Farm Party Decoration Ideas

The beauty of creating farm-themed party decorations is that you can use basic household items to create a rustic, casual look. Transform items you already own or that grow in your garden, such as pumpkins and flowers, into charming farm-inspired decorations. Save money by allowing birthday party guests to take the decor pieces home as favors. Does this Spark an idea?

Country-Inspired Wagon

When planning a farm-themed birthday party for a child, incorporate a red wagon into the decor plans. Choose a vintage red wagon for extra charm and fill it with hay. If the party is taking place in autumn, decorate several white and orange pumpkins with farm animal-inspired faces using markers. You can also use craft paint to enhance the pumpkins prior to decorating them; for instance, use pink paint for a pig face or black and white paint for a cow face. Arrange the decorated pumpkins on top of the hay in the wagon. Set the wagon anywhere within the party space.

Bandanna Table Textiles

Decorate the birthday party dinner or dessert table with farm wear-inspired touches. Sew several vibrantly hued paisley-printed bandanna together to create a whimsical runner, and lay it down the center of the table. Use all red bandannas for a traditional look, or create a colorful style using blue, green, orange and yellow bandannas as well. Place paper plates on woven bamboo plate holders for a country-inspired look. Set a glass ball jar by each plate setting for guests' drinks. Roll new bandannas as cloth napkins as secure them with cow, pig or horse-shaped napkin holders. Use a vintage vase filled with sunflowers or yellow daisies as a centerpiece.

Stuffed Animal Centerpiece

As a simple and eye-catching party table centerpiece, transform a farm-inspired stuffed animal into creative table decor. Choose a charming cow, pig, chicken or sheep plush toy and set it in the middle of the table. Buy a helium balloon featuring a farm-inspired design, a long ribbon string and a "happy birthday" message. Tie the end of the balloon's ribbon around the plush toy so it stays anchored to the party table. The centerpiece is especially sweet for a young child's birthday bash.

DIY Plans for Building a Dining Table

A dining table is the focal point of any dining room. Its size dominates the area, and its style dictates the style of the rest of the room. It is not only a place to eat but a place to serve food and even a place to decorate. The dining table truly sets the tone for a meal.



Building your own dining table is not difficult, but it takes time and effort--and good-quality wood. Does this Spark an idea?

Size

Dining tables can be built to complement any furniture style, but your primary consideration should be its proportions. Start with the table itself. Ask yourself if the thickness of the top is appropriate for its size. You certainly don't want a tabletop that looks more like a piece of paper or a mere chunk of wood. Make sure the thickness of the top and the legs, plus the width of the apron, are all proportionate to each other. Thick tops should not sit on delicate legs, nor should thin tops be dwarfed by massive aprons.

These proportions should then be viewed as a unit. Be certain the tabletop's size is proportionate to its height. One reason dining tables are usually large affairs is that a small table may appear too tall. But you must also take care when building a wider one, because you don't want a large table that looks fragile.

Finally, consider how the table fills its space in the room. It should not be too small compared with the room's other furnishings, yet you must allow enough room for diners to move around the table, even when others are seated.

Legs and Apron

The legs of a dining table can be straight, tapered or turned. However, it is traditional to leave the top of the leg square so it can be more easily joined to the apron pieces.

While the legs of farm tables can be attached in many acceptable ways, formal dining tables must incorporate a certain level of sophistication in their construction. This generally means mortise-and-tenon joints. A tenon is a "tongue" of wood that is sculpted from the apron piece and fits into a mortise, which is a slot cut in the corresponding leg. This allows the apron to appear almost molded to the leg. In addition, mortise-and-tenon joints are very strong.

Some craftsmen add a block to each corner of the apron-and-leg assembly, to add further strength and stability. The cut ends of the corner blocks are beveled at a 45-degree angle, then bolted to the leg and screwed to both apron pieces. If you do not wish to attempt this sometimes-tricky bracing method, ready-made metal brackets are available to simplify the job.

Tops

Dining table tops are generally made from glued-up lumber that's been planed and sanded smooth. Furniture-grade plywood is another possibility, but the edges cannot be left exposed. If plywood is used, the edges must be banded. Edging tape can be employed, but it runs the risk of being knocked loose if someone bumps against it.

A better solution is to use lumber that matches the plywood veneer. Depending on the size of the table, lumber "strips" of perhaps 3 or 4 inches in width can be glued to the long edges of the table. then similar pieces can be glued along the narrower edges, covering both the plywood and the lumber edges. The grain on this piece usually runs "across the grain," which gives the end a finished look while adding some detail and interest to an otherwise plain top.

Finishes

There is no standard finishing method for dining tables, other than choosing something elegant. Paint may work for a farm table, but not for a dining table. Choose an appropriate stain and, if appropriate to the room's other furnishings, multiple levels of a clear-coat finish to make the table more durable and easier to clean.

How to Make Outdoor Wood Tables

Everyone is spending more time outdoors. The patio and backyard are becoming more of an extension of the home than ever before. While using this area for everything from cookouts to volleyball games, furniture is essential. Building outdoor wood tables will be beneficial for holding your drinks, cell phone, a book for relaxing and any other items you will be using outdoors. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut the following from the 1 inch x 4 inches x 10 feet pieces of cedar. Five pieces 18 inches long are the top slats. One piece 16 inches long is the front and back supports. One piece 14 1/2 inches long is the side top supports. Four pieces 22 inches long are the legs for the table.

2

Cut the front and back top supports from the 16 inches long piece of cedar by cutting two 1 5/8 inches wide pieces. For the side top supports, from the 14 1/2 inches piece of cedar, cut two pieces measuring 1 5/8 inches wide pieces. Each of the legs will be cut into one piece measuring 2 inches wide and 22 inches long, and one piece measuring 1 1/4 inches wide and 22 inches long.

3




Assemble the legs. Put wood glue on the edge of one of the 1 1/4 inches pieces and the face of the 2 inches piece, and join them together. Tack in a few finishing nails just to hold the pieces together until the wood glue dries. Let the pieces dry for at least two hours.

4




Put two legs on the side support on the top (see picture). The faces of the legs that are on the outside are placed evenly with the top support ends. Use the drill to make a hole on the top of the legs, and screw the faces of the legs to the support using 1 1/4 inches screws. Make sure the legs are turned to where the seams do not show on the front or the side of the table.

5

Repeat the process for the other two legs. Glue and nail the front and rear slats into place on the frame. Glue and nail the rest of the top slats in place, evenly spaced between the front and rear slats. Run the slats from side to side and leave an inch of overhang at the front and rear of each slat. Sand any rough edges of the cedar table with the sandpaper and spray the table with clear coat.

How to Set a Glass Tabletop on a Base

Glass tabletops can offer an almost fairy-tale quality to room design. Glass-topped coffee tables, for example, lend a polished, modern feel to a space, though they have been in heavy use for many years. Angular glass tabletops offer a structured fluidity to the space, while round or oval tables tend to create a greater sense of intimacy. Whether you have your table assembled or put it together yourself, placing the glass on top is the final step in the process. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Position the table's support structure according to your design plan. Your table's product instructions may offer information on, for example, how much space to allow between the table and walls or other furniture. Once you have installed the glass top, minimize shifting the furniture.

2

Place the glass carefully atop the table support, according to product instructions. Every glass table comes with assembly and care instructions to consult. Ease the glass into its ideal position, which should be diagrammed in the instruction manual. For example, a round glass tabletop should be centered atop its supports.

3

Secure the tabletop. Your glass tabletop may include clips, clasps or other mechanisms to ensure the top does not shift or topple from its supporting structure. These must be in the locked position before you put the table into use.

Glass Top Table Dangers

When selecting furniture to suit your home's decor, safety is not generally the first consideration that pops into your head. Perhaps it should be. Broken glass table tops have caused severe injuries, disfigurement and death in both children and adults. Some glass table tops pose more of a risk than others. Before shopping for contemporary furniture that contains large glass pieces, know what to look for to protect yourself, your family and your house-guests. Does this Spark an idea?

Types of Glass Used in Table Tops

Regular glass is the same as annealed glass. When broken, it breaks into large, jagged pieces capable of causing severe harm to anyone near. Annealed glass is often, but not always, the culprit when someone falls through a table and sustains a severe injury.

Tempered or safety glass is four to five times stronger than annealed glass, because of its exposure to severe hot and cold temperatures during the manufacturing process. If it's broken, the entire piece of glass shatters into small, smooth pieces making it less dangerous.

Child-Related Glass Table Injuries

In 2009, Children's Hospital Boston's Division of Emergency Medicine conducted a study on glass table injuries. With the help of Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, the researchers discovered that child-related injuries were much more frequent than formerly thought. Most physicians agreed that, had safer glass had been used, many injuries could have been avoided.

Kinds of Injuries Sustained from Glass Table Tops

According to Consumer Reports, emergency doctors treat more than 20,000 serious injuries every year due to glass furniture injuries. Those injuries include deep cuts and gashes, punctured organs, and severed veins and arteries. People have bled to death from cuts sustained from broken glass tables.

Protect Your Family

The best way to avoid glass top injuries is to avoid purchasing glass tables altogether. But if you have your heart set on contemporary furnishings that contain glass, do everything you can to ensure the glass is safe. Don't purchase older tables from garage sales or online sites. And don't take the sales associate's word that glass used in a table is safe. Ask for proof. In many cases, the table's shipping box will state whether the glass is tempered or safe. If the associate can't show you documentation regarding the glass top's safety, don't buy it. When children are old enough to understand, explain the dangers of glass and tell them never to stand or sit on glass tables. Always supervise young children around glass furniture.

How to Set a Coffee Table

Coffee tables add decorative appeal to a living room or den. It provides a place for family members or guests to set their dishes on the table while enjoying a cup of coffee or snack. Choosing the right decor to add color and texture to the table also enhances the room theme and colors. A bare coffee table looks plain, while a cluttered table makes the room look messy. It is important to create the right balance of knickknacks and other decorative accessories to make the most of this small surface. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Pick decor that matches the theme and colors in the room. For instance, if you have a country-style living room, place a wicker basket with pine cones on the table. Add a pillar candle in a shade that reflects one of the accent colors in the room and set it in a wooden candle holder. Set a country-themed book on the table for guests to browse through.

2

Purchase items that are a low height. This prevents blocking the view of guests conversing in the room. Vary the heights of the objects to create interest, but make sure they do not block anyone's view.

3

Decorate the coffee table with only three items to avoid cluttering the table. If you have a large table or smaller items, use groups of three similar items to create unity. For instance, three coordinating candlesticks of different heights, three books with leather bound covers or a collection of three porcelain knickknacks.

4

Set a low floral arrangement in the center of a small coffee table, often this is all that is necessary to create a beautiful setting.

How to Build a 12-Foot Farmhouse Table

Farmhouse tables are rustic, hold simplistic elegance and are large enough for a big family. Add to the primitive charm of the farmhouse table by making it yourself. The building project isn't difficult and can be accomplished in less than a weekend. Some basic carpentry skills are all you need, and if you have aged wood to add to the character of your table, all the better. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut the two 1-by-4 boards down to 40 inches each. Cut two of the 1-by-6-by-12-foot boards to a length of 136 inches.

2

Lay the four cut boards out to create the frame for the base of the tabletop. Put the two 40-inch boards to the inside of the two longer boards for the side of the frame. Stand them up on edge. Use the carpenter's square to make sure the joints are even at the corners. Screw in through the outer side boards and into the ends of the cross pieces using two wood screws per corner.

3

Cut 11 pieces of 2-by-2 to a length of 40 inches each. Set these inside the frame between the longer side pieces at 12-inch intervals. The last one will have a slightly shorter distance between the support and the end of the table frame. Screw in place by screwing from the outside through the side boards and into the end of each support. Use two screws for each end of each cross support.

4

Mark the point on both ends of the short sides of the frame that is the exact center. Place the first two tabletop boards alongside this center point, one to each side of the mark. The top boards are the remaining eight 12-foot boards. Align the boards so there is a 4-inch overhang on each end. Screw in place by placing three screws down through each board and into the end board of the frame. Set the screws about two inches apart across the boards. Sink the screws to the level of the wood surface or below; do not let them protrude above the wood.

5

Place the remaining boards by adding a board alongside each of the first two, and so on, until all eight of the tabletop boards have been put in place. Screw them in place the same as the first two, adding three wood screws down through the board at each end and into the end pieces of the frame.

6

Turn the tabletop over. Secure the tabletop boards to the cross supports by screwing through the supports and into the tabletop boards from the bottom. This secures the boards to the supports from the bottom and eliminates a tabletop full of screw heads to putty over.

7

Secure the leg posts while the table is still upside-down. You can use table legs with a shaped design that can be purchased at a home supply store or just plain wood posts. Set the posts into the corners of the frame. Secure by screwing through the outer boards of the frame and into the posts. Use two screws to each side of the post or leg (four per leg).

8

Turn the table upright. Fill the screw head holes with wood putty, then sand. Seal the table with a good finishing oil such as tung oil or linseed oil.

How Do I Build a Plank Farm Table?

Plank farm tables can give your kitchen or dining room that lived-in look, a homey feel that few other furniture pieces ever match. They can be extremely simple to build, or they can be ornate enough to hold their own in a sophisticated setting. Sometimes they do both, lending an eclectic touch to a room that otherwise would be too stiff.

A plank farm table is well within any woodworkers capabilities. Does this Spark an idea?

Legs and Aprons

The base of a plank farm table is made of four legs and four stretchers, called aprons, connecting the legs. The apron boards perform two purposes: They brace the legs so the table remains stable, and they provide support for the tabletop.

The legs can be square and straight; they can be tapered on their insides; or they can be turned on a lathe. They also can be a mixture of the above, a combination of turned and square segments. In such a case, the top of the legs, where they connect to the aprons, is typically square.

You can simply butt the apron boards to the outside or inside of the legs and attach them with nails or screws, or you can attach them using more complex joinery such as a mortise and tenon joint. With this joint, the ends of the apron boards are shaped to fit into slots cut into the legs themselves. These joints are very strong and very stylish, and they are often used for a more crafted look.

Some builders add extra stringers inside the box formed by the aprons. They run these stringers from one side to the other, parallel to the end aprons, to help support the tabletop.

Tabletops

One thing that makes a plank farm table so easy to build is the construction of the top. While a farm table can be built using a traditional approach, most are built much more simply. There is no need to glue up boards to make a solid panel for the top, nor even to make sure every board is perfectly level or the top perfectly flat. Imperfections such as these are part of the farm tables charm.

You can build the top from boards of the same width or mix and match the widths; farm tables were often built with whatever lumber was available, and so either method looks right. You can use stretchers inside the aprons to provide a consistent support for these loose boards, or you can lay the boards out side by side and connect them with battens on the underside to tie them together.

Some tabletops have added end-boards that run perpendicular to the main table boards. One is placed at each end to neaten up the rough ends of the main boards; this helps protect the person sitting at the head or foot of the table from splinters.

Special Touches

Special touches are generally added to give farm tables a more sophisticated air.

Mortise and tenon joints, connecting the legs and aprons, are one such special touch. Such farm tables are built using more elaborate joinery as a simple form of ornamentation.

Tabletops may be made from a panel of glued-up boards, as a more expensive table would use. For a particularly large tabletop, you might want to use spline joinery to provide extra rigidity.

If you have a lathe, you may want to create round legs. Turned legs can transform an otherwise simple table into a real showpiece.

Ideas for Decorating Farmhouse Kitchen Tables

How to Build Shadow Box Coffee Table

It's always nice to have a piece of furniture in the house that shows off your fashion sense. One piece of furniture that can really do this is a shadow box coffee table, which displays your personal mementos under a protective layer of glass. This is a unique way to add personality to a room. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Set the fence of the table saw at 1 3/4 inch. Set the height of the blade to 1/4 inch. Make one pass with the four pieces of MDF that are 2 inches wide. Depending on the width of the blade, you may have to slide the fence over a little and make another pass. The groove should be at least 1/4 inch wide for the glass.

2

Place the tabletop material on the table. Mark around the perimeter of the table 3/8 inch and 1 inch from the edge and every 8 inches around the perimeter. Drill countersink holes on these marks.

3

Place all of the 3 1/2-inch material on the table. Drill two countersink holes on both ends of the longer pieces. Apply glue to the ends of the short pieces, place them between the longer ones and secure them with the drywall screws.

4

Apply glue to the inside of the line around the perimeter of the bottom of the table, set the frame on the marks and the glue and secure it to the table with the drywall screws. Be certain the countersink holes are deep enough for the screws to go into the bottom of the tabletop.

5

Build three sides of the frame with the pieces from Step 1 by applying glue to the ends of the short piece and placing it between the two longer pieces. Secure these together with the drywall screws. Place the frame on top of the table and secure it from underneath through the countersink holes.

6

Decide on a pattern you want to use and cut the 1 3/4-by-3/4 inch divider material into the desired lengths with the electric miter saw. Drill pilot holes in them and secure them to the top with glue and the 3d finish nails. Place the desired objects to be displayed in the shadow boxes, slide glass into place and secure the final piece.

How to Make a Double-Sided Table Tent in Word

A table tent is a type of folded greeting card that can stand upright on a table, like a tent. A double-sided table tent is a tent card printed on both the inside and outside, so when the reader opens the card there is a message displayed inside. Table tents are popular as placeholders for guests or as a decoration on a mantle. You can use Microsoft Word to create a double-sided table tent by downloading a tent card template available from Microsoft Office Online.

Instructions

1

Launch Microsoft Word.

2

Click the "Office" button in the top left corner, then click "New."

3

Click to place your cursor in the "Search Microsoft Office Online for a template."

4

Type "table tent" in the text field, then press "Enter."

5

Click to select the "Table Tents," then click the "Download" button. This template will create two table tents on a single sheet of card stock.

6

Highlight the text in the template, then press "Delete" to delete the text. Type in the text message you want to appear on the outside of the table tent card.

7

Click the "Insert" tab in the ribbon menu, then click "Picture" or "Clip Art" to insert a photo, logo or clip art image.

8

Click the "Office" button, then click "Save As." Type a name for the save file and click to select a save location. Click the "Save" button.

9

Remove any paper from your printer's paper tray. Insert a single sheet of card stock into the paper tray.

10

Click the "Office" button, then click "Print." Select the printer in the "Name" drop-down menu, then click "OK" to print the outside of the table tent.

11

Replace the text in the template with the message you want to appear on the inside of the card. Delete any logos or clip art you do not want to appear on the inside of the table tent.

12

Click the "Office" button, then click "Save As." Type a new save name, different from the previous save name, then click "Save."

13

Insert the printed card stock sheet back into the printer's paper tray with the printed side facing in a direction that will prevent it from being printed over when the paper goes through the printer. For printers where the paper tray is located on the top of the printer, or a "straight paper path" printer, position the card stock sheet with the printed side facing down. For printers where the paper tray is located in the front of the printer and each page is flipped over during the printing process, position the card stock with the printed side facing up.

14

Click the "Office" button, then click "Print." Click the "OK" button to print the inside of the table tent, resulting in two double-sided table tent card.

15

Cut the printed card stock lengthwise with the scissors, following the dashed line, to separate the two printed table tents.

How to Keep a Glass Table Top From Sliding

Glass tabletops are a prominent feature in many homes. From dining tables to coffee tables, glass surfaces are often chosen because they're easy to clean, reflect light and color and fit with nearly any style of dcor. Despite the versatility of glass tabletops, they are fragile and may easily slide from their bases and shatter. Therefore, if you have a glass tabletop, take certain precautions to ensure that your tables stay in one piece. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Examine the table's base. Many products exist to provide a barrier between a glass top and the base that it sits on. However, certain products may leach the finish from the surface that the glass is placed on. For instance, double-sided tape can be useful for securing a glass tabletop, but it can also peel off finish.

2

Purchase a barrier. Visit a hardware store and purchase an appropriate barrier such as rubber dots, double-sided tape or plastic spacers. These items are often clear so that they don't appear beneath the glass. Consider the table size when choosing a bumper because a large piece of glass should also have large bumpers to keep it in place.

3

Consider making a barrier. Another option is to create a barrier at home. Household items that can be cut into rubber barriers include bath mats, plastic sink mats and anything with a malleable, but rubbery surface. It's also important that the substance used has a singular thickness; otherwise, the table will not sit flat. Simply cut the rubber mat into four small squares and place these between the corners of the glass and table base. Super glue or rubber cement can also be placed on one side of the rubber mat and then attached to the table or base; however, the rubber may be difficult to remove at a later date.

4

Secure the barrier. Usually the barriers can be applied directly to the glass top or to the base, but make sure to read guidelines before applying because these items are designed to stick. Rubber dots have one side that is sticky and one that is simply a rubber base. The sticky side should be placed on the four corners of the table or four corners of the base that the glass will sit on. Remember that the sticky side may peel off paint or finish, so applying it to the glass may be the best option.

5

Place the table on its base. The final step is to place the glass, now equipped with rubber stoppers, on the table base. Try lightly bumping the table or gently pushing it to see if it slides. The rubber should grip the glass and hold it in place.

Good Chairs for a Farmhouse Table

A farmhouse table is usually a sturdy table with simple lines made of a good wood. This type of table is not pretentious but often looks welcoming and friendly. Usually there are signs of wear and age that add to the table's ambiance. Farmhouse tables are common to country, lodge and rustic decor styles. Does this Spark an idea?

Rustic Wooden Chair

Antique wooden chairs work very well with farmhouse tables.

Visit antique stores, flea markets, garage sales and thrift stores looking for unusual rustic wooden chairs. Most wood chairs can be repaired easily if they feel a little unsteady. Look for broken wood or rot. If the chair's wood is solid, you can often find cool chairs at inexpensive prices. Worn edges, patina and old paint can all look really good when paired with a farmhouse table. The objective is not to match chairs but to match the feeling the chair evokes of comfort and a welcoming feeling.

Upright Wooden Chairs

Upright wooden chairs with tall backs are easy to find.

Look for upright wooden chairs with taller backs. These come in a variety of designs, but they were common to the early part of the last century and there are a lot of them around in barns and attics. Peeling paint can be sanded and a clear coat sprayed to give a chair enough of a finish to make it easy to wipe down after a spaghetti meal shared with children.

Benches and School Chairs

A schoolhouse chair may have unusual storage behind and below the chair for an added detail.

For smaller rooms, use an upright wooden bench along the wall on one side of the table and schoolhouse chairs mixed with other wooden chairs along the open side. The bench will anchor the table and allow a larger table to be used in a smaller room. The scale of older chairs is usually smaller than newer chairs so you can fit more chairs at the table and seat more guests.

Upholstered Chairs

Vintage upholstered chairs add comfort and whimsey to a seating arrangement around old tables.

Locate older style upholstered armchairs that have tapestry or vintage fabric. The arms of the chair should fit under the tabletop when possible. Look for simple shapes and interesting colors and fabrics. Position one upholstered chair at each end of the farmhouse table. If the fabric isn't in the best shape, throw a small quilt over the back or seat of the chair. Small quilt samplers can also be turned into cushions for the wooden chairs to maintain the look.

Local Food Movement Spreading to Chains, Taverns

Decorating Ideas for a Coffee Table

Salvage a coffee table from a yard sale? Have an old coffee table to jazz up? Use these unorthodox ideas to make over your coffee table and give it a whole new look. Use your imagination, get creative in your techniques and accessorize with personal effects and you will have a coffee table that is better than new. Does this Spark an idea?

Top: Keys to a Unique Look

The top of a coffee table can set the tone for an entire room. It is essential that this fit the look you're going for. If you enjoy changing your coffee table often, say, to display family photos or seasonal paraphernalia, try overlaying your coffee table with a sheet of clear glass. Then you can easily display autumn leaves, pressed flowers, postcards, children's artwork and Christmas cards.

If you really want to give the table a makeover, take half a day and completely revamp the top. Try laying tiny kitchen tiles or creating a mosaic, leaving a quarter of an inch around the outside for a border. For a twist, create a raised border to make the tiles look inlaid. It's simple---just use strips of finished wood and a little bit of super glue.

Legs

The legs of a coffee table add additional flair to your theme. If the legs have sections, add interest by painting each section or ring a different color. For a modern theme, paint tiger-striped or leopard-spotted legs.

Adding Functionality

A good coffee table should be both decorative and functional. Place books, magazines, candles and maps on your coffee table, but try to do so tastefully. Magazines can be spread in a fanned design. As a rule, keep the items on top down to less than half the height of your coffee table; otherwise, the table becomes overpowered by the items.

Protect your coffee table and flash your style with some beautiful handmade coasters. Coasters can be made from a variety of materials, from cardboard to metal, and the materials don't have to be exotic or expensive. Sit down with a friend and create some decoupage coasters using glossy Mod Podge and favorite photographs glued to cardboard circles. Or, give squares of wood a coat of chalkboard paint---then you can write each guest's name on her coaster. The possibilities are endless.

Finally, be sure to utilize the space under the table. A beautifully patterned rug can do a lot to jazz up a drab coffee table. Carpet squares are another chic way to add color to a room and draw people's eyes toward your coffee table. Even a neat row of shoes or a basket of knitting yarns adds interest to the space.

How to Build a Farm-Style Kitchen Table

Farm families have historically been large groups because of the amount of work needed to make a family farm successful. Even without large families, there were lots of hired hands. Mealtimes have these people gathering around a table to eat. Farm kitchens, and their respective tables, historically have been large to accommodate the number of people, and sturdy. These tables have often been handmade from lumber available around the farm. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Cutting

1

Set the 1-by-3-inch lumber on the sawhorses. Measure and mark four sections 29 1/4 inches long. Measure and mark two lengths of the remaining 1-by-3-inch lumber 23 3/4 inches long. Cut the sections and set these aside.

2

Set the 1-by-4-inch lumber on the sawhorses. Measure and mark four sections 29 1/4 inches long. Cut the sections and set these aside.

3

Set the 1-by-6-inch lumber on the sawhorses. Measure and mark two lengths 88 inches. Measure and mark two lengths 23 3/4 inches. Cut the sections and set these aside.

4

Set the 2-by-2-inch lumber on the sawhorses. Measure and mark eight sections 23 3/4 inches long. Cut the sections and set these aside.

5

Take the eight pieces of lumber measuring 29 1/4 inches; these will become the legs. Measure and mark 5 1/2 inches from the top of each leg. At the other end of the lumber measure and mark in 1 inch from the opposite corner of the leg. Draw a line from the 5 1/2 inch marking down to the 1-inch marking. This will be the line you use to make tapered legs.

6

Cut the lumber along the line on each board to create a tapered leg.

Legs and Frame

7

Make a set of four legs out of the tapered legs. You need one each of the 1-by-3-inch legs and one each of the 1-by-4-inch legs. Match a 1-by-4 with a 1-by-3.

8

Set each pair so the non-tapered edge of a 1-by-3-inch leg sits flush against the side of a 1-by-4-inch leg to form an "L". Make sure the top and bottom of the legs are flush together. Drive a nail through the side of the wider leg into the end of the narrow leg. Do this step with each pair to create the four legs.

9

Set up the legs so the 3-inch board makes the end of the leg with the 4-inch board becoming the side. Place one of the long 1-by-6-inch boards against the inside corner at the top of the leg. This is the wider non-tapered end. Put another leg at the other end of the board with the 4-inch board being the side on that end. The longer 1-by-6-inch board becomes the apron for that side of the table. Hammer five nails through the side of the legs into the side of the apron to make it sturdy. Repeat this step for the other two legs and apron to create the two sides of the table.

10

Connect the two sides with the shorter 1-by-6-inch boards as the end aprons. Set these up so the ends of the boards butt against the sides of the longer aprons on the inside of the leg corners. Nail five nails through the legs into the sides of these boards. Make sure the tops of the sides are flush with the tops of the legs. Set a level on each corner of the table and adjust the construction as needed to get the table even if needed.

11

Measure and mark 10 inches from the top of each leg. Line up one of the remaining 1-by-3-inch boards between these markings at the ends of the table. Hammer four nails through the legs into the sides of these boards. These become the stretchers that keep the table legs from bowing in or out.

Tabletop Assembly

12

Measure and mark 9 1/2 inches from the inside corner of one leg along the side of the table. Measure and mark 2 inches from the first mark. Alternate the measurements from the second mark using the 9 1/2-inch measurement first. You should have eight 9 1/2-inch marks with seven 2-inch lengths between them. Mark the same lengths using the same method on the other side of the table.

13

Place a 2-by-2-inch post between the two sides within the 2-inch markings. Hammer a nail through the sides of the table into the ends of the post. Repeat this step six more times along the table length. These become the seven under supports for the table top.

14

Find the center of the table ends. Mark this position on both ends. Place a 1-by-8-inch board on either side of the marking. Make the boards touch and the ends flush. The boards should overhang the table end by 4 3/8 inches on both ends. Use two screws per board per end to attach them to the frame.

15

Place another 1-by-8-inch board along the outer sides of the two center boards. Set up the boards the same way as the first two. Screw the boards into place. Screw into the ends only.

16

Flip the entire table over on its top. Minimize any spacing between the boards composing the table top. Pre-drill eight holes along each cross-plank placing two holes per board for the top. Drill and countersink the screws into the holes. This will make the screw heads even with the wood.

17

Turn the table upright. Fill in nail holes with wood filler. Sand down the table to finish.

Malm Bedside Table Instructions

The Malm Bedside Table is from Swedish style furnishing giant IKEA. It mounts against the wall next to a bed and has shelves for magazines and books, as well as a deep pull-out drawer. The Malm bed requires a few tools and steps but in the end you will have a sleek attractive addition to your bedroom furnishings. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Attach the magazine shelf unit to the main wall of the table. You will need the hammer and Phillips screwdriver in this step. To connect the shelf, use the included wooden dowels, screws and metal inserts from your accessory package. The shelf is in two pieces, one for the bottom shelf and another for the front of the shelf. Attach these together at an "L" angle then attach this to the table wall.

2

Assemble the upper drawer and attach to the wall. Using the Phillips screwdriver, attach the drawer rollers to the inside of the drawer walls first. Then use the wooden dowels to assemble the front wall and two sides together to form a block shaped "u." Pop the short screws into the cut out holes and use the straight slot screwdriver to attach the upper drawer to the table wall.

3

Attach the metal plates that will hold the lower drawer in place. Using the included Allen wrench, screw these plates into the roller mechanism of the upper drawer. These plates will hold the drawer unit and allow it to slide easily back and forth in the drawer mechanism unit. Slide the drawer in place.

4

Choose if you want to attach the drawer to your bed. If you have a wooden frame with a edge that will hold the drawer, position the metal plates on your bed frame where you want the table to attach. With the plates as a guide, mark where the screws will go with a hole punch.

5

Stand the table up at the position you want it. Using the attachment holes in the bed table wall, punch start holes in your wall. Use the Phillips screwdriver to finish attaching screws through these holes.

6

Attach the bed table to your bed frame. If you elected to attach the bed table to your wooden bed frame, screw the metal plates positioned in step four. Side your bed frame into position and attach the bed table.

How to Build a Farmhouse Table

A classic farmhouse table has a rustic, almost unfinished feel that shows the wear and tear of frequent use. To get that old farmhouse feeling you will want to build a farmhouse table from basic materials and resist the urge to give the wood an overly smooth or polished look. By allowing the table to remain simplistic and rough, your weekend project farmhouse table can look like it has been around for centuries.

Instructions

1

Layout your 1-inch by 6-inch boards on the floor in a square shape with each board resting on its 1-inch side. Nail two nails at each corner to secure the joint and hold the square together. Put wood glue between the boards at each joint, if desired.

2

Stand each 3-inch by 3-inch post upright in the square frame. Position a post along the inside of each corner. Nail through the boards of the square and into the posts using two nails on each of the two sides of the corner. Apply wood glue, if desired.

3

Allow any glue to dry for an hour. Turn the table upside down so the frame is facing up and the legs pointing down.

4

Lay the 10-inch wide boards over the frame and adjust them to be 1/4-inch apart. Adjust the boards so they overhang the frame evenly by a foot at the heads of the table and by only a few inches on each side.

5

Nail two evenly spaced nails through each board and into the frame where they come into contact across the width of the farmhouse table.

6

Rub sandpaper over the entire table, frame, and legs to smooth the surface enough to prevent splinters. Stain or apply sealant to the table as desired to protect the wood.

How to Make a Card Table

Card tables are great to have tucked away for those times when the kitchen or dinner table just wont do for a friendly game of cards. Card tables are generally slightly padded, square and have folding legs. If you cant find one to buy, or would rather save the money, making your own card table is not that hard, and you can impress all your card-playing fellows when you tell them you made the table yourself.

Instructions

1

Cut a square of plywood with the saw, 30 inches by 30 inches for the table top. Cut the two-by-one lumber into four 28-inch lengths for the table legs. Sand the table top and legs.

2

Cut a 31 inch by 31 inch square of cardboard with the utility knife. Cut out an inch square from each of the corners. Cover the entire table top with glue, then center the cardboard over the table top, making sure the corners are aligned with the cut-out places on the cardboard. Press down thoroughly to stick the cardboard to the table top.

3

Fold the edges of the cardboard over, and glue them to the sides of the table top, and the remaining inch of cardboard fold underneath the table top and glue in place. The cut-out squares from the corners of the cardboard will allow these folds to be made without the need for folding over the corners.

4

Lay out the faux leather or felt, wrong side up for the table covering. Place the table top centered over the covering, cardboard side down. Pull the center of one side up and over the table top, stapling it onto the back edge. Pull the center of the opposite side up and over in the same manner, stapling in place. Repeat with the other two sides, then staple the entire cover down, alternating sides as you go to get an even pull on the cover.

5

Fold the corners of the cover into a triangle, then lay flat and staple in place. Trim off any excess on the underside with the utility knife. Place a brass corner on each of the table top corners, then screw them in place.

6

Lay the table top wrong side up, then position the collapsible shelf brackets in each corner. The brackets should each be facing along a different side of the table, and be 1 inch in from the sides, exactly parallel with the table top edges. Collapsible shelf brackets are preferable to hinges, as most have locking mechanisms, so the legs will be secure when unfolded.

7

Drill and screw the brackets in place. Open the brackets, so that the collapsible portion is pointing upwards, then position a leg on the inside of the collapsible portion of the bracket. Make sure the leg is at right angles with the table top, then screw it into the bracket. Repeat with the remaining legs and brackets. The card table is now complete.

How to Make a Metal Coffee Table

The coffee table appeared during the late Victorian era, when it held the coffee service while guests chatted. Today's coffee table is a catch-all for everything from game controllers to ashtrays, and often serves as a footrest. Make it sturdy enough and a coffee table can even serve as extra seating for guests. Metal coffee tables, whether all metal or glass-topped, look best in a contemporary or modern living room. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the area where you want to place your coffee table, to ensure that the space is large enough for a 15 to 18-inch aisle around it. Adjust the size of your coffee table to fit that area. For example, if the available area is 72 inches by 60 inches, it will accommodate a 42-inch to 36-inch-long, 30-inch to 24-inch wide coffee table.

2

Stack two pieces of 3/16-inch-thick plate steel, cut to your chosen dimensions, on top of each other with all edges flush. Use a soapstone marker to sketch a shape for the table on the plate steel.

3

Don your welding helmet, gloves and full leathers. Open all shop doors and windows and turn on any exhaust fans. Use a plasma cutter to follow the soapstone lines to make your tabletop and bottom.

4

Remove your gloves and helmet and don wrap-around eye protection and ear protection. Smooth away all burrs along the edges of each piece of plate steel using a 24-grit grinding wheel on a right-angle grinder, followed by an 80-grit wheel and a flapper wheel, in that order.

5

Secure one of the 1-inch-diameter steel rods in your bench vise, 4 inches from one end. Heat an 8-inch portion of the rod to cherry red, which is between 1300 and 1400 degrees Fahrenheit, using a propane torch. Grasp the rod just past the heated area with a pair of locking pliers and give it three full twists.

6

Allow the rod to air-cool to room temperature before proceeding.

7

Secure the opposite end of the rod in your bench vise and repeat the heating, twisting and air-cooling until you have twisted all four rods at each end.

8

Don your welding helmet, gloves and full leathers. Position the four rods on one of the plate-steel shapes, spaced as evenly as possible along the length and across the width as possible, so that they point at the ceiling. Weld each rod in place.

9

Lay the tabletop over the four rods and adjust it until its edges are as close to flush with the table bottom as possible. Weld the tabletop to each rod.

10

Position the four steel steering casters so that they are as evenly spaced along the length and across the width of the table as possible and weld them in place.

11

Give the entire table a brushed finish with a wire wheel on a right-angle grinder.

How to Make a Round Table Skirt

A table skirt typically fits under a smaller, decorative tablecloth or table topper, giving a layered look to the table setting. A decorative table skirt can hide an inexpensive cardboard side table because the fabric typically goes all the way to the floor, covering both the tabletop and the table legs. If you can't find a pre-made table skirt that fits your needs, consider making one at home.

Instructions

1

Measure the diameter of the table. Divide that measurement in half.

2

Measure the distance from the floor to the edge of the tabletop.

3

Add the final measurement from step one to step two. Then add one more inch.

4

Select a square piece of fabric. Each side's measurement should be double the length of the final measurement in step three. For example, if the final measurement in step three is 35 inches, you will need a 70-inch square piece of fabric. A large, flat bed sheet will typically work as a fabric choice.

5

Lay the fabric face down on the floor. Make sure it is smooth and free of wrinkles.

6

Tie a piece of cord onto a pencil, making the cord the same length as the final measurement calculated in step three.

7

Insert a pushpin into the end of the cord, opposite the pencil end.

8

Insert the pin, with the cord attached, into the center of the fabric.

9

Draw a circle on the fabric piece, using the pencil and string like a giant compass. Have a second person, your helper, hold the pin in place as you pull the cord taut and draw the circle with the pencil.

10

Cut out the circle from the fabric.

11

Lay the fabric circle on the table, centering it.

12

Measure the desired hem distance from the floor. Turn the edge of the fabric under to create the desired length. Pin it into place. Remove the fabric from the table and use a sewing machine to secure the hem.

Table Skirt Sewing Projects

Unlike table cloths, which are only meant to cover the surface of the table, table skirts reach all the way to the ground. This decorative touch is found most often on side tables and can easily be altered depending on the room's decor or situation. Whether it's as simple as adding a few decorative touches or creating a whole new atmosphere, with a bit of sewing ability you can alter a table skirt to fit your tastes.

Adding Shapes

When you want to add more color to a table skirt, or even just a touch of whimsy, adding brightly colored shapes or silhouettes is an uncomplicated way of doing so. For a little girl's room done in pinks and purples, use one color as the base of the table skirt and the other for the cut outs. On the extra fabric draw the outlines of whatever shapes (flowers, butterflies, fluffy clouds etc.) you wish to place on the table skirt then cut them out. The amount that you'll need will depend on how much of the background you want visible. Once all of the shapes are cut out, lay the table skirt flat and place the shapes in a pattern that most appeals to you then pin them in place. All that's left to do is to sew the shapes in place around the edges and trim off any excess threads.

Regal Appearance

Table skirts are usually available in only solid colors and when put in place can be a bit drab. A quick way to add a personal touch and better incorporate the table skirt into the rest of a room's decor is to create your own overskirt. The most basic of these require only a large square of fabric, matching thread, a needle and scissors. The size of the overskirt and the kind of fabric you use is entirely up to you. The thing to remember is that whatever size you make your overskirt, add an extra inch or two onto the edges so that you can hem it. Once you've sewn the hem onto your overskirt, you can add decorative touches like tassels onto the corners of with only a few quick stitches.

Combination Skirts

For a room with several accent colors or a vibrantly painted child's bedroom, a way to carry over those colors into the table skirt is to combine several table skirts into one. To start, you'll need two different colored table skirts. With a fabric marker, divide each table skirt into equal quarters and cut along the lines. When each skirt is in 4 pieces, exchange 2 pieces from each one (the easiest way is to exchange panels in the same position). Sew the table skirts back together by creating a raised seam along the underside so that when you place the skirts on the tables the stitches won't be visible.

How to Get Pictures in a Document to Align Side by Side in Word

Photographs, line drawings and other graphics add color and interest to text documents. Adding photos so they line up side by side, so you can compare and contrast pictures or to make a newsletter, is also possible. One method is to add each graphic through the Insert Picture tool on the same line. However, creating white space between the two is awkward and time consuming. Another method is to create a table with no grid lines and insert the pictures side by side in the table.

Instructions

Add a Picture

1

Open Word and a document. Move your cursor to where you want the two pictures to be located. Click the "Insert" tab and click "Picture."

2

Navigate to the first picture to add to your document in the "Insert Picture" dialog box. Select the picture thumbnail or file name and click "Insert." This adds the photo to the left side of your document.

3

Resize the left picture so there is room for the picture you want on the right. To resize a picture, select it so the picture handles appear. Picture handles look like circles and squares around the border of the photo. Hold your left mouse on any handle and drag to resize. To resize proportionally, hold down the "Control" key while dragging.

4

Place the cursor at the bottom-right of the left picture. Click on the "Insert" tab and click on "Picture." Select the second picture to add to the right. If the picture comes in too large, resize it so it can fit on the same line with the first picture.

Use a Table

5

Open Word and a document to work on. Move your cursor where you want the graphics to appear. Click the "Insert" tab and click "Table." Select a three by one table by selecting the white boxes in the drop-down menu.

6

Right-click on the table and then click on "Borders and Shading." Click the "Borders" tab and then click the "None" setting for the table borders. Click "OK" and the table borders still appear on screen as blue grid lines. This gives you a guide to adding your graphics.

7

Click in the left cell of the table and then click the "Insert" tab. Click "Picture" and select the graphic to be on the left.

8

Skip the middle cell of the table and add a picture to the right cell of the table. The middle cell becomes a buffer between the two cells. You can make a table cell wider or smaller by holding your left mouse button on a grid line and dragging. You can adjust the photo's size by selecting the photo and dragging the handles up, down, left or right.

How to Extend Farmhouse Tables

Farmhouse tables lend a rustic feel to the kitchen, dining room, parlor or enclosed patio. Typically fabricated of wood, such as oak or maple, its sturdy, simple style can add a sense of homey comfort to a space. While the bare farmhouse table may be less appropriate for formal events, an elegant tablecloth can help it rise to the occasion. On such special occasions, when the need to seat a larger than normal group of diners arises, you may wish to make the table larger. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Get the extender leaf or leaves. Some farmhouse table designs include a storage area for the leaves beneath the table's top. Others require you to find your own spot for leaf safekeeping. If you have not used the leaf in a while, you may want to dust or even polish it before using.

2

Grip the end of the table and pull to separate at its center. If your table is made of a denser wood, such as oak, you may need an extra pair of hands for this step.

3

Add the leaf or leaves by positioning carefully in the table's open center space.

4

Ease the table back together by sliding each end inward to abut the leaf.

How to Make a Floating Bedside Table

Floating bedside tables give the illusion of space. For the best result, build with solid lumber as much as possible. However, plywood works well too. When considering solid lumber, take note that the actual size of 1-by-12-inch lumber is -by-11 inches. This makes a difference because it affects the measurements for the project. Oak lumber stains easily and sands smoothly, making it the most popular choice for projects such as this one. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Preparation for Assembly

1

Set the 1-by-12-by-20-inch piece of oak lumber on a worktable. Measure from one long edge and make several marks at and 1 inches. Also, make several marks -inch from the ends.

2

Put the 1-by-12-by-15-inch pieces of oak lumber on the worktable. Measure from one end of each piece and make several marks at -inch. Make marks at and 1 inches from one of the long edges.

3

Connect the marks with the framing square. Drill pilot holes with a 1/16-inch drill bit between the lines of the length of the oak lumber and between the ends and the line. Keep the pilot holes at least 3/8-inch from the edges of the ends.

4

Cut the remaining piece of 1-by-12-by 20-inch oak lumber to 18 inches long with an electric miter saw. Set the fence of the table saw at 10 inches. Place the 18-inch piece of oak flat on the table saw and butt it against the fence. Run the lumber through the blade to produce a 1-by-10-by-18-inch piece of oak lumber. This is the back to the floating bedside table.

5

Set the fence of the table saw at 18 inches. Cut the -inch plywood across the grain. Next, move the fence of the table saw to 15 inches and run the piece of plywood through the saw in the same direction as the grain. This is the top of the floating bedside table and measures 18-by-15-by- inches.

Assembly

6

Apply glue to the ends opposite the lines of the 1-by-12-by-15-inch oak lumber. Stand the 20-inch piece of oak on the long edge without the lines. Stand the 15-inch pieces of oak on its long edge opposite the lines drawn on it.

7

Put the ends with glue on them between the line and the ends of the 20-inch piece. Secure them with the 8-penny finish nails through the pilot holes. Clean up excess glue with a damp cloth. You should have a U shaped frame with the remaining lines on the inside of it.

8

Next, apply glue to the 10-inch edges of the 1-by-10-by-18-inch oak lumber. Set it between the two 15-inch pieces and secure it with 8-penny finish nails. Clean up the excess glue with a damp cloth.

9

Stand the box created by the previous steps so the 10-inch back is facing up. Apply glue to three of the four edges of the top and place it on the lines drawn on the lumber. Secure it to the box with 8-penny finish nails. Clean up the excess glue with a damp cloth.

10

Make a mark on the wall representing the desired height of the floating bedside table. Place the carpenters level on the mark horizontally and draw a faint line. Locate two studs with the stud finder and mark them just above the horizontal line. Hold the table on the line on the wall. Secure it to the wall from the bottom side with the variable speed drill, a Philips head screw tip and 3-inch drywall screws.

How to Use Accent Chairs to Create a Seating Area

A proper seating arrangement in a room not only provides comfortable places to sit, but it also encourages conversation, directs the flow of foot traffic as well as directs attention to key focal points of the room. Many of these items are accomplished through the use of secondary seating also known as accent chairs. Accent chairs get their name from the fact that they are often covered in a different fabric from the couch or love seat. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Select accent chairs that are in a style that complements the existing sofa, or other furniture in the room. Although the accent furniture doesn't need to be the exact same style, it should be similar. For example, upholstered accent chairs look better near sofas than straight-back accent chairs.

2

Select accent chairs in a color that is different from the sofa. The accent chairs should look different from the other seating, but blend in at the same time.

3

Decide where the accent chairs should be located. If the chairs will be used for reading, place them near a window. If you will use the chairs as overflow seating in a room with a sofa, place them near to the sofa.

4

Place a coffee table, ottoman or some other focal point in the center of the accent chairs. Choose a table that is round or oval-shaped to counterbalance the straight lines of the chairs.

5

Place the chairs diagonally to each other, with the seats facing a center focal point. Leave a distance of 2 1/2 feet around the edges of each chair to allow for foot traffic in the room.

6

Place small side tables near the accent chairs to hold drinks and table lamps. Floor lamps also work well next to accent chairs if you do not need a side table.

Farm to Table Concept

The farm to table philosophy embraces a sustainable approach to agriculture and dining. At its heart, the concept is simple: there is value in eating locally. The movement, which picked up speed during the first decade of the 21st century, touts the benefits that are reaped by those who both produce and consume local food--as well as the environment as a whole. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Locality

A "locavore" is one who makes a conscious effort to eat food produced in his surrounding area. While the definition of "local eating" is not hard and fast, a commonly accepted rule of thumb is to eat only (or mostly) items from within a 100-mile radius of one's home.

The idea is that such food is fresher and healthier (because it did not have to travel long distances or be sprayed with life-extending chemicals) as well as less burdensome to the environment (since the amount of fuel used in transporting produce down the street is significantly less than in flying it around the world).

Farm to table restaurants take on the locavore mentality as a guiding principle. Such establishments partner with nearby farms and food producers in order to offer patrons an ever-changing menu that is both unique and has a strong community connection.

Seasonality

Eating locally means eating seasonally. Farm to table restaurants in the Northeast, for instance, will not serve asparagus except for a few weeks in the spring when it is locally harvested. On the other hand, California's more moderate climate offers chefs a wide array of produce year-round. Farm to table restaurants are understandably popular on the West Coast but are growing in numbers across the country. The seasonality component encourages both food preparers and consumers to savor fruits and vegetables at their prime.

Nutrition

Not only does seasonal produce provide a connection with the community, but it can also offer a higher concentration of nutrients compared to the same fruit or vegetable that would have had to travel for days and over thousands of miles. In general, the fresher the produce--and the quicker it arrives on one's dinner plate--the more nutrients it retains. When produce is shipped over long distances, it may be picked unripe (and lower in nutrients) to accommodate the required shelf life. Some items, such as tomatoes, are even treated with ethylene gas, which serves to activate an artificial ripening.

The Environment & Economy

As a whole, the food industry consumes great amounts of fossil fuels in both producing and shipping items. There is also considerable pollution generated by factories and other resource-demanding inputs. The farm to table movement does its part by ensuring that food stays in the area in which it was grown or made. Not only does this reduce the carbon footprint of restaurants and individuals who buy local, but it also has a positive impact on the local economy. By cutting out the middlemen, such restaurants are more likely to be able to pay farmers a fair wage.

Personalities

The farm to table concept encourages one to "know thy farmer." Rather than buying a faceless brand of sugar snap peas at the supermarket, a farm-to-table chef is likely to have visited the land where her peas have been grown. The produce might have even come from the restaurant's own land--or roof.

It is through the connection to the land, and the people who work the land, that the farm to table movement comes full circle. By taking lessons from the ways in which communities historically sourced and consumed food, and adapting those lessons to modern times, the philosophy provides a sustainable outlook for the future of food.

Proper Table Setting Etiquette

Proper table setting etiquette is both polite and practical. After all, if you always know which side of the table setting your glass is on, you aren't likely to accidentally drink from another guests' glass. Proper table setting etiquette is appropriate whether serving a meal to your family or entertaining guests. Does this Spark an idea?

Plate

Place the plate directly in front of the chair. The rest of the items will revolve around the dinner plate.

Utensils

The fork is placed on the table on the left side of the plate. Turn the knife so the edge faces the right side of the plate and set it on the table. Place the spoon immediately to the right of the knife.

Napkin

Fold a napkin. The napkin goes either to the left of the fork or on the plate.

Glassware

Place a glass directly above the knife, on the right side of the table setting.

Bread and Butter Plate

Bread and butter plates are optional. If you include one in your table setting, place it directly above the fork, on the left of the table setting.