How To Set A Festive Christmas Table

How To Set A Festive Christmas Table

Whether you are a novice or expert, setting a festive Christmas table can be easy and fun.  When I look at my Christmas table all set and decorated, it truly brings in the holiday spirit and warms the cockles of my heart.  The thoughts of family and friends permeate throughout my mind and remind me of how truly blessed I am.  What a wonderful life I have and the many blessings that have come my way.

As with any type of decorating, you want to have each room compliment each other. For instance, if your Christmas decorating is modern, you want to keep your Christmas Table Setting modern. As you walk into your Dining Room the character of the table should mimic your decorating taste. There are so many different products out there today that it can be difficult to choose but I know that you will find what you need to accomplish this.

Before you begin, let’s take a minute to go over the basics of table setting.

Keep in mind the following when planning to set your Christmas Table

How many guests are you having, what type of table – round, square or oblong, formal or casual? What type of mood are you looking to create? What do you need to accomplish your “look”?

Table Padding helps with the setting of your festive Christmas Table. Not only does the table padding protect your table finish from liquid spills, hot spots, scratches, dents and nicks it helps to absorb sound and gives the tablecloth a gentle flowing drape and prevents the tablecloth from sliding or pulling.

Table padding is made of felt and vinyl and the soft backing is safer for many modern finishes. Table padding comes in many sizes or can be cut to the size of your table or cut longer to include the drop or overhang. And there is always the option of having a custom made pad for your table.

Tablecloths come in standard sizes for square, round, oblong (rectangle) and oval. Need help figuring out what size and shape of tablecloth you need?

Do you know the difference between and oblong and oval tablecloth? Many time people confuse oblong with oval. An oblong tablecloth is designed to fit a rectangle table with square corners and an oval tablecloth fits an egg-shaped table.

Do you know how to figure out your tablecloth size?
Measure the width and length of your table. Add the overhang or drop, which is how long the tablecloth will hang over the side, typically the desired overhang is 10-12 to lap level on dining tables and 15 inches for banquet tables.

When you have these measurements, add the overhang times 2 to each measurement of your table. You don’t want the tablecloth to be too long. Your guests should be able to be able to sit and not have the tablecloth touch their legs, you don’t want anyone pulling that tablecloth!!

Example: If your table size is 30×72 inches and the desired drop is 10 inches you would figure it this way:
10 inch (drop size) X 2 would be 20 inches
Add the 30″ (from your table measurement) to the 20″ (doubled desired drop) = 50 inches
Add the 72″ (from your table measurement) to the 20″ (doubled desired drop) = 92 inches

The perfect cloth size for your table would be 50 X 92 inches. Since tablecloths come in standard sizes you would then select the size closest to those figures.

I have a rectangle table and start with a biege tablecloth, then I use a square green colored tablecloth laid down with the points showing at the mid point of the table, add a table runner and use a small corresponding table square.  Layering Looks stunning!!!

I am a big fan of Table Runners, they just add a little something extra to your table setting and can be used to compliment your linens, china and decor. Table runners can also be used to hide a leaf in the table. Table runners are sometimes called “scarves” and are pieces of material that run lengthwise or across your table. Table runners can run within the dimensions of a table or extend into the overhang.

You can really go all out and decorate your chairs.  There are many varieties of chair coverings or slipcovers that give your table an even more elegant look.

I use taffeta scarves or runners and tie them around the back of the chair with a big bow and place a flower in the middle of the bow.  This creates a stunning and polished look at your festive Christmas table.

There are so many things that you can do with a napkin.

Napkins are a piece of material (made of cloth or paper) used to clean the lips or fingers and for protection of clothing. Napkins can be made of a variety of fabrics including cotton, linen, silk, and cotton/polyester blends. Cotton, Linen, and Silk napkins are typically used for more formal settings while cotton/polyester blends are used for casual everyday dining.

Turning a plain piece of cloth into an exotic swan for instance, brings back my many days in the catering business. Napkin folding can turn your table into an elegant work of art and it is an easy and fun task. Not into napkin folding, then napkin rings are the best thing. There are napkin rings for anyone budget and taste.

The Charger is making a big come back on tables. The charger makes a table look more elegant, whether serving dinner to your family or entertaining the guests.

Chargers are simply under plates that are used at each place setting of a formal table. The charger will be larger than the actual dinner and salad plates used to hold the food. The dinner plate is never placed on the charger. When you are shopping for chargers, place the salad plate or soup bowl, not the dinner plate, on the charger to see how it sizes and coordinates.

The charger should compliment the choices of china, silverware, and décor of the table setting. A charger may be used with or without placemats, depending on your table setting.

The use of the right charger can add a touch of elegance to the table. By coordinating the design of the table setting, the color choices, and the pattern used for the china, the charger will beautify other pieces and create a sense of an elegant and festive table setting.

I could go on forever about the different types, shapes, sizes and colors of Christmas Dishes, there are so many that are available to you. What it really boils down to is your taste and what you like. For me, I like clean lines and borders and have a set of Mikasa China that I use for all holiday’s, ivory dishes with a gold inlaid border. Plain and simple and I use chargers, tablecloths, napkins and decorations to bring in the color of the holiday.

Now on the other hand, many people have a set of Christmas Dishes and Tableware such as Spode, Lennox, Mikasa and the list goes on from the most expensive to the least expensive. It’s up to you, your budget and your taste.

Most sets of china come with some basic serving dishes and if you are like me over the years I have accumulated additional serving pieces for my china. Then there are the holiday serving pieces that we save over the years.

But for ease of serving and cleaning, I like to use Stoneware/CorningWare serving dishes, that can easily go from the oven to your table. Stoneware is attractive, microwave proof and even oven proof. Right from your oven to your table, eliminating extra dishes, pots and pans. Another reason you need table padding, to save your table from the heat of serving dishes.

Just as versatile as stoneware is Corning ware, both help eliminate extra chores on a busy Christmas Day and add beauty to your Christmas Table.

Most of us know how to set a table, but for those that need a little refresher here is an overview…

* Forks should go on the left and spoons and knives to the right of the plate
* An easy way to remember the correct order to place utensils is that they go in the order in which you use them; so the salad fork goes on the outside left while the larger fork used to eat the main course goes on the inside left. Turn the blade of all knifes so they face toward the plate, why well in midevil times the blade pointing out meant harm to the person next to you.
* If you are using chargers, place the salad plate and/or soup bowl on the charger.
* Place the side plate or bread and butter plate to the left of your place setting;
* Place the wineglass at the tip of the main-course knife. The water glass and any other glasses should be arranged in the order they will be used with the first one on the outside.
* The napkins can go under the knife and spoon or on the side plate. If you choose to use napkin holders or fancy folds, the napkin can go on top of the charger plate set up or even in the water glass for a more decorative and elegant place setting.

Truth be told…I leave the place cards to the kids, who have a great time trying figuring out who sits next to who. It’s a great touch to create and decorate place cards.

Place the cards either on the charger plate setup or better yet in attractive place card holders which are placed on the charger plate setup or directly on top of the charger plate setup.

Using place or name cards adds a finishing touch on your festive Christmas Table Setting.

What do you say about Glassware? There are so many styles and shapes that just can boggle the mind.

If you are using a Christmas pattern such as Spode, you most likely have the coordinating glassware. Most importantly, set a water glass, wine glass if you serve wine or alcohol and for the more adventurous, a stylish shot glass for the tradition after dinner sambuca with coffee beans.

Finally, for an extra special touch, you could leave a small gift at each place setting. If you shop around in dollar discount stores you can find all kinds of small gift items. Wrap them and use ribbon to give them a holiday look. You could even place the name cards in a frame for your guests to bring home. Opening the gifts will make a great conversation starter when everyone sits down at the table.

Decorating your table with a festive Centerpiece will give your table a festive Christmas feeling. Candlesticks are another great way to decorate your table and add a flair of elegance. You can also use candles and music to create the perfect festive Christmas setting.

The final and finishing touches create a festive Christmas Table Setting!

About the Author

Ann Cohen is a mom, wife, friend and caterer who love babies, “green”, decorating and holiday’s. Being able to entertain and decorate on a budget is important today and loves finding that “great deal.” To get some more tips on how to’s, green and saving money check out How To Set A Festive Christmas Table and browse her selection of how to’s.

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Try the links :

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A Table Lamp by Richard-ginori

When it comes to good design, no matter if a chair, a building or table lamp, without the design eye that sees balanced proportion, the design will fail.  The key to good design is always a harmonious balance between the elements used. 

Italy has a long respected reputation for excellence in design with contemporary names like Armani, Gucci & Versace.  The house of Ginori was established in 1735 by the Marchese Carlo Ginori, (1702-1757), with Ginori’s first porcelain manufactory at Doccia near Florence.

Ginori’s porcelain manufacture was continued without a break by his three sons, noted particularly for the introduction of a new white porcelain.  (The Doccia porcelain of the 18th century had always had a rather greyish look to it).  The company has always referred to its 18th century origins and with the revival of Rococo styles in the 19th century, the Doccia manufactory almost totally reverted to its 18th century models.  (See illustrated:- A Doccia plate from the 18th century factory).

The company remained in the hands of the Ginori heirs until 1896 when it was incorporated into the Richard of Milan company, as Richard-Ginori.

Gio Ponti served as artistic director of the company from 1923 into the1930’s, the period in which this lamp was produced.  The Richard-Ginori company which produces most of the high quality Italian porcelain today has its own purpose built museum to display its beautiful collection of Doccia/Richard-Ginori porcelain, right up to today.  This lamp is also included in its display collection.

“An Italian Porcelain Table Lamp from the design house of Richard-Ginori.  The elegant lamp of well balanced proportion.   The design drawn from classical antiquity.  The lamp standing on a square based plinth with a matt gilded wide rim.  The lamp base with gilded “bound reed” moulding.  The eliptical vase shape enamelled in a deep royal blue and decorated with a circular gold rimmed white reserve.  The reserve with a puce, well drawn classical figure of a Roman muse.

The lamp terminating in a swag moulded and gilded neck and surmounted by a domed cover/lamp holder”.

The base of the lamp marked with the Ginori mark.Circa 1930-35

Overall height (including shade) 21″/53cm

The Antique & Vintage Table Lamp Co specialise in antique table Lamp Lighting with an on-line range of over 100 unique, antique and Vintage Lamps on view.

Lamps are shipped ready wired for the U.S, the U.K and Australia.

You are invited to visit their web site at www.antiquelampshop.com

© The Antique & Vintage Table Lamp Co 2009

About the Author

Maurice Robertson, principal of The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co , has had a lifetime’s association with antique porcelain and pottery,with his commercial experience spaning a period of 40 years,including as a valuer to the Australian Government’s Incentive to the Arts Scheme. His long experience with antique ceramics and glass also includes dealing with leading museums and numerous international private collections. He has extended his ceramics expertise into the quality Table Lamps seen on the company’s site, he is well known to local and international interior designers who have included many of his table lamps in their projects and has also supplied items of national interest to the official Sydney residence of the Australian Prime Minister.

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Sophisticated Home Decoration With Stained Glass Lamps

Stained Glass Lamps give an old world charm, warm and calm feeling. They can be used to replace candles to eliminate the problem of lighting many candles and replacing them regularly. At the same time, it lends a warm and radiant feel to the room. When you install stained glass lamps, you will feel like you are living in another world. Air of your house will be kaleidoscopically colorful, when sun will glance at your place. There will be no grey sky and sad mood in your house!

Any room requires its own color filling. We are used that as a rule carpets, wall-papers, pictures, posters fulfill this function. But even our ancestors knew that stained glass could make the most modest interior fascinating. It turns out, that these “colorful glasses”, attributes of Gothic cathedrals and art exhibitions, are quite appropriate in our houses and apartments. Static yet colorful, stained glass lighting is very pleasant to look at. These fixtures include floor lamps, ceiling fixtures, and Table Lamps in Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Mission, and Victorian styles.

Stained glass lamps are lamps which shades are made of stained glass (many pieces soldered together). Some stained glass lamps have stained glass bases as well. For over 100 years Tiffany Lamps And Lighting have been an essential part of a luxurious home decor. These stained glass lamps are from the style and design of Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848 – 1933). Louis Tiffany used his creative talents to follow his love for art, instead of following in his father’s
footsteps.

The first Tiffany Lamps were made at the beginning of the 20th century. Each lamp was made by hand and reflected the work of the individual artist. The base of the lamp was typically made of brass or bronze. It should be pointed out that several copies of a particular design were made but the lamps were never mass produced. Even though several copies of a pattern were produced, each lamp shade has a one of a kind feel imparted by the individual artist. Tiffany Stained Glass Lamp shades are constructed from hand cut, polished and shaped pieces of stained art glass. Copper foil is wrapped around each piece of glass, glued together then soldered with lead. You may observe some lines, seeds or bubbles in the glass… these aren’t defects, but natural beauty of
the glass.

There are so many modern stained glass lamps around but nothing can beat the finesse of Tiffany stained glass lamps, which are in a league of their own. It’s quite relieving to know one can buy Tiffany reproduction stained glass lamps in almost every original style and color. Tiffany style stained glass lamps have set up their own niche in the world of glass-making. You can find Tiffany reproduction stained glass lamps in almost any type of room, from restaurants to prestigious buildings, from homes to offices and other professional meeting rooms.

Today’s contemporary versions of these decorative Tiffany floor or Table Stained Glass lamps tend to be much more refined in design and also the glass panes that comprise the shades also tend to be more brightly jewel toned then in past decades. Tiffany stained glass lamps are beautifully detailed and adorned often with images of nature such as the dragonfly, peacock feathers, wisteria flowers and blossoms. It is hard not to be drawn into their beauty and is it easy to see how they also double quite easily as an ornamental
object during the day.

If you appreciate the beauty of illuminated colored glass then a Tiffany stained glass lamp is what you’re looking for. The vibrant colors of the stained glass lamp glowing in a darkened room are mesmerizing to the eyes of the beholder. The light bursting from Tiffany stained glass lamp shades is so intense, you find yourself questioning how such a tiny light bulb can cause such intensity of light! Tiffany stained glass lamps create a dramatic effect to any room.

The nice thing about Tiffany stained glass lamps, no matter what era it is from, is that it can reflect little coin or diamond shaped shards of light that can end up on your wall. This gives any room a very cozy and elegant touch. Tiffany stained glass lamps are also very nice to read by as the light from them is bright, but has a soft quality. Tiffany stained glass lamps also look best in a dark corner where they can shine in their full glory.

The less clutter that is around Tiffany stained glass lamps the better they look. Most have very elegant stained glass lamp bases as well that are reminiscent of flower stems or curved like swan’s necks. These gorgeous stained glass lamps can quite easily make a tacky looking kitchen appear more expensive, a recreation room seem cozier and a dining room seem like the height of elegance. No matter where Tiffany style stained glass lamps are
placed, they definitely add a touch of class. Tiffany Lighting fixtures come in beautiful colors and designs to complement any style of home decor.

For something a little more sophisticated but still fun and reminiscent of a more tropical place, you might be inspired by a Tiffany style palm tree lamp. Staying true to the elegant design of the original artist, this Tiffany style palm tree lamp is made up of stained glass mosaic tiles perched atop a sturdy copper or iron base.

About the Author

Andrey Sorokin is the owner of theArticleFog free articles directory. Get expert advice about stained glass at http://www.articlefog.com/category-stained-glass.htm

Normande JS3-729 27W PL Floor Lamp, each, Antique Brass Finish $54.99 daylight floor lamp comes complete with a 27W energy saving bulb. Lamp’s height can be adjusted from 42.5″ to 50.5″. Very stylish with a heavy weighted base and antique brass finish….

Westinghouse 30-Inch Petite Hugger Ceiling Fan …

Montebello Collection Antique Brass Floor Lamp $99.99 A beautiful traditional look with a chic twist thanks to the off-white stretched bell-shaped shade and four lamp design. Lamps easily adjust for up to six different levels of light output, from romantic to ample task lighting. Takes three 60 watt bulbs and one 150 watt bulb in a 3-way socket (bulbs not included). Measures 59″ high. The shade measures 9″ top x 18″ bottom x 11-1/2″H in the slant….

27 Watt Replacement Light Bulb for Hampton Bay Antique Brass Full Spectrum Floor Lamp #1327 $8.99 A 27 Watt Replacement Bulb for Hampton Bay Antique Brass Full Spectrum Floor Lamp #1327. Gives natural soft light that good for eyes, best for reading and giving warm light to your house….

Torchiere Reading Floor Lamp with Magnifier – Antique Brass $207.00 Dimension of the Lamp: 13″W x 13″D x 72″H Dimension of Shade: 4″BW x 13″TW x 4″BD(L) x 13″TD(L) x 3″H Finish: Antique Brass Material: Metal  Torchiere Reading Floor Lamp with Magnifier – Antique Brass Lexika Collection Torchiere: 150W Incandescent A Type Bulb (Bulb NOT Included) 3-Way Socket Switch Reading Lamp: 60W Incandescent …

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Hand-painted Furniture: the Must-have Home Furnishings of the Season

From armoires to wooden figurines to headboards and accent mirrors, home furnishings are canvases for artists around the world. Adorned with floral patterns, Asian motifs and other ethnic-inspired designs, hand-painted furniture and accessories are the must-have items of the season. “Hand-painted home furnishings are taking center stage in the home, adding a world-inspired flare and style to the overall décor,” says Gary Babcock, vice president of merchandising and fashion at Arhaus Furniture, a 23-store lifestyle retailer of fine home furnishings.

Worldly influences

Hundreds of years ago, Egyptian artisans embellished everything from tables to pottery with colorful motifs to pass on ancient fables to future generations. “We’re seeing a resurgence of these hand-painted items as consumers look to add personal style to their home with unique pieces from around the world,” says Babcock. “They’re embracing heirlooms and other richly decorated items that they see as authentic to a certain era or culture.”

Today, influences in hand-painted home furnishings are widespread, coming from as far away as the Middle East, Europe and South America. “We’ve seen a variety of items wrapped with ethnic-inspired artwork, from a sideboard with a soft, delicate floral print inspired by Eastern Europe to an Asian armoire with clean, simplistic lines and finished in black and red with the added touch of painted landscapes and pictorials,” says Babcock. “Painting styles vary from region to region. From the palate of colors to the brush stroke, every region has its own influence. The uniqueness of the hand-painted piece is reflective of the individual artist’s background, as well as their talent.”

Arhaus commissions gifted artisans from all over the world to give each hand-painted piece its own unique qualities and traits. For instance, the Sam Remo Armoire gets its charm from old world style cabinets reminiscent of those that can be found in the Italian villas of Tuscany. It features intricate, hand-painted floral accents and a distressed garnet finish achieved by applying several layers of multi-colored paints and lacquers. A matching cupboard and sideboard are adorned with the same hand-painted finish making the San Remo an exquisite collection.

Ethnic motifs

From attractive 19th-century Southwestern prints to those of Northern Sweden, there are a number of decorative motifs to choose from when incorporating elegant hand-painted pieces into the home. “Artwork with Moroccan, Indonesian and Middle Eastern influences tends to be very ornate with rich, bright colors like cinnabar red, black and bronze,” says Babcock. “If the goal is to add a vibrant color or pattern to a specific room, but you are not ready to paint the walls, try adding hand-painted pieces from one of these regions to create a focal point or accent to the room.”

To create a balanced, eclectic look with clean, ethnic-inspired collections, Babcock recommends introducing lavish hand-painted furnishings showing a variety of influences from all over the world. “It’s important to choose one piece to serve as a center piece or focal point in the room. This may be a large Venetian mirror with a handcrafted frame covered with Middle Eastern art to hang over the sofa or a grand vintage-inspired armoire with doors ornamented with lilies,” Babcock added.

Ethnic-inspired accent pieces are becoming increasingly popular, especially mixed with contemporary furnishings. According to Babcock, there are no rules to decorating with hand-painted items. “You can take an intricately painted console Table like our Kartini Console and pair it with a handsome contemporary leather sofa and brushed chrome Lamps. Accent the look with graphic pillows and a fur throw and you have a contemporary look full of color and texture,” says Babcock.

Endless opportunities

With ethnic-inspired hand-painted home furnishings, the opportunities are endless. Below are suggestions from Babcock and the Arhaus team of interior design consultants as to how to incorporate these one-of-a-kind pieces into your décor.

* Look for antique-looking pieces that bring a certain era or culture into the home. This adds a personal touch to your décor, and because hand-painted furniture is such a big trend, it’s becoming easier to find unique pieces with a variety of ethnic influences.

* Introduce painted furniture that brings a new element of style and color into the space, adding an eclectic look. This piece doesn’t necessary have to blend with the existing furnishings; it’s the subtle details like an accent color of paint on a coffee table duplicated in the pillows on a sofa or the beading on a lighting fixture that pull the entire look together.

* Mix more modern, contemporary styles with ethnic, antique-looking designs. For instance, take the Verona TV Cabinet by Arhaus. The doors of the cabinet are accented with clusters of hand-painted roses and vines. Pair it with a floral tapestry sofa and throw in pillows with lots of floral mixes — now that’s a refined, elegant look!

* Embrace pieces with a variety of finishes. For example, the panels of a simple armoire can be brushed with black and gold filigree accents, while the casing is a deep-waxed stain allowing the natural wood grain to show.

* Watch for this season’s decorative, hand-painted accessories like mirrors with delicate floral designs, candlesticks imprinted with Asian-inspired designs and bowls, platters and tabletop figurines to add color and interest to any room. Accessories are just another way to achieve this charming hand-painted look in your home!

About the Author

Hello, I am Navneet kaur from INDIA (Chandigarh) hereby sharing my views with the world about the importance of e-books in our life. hoping for an early and warm responce from your side.For More Free Resources visit http://www.thedesignbuild.com

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7 Easy Fixes To Dramatically Improve A Homebuyer’s First Impressions

What do buyers see when they look at your house? Is it clean and uncluttered? Is it well maintained?

What kind of impression is your house making when prospective buyers see it?

Why does it matter? Why can’t buyers see the potential?

The answers to all of these questions may mean the difference between whether you sell a house quickly or your house not selling at all!

That cut point is a BIG deal.

The things you do before you put the house on the market will matter more than you can imagine. Think about your product…the house you are going to sell…as a series of photos. That’s how buyers will see your product. They will see a group of images that they either like or don’t like. Make sure all the images are attractive pictures. Any doorway a buyer walks through is an opportunity for you to stage a pretty picture.

1. The first picture a buyer will see will be the exterior of your house. It may be the most important image or photo of your product the buyers will see. If you have difficulty imagining what buyers will think of your house, take a photo yourself and fix anything that doesn’t look attractive. Paint and landscaping are relatively inexpensive fixes and can make a big impression on prospective buyers. And remember the colors of the driveway, the sidewalk, the siding, the landscaping and the roof all need to work together.
2. Then a buyer who likes the outside of your house will come through the front door. What is the next image they see? Is it the tangle of electronic equipment and wires that make up your AV equipment? Is it piles of shoes and coats? Or is it a nice entry that would make any homeowner proud? Make it look good. For homes with a formal entry a nice rug and a pretty Table with some fresh flowers may be all you need. If you open the door directly in to your living room make the wall opposite the door as attractive as possible. Put AV equipment in an inconspicuous spot or remove it entirely.
3. The next big deal may be the kitchen. Kitchens tend to have a lot of visual clutter. Clean and clear away all the stuff. Take the canisters and appliances that sit in the counters and store them away. You want buyers to see a kitchen that looks as pretty and as new as you can make it look.
4. The next photo that is really important to buyers is the master bedroom and bath. What is the first thing a buyer sees when they look through the door? It should be a bed with a headboard, 2 Bedside Tables with Lamps and perhaps a pretty picture over the headboard. This room is supposed to be a retreat from the cares of the world. The illusion is better for resale and for your bank account.
5. All bedrooms in your house should be staged with a bed, bedside tables and lamps opposite the door. Most buyers want at least 3 bedrooms. If you have more than 3 you can stage one as an office. But remember you can’t leave an office with a tangle of personal papers when your house is for sale. Besides being a security risk for your personal business it won’t be a pretty picture. A staged office has a desk with a lamp and a desk chair. That’s all. The desk should face the door with the chair behind it also facing the door.
6. The next important rooms are the baths. They have to be clean and new looking. Mildew will send buyers running away from your house, not buying it. Minor repairs and fixes will serve you best. Do not clutter the baths with cleaning products and hair appliances. Pretty soap dispensers and fresh towels are OK, but nothing else. Clean, clean, clean!
7. Family rooms and rec rooms are the next important pictures. If your family room is a wreck it will turn off buyers. They often end up being dumping grounds for all the stuff you bring into the house. Schoolbooks, sports equipment, briefcases, purses, work papers, AV equipment and wires. Clean up and make it look like a cozy family space.

Those first impression photo ops are critical for your goal of selling your home. Make sure every door leads to a pretty picture. Notice that many of our recommendations are about cleaning, polishing and getting rid of stuff. When you want to sell a home less is more. When people buy a home they are trying to realize a dream. Don’t show them a nightmare. Show them the right dream photos.

One last thought. Addressing all of the above will greatly improve your chances of a quick sale as well as a good price. However, there are two little words that by themselves will get you a flood of prospective homebuyers. Those two words are, owner financing. Now before you hit the back button, hear me out. Offering owner financing does not mean you have to wait 20 or 30 years for your money. You can simply sell the private mortgage created from the sale to a mortgage buyer or as some call them a note buyer. There will be a discount on the sale and you may have to hold the mortgage for a couple of months for it to “season” but you will most likely 1) Get top dollar for your home, 2) Not need a real estate agent and their commission, 3) Sell a home now saving interest, 4) Receive monthly income during the seasoning period and 4) receive the down payment (you should get at least 10% down.) at closing. So if you don’t have a big mortgage on your home, this is a great way to finally be rid of the home and end your frustrations. Oh, and imagine combining the above staging steps with owner financing. The results might just blow you away.

About the Author

Paula is a lifestyle specialists, providing others with her knowledge and insights gathered over her lifetime. She works with her husband in their note buying business. Learn more about creating and selling private mortgage notes at their websites, , Sell My Note and Mortgage Buyer

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Tags: 21.04.10, 25.4.10, lamps, monday, wednesday

Wildwood Lamps – When Quality Matters

Wildwood Lamps sets the standard for excellence in decorative lighting for the home or office.  Designers draw inspiration from lovely Japanese Kutani porcelain, elegant German and Florentine lead crystal, beautiful Italian toleware, and fine American artware. The Wildwood collection reflects the talents of Far Eastern, European, and American artisans and craftsmen.  Meticulous attention is given to detail that includes hand-finished mountings, handsome hardware accents, and appropriate shade treatments to complement the form and style of the lamp base. Encompassing Traditional, Transitional, Contemporary, and Modern styles, the Wildwood collection includes over four thousand Table Lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers, and other interior décor accessories.  In addition, lamps are available in numerous materials such as hand-decorated porcelain and ceramic, lead crystal, pure brass, solid bronze, several types of iron, wood, glass, chrome, and natural fiber. Many different finishes and patinas are carefully hand-applied to the various materials.  A Wildwood lamp offers the promise of beauty and enduring quality that will be treasured for years to come.

History of Wildwood

In 1900, Mr. W. Bulluck founded a retail store in the small southern town of Rocky Mount, North Carolina.  Although the store prospered, Mr. Bulluck turned the store over to his son-in-law, Hatcher Kincheloe, during the depression.  In the early 1960’s, Bill Kincheloe, grandson of Mr. Bulluck, became manager of the store. At the time, lamps and lampshades were only one component of the retail business.  At the request of his customers, Bill Kincheloe began developing a process to make customized lamps and lampshades.

By 1969, the retail store was producing a limited quantity of fine hand-crafted lamps using “in-house” wooden pieces and other components from importers. One day a furniture representative remarked that he could “sell” those lamps. The rep was given the line, photographs were taken, and Wildwood was launched.

In the early years, Wildwood Lamps focused on creating beautiful, classically inspired, European masterpieces.  Later, Transitional, Contemporary, and Modern styles and sub-styles such as Coastal, Casual, Southwest were introduced.  By 2000, to reach a growing number of consumers, the company began to expand the line to include a greater number of styles at more moderate prices.  Wildwood called this line of lamps “Marketplace.”  These lamps still maintained the attention to design and detail expected from a Wildwood lamp.

Today, Wildwood Lamps offers an extensive selection of the fine table lamps, floor lamps, Desk Lamps, Buffet Lamps, chandeliers, limited pieces of occasional furniture, and interior décor accessories. The company maintains both the Wildwood and the Marketplace line of lamps which allows customers choices in terms of the level of investment. Wildwood designers find inspiration from around the world to create exquisite, beautiful, and unique lamps and accessories of great distinction. For the discriminating buyer seeking fine quality home lamps or office lamps, a Wildwood Lamp is an excellent choice and will be appreciated for years to come – an heirloom for tomorrow.

About the Author

Holly Price is the founder of FineHomeLamps.com which offers an extensive collection of lighting for the home including home lamps, table lamps, and buffet lamps in contemporary, modern, and traditional styles from Wildwood Lamps and Candice Olson Lighting.

Emily 2 – pack Buffet Lamps Whether displayed on the buffet in the dining room or in the living room, this set of lamps add warmth to any space. The light gold bell shades complement a range of styles from traditional to country.Enhancing and protecting each lamp is a beautiful crackle bronze finish. Order today….

Murray Feiss One-Light Symphony Collection Table Torchiere, Corinthian Bronze with Speckled Champagne Scavo Glass Shade # 9233CB $198.90 The Murray Feiss9233CB is a 38.75″ Table Torchiere in the Corinthian Bronze Finish. This light fixture is from the Tall Collection and is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Approved for Indoor Locations….

Lite Source Inc. Tryphena Tiffany Buffet Table Lamp in Antique Bronze Finish Lite Source is a quality manufacturer of a vast selection of both beautiful and affordable interior lamps. From unique floor lamps and contemporary table lamps, to standard desk lamps, any Lite Source purchase will be a long-lasting addition to your existing decor. Lite Source manufactures a beautiful selection of high quality accent lamps, ceiling lighting, wall lighting, exterior lighting and ho…

Indoor Table Lamp [Set of 2] $99.95 270417 The mood of a room strongly depends on the lighting and the style of the lighting fixtures. Add some light and detail to your decor with this great lamp. The light pink shade has one of a kind scrunching detail making it very unique. This light is suitable for interior/dry locations. Features: -One light portable table lamp -High, low, and off in-line switch -Requires one medium base bulb …

Aldridge Buffet Lamp in Antique Bronze and Gold $147.13 TB101109 Features: -Aldridge buffet lamp -Antique bronze and gold finish -Accommodates One 60W med base incandescent bulb -Shade dimensions: 9” Dia -Overall dimensions: 30” H x 9” W…

Technorati Tags: entry, table

Tags: entry, table

How to Commission a Stained Glass Artist to Create Custom Artwork

Stained glass is an exquisitely beautiful and timeless art form. From the great cathedrals of the world to a white washed community church in a New England hamlet, or in the gracious mansions of eras gone by, stained glass has made a significant contribution in artistic expression. While it is very possible to purchase new or vintage stained glass in antique stores, art galleries or art shows, there are times when a custom-made piece is the only option. Perhaps you need a custom-size window built into a wall and you want to block the outside view. Or maybe you are looking for a Stained Glass Lamp shade in a very specialized theme. Seeking the help of a established stained glass artist to create a custom artwork will not only save you hours of searching for just the right piece; a window or other work of stained glass art that is custom made to your specifications may be the only way to find exactly what you want. Here are some tips on finding an artist and working though the details to make your concept a reality.

Step 1    Know precisely you want.

Before you talk to an artist, decide what you want: A lampshade, a window, a wall of stained glass panels to divide an interior space? Decide on dimensions, style and colors. If you’ve seen photographs online or in magazines that resemble what you have in mind, clip those out. Create a clip file of fabrics or color swatches of other items in the room where your stained glass will reside. Anything from an extra floor tile to a pillow cushion will help convey your ideas to the artist. An inspiration piece, such as a vase or piece of china, that contains the colors and style you have in mind is also helpful.

Step 2    Choose your artist.

This is perhaps the hardest part. Local art galleries, art museums and artists’ guilds are a good place to start if you wish to work one on one with a local artist. Ask friends and acquaintances who are patrons of the arts in your community. You can search online for artists from any locale. The Internet makes it easier than ever to work long distance with an artist, but you need to feel comfortable about taking this step. Whether you work locally or long-distance, be sure to review sketches, design books and photographs of the artists’ work, ask for references from previous clients; follow up and actually communicate with these clients to get their feedback about the artist and his or her work.

Step 3    Arrange to meet the artist.

Meeting the artist in person at the project site is the ideal situation since the artist will be able to evaluate the location and make recommendations on materials, etc. If a personal meeting is not possible because of distance, send photographs of the location as well as your dimensions, a description of the sight and surrounding elements, your ideas, colors, etc. by mail or email.

Step 4    Flesh out details of the commission.

For instance, you might want an elaborate design which is easiest to achieve with copper foil construction; but, since the window is going to be exposed to the elements, lead or zinc came construction must be used. You should talk about all materials to be used for came, framing and vase cap; the artist will be able to answer your questions about which materials should be used and why.

This meeting usually ends with an estimate of the project’s cost for materials as well as the artist’s fee. An itemized estimate, receipt for payments made in advance, a projected timeline for the project and potential additional fees or charges should be spelled out in writing and signed by both parties.

Step 5    The artist develops preliminary drawings that lead to the final design.

From your discussions, samples and photographs, the artist will create one or more drawings of the design. Additional meetings between the two of you will result in a final design that the artist will use to create your stained glass artwork.

Step 6    The artist chooses materials and makes recommendations as needed.

Now that the final design is finished, the artist will be able to decide which type of glass will be used. This is not an easy process because the design may require a certain color of glass which may not be easy to obtain. The artist should be able to show you other options; be prepared to make substitutions and compromises when necessary. If the artist determines that construction materials need to substituted for some reason, he or she should let you know in a timely manner.

Step 7    Wait for the delivery of the finished product.

Now the actual work begins and you may find waiting for the finished product as excruciating as waiting for Christmas morning when you were a child. But once your beautiful stained glass piece is delivered and installed you will find it well worth the wait and effort.

About the Author

Aja Klenna is a prominent online author and the senior staff writer for Metal-Wall-Art.com – a distinctive wall art store specializing in wall art and decor and metal leaf wall art.

Technorati Tags: antique stained glass floor lamp, ceiling, floor, glass, lamp, lamps, stained glass floor lamp bases, stained glass floor lamp shades, stained glass floor lamps, tiffany stained glass floor lamps

Tags: antique stained glass floor lamp, ceiling, floor, glass, lamp, lamps, stained glass floor lamp bases, stained glass floor lamp shades, stained glass floor lamps, tiffany stained glass floor lamps