November 2003 Issue
In this months Issue:
Wow, What a Great Looking Table!
Love Those Sweaters!
Maternity Clothes
Home Laundry Tip
Wow, What a Great Looking Table!
November seems to be the start of a dizzying array of holiday parties, get-togethers and open houses that seem to last until the Super Bowl in January. An attractive tablecloth and napkins can really set the mood for your event, whether its a casual buffet or a formal sit-down dinner.
Here are some tips for buying tablecloths and napkins:
Measure your table. Know what size tablecloth you need. You wouldnt believe how many people go to the store without checking out this important fact first!
Watch for sales. There are many sales throughout the year on linens and table-cloths. Check out department stores, linen specialty shops, outlet and factory stores and catalogues if youre looking for bargains. Tablecloths and napkins can be an inexpensive way to give even the most ancient set of china or silver a new glow and feel.
Dont be afraid to mix and match. Found a great-looking tablecloth but there arent any matching napkins? No problem, just buy a tablecloth with a pattern and select a solid color that blends for the napkins. You can also try choosing a rich-looking hue and select eye-catching napkins to create a splash of color.
Wash the tablecloths or placemats and napkins before use. Before washing, however, try them out on the table first, with dishes and silverware, to make sure you like the way they look.
Once youve made your purchase, you can extend the life of your linens by taking good care of them. Always shake out the tablecloth outside to remove any excess crumbs or liquid. Treat any major wine, chocolate or tomato-based stains immediately. (White wine and club soda work well to get out red stains like cranberry or fruit juices. )
When storing your tablecloth, try rolling it up instead of folding it. It will take up less storage space and wont wrinkle as easily. For vinyl or plastic tablecloths (perfect for the kids!) be sure to wipe with a clean damp cloth and rinse well. Try sprinkling some talcum powder on the tablecloth before storing to help prevent mildew and that sticky feeling.
Love Those Sweaters!
With cooler weather now, people are starting to pull out sweaters and other items that have been in storage. Be sure to check for any moth damage. Damaged items will have small to medium sized holes in isolated areas of the fabric. If youre unsure about damage, just bring it to us to inspect. If the holes are small or in hidden areas of the fabric, we may be able to do some simple repairs for you.
To avoid moth damage next time, dryclean or wash any items before storing them away. This will kill the early stages of moths and beetles, and removs food stains that may attract these insects.
Heres a handy tip. If youve got a sweater that feels itchy, this simple trick will keep it soft and comfortable: hand wash the sweater in lukewarm water with a few tablespoons of glycerin (with the hand creams in the health and beauty aids section of your store).
Maternity Clothes
Years ago, pregnancy was something to hide. Clothing choices were limited to large, shapeless clothing, Peter Pan collars, lacy or frilly necklines and large flowered patterns. In short, maternity clothes got no respect from manufacturers or designers. Many women, in desparation, wore mens sweaters or large shirts, created their own clothes or simply borrowed items from previously pregnant friends.
That was then and this is now. Maternity and fashion are no longer opposites. Attractive, functional options are now available in virtually every price range. Manufacturers recognize that maternity clothing needs to be professional-looking, attractive and affordable. While there are some high-end designer options, most women are finding lots of great choices in a variety of fabrics and styles.
When purchasing maternity clothes, remember that while they will only be used for a short time, they need to be durable and comfortable, made of material that wont itch or bind. Choose a few basic, core elements a black dress, leggings, a few dark-colored pants and then add brighter tops and sweaters.
Maternity experts say if youre petite, choose monochromatic tops and bottoms, to create a single line of color. Shoes and stockings should match too. Choose high-neck tops to draw the eye up, and use scarves or short necklaces. Always choose slim-fitting styles, rather than bulky ones, for a more flattering look.
If youre tall, select knee-length skirts. Dont dress in one color, but mix and match in basic, darker colors. Try long jackets with pants or over a dress for a great look.
Home Laundry Tip
If the temperatures are starting to go down, youre probably reaching for some more blankets. It is possible to wash some blankets at home, as long as you are careful. Of course, check the label first to make sure the blanket is washable. Then, make sure the machine has enough room for movement between the folds of the blanket. If its jammed in too tight, you could damage the machine since the material wont have any room to move around. Its best to wash blankets using mild soap in cold water. We also recommend adding a cup of white vinegar to the final rinse to remove any residue from the soap; this will also keep the blanket soft and not stiff. Some blankets can go in the dryer on a warm setting, or you may need to hang the blanket up. Now youre ready to cuddle up in that nice clean blanket!