Fancy For The Holidays

Besides all the Halloween gear there are also Thanksgiving and Christmas stuff popping up in the stores.It raises the question is your dining room ready for the holidays? Are the lines and silverware still holding up? What about the China? Maybe it's time for a refresh.

How long do linen tablecloths last? A good one can last up to twenty to thirty  years - which is why they make excellent shower gifts (and why they were always a de rigeur wedding present). Keep in mind that they do age or yellow.Natural linen fibers yellow or oxidize over time. leaving an ivory or pale yellow tint.Food and wine stains also leave discoloration  and surprisingly putting tablecloths and napkins in the dryer.The immediate heat sets the stain and can never be washed out. If yours is old and yellow you may want to think about buying an entirely new set. There are some great buys from department stores such as  Target have sets for  around one hundred dollars. Etsy has some beautifully handcrafted sets with embroidery and lace insets for as low as thirty dollars for four napkins and twenty -two dollars for a whole set of ten. You can also get jacquard  woven tablecloth and napkins at Kohl's, This is a beautiful orange colored covering, perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall family gathering.

Chinaware, as we know from seeing it in museums can last hundreds of years. This is why it's passed down from generation to generation. However it should be treated with kid gloves. Every piece should be hand washed with a mild soap and soft cloth and sponge. Use paper ,cloth or felt plate pads to divide them so they don't scratch up against each other, NEVER microwave any chinaware that has silver or gold trim. That could damage both the plate and the microwave.If you;re looking to retire the family heirlooms there are dozens of places to find replacements. Again Target comes to the rescue here. They have one in the pattern Spritz which is [plastic with a metallic trim.These are kid and dishwasher safe.Their Stoneware choices are also lovely and these can easily turn into heirloom pieces. Amazon also has  a varied and lovely section .You can even order a few days before Thanksgiving and they'll come for the big day, This is also time to check your silverware or goldware. They may just need a gentle washing with Dawn(preferred) or Ivory . Again if you feel you need new forks and spoons then check any of your big department stores. Even Walmart has some great sets.They have a forty-nine pieces e set for as low as $29,99. This covers everything from that first course of soup to dessert.

This is the time to reassess your fancy ware. The holidays will be here soon enough. Make sure your table looks lovely with sophisticated lines, plates and utensils.