breaking the bank. Be sure to find out what you can use to hang pictures from the housing staff!

Once you choose a color scheme, shopping is easier and faster when you concentrate on your particular colors and you will be amazed at how many accessories you will find.

Each student gets a desk and shelving at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Plenty of room to organize books, toiletries and personal items.

Personalize your space with photos and items that are important to you.

Arrange your furniture to get the most floor space. Separating your desks will give each of you a little privacy.

Use colorful baskets and containers to hold your toiletries and towels.

The hunt is half the fun!

Shabby Chic has been around for quite awhile.  It started when Rachel Ashwell took old, chipped paint flea market finds and made them fashionable.  What I don’t care for is when people try too hard to recreate old patina.  It can’t be done.  What’s the point of finding an old dresser, stripping off layers of paint, sanding it smooth and re-painting and re-sanding and pretend you found it that way!  Why bother?

I love old rusty architectural pieces.  I’m drawn to old, peeling paint on iron or wood artifacts.  I love the quiet elegant of pieces that wear their age in layers.  You can find all kinds of things at flea markets and antique stores.  You just have to keep your eyes open to discovery.  Look at the sculptural character in an item. Think of the pieces as artwork.   Old pieces work in interiors or on the porch.  It’s OK to mix and match.  A rusty old antique offers a unique contrast in a contemporary setting.

Remember the old adage, “one woman trash is another woman’s treasure”.

Tin crown molding shelf

Part of an old iron register or gate?

Create a wall collage with your vintage iron work by adding old architechturall stars.