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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019
Wow your guests with the Hooker Furniture Dining Room Sorella Pedestal Dining Table w/1-20” leaf.
Okay, it’s springtime. This is the perfect season to finally get out of your thick clothing and to begin planning for activities that you could do until summer. One of the best things that you can actually hold for your family or even the neighborhood is to host a potluck lunch or dinner.
Hosting your first potluck is going to be great because, first, you won’t have to worry about what dishes to prepare. You’re technically off the hook regarding the cooking stuff. You could even assign dishes that your guests can agree to. This is so you won’t be stuck with a bazillion pasta dishes but will have, instead, a variety of foods that you and your guests will enjoy.
To be successful at this, here are some red-hot tips –
Make a Headcount
And this isn’t just counting the guests off in your head, nope. You have to have an accurate number of those people who really are going to attend. If you’re not keen on welcoming a lot and would only want to have an intimate dinner of sorts, then set the total number of guests that you could accommodate.
You should also count those who are still undecided and those who said that maybe they could come. These are the people who might show up at the last minute so be sure to account those, too.
Pick an Exciting Theme
Yes, your potluck party should also have a theme. One of the greatest things about potluck parties is that you can sample as many dishes as you want. So don’t limit your choices.
You could have a Mexican theme the first time and then take on a Superhero theme the following time. You could also pick a theme such as Favorite Foods so that you even get to know your neighbors and become potential close friends.
Make Contribution Groups
Every invitee must sign up to bring one from the following –
If the potluck will only have, say, five invitees, then you could just have an appetizer, a main dish and a side dish, one dessert, and beverage. If you’re having more people over, then you can assign three or more people per group or category.
Communicate
There are many ways that you can request for contributions from your guests. You could have them sign up on a list that you would upload in Google Docs. You can also email the theme and their contributions directly to them.
You can also have a signup sheet that will be posted in a prominent part of your village. Remind them also that they need to RSVP so that they can be included on the guest list. This is so you will know how many people you are supposed to prepare for.
Do not forget to monitor the contributions so that you can edit the list. If you haven’t assigned the dishes, then you can update the people about the food items that are no longer available for picking.
There seems to be an ongoing rule, though, wherein the host provides the main dish and the guests just bring whatever stuff they could afford. This setup is fine, too. You have to know when to assign and when to just allow the guests to bring whatever it is that they are comfortable to bring for the party.
Give your guests a chance to showcase their talents, too. If there is a neighbor who loves to bake then you could assign the dessert to her.
Remember Other Stuff
Keep in mind that potluck parties aren’t all about food. You will also need some non-food items such as the tablecloths, centerpieces, utensils, napkins, plates, cups, bowls, some paper towels, serving spoons, and garbage bags.
Tags: hosting a party, hosting a potluck party, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, potluck essentials, potluck party
Posted in Dining Room Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Hosting a Successful Potluck Party
Friday, February 22nd, 2019
Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Marinot, 12Lt. Chandelier 21298
The dining room is a place of socialization. This is where family or friends gather to enjoy a good meal while conversing and being updated on each other’s lives. Compared to kitchens, the dining room is a place that’s meant for relaxation. This is why the décor in this area is also a lot different from the area where cooking is done.
One of the age-old ways to effectively decorate the dining room is to hang a chandelier. This is a lighting fixture that’s highly valued for its function and aesthetic appeal. This is a decorative element that can effectively enhance any space.
If you’re currently shopping for a piece that will beautify your dining room then read on for a few tips –
Know the Cost
Chandeliers will always be hot when it comes to what’s fashionable inside a home. So, if you’re updating the dining room, then know that you don’t have to spend a lot just to replace the current lighting fixture there.
If you’re changing the lighting fixture, then be sure to hire a licensed electrician. Never install an overhead light all on your own. Not only is it dangerous because it involves electrical know-how, you might also end up doing the task all over again because the wiring system might not have been placed properly.
The lighting fixture installation cost, on average, is around $418 USD. Majority of homeowners spend anywhere from $176 to $375.
Know the Different Styles
Linear. Dining rooms come in many different designs. You would want to match your lighting with the current design elements that are already in place. The simplest solution is to have a rectangular or a linear chandelier.
This kind of chandelier has a horizontal span that’s great to install over a long dining table. You can use this when your home is designed with a farmhouse look or a Mid-century modern style.
Lantern. If you want an even more traditional look for the dining room, then your chandelier style should be that of a lantern. This hangs beautifully on a vertical position, as does a traditional chandelier.
This often comes in a metal frame. You can choose from a wide array of sizes from tiny to the gargantuan. The lantern chandelier is also the best lighting fixture for a tiny dining room.
Modern. The modern style is probably the one style that stands out because it can come in interesting geometric shapes.
Find those that have metallic finishes. Chrome is one exciting finish that will give your modern home its unique look. If you’re inviting a lot of guests over, then this is the right kind of chandelier that will start conversations.
Rustic. If you’re opting for the cozy and homey feeling, then a rustic chandelier is the best choice for your dining room light. Cast iron and dark wood are common materials and are also worth investing in.
This decorative element looks great when hung over a wooden table. While most of the rustic chandeliers are linear, there are also globe varieties as well as vertical chandeliers.
Traditional. The traditional style is the safest yet still stylish choice for any unsure homeowner. Traditional chandeliers, therefore, make use of a few bulbs and some glass pieces.
Elegance is easily achieved through the traditional dining room chandelier. If you’re thinking of selling your home soon, then be sure to replace the dining room overhead lighting with this timeless choice.
Small. For people who have small dining rooms, then the lighting fixture of choice should be one that will not crowd out the rest of the design elements. Know the measurements of your dining room so that you will be able to buy the right chandelier size.
Linear chandeliers could be your best choice at this point.
Tags: chandelier types, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, types of chandeliers
Posted in Accents, Dining Room Design, Green Living, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | Comments Off on How to Take On Your First Dining Room Chandelier Installation Project
Thursday, February 14th, 2019
The perfect decor: Maitland-Smith Accessories Set of Two Heart Shaped Boxes 8115-11
Valentine’s Day is often depicted as a day for boxed chocolates and red, cutout hearts but there is a lot more to it than these things. Hearts’ Day can also be a great day to redecorate your home for your loved one.
Now let’s focus on your senses. See how you can enhance your visual, tactile, and even your olfactory sense. Here’s how to decorate your home especially for Valentine’s Day –
Good to Touch
The most romantic interior designs satiate the tactile sense. Anything that’s smooth and soft to the touch creates sensuality. Imagine going to the spa where you are pampered. Soaking in a tub is an ideal thing complete with scented soap, votives and candle pillars to light the room.
Cotton and silk are great on the bed, a high pile rug is awesome to go underfoot, marino wool is perfect for your comfy couch, and other soft furnishings would surely make the bedroom more romantic.
Faux fur accents are also a great addition because they are beautiful to look at and soft to touch. Place it on an ottoman and you’ve instantly increased the level of comfort in the room.
Some Mood Lighting
Lighting is an effective mood-enhancing element. Even the most amazing floral arrangements won’t matter if you have poor lighting.
The ambiance is created by the way the light glows and is distributed throughout the space. So go ahead and manipulate the lights by having dimmers and low wattage bulbs especially for this occasion.
The dimmers, more importantly, are the best mood setters whether in the bedroom, dining room or just about any room in a home. Combine these with candlelight or a lovely table lamp and you have set up the perfect subdued ambiance.
You can also use fire to create the most intimate settings. For centuries, man has been dependent on fire for illumination and even cooking. Now, it can be utilized to inspire romance in a room.
For a more intimate room, you can turn off the lights and use candles instead. Use candelabra to set up the candles. These will also help create a formal setting. Shop for soy-based clean candles because they come from renewable energy sources and they even have terrific aromatic smells.
The fireplace must also be ablaze the moment that you decide to increase the level of romance in your home. Whether this is located in the middle of the living room or in the large bedroom, be sure to gather ample firewood.
Your wall lighting can also be optimized during this day. It can help create a cozy tone.
Go Natural
Whether it’s a single-stemmed or a dozen red roses, these flowers are, without a doubt, a Valentine’s Day favorite. The tradition of offering roses dates all the way back to the later part of 17th century.
Sweden’s King Charles II once took a trip to Persia and was soon exposed to the floral expressionism. Europeans gave meanings to each flower and their definitions were widely circulated.
The rose was one of these flowers. Greek mythology tells of Aphrodite’s tears and Adonis’ blood giving birth to rose bushes.
Add flower décor so that you make your place look and smell more romantic.
Choose Valentine’s Hues
Be mindful of color psychology. Pick specific colors that will help you set up the romantic mood in the room. Red is an awfully intense color but it is timely for the upcoming V-Day because it represents desire, energy, and passion.
If you cannot fully commit to an all-red room, then go for accents. Pair it with black to create a more dramatic ambiance.
All things red are welcome: Maitland-Smith Bar and Game Room Bar Cabinet, Telephone Booth 8136-51
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, romantic dining, Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day decor, Valentine's Day design, Valentine's Day dining
Posted in Dining Room Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Hearts’ Day Decorating Guidelines
Tuesday, November 13th, 2018
Collectors Room Pieces: Set up a formal dining space this Thanksgiving.
When the word Thanksgiving is mentioned to you, what things run through your mind? You probably think of the pilgrims and Indians but the real story is less joyful than these. In fact, the history of Thanksgiving is laden with wars and slavery. The Pequot women and children were the ones who inspired Thanksgiving with their yearly Green Corn Festival.
Let’s not tackle how the Dutch and English mercenaries celebrated their Thanksgiving, neither the other frenzied celebrations because those events were tragic to say the least.
It was George Washington who finally decided that only one day every year should be set aside as Thanksgiving and, eventually, Abraham Lincoln decreed that this day become a legal holiday.
So what are the things that you are grateful for? The mere fact that you have a roof over your head and good food to eat are awesome reasons to celebrate and give thanks.
Most of the time, people forget how lucky they actually are with all the things that they take for granted such as a soft bed, a clean and spa-like bathroom, and a spacious home. All these are reasons to celebrate this coming Thanksgiving.
Let’s Eat
It’s Thanksgiving so it’s the perfect time to gather the family, celebrate, and eat. What’s Thanksgiving anyway without ample food on the table? This is the time to feast and to devour, ingest, gobble up, wolf down your food or even to pig out.
Polish off your plates when you serve these foods –
Traditional Turkey
But of course. What is Thanksgiving without family members carving a huge turkey? This bird is often prepared whole and filled with vegetables, fruits or some other stuffing.
Turkeys are usually seasoned with several herbs and spices and then roasted over open fire or inside an oven. Be sure to roast this till it’s deliciously tender but still juicy.
It takes skill to properly roast a turkey. There are many videos showing how to roast this bird so that it’s still juicy once it’s done.
The Thick Gravy
The turkey will have juices once it is being roasted. Don’t let this go to waste. Turn the turkey juices into a thick gravy sauce which you can use to flavor the mashed potatoes.
Stuff ‘Em Right
The stuffing is the filling or also referred to as the dressing. This goes inside the turkey before it is roasted. Traditionally, the stuffing is comprised of bread, herbs, and sausage.
The Creamy Mashed Potatoes
This is another traditional Thanksgiving food. To serve this, you must first boil and peel the potatoes. Once they’re cooked, have them mashed till they are soft and creamy. Add milk, butter, and a few spices according to your liking.
Varieties of Corn
If bread rolls are a staple during Thanksgiving meals, then so is corn.
Corn can be served as cornbread, creamed corn or corn on the cob.
Sweet Cranberry Sauce
The sour, sweet and tangy flavors of the cranberry sauce are what make this sauce the best sauce for the turkey. There are many shops that sell the cranberry sauce but you can also make your own if you have ample time.
Make this sauce by boiling cranberries, lemon zest, sugar, and water. Simmer over a small flame then you’re done.
Candied Yams
The yellow, sweet potatoes are known as yams. They have a soft texture and they can be used as a side dish or could even be served during the main course. These can be baked, mashed or be made as casserole.
Add some spices, butter, brown sugar, and top with marshmallows for the perfect baked candied yams.
Sweet as a Pumpkin Pie
The pumpkin spice is a reminder that Fall is happening indeed. There’s pumpkin spice cookies and coffee, even bagels and sausages. But it’s the pumpkin pie that’s to beat.
Tags: Getting ready for Thanksgiving, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, preparing for Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving foods
Posted in Dining Room Design, Fall Season, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Thanksgiving 2018 – What’s for Dinner?
Monday, November 5th, 2018
Fine Furniture Design’s Collectors Room pieces: Thanksgiving is all about formal dining and having fun with the family.
Thanksgiving is now right around the corner. If you have not planned yet, don’t worry, you still have ample time to do your preparations. And when you’re about to host a Thanksgiving dinner party, then you should seriously double-time.
Here are some smart ways that you can prep for this special occasion –
Inspect the Kitchen Tools and Equipment
Apart from planning the menu, it is also as important that you check on your kitchen tools and cookware. After all, you will need all these to cook the dinner. The basics are that roasting pan, meat thermometer, some pie dishes, and even the cutlery.
If you’re in charge of cooking, then you should also consider having your knives professionally sharpened. If you’re too busy to have it taken to the experts, then at the very least, you should have honing steel or a sharpening stone. It often takes days to have a knife sharpened so you should schedule this activity in advance.
Keep in mind that a dull knife is likely a dangerous knife so you wouldn’t want to get cooking with such a set of knives.
Make the Foods and Sauces Now
A frozen turkey remains that for a long time so you should consider when to thaw it. A huge, completely frozen bird will need sometime to thaw. Remember that for each four pounds of frozen turkey, you will need a day of thawing.
Thanksgiving time is gravy time. Since you’ll need a lot, why not tackle the duty of prepping this essential now? Worry not about the drippings because you can always add these to the gravy on the last minute for a more authentic flavor.
The cranberry sauce is also an important part of every Thanksgiving dinner. Although this is the case, there are times when you might forget it during grocery shopping.
Make sure that you do have this sauce during this special day. This contains sugar so it can be made and then kept and frozen in the fridge till the day.
Another Thanksgiving essential is the mashed potato. While the potato may not take freezing well, with mashed potatoes, it’s a totally different story. For as long as they are mashed and covered with lots of cream and butter, then this can be stored until the big day.
Another thing that you can make now are the dinner rolls. These can be baked now and then frozen until they are ready to be enjoyed on your Thanksgiving meal. You can also make and freeze the pie crust whether you’re going to use it for a pumpkin, apple or pecan filling.
Schedule Ahead
Even when you’re done prepping for the food and beverages that will be enjoyed during the Thanksgiving meal, it would be more helpful if you know how your day will exactly play out. You need to sort out your schedule in advance especially when it comes to cooking and baking.
You need to be certain about your schedule during this day. If you have travel plans for this date, then make sure that you have the right tickets for your train or airplane. Have these bought in advance so that you won’t have to pay for an astronomical amount.
Go over the tickets, connecting flights, your schedules, even the driving directions just to make sure that your trip is going to go smoothly. If you are going to check in a hotel, then book now. The earlier you book, the lower the rates.
And when you’re not heading out, you would need to make sure that your home is well prepped to accept guests during this wonderful occasion.
Tags: Getting ready for Thanksgiving, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, preparing for Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving dinner, Thanksgiving prep, Thanksgiving preparation
Posted in Dining Room Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Thanksgiving Prep – 3 Essential Steps to Remember
Monday, September 24th, 2018
Fine Furniture Design Dining Room Leg Table 1150-814
The holidays are definitely here. And for those who love to entertain, this is the season to dress up the dining room and prepare for those upcoming social gatherings. Even those who don’t like to entertain, it is probable that you would receive a guest or two in the next few weeks. So, what preparations are you supposed to do in the dining room?
Okay, let’s face it. A dining room that shows bare windows is boring. There are so many ways that you can spruce them up and prep them to receive your guests. Don’t let the holiday blues get to you.
Begin by letting in a generous amount of natural light during the day. Window treatments usually do not require major maintenance so bringing out the feather duster is step one of your cleanup process. This cleaning tool is light and can clean the dust on the blinds.
For heavier dirt, use a soft, damp cloth in cleaning. This is especially useful for faux wood, wood or vinyl windows. For all other types of dirt, use vacuum.
And now, onto the table setting –
Finding the right tableware for the dinners and using the table accents that will actually go well with them will help create the right ambiance for this happy season. Whether you would want to set up for formal dining with a winter setting or just creating a table that’s honoring the bounteous year you’ve had, there are a few standards that you might want to consider.
The Must-Haves
There are three linens to use for a formal setting. First, find a table cloth that will protect the dining table surface, the place mat, and the cloth napkin.
After these, check the china. The set must include these –
– Service plates
– Dinner plates
– Soup plates
– Consommé or the bouillon cups
– Salad plates
– Bread and butter plates
– Dessert plates
– Cups and saucers
Next, it’s time to check the needed silverware. Of course, you’ll need forks, knives and spoons. As for the glassware, you should have ample white wine glasses, red wine glasses, water goblets, and champagne flutes for your guests.
There are three ways that you can decorate the dining table. You can use the obvious choices such as fresh fruits and flowers or you can be more romantic with candles in candelabra. If you’re feeling more Romanesque, then use sculptures to make the table more interesting.
The Formal Setting
Here now are the steps to your holiday tablescape.
First, make sure that the table cloth’s edges are evenly positioned on all sides. When this linen is set, put your decorative piece(s) or centerpiece on the table. Put there the decorative pieces that you think will catch the attention of your guests (this will be your focal point).
Next, add the smaller decorative pieces like the tea lights. Have the place mats set at 1/2 inch from the table’s edge. The service plate must be positioned at the center of this place mat.
The salad plate or the soup bowl is positioned next. The table napkin shout sit in the middle of this bowl. If not, you can have it placed on the guest’s left side where it is easily accessible.
As the rule says, the guest needs to work his way out, meaning, as he progresses through his courses, he will use the utensils that are set in front of him. The bigger utensils often sit in the innermost areas. The utensils’ edges must not go beyond the service plate’s bottom rim.
The salad and dinner forks go to the left while the knife, teaspoon, and the soup spoon sit on the right. The dessert spoon and the cake fork are place right above the service plate with the bread plate and the butter knife on the upper left part of the service plate.
Lastly, from left to right, place the water glass, red wine glass, and the white wine glass on the upper right part of the service plate. The cup and the saucer should be right beside the last glass on this line.
Tags: holiday table setting, McCreerys Home Furnishings, table setting
Posted in 2018 Trends, Dining Room Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Holiday Table Setting for 2018
Monday, August 27th, 2018
Did you say intimate? Featured here is the Uttermost Accessories Garvin Twist Sconce With Candle 19476.
One of the critical elements that you should consider in every dining room is correct lighting. Take note, it’s not just lighting but the right kind of lighting so that you’re able to create an equally correct atmosphere. There are some lighting tips that are meant just for your kind of dining room –
The Supper Zone
If you happen to spend most of your nights rather than your daytime in the dining room, then you should look for lighting that is dramatic. Low-level lighting is what you should be looking for so that you’d create an intimate space.
There are special bulbs and lighting fixtures that cast a romantic shadow. Look for those. An elegant lantern can give your dining room the level of sophistication that it needs. A multi-arm chandelier would be best for ornate designs. While the starburst is perfect for that roundtable that you fell in love with.
For the modernist romantic, you can go for crystal lighting or just about any shape that speaks to you.
Begin at the Top
Think of the dining room lighting as the centerpiece of that space. Since this is so, you have to take every opportunity to make a statement. When you have a rectangular table, find a linear chandelier or several pendants which should run the entire table’s length.
A roundtable, on the other hand, should have a group of mini chandeliers or pendants. Pick LED-lit chandelier if you want a white light to be cast throughout the room.
Or linear and modernized? Here’s the straightforward beauty offered by the Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Tuxedo, 6-Lt Single Shade Chandelier 21130
The Table Is the Anchor
Another crucial thing to remember is that you have to consider the table as the basis for your lighting decisions. You have to do this because people gather around this one piece of furniture while the rest of the space recedes when a meal is served.
This means you can go for an interesting pendant, the traditional chandelier or a series of pendants. Just make sure, each time, that the bottom of the lighting fixture must be 36 inches from the dining table surface.
Large Pendant, Small Dining Table
Work with scaling especially around the dining table. The bigger the lighting fixture, most designers agree, the better. If you have a small, round table, match it with a pendant light that catches attention. Alternatively, you can also invest in multiple pendants that are asymmetrically numbered.
As for your rectangular table, look for a chandelier or, yet again, a series of pendant lights. The longer the table, the more that you need to create a row of lights that would run its length. It is always best to go for odd numbering rather than the matching look of even-numbered lights.
Zone Demarcation
Be sure to use a large pendant when you signed up for an open space layout. This one piece of lighting fixture can help you create zones in your home. This huge pendant would help focus eyes even during the day.
Use Dimmers
Light controls can effortlessly increase the level of comfort in your dining room. Dimmed lights do not just use less energy but they also create the perfect, intimate ambiance that you would want at night. Sure, go ahead and flood the dining room with daylight but, come night, be sure to achieve the right atmosphere by having just the low-level kind of warm light.
Plus, dimmed lighting looks pretty, too, so just go for it.
Don’t Forget to Layer
Just a single source of light would be too intimate while having a lot at the wrong spots could also be glaring. Having more than one lighting source gives you more options in terms of creating moods. So go ahead and have a table lamp for that sideboard or some wall sconces to match that large pendant.
Tags: dining room light, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Dining Room Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | Comments Off on The Inseparable Dining and Lighting
Wednesday, May 23rd, 2018
Kids and fragile stuff just don’t mix. Any parent would be able to attest to this. These little ones go from room to room running, walking, teasing, and whatnot. And the family dining room could be one of those areas that can take the abuse that such activities can do. If you have little ones, it’s time to rethink what are and what are not acceptable inside the dining area in terms of furnishings and décor.
Dining Tables, Chairs, and Materials for Homes with Kiddos
Old designs are amazing when you have to set up a dining area with kids to consider. Find a table that can sustain the rigors of a kid’s lifestyle. It must have a spacious tabletop, preferably with a rich wood grain so that it still looks stylishly simple while being able to take whatever battery it’s going to go through soon.
Buying this important piece of dining room furniture isn’t as easy as when you don’t have kids to consider. Most dining tables come with delicate surfaces and even sharp edges. These are the very things that should be avoided by a family that has growing kids. You wouldn’t want those cute little fingers hurt.
A child-friendly dining table can be as stylish as the Lorts Manufacturing Dining Room Square-to-Round Table Top 1173 –
Lorts Manufacturing Dining Room Square-To-Round Table Top 1173
This table has round edges which makes it the safest choice for any parent who wants to guarantee the safety of their kids.
Don’t think, though, that your choices are limited to just the plain ones. You can still have a chic table in your dining room without having to worry about any mishaps. You can also go for the long tables complete with equally long benches such as this Winners Only Dining Room 84 Inches Leg Table and its accompanying chairs and bench –
Winners Only Dining Room 84 Inches Leg Table DFC14284
This collection is perfect for a home with kids because it comes with strong designs. It features hardwoods and birch. It is also stylish with its two-tone finish and distressed look. It’s the most charming and simple dining set that you could get.
The key here is to look for materials that are durable. Step away from anything that’s made of glass or ceramic. If you really have to have ceramic, then be sure to have the coated surface type.
Find the ones that are scratch, fade, and heat-resistant. Pick a darker-colored table or have a light-colored table stained to hide inevitable spillages or those probable crayon mishaps.
It would be practical to purchase a dining table that will last through the years, preferably, one that could also grow with the kids. After all, those playdates, as well as surprise friendly visits, should be readily accommodated by your family. If you can find a table with a butterfly mechanism such as this Winners Only Dining Room 78-inches Table with 18-inch Butterfly leaf then that would also be a wonderful deal –
Winners Only Dining Room 78 Inches Table With 18 Inches Butterfly Leaf DC33878R
Rattan is also an amazing material for kid-friendly zones whether we’re talking about the living room or the dining area. You can shop for bamboo chairs that would still look great in your dining room. Just because you have kids in your home does not mean that you have to give up on style. This is the most laidback that your style could get but it is still, nevertheless, modish.
If you’re not a fan of rattan, then just be sure to shy away from anything that’s upholstered for now. Instead, use canvas slipcovers that can still provide your dining chairs with the needed updated, fresh look.
Lastly, be sure to cap the style that you have created with an area rug that’s both chic and durable. All in all, you have a win-win dining area that’s both safe for your kids yet still visually enticing.
Tags: kid-friendly dining chairs, kid-friendly dining room, kid-friendly dining table, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Dining Room Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Chic, Kid-friendly Dining Room Setup
Wednesday, March 14th, 2018
Fine Furniture Design’s Regal Collection features these dining set that’s meant for royalty.
Casual dining rooms are what’s known as functional dining rooms. These are your usual setup where you can relax, dine, laugh, and not worry so much about how to behave. If you want to dine like royalty, though, or if there is a formal function that you need to attend, then you will need to prepare for formal dining.
Formal dining rooms, simply put, are fancier dining rooms. Their furniture choices, as well as lighting, are very much different from casual dining areas. They also come with a more posh choice of accessories and other decorative elements.
The look of this room determines whether or not it can be considered a formal dining room. How space is used and how it becomes distinct from the usual dining setup will also point as to whether you are going to dine in a formal setup.
Even when pizza is going to be served in formal dining, this is a time when you should refrain from pigging out. With everyone wearing black ties and long gowns, it would be wrong to behave in such a manner.
The Fancy Location
The very purpose and location of the dinner will make a huge difference on whether it is going to be a formal occasion or just a casual tête-à-tête. A formal dining room tends to be separated from the rest of the rooms. It also comes with pocket doors or lovely French doors. It is also common to see double doors opening up to the lavish setup indoors.
A casual dining room, in contrast, often shares a space with the living room or the kitchen. It is also wide open since it does not come with any closable door.
The formal dining room’s purpose is to serve the most elegant dinners. It can also be the hub of classy social get-togethers. You will be served with meals that are ceremonially served by waiters who are also properly dressed for the evening.
Proper etiquette is also expected in a formal dining setup. All these go with the fine embellishments that you get to see everywhere.
The Fancy Ambiance
A formal dining room is more conservative. It tends to have a darker color palette because of the formality that it evokes. Since this is so, you will find that most formal dining rooms have dark wood floors. You will also find rich paneling where the lighting is kept to a bare minimum so that the ambiance becomes more intimate.
You will rarely hear loud voices from the diners. In fact, you are expected to talk in whispers and to dress up in a formal manner.
As opposed to the casual dining room where the room is flooded with light and the diners talking animatedly, in the formal setup, the diners simply need to behave.
The Fancy Furniture
The formal dining room needs formal and fancier furniture pieces. This is one of the most important things that will help you distinguish the formal setup from the casual one. A functional dining room contains a table and chairs that can be exposed to the daily rigors of informal dining.
In a formal dining room, there are only two things that could become the focal point – it’s either the long dining table or the charming chandelier that’s hung right above the center of the lovely table. You will also immediately notice the lovely formal chairs that are gathered about. More often than not, these are made of traditional woods and are possibly padded complete with refined details.
Expect to find a china cabinet, buffet or sideboard nearby. In place of these, you might find a small TV or even a laptop atop a computer desk in a casual dining room.
Tags: formal dining, formal dining room, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
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Monday, February 19th, 2018
Canadel Living Room Upholstered Seat Bench with backing.
Picture the scenario in your dining room during breakfast each day. It’s not a very pleasant sight, is it? There’s this need to concoct the morning coffee and then to dash off to the office to reach your scheduled time. This may be the reason why the breakfast nook came into existence in the first place.
When planned, the breakfast nook is situated in a kitchen alcove. It must be in a zone where you can easily reach the cupboards and the stove but it must not be so close that it no longer feels separate from the rest of the kitchen.
The Breakfast Nook Setup
Usually, one end of the breakfast table is placed against the wall. The other end is supported by one leg. Try your best to set up the breakfast nook by the window especially on the eastern part of your home so you get to have the best of the morning sunlight while you enjoy your first meal.
The latest addition to the breakfast nook is the high-backed seating. This provides convenience that was never before seen in any breakfast nook. When well-designed, these can be a lot more comfortable than regular chairs. The seats can also be benches that come with hinged lids and concealed storage spaces.
The Cheerful Breakfast Nook
Now that you already know the most cheerful part of your home, you need to set up the chairs and table right in that spot. Be sure to line them up right by the curtains covering the double windows. The cupboards should be high enough so that you won’t have to worry about hitting your head when you get up from a hearty breakfast.
Make your breakfast even comfier by having your electric toaster and a coffee percolator nearby. This is the simplest breakfast that you can prepare on any given day. The dishes and cups that are often used can be set close by, doing so will eliminate the rush that usually comes the setting of table during the morning.
If you have a home that can provide natural lighting for your breakfast nook during the day, then you are one of the blessed ones. This is mighty convenient as well as healthy for you because you will have an ample supply of Vitamin D while you enjoy your coffee and toast.
Breakfast Nook Elsewhere
If you are presented with the problem of minimal space, then you will need careful and professional planning. You may want to turn this issue to your advantage by making the nook look and feel cozier. You can up the level of intimacy in that area making it a more personal haven.
Canadel Living Room Upholstered Seat Bench
Breakfast Nook Measurements
If you have been thinking about how to use your available space for a breakfast nook, then you might want to measure if you have at least 24 inches width at your disposal. Going lower than this is less than ideal. Seating four people means having a table of 60 inches given you have two seated at each side.
The depth of the table or its length should have a minimum measurement of 42 inches. This is when you are ready to use both sides. If just one side is going to be used, then the recommended measurement is just 21 inches.
For benches, you can use a depth of 17.5 inches to about 20 inches. Measure from the seat’s front edge all the way to the upright part of the back. For instance, to have a seat on both sides of a table that measures 42 inches, then the minimum measurements are –
17.5” + 42” + 17.5” = 77”
This is the minimal space requirement. These dimensions still do not include the backs’ depth. These measurements vary depending on the usable space.
Tags: breakfast nook, designing the breakfast nook, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Dining Room Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Kitchen Design, Special Rooms In Your Home | Comments Off on Breakfast Nook Setup and Features
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