All posts in General Information

Consider the glass top dining table.

For many the thought of a glass top table brings to mind an instant idea of impracticality, when in fact, the glass top dining table can be used to elegant advantage in formal situations, and it can be “dressed down” and adapted perfectly to casual situations as well. Their style is extremely versatile – whether paired with a modern base, or a traditional base, it all depends on personal preference. If you do decide to consider a glass top dining table the following elements are good to keep in mind when making your final decision regarding purchase.

• Glass can be used to protect a traditional wood dining table. The most attractive feature of glass is the fact that it can be cut to the exact size and specifications necessary to make it a perfect fit for this purpose. The beauty of the wood shines through while being completely protected from heat and spills. Glass can also be used alone when set atop legs or a pedestal made especially for supporting a glass top.

• It should be kept in mind that glass tops are almost always extremely heavy and will be dangerous should they ever shift or slide. To prevent accidents it’s important to secure the glass to its base using bolts, glue, or non-skid dots which are available at the hardware store. Large or heavy glass that wouldn’t be likely to shift or slip should be placed on pieces of felt at each corner.

• When considering the features of a glass top dining table, keep in mind that the edges will always be smoothed so that nothing sharp remains. They can be square, beveled or rounded at the edge in their finished state. Tempered glass tables are much safer and stronger than standard glass, and most importantly, even if a table made of tempered glass should ever break, the pieces won’t have sharp edges. The glass should be between three eighths to half an inch thick. This will allow it to be strong, but not so heavy that it would be exceedingly difficult to move.

• Glass top dining tables are a great option for small spaces because the clear surface will serve to make the room appear larger. Another fantastic situation for the glass top table is being used over a special floor rug so that the pattern is showcased rather than hidden under a traditional table. If you own a glass top dining table that is place upon legs or a base, it’s simple to purchase a new style while retaining the glass top when you decide to update your interior design scheme. And cleaning is simple – a few sprays of glass cleaner wiped away with paper towels and then polished with a soft cloth is all the attention that’s necessary to keep the table looking amazing.

• It’s only fair to mention the potential drawbacks of a glass top dining table. Fingerprints are probably the most common complaint among owners, but, as stated above, those are easy enough to deal with. Also, glass top dining tables can be heavy and difficult to move; and of course there is always the fear of chips and cracks.

All in all, when you weigh the pros and cons, you’re sure to find that the glass top table would make a wonderful addition to your home. Good luck to you in making your decision, and also in making your purchase if you decide the glass top dining table is right for you.

A Familiar and Favorite Way to Socialize

People absolutely love a dinner party. As the host or hostess, you get to invite friends into your home and showcase your decorating and culinary skills, along with your hospitality. As guests you get to enjoy the atmosphere of delicious food and drink, and spending time with old friends, and possibly getting to know some new ones. So while the conversation and food are definitely the stars of the evening, the decor of your home, and especially your dining table, are there to set the stage. If you want to keep things casual and low-key, or upscale and dramatic, these nuances are conveyed through the right decorations, and the main focal point will be your dining table.

Floral Centerpieces

If you’re planning on using a floral centerpiece, keep in mind that you want the look to avoid being a distraction – you simply want it to accent the table and please the eye, nothing more. Arrangements that are overly busy or fussy create a cluttered atmosphere, and flowers that are beautiful to look at, can have a scent that is overpowering which will actually effect how the food you’re serving tastes to your guests; not to mention strong floral scents can trigger asthma and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The best approach is to choose flowers that are delicately scented at most, or have little to no scent at best. Daffodils, carnations, orchids and baby’s breath are all excellent choices.

Edible Centerpieces

Food based centerpieces are always perfect for a dinner party. Your guests can enjoy portions as an appetizer or as dessert. Arrangements of fresh fruit and vegetables can be especially eye-catching, while candies can also be charming when used in clear glass vases. Hard candies such as Jolly Ranchers, lollipops, and rock candy can look amazing when displayed on the table in glass. Add greenery to complete the look, and remember to keep things seasonal if you decide to use fresh fruits and/or vegetables in your arrangement.

Illuminated Centerpieces

Rather than just using the lighting that already exists in your dining room, use the table arrangement as your source of light. For a sleek and minimal look arrange tea lights in a row or in clusters down the center of the table. Place smaller votive candles around the base of a larger pillar candle to create an interesting focal point, and one which can also work flawlessly with some of the other tips mentioned in this article. Again, remember to go with the season – if you’re hosting a party in autumn, try hollowing out miniature pumpkins or glorious red apples in the right size and shape to hold small tea light candles.

Table Settings

Consider the atmosphere you’re trying to create and let your table settings help you set the mood. For a more casual gathering it can be a lot of fun to mix things up with a variety of plates used across the table. Think whimsical and purposely mismatched. Keep the color scheme complementary but funky. If your gathering is to be more elegant go for a look that’s more traditional and formal using matching place settings and crisp linen napkins to impress your guests. What’s most important is that you use this opportunity to showcase your style and personality, and have a great time!

Decision-making is part of thee daily life routine and I imagine that what I am saying now won’t come as a surprise. We make choices every moment and we do it without thinking, spontaneously, but when it comes to choosing furniture we change instantly and become picky. Considering that you make an investment when buying furniture, weighing the pros and cons is a must. Read more…