layout image layout image
 
Do it Yourself header image
A dining room can be such a fantastic place to entertain, but it can easily be underused if you often eat in the kitchen or in front of the telly instead. Here are a few hints to make it a more special place to spend time? 1) Adding a table cloth and a vase (a pint glass or milkbottle will do for that \'shabby chic\' look that is very in at the moment) full of flowers (pick wild ones from your garden/balcony or pick a small bunch of something simple like freesias and gypsophila at your local florist/supermarket) adds instant homely atmosphere to a dining room. 2) Light some candles and turn down the lights to add mood.
 
This doesn\'t have to be romantic (although it certainly is!) - it is equally relaxing and a lovely way to end a stressful day at work. 3) Create instant new chairs by covering your existing ones with a pretty disguise. All you need is a couple of old sheets and some ribbon. I would recommend batch-dyeing sheets with Dylon Machine Dye (really easy, just follow the instructions on the packet) to a colour that coordinates with your curtains and carpet, then cutting each sheet in half. Your local haberdashers/John Lewis will stock ribbon - I\'d choose quite wide ribbon in a similar colour, or another colour in your scheme, eg brown ribbon on cream sheets, or gold ribbon on burgundy sheets for a lovely warm look. You\'ll need about 1 - 1 ½ metres per chair, depending on the width of the back of the chair. Drape the half-sheet over the chair lengthways, so that the seat and the back are covered, and tie the ribbon around the back of the chair above the seat, so that the fabric on the back of the chair is taut and secure. Tie a knot or a bow at the back, and, hey presto, \'new\' dining room chairs! 4) Antique tablecloths and dresses can be cut up to make colourful napkins - simply cut into squares and hem or overlock the edges to make unique napkins you\'ll never see anywhere else. Start making supper time a special time that you spend together as a couple or family - a place where you have the chance to talk and share the day\'s successes and disappointments without the distractions of the television, or even the washing-up (at least not until afterwards!). Enjoy! Emma Cooper Tarry is the founder and owner of I-Candi Designs (http://www.i-candi.co.uk or by calling +44 (0)1227 860886 or emailing emma@i-candi-designs.co.uk.

 

PRODUCTS

Kitchen Craft Silicone Kitchen Utensils Pastry Brush

Kitchen Craft Silicone Kitchen Utensils Pastry Brush

Add some colour to your kitchenThe silicone is durable, flexible and safe to use with any type of cookware.Oven resistant to 260176It does not stain or absorb odoursDishwasher safe, with stainless steel handles.Standard delivery charge of pound4.95 f

£4.99
More Information
Kitchen Craft Silicone Kitchen Utensils Turner

Kitchen Craft Silicone Kitchen Utensils Turner

Add some colour to your kitchenThe silicone is durable, flexible and safe to use with any type of cookware.Oven resistant to 260176It does not stain or absorb odoursDishwasher safe, with stainless steel handles.Standard delivery charge of pound4.95 f

£5.99
More Information
Kitchen Craft Silicone Kitchen Utensils Tongs

Kitchen Craft Silicone Kitchen Utensils Tongs

Add some colour to your kitchenThe silicone is durable, flexible and safe to use with any type of cookware.Oven resistant to 260176It does not stain or absorb odoursDishwasher safe, with stainless steel handles.Standard delivery charge of pound4.95 f

£6.99
More Information
6pc Kitchen Set Granite

6pc Kitchen Set Granite

Includes 50L lift up bin. Square bowl. Sink mat. Plate rack. Dish brush. Dustpan and brush.

£14.79
More Information
Xmas kitchen set

Xmas kitchen set

This Christmas kitchen linen set contains an apron a double oven glove and two terry towelling tea towels. The oven glove and apron are red with festive designs and the two tea towels are white with a red check and a festive border. Red Multi.

from £19.00
Compare Prices
Kitchen Canisters Set

Kitchen Canisters Set

Simple practical and so nostalgic, this charming crafted canister set with enamel look finish houses all your kitchen essentials. Colour to order Cream, Blue

£39.00
More Information
Flowers Arrangements News

Flowers raise funds for choir students (Lake County Journals)

GURNEE - Lake County florists pulled out all the stops in this year’s Choir Booster Holiday Flower Show on Oct. 30. During the event, local florists put together flower arrangements to make money for the Warren Township High School choirs.

Read more...


Pine cone flowers are festive for fall, holidays (Belleville News-Democrat)

When your family is bored with nothing to do, send them to the yard to gather freshly fallen pine cones.

Read more...


Tips on seating guests, serving souffle, cleaning pillows and more (Seattle Times)

Martha Stewart offers tips on how to care for pillows, seating arrangements for the holiday table, serving souffle, protecting handbags and a winter baby shower.

Read more...


Obituaries received today (The Oshkosh Northwestern)

Helmuth H. (Junior) Berndt, age 64, of Berlin, died peacefully on Friday morning November 21, 2008 at the Berlin Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are pending at this time. John R. Wiecki-Skipchak Funeral Home 116 S. Adams Ave. Downtown, Berlin, Wis. 54923 (920) 361-2050

Read more...


Flower show to take place in Fox Lake (Lake County Journals)

LAKE COUNTY JOURNALS With colder temperatures ahead, Fox Lake area residents do not have to wait until spring to enjoy their favorite flowers.

Read more...


 
layout image layout image