When selecting an extendable dining table, you may be wondering how they work, if one extending mechanism is better than the other, and so forth. Let’s look at the main types of extendable dining tables and their extending mechanisms.

Three primary types of slides help an extending dining table to open or collapse with ease: wood, metal, and ball bearing slides. The best thing about wood slides is that they don’t rust, so you don’t have to worry about malfunctioning after a few years but can create dust and may need more effort to slide. 

Metal slides allow for smoother action making the table easier to operate when alone, although some metals are susceptible to rusting. Lastly, ball bearing slides are made of high-grade steel that utilizes ball bearings for a quiet and smooth operation hence the best choice. 

Types of extendable dining tables

Traditional table extensions

In a traditional extendable dining table, the ends of the table slide apart to form a gap in the middle then table extensions, also known as leaves, are placed in the gap. This means the panels or table extensions are stored separately, and the table may require two people to pull the ends of the table apart. 

Some traditional extendable dining tables also provide additional space for the panels to be stored beneath the dining tabletop. Other options allow you to add leaves on the two ends of the table to keep the center intact. Ensure you store the extension panels in the same room as your dining table to avoid swelling at different humidity rates, affecting the fit.

Butterfly leaf extensions

Butterfly leaf extensions are usually attached to the tabletop and stored beneath it when the table is in its compact form. Like the traditional table extensions, the ends of the table pull apart, and the butterfly leaves unfold to fit in the middle gap. 

They utilize hinges and other parts to keep them functional, and the butterfly leaf folds in half during storage for a more compact space. This extending table type requires hinges, which means that the parts could be susceptible to rusting depending on the material used. Ensure you do not expose the table to moisture and regulate humidity to keep the wood from swelling, which can impact its fit.

Drop leaf extensions

Drop leaf extensions are one of the most effortless extending mechanisms in extendable dining tables. The leaves are on both the outer ends of the dining table and collapse to save space when the table is in its basic size. You only need to lift the leaves to extend the table, making them easy to use. However, this type of extending mechanism affects or minimizes the leg space in its collapsed form. Also, ensure you get your dining table from a reliable manufacturer for a sturdy drop leaf extendable dining table.

Stow leaf extensions

The best thing about stow leaf extensions is that they are perfect for saving space. The table extensions conveniently stow beneath the tabletop on both sides. That means you don’t have to worry about extra storage space, and the extensions expand or contract with the rest of the table. Stow leaf extensions allow more durability and sturdiness at the table ends. The dining table features a double layer of table tops where the table extensions stow in their compact form.

Which is the type of extension that suits you?

The type of extendable dining table that suits you depends on your dining space needs and your family’s preference. The middle table extensions work best if you need to extend your dining table occasionally and need a fixed option if you do. If you require more dining space regularly, the extending flaps are a good option because they are easy to extend and push back in.

The post A GUIDE INTO EXTENDABLE DINING TABLES AND HOW THEY WORK appeared first on Top Dreamer.

Considering space, size, and growing families

If you have moved to a new home, your dining room set may be too large for your new dining room. If you have a growing family, adding table and seating space could be really important, and might not be able to wait any longer. When your dining room needs change, don’t put off getting your new dining room furniture simply because of price.

Worn or rickety dining room sets

If your dining room set is at the end of its life, you shouldn’t try to make it last forever. While some antique furniture can seemingly last forever, most dining room furniture has to be replaced periodically. If your table or chairs pose a threat for injury, you should replace it right away. Chairs that rock on their warped legs or tables that creak when weight is placed on them really should be replaced immediately to avoid injury of your family or guests.

If your dining table is still in good condition but the chairs are falling apart, you can purchase just new dining chairs or a dining bench to add more place settings. Dining chairs often wear out faster than the dining tables that match them. A broken chair could cause significant injury if it gives way while someone is seated. If you can’t find chairs that match your table, you might consider buying an entirely new dining room set.

Cheap dining room sets that aren’t made cheap

Although any furniture purchase should be seen as an investment in your home and family, you don’t have to pay a fortune to get a good quality dining set. There are many opportunities for retail sales, such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday, among others. You can also find furniture on sale during predictable seasons, usually in January or July before the new furniture collections hit the market.

Most importantly, you can save the most money on your next dining room furniture set online. Online stores offer dining table sets up to 40% off on a daily basis. They also offer additional discounts and sales just as the brick and mortar furniture stores in order to compete fairly. 

Online furniture stores also maintain clearance inventory much longer than your local furniture stores. They have more warehouse space than local furniture retailers, allowing them to continue to drop prices while still offering the previous season’s offerings. While it may be tempting to get the latest and most fashionable dining room sets, purchasing one from the previous season can be just as beneficial. Remember that these dining room sets are expected to last for a long time, which means that the previous season isn’t necessarily out of style. 

The post Don’t Put Off a New Dining Room Set—Here’s Why appeared first on Top Dreamer.

When choosing a dining table, you should keep in mind two primary criteria. First: will you feel comfortable while eating at it? Second: how will this table fit your dining room and will it become a good match to the other elements of its ambiance? Below, you will find handy recommendations on selecting a beautiful, durable and convenient table of an optimum shape, size and material.

Shape

In most furniture shops, customers can choose between these four shapes:

• Rectangular. This is the most traditional and frequently used one. If your dining room is large enough, you can divide it into several zones with the help of a rectangular table.
• Square. If compared to the previous one, this looks cozier and more intimate. Also, it might contribute to creating a vintage atmosphere.
• Round. This is a life-saver for owners of small dining rooms. This shape allows you to use every centimeter of space with maximum efficiency.
• Oval. This shape can be regarded as a hybrid between round and rectangular. It looks traditional and at the same time saves the space in the room thanks to the lack of corners.

If your family is not too big yet you organize large friendly gatherings a couple of times per year, consider an extendable table with a removable or folding leaf.

Those attracted to creative shapes should rather purchase a non-standard coffee table than a dinner one. The surface on which you place the plates and glasses needs to be convenient first of all. Tables whose silhouettes resemble a flower or a piece of a puzzle are ideal for putting just a cup of tea and a smartphone on them.

Size and Distance

The average height of a dining table is 30″ and that of a chair — from 17″ to 19″. When buying non-standard furniture, please check that the distance between the top of the chair seat and the tabletop is at least 12″.

When measuring the free space between the table edge and the wall of another piece of furniture, make sure it is no less than 42″. One should be able to pull out a chair without hindrance, sit comfortably and move freely around the table.

To calculate how many people will fit at the table, apply this formula: each individual requires at least 12″ of width and 24″ of length. So if a table measures 3′ (width) and 4′ (length), two persons would be able to sit on each side of it. To sit one more person at the foot of the table and one more at its head, you would need extra 12″ of length at each end.

The above-said referred to rectangular and square tables. Those who prefer round ones can resort to a useful lifehack: discard tables with legs and opt for one with a pedestal. If a 5′ round table is equipped with legs, only four persons would be able to dine at it simultaneously. But if we replace legs with a pedestal, up to six people would feel comfortable when dining. Alternatively, you might consider a table with a non-standard shape of legs, as in the Room Service 360 catalog.

Mind that all the above-mentioned measurements are minimal. So if you have a chance to buy a slightly larger table, do it. First, it is always nice to have a few extra inches at your disposal. Second, a spacious room would look cold and lonely if you place a too compact table there.

Material

Here are the most popular materials for dinner tables today:

• Solid wood. The most conventional option that never goes out of fashion. It looks warm and welcoming and fits any interior style, be it loft, Provence or empire. One can select between diverse colors and finishes, being sure that the table would look unique thanks to its one-of-a-kind grain patterns. Taking care of solid wood is genuinely easy: add a few drops of vinegar to the water, moisten a cloth and wipe the table with it.
• Reclaimed wood. If compared to its solid counterpart, this has more character. It is well-worn, marked and can boast of a highly picturesque surface. To clean it, you might want to use a brush, in addition to soft cloth. Reclaimed wood is gaining increasing popularity because it is remarkably eco-friendly.
• Laminate. This is the most budget-friendly option. Laminate is not too durable — so to make sure it would last long, opt for the costlier end of the product range. The best thing about this material is its impressive variety of styles and colors.
• Stone. Marble and granite are very heavy. If you order a large table made of either of them, you will not be able to move this piece of furniture too often. Also, such a surface would be prone to scratches. Yet stone looks exceptionally elegant and can be considered as a timeless value.
• Glass. Modern glass is neither fragile nor does it get stained with fingerprints too easily. A special spray and a soft damp cloth would be enough to keep it clean. A glass table is a must-have for small dining rooms since it makes them look more spacious.
• Metal. It is a versatile material that matches any style — especially given that you would be able to choose between diverse shades of iron, brass, gold and silver. Metal is remarkably durable and does not absorb dirt. Just clean it with a damp cloth, and it will shine as if you purchased the table just yesterday.

All the above-listed options are suitable for indoor usage. If you are planning to put the dinner table on an outdoor terrace, opt for stone since it is the most weather-resistant.

Conclusion

Relying on this information, you should be able to select a nice and comfortable dining table for your apartment or private house. Many modern tables are equally suitable for meals and work, so you can freely put your notebook on them. This would be a highly important investment in your home interior.

The post How to choose a Dining Table: What Shape, Size and More appeared first on Top Dreamer.

What matters is that you choose complementary decor that is appropriate for the size and shape of the space you have. Read on and learn fun ways to use the art of feng shui to add ambience and good energy to your dining room space.

What Is Feng Shui?

Feng Shui (“foong – shway”) is an ancient Chinese art of balancing energy, form, and function inside a space. The word “feng” means “wind” and the word “shui” means “water.” Here, however, this 3,000-year-old discipline is not talking about adding more wind or water to your rooms. Rather, the emphasis is on balancing all the natural energies, or chi, to optimize your life.

Feng Shui Dining Room Tips

To optimize the chi in your dining room, it is important to consider not only the space and its purpose, but its relationship to adjoining spaces and the greater surroundings as well. While you can’t always control what is located next to or beyond your dining room or your home itself, you can do a lot with feng shui to enhance your existing space.

1. Lay out the basic design and flow of your dining room.

Feng shui enthusiasts recommend placing your dining room table and chairs away from the entrance into another room, a bathroom door, or the kitchen. Also try to avoid placing your table too near any window that overlooks a busy street (a quiet street is fine). Ideally, place your table and chairs near a window that faces a quiet area with lots of natural light. 

If you live in an apartment or condo and are not on the top floor, try to find out what type of space is directly above your dining room itself. If it a bathroom, consider moving your dining room to another area of your home if at all possible. In feng shui a dining room should never be directly beneath a bathroom for hygiene reasons.

2. Choose your dining room furniture and accessories.

The art of feng shui calls for choosing a rounded-edge, natural wood table, if at all possible. Do your best to choose a table base that has legs supporting the table equally (i.e. not a pedestal-style base). This promotes unity and balance, two key concepts associated with feng shui. 

Do not place overhead light fixtures directly above the dining room table as this can feel slightly claustrophobic to diners. If you can place them in an offset position or skip overhead chandeliers entirely, this is best. For decoration, think more minimalist. Steer clear of clutter in favor of a few striking pieces. 

For example, one larger piece of wall art and a striking table centerpiece. Strategically-placed wall mirrors can help a very small dining area seem larger than it is and can be a great choice of wall art for smaller dining rooms in particular.

3. Choose your dining room color scheme with care.

Dining should be an enjoyable and relaxing experience for the body and mind. In western color psychology, the color red is said to promote hunger. And loud, fun, bright colors may be great for some rooms (such as a craft room or kids’ room) however, feng shui encourages adopting more muted, neutral tones in the dining room. 

Earth tones are grounding and calming to promote excellent digestion and a peaceful dining experience. To create this feel, you can accent neutral earth tones such as ivory, tan, buff, sand or beige with soft pastels like pale yellow and natural plant greens such as olive or sage. These colors all work well together and allow the meal itself to take center stage in your dining room.

4. Keep electronics out of the dining room.

Finally, if you feel tempted to install an entertainment center in the dining room, reconsider. Traditional feng shui emphasizes that the dining room is about building interpersonal connections in a low key, balanced, harmonious setting. So leave the entertainment center out, but consider adding a source of natural flowing water for some ambience instead. 

A fish tank, especially if it includes goldfish, is a great choice. Goldfish are considered lucky in feng shui design. Choose one black goldfish for protection and the rest golden-colored goldfish. With these feng shui principles in hand, you will be able to design a dining room you and your family and friends will love. 

The post 4 Quick Tips to Create Feng Shui in Your Dining Room appeared first on Top Dreamer.

See also:

How To Style Your Covered Patio In A Few Steps

Color scheme

The first thing that you need to do if you want a consistent look is to decide on the color scheme. Once you have it, make sure that you have an equal distribution of color. You can decide for a neutral base with bold accents. A good example for that is this table. White and beige are the neutral base colors. The look is build up with a bright yellow color to make a statement. Regarding the fact that we talk about summer tablescape, you are free to use fresh and bright colors to make your table pop.

Fresh centerpiece

Once you have picked your color scheme, it is time to choose a centerpiece that will match it. For a summer tablescape, it should be fresh and colorful. The most clever tip is to get flowers and fruits. You will be amazed by how these will elevate the decor to a whole new level. Feel free to add a bowl with citrus fruits, a big vase with flowers, or even small planters.

Add a small favor

You can add a small gift for each guest on their plate. This way, you will make them feel special. Include a small gift that will surprise your beloved guests. Or, you can include a card with their name.

With knowing the basics, now you can create the best looking tablescape for your next party or gathering. What do you think? What is the thing that will cheer up your table? Feel free to share this with us in the comments!

The post The Perfect Summer Tablescape In 3 Steps appeared first on Top Dreamer.

See also:

Vibrant Colored Dining Chairs For The Modern Dining Room

Why mismatched dining chairs?

If you want to go for something unique and outstanding, then this is definitely it. Also, this is a trend widely accepted by the ones that love to go down to the thrift store and get some unique things. This is a perfect way to add a bit of drama in your home. The “match everything” is so outdated, and now instead of buying complete sets we should create our own ones. This seems like a challenge for the creative people that want something new and fresh.

How to do it?

Mixing and matching different chairs is not that easy. You are free to use your own creativity, but there are a few rules that you should follow if you want to rock this trend. Certain mistakes can not be tolerated and can result in a bad design.

Be aware of the height

When mixing different types of chairs, always consider their height. You want to play with style and color, and not with height here. It can look not so good when you sit down. The height of all the chairs that you are using should be same.

Find something in common

Mismatching is not about using very different chairs. It is rather about finding something that they have in common, something that will connect them. It can be the style, material or color. Too much difference will look confusing.

What are the possibilities that you can choose from?

• Same chairs, different colors
• Different design, one color
• Different design, a limited color pallete

With knowing these basic rules, you can experiment and find the thing that works for you. You only need to keep the chairs in the same height and find something that connects them. The rest is left up to you and your imagination.

I bet that you will have fun mixing and matching your dining chairs!

The post Should You Give A Try To Mismatched Dining Chairs? appeared first on Top Dreamer.

But beautiful and functional is only half the picture – you also want your dining room to be bold, to make a powerful design statement with its furniture. Luckily, you can do this without absolutely breaking the bank, though you will want to spend a bit (think of it as an investment) on quality solid wood furniture, which will last you a lifetime. So, without further ado, here is a list of the top three bold ideas for your dining room table and chairs. 

Get a Live Edge Table
If you love vintage or natural aesthetics for interior home décor, you should consider getting a live edge table. These tables can be manufactured from a variety of different woods, like oak, pine, maple, as well as other hardwoods, but what sets them apart from your standard solid wood table is that they retain the natural grain of the wood on the edges. This natural edge lends an element of earthiness to a dining room, a kind of “cabin in the woods” look that is sure to be a conversation starter.

Reclaimed Wood
For a more modern and industrial look, imagine a reclaimed wood table in your home dining room, with its lived-in surface and tough charm. Not only will its durability serve you and your family for years, but, being a repurposed piece of wood, this reclaimed yet industrial design generates a perfect centerpiece for hosting guests. You can see the history and character in all the various knots and lines of a reclaimed wood table, and it pairs really well with metal and brick.

Stylish Glass Toppings for the Table
A glass top dining table is not only stylish but also durable and fashionable. You can find these dining tables in round, square or rectangular – consider the shape of your dining room before you choose which shape you want. A rounded glass topping for the table, with a wood base, for instance, is an elegant nod to the modern Parisian style of dining room that can be decorated a number of ways. The great thing about these tables is that they don’t appear to take up space in the room, giving the room a more open and inviting look.

With any one of these three types of tables, you’ll be making a bold statement. If you want the type of furniture that gets fawned over whenever you hold dinner parties, you can’t go wrong with live edge, reclaimed and glass-top tables. Just remember to get them to use their coaster!

The post 3 Bold Ideas For Your Dining Room Furniture appeared first on Top Dreamer.

A dining table holds a key position in your family. This is the place where friends and family dine and share good conversations. This is why buying a dining table merits some attention to details. Among many factors you need to consider before buying the right dining table for your home, the shapes and sizes of this key furniture item require special attention. Here are some tips that can help you make the right decision.

Measurement

Measurement plays a crucial role before choosing the size and shape of the dining table for your dining room. Dimensions and shape of the room is the foremost thing in deciding the right table size and shape. You want to buy dining room furniture that really fits well in your dining room area. Oftentimes, ignoring this basic criterion can lead to buying the wrong furniture pieces for your room. Therefore, it’s vital to measure the dimensions of your room beforehand.

Besides the dimensions, consider the number of people who are going to use the dining table. You want include all your family members as well as some occasional guest that might come over on spacial occasions. If you have a family of 4-6 members, then choose a table that accommodates nearly 8 people. The extra chairs may seem empty in the beginning, but they will be extremely handy to accommodate more guests.

Keep in mind that the table should be in proportion to your dining room size. Since you are the host, it is important for you guests to sit comfortably and have free space to walk around. Try to leave a maximum of 42 to 48 inches and a minimum of 36 inches between your tables and the walls. About two feet of eating space is required for a person to eat comfortably. When sitting at the table try to have at least 30 to 36 inches from your knee to the back of the chair.

Round Shape Table – Some people prefer round shape tables because they will add extra space around the rounded corners. While rounded corners can help accommodate additional guests around them, these tables typically need wider dining space in your room. You can also consider pedestal tables as they offer excellent leg room. Avoid large round tables as they would make it rather awkward for you to grab your favorite food on the table. However, these tables are ideal for formal dinner and playing cards and board games.

Square Shape Table– A square table is great for a square room. Owing to its equal distances from the center, it offers an intimate dining experience. But again, beware of larger square table as it would make it difficult for you to reach your food. If arranging a dinner party with more people, it is better to have a square table with leaves that can be extended when required.

Rectangular Shape Table – These tables complement well with a narrow, long room. These are great for a lavish dinner and a family night. You can quickly convert these into buffet tables. For a special family dinner, you can create a more elegant look by decorating a rectangular shape table with a piece of candelabra.

It’s very important to pay attention to the height of the tables. While sitting, people should have ample space for their legs to move. Generally there should be about 12 inches allowance between the bottom of the table top and top of the seat. While many of them are about 30 inches in style, it will still vary depending upon your style and need.

The post Best Miniforms Tables – Right Choice to Have For Your Dining Room appeared first on Top Dreamer.

Wе, in the mоdеrn gеnеrаtiоn, might соnѕidеr оurѕеlvеѕ mоrе intеlligеnt thаn оur ancestors duе tо оur numеrоuѕ innоvаtiоnѕ in thе fiеld оf ѕсiеnсе but nоt аll оur innоvаtiоnѕ аrе аѕ grеаt аѕ they ѕееm. Fоr inѕtаnсе, оur аnсеѕtоrѕ uѕеd tо сооk food in сооkwаrе mаdе of сlау and thеу didn’t fееl thе need to change thiѕ practice fоr ѕеvеrаl thоuѕаnd уеаrѕ (аlthоugh thеу knеw hоw tо wоrk with аnd uѕеd mеtаlѕ ѕinсе thе bеginning). But in thе раѕt fеw сеnturiеѕ, we hаvе еxреrimеntеd with diffеrеnt kindѕ оf materials tо mаkе utеnѕilѕ аnd сооkwаrе in оrdеr tо mаkе сооking еаѕiеr аnd fаѕtеr. Whilе dоing ѕо, wе hаvе nоt оnlу сrеаtеd huge riѕkѕ fоr оur hеаlth bу uѕing mаtеriаlѕ thаt imраrt tоxiс mеtаlѕ аnd сhеmiсаlѕ intо thе fооd but wе hаvе also fоrgоttеn thе uѕеfulnеѕѕ оf nаturаl mаtеriаlѕ fоr сооkwаrе.

Cаѕt Irоn Cookware Set iѕ ѕоmе оf thе bеѕt and mоѕt рорulаr оut thеrе. It iѕ definitely frоm аn оldеr ѕсhооl оf dеѕign аnd uѕе, but thаt dеfinitеlу dоеѕ nоt mаkе it infеriоr tо mоrе rесеnt mоdеlѕ! It hаѕ lоng bееn a fаvоritе сhоiсе оf many grоuрѕ, frоm lоng timе hоuѕеwivеѕ аnd mothers tо indереndеnt chefs tо ѕеriоuѕ саmреrѕ аnd hikеrѕ.

Mаnу реорlе ѕwеаr thаt fооd tastes bеttеr оut оf thiѕ tуре оf раn thаn аnу ѕubѕtitutе. Cooking with саѕt irоn iѕ nоt hеld to juѕt оnе grоuр, еithеr. Sоmе оf thе diѕhеѕ thаt аrе mоѕt соmmоnlу роintеd tо аѕ bеing bеѕt оut оf саѕt irоn inсludе еvеrуthing frоm Cаjun ѕеаfооd to Mexican style fаjitаѕ tо any tуре оf brеаkfаѕt fооd. Evеn соrnbrеаd! Suсh a vаriеtу ѕhоwѕ whаt саn bе dоnе with thiѕ сооkwаrе.

Cаѕt irоn iѕ рорulаr fоr mаnу diffеrеnt rеаѕоnѕ. Unlike ѕау ѕtаinlеѕѕ ѕtееl, it iѕ аn idеаl hеаt соnduсtоr and will аlmоѕt аlwауѕ heat еvеnlу аnd соnѕiѕtеntlу. It is rеlаtivеlу сhеар in соmраriѕоn with many оthеr types оf сооkwаrе, аnd with рrореr саrе саn lаѕt multiрlе gеnеrаtiоnѕ, a сlаim mаnу оthеr tуреѕ оf cookware cannot mаkе.

It iѕ еаѕу tо lеаrn to uѕе саѕt irоn, and ѕinсе уоu ѕhоuld preheat уоur сооkwаrе bеfоrе uѕing, уоu еvеn get an hеаd ѕtаrt оn dinnеr рrераrаtiоn. Onе оf thе mоѕt рорulаr mеthоdѕ оf сhесking to knоw if thе раn iѕ rеаdу iѕ tо drop fеw (nоt mаnу) drops оf wаtеr оn thе pan. If the drорѕ ѕizzlе, thеn the раn iѕ rеаdу. If it diѕарреаrѕ inѕtаntlу, thеn уоu nееd tо сооl thе раn dоwn a littlе.

Hоw tо Buу Cаѕt Irоn Cookware

Thеrе аrе mаnу ѕitеѕ оn thе intеrnеt thrоugh whiсh уоu саn buу саѕt irоn раnѕ. Sоmе оf thеѕе аrе оnlinе-оnlу rеtаilеrѕ, but mаnу аrе оnlinе ѕtоrеѕ rерrеѕеnting rеgulаr ѕtоrеѕ.

Tiрѕ fоr buying a Cast Iron Pan

• It is imроrаnt nоt tо gеt ѕеduсеd bу mаnufасturеr/brаnd – аѕ mеntiоnеd рrеviоuѕlу, thе bеѕt аdvеrtiѕеd аnd bеѕt ѕеlling irоn раnѕ dо nоt mеаn thеу аrе thе bеѕt. Mаnу саѕt iron раnѕ арреаr unbrаndеd, аnd аrе thе раnѕ уоu wоuld ѕее in рrоfеѕѕiоnаl kitchens bесаuѕе thеу аrе nо-nоnѕеnѕе, lоng lаѕting and rеliаblе раnѕ (thеѕе аrе оftеn рlаin blасk in арреаrаnсе).
• AGA аlѕо mаkе a ѕеlесtiоn оf саѕt irоn сооkwаrе, whiсh mау lооk niсе mаtсhеd with аn AGA Ovеn, but аgаin mау nоt bе the bеѕt tооlѕ fоr thе jоb.
• Whеn уоu’rе сhооѕing уоur cookware, it is wоrth rеаding some rеviеwѕ (Amаzоn ѕеllѕ a lоt оf kitсhеnwаrе, аnd hаѕ uѕеr reviews оf thе сооkwаrе); bеаr in mind thаt саѕt irоn сооkwаrеѕ аrе a specialty рiесе оf kitсhеnwаrе, аnd nоt еvеrуоnе “gеtѕ thеm”. Alѕо соnѕidеr thе wеight of thе сооkwаrе. If уоu аrе intеnding оn gеtting a 28сm ѕkillеt оr griddlе, уоu will nееd tо bе fаirlу ѕtrоng-wriѕtеd tо mоvе it аrоund with еаѕе. Aѕ thеѕе сооkwаrе gеt – аnd ѕtау – ѕо hоt, уоu nееd tо bе аblе to соntrоl thеm рrореrlу.

Enаmеllеd оr Sеаѕоnеd?

Mу реrѕоnаl рrеfеrеnсе iѕ tо hаvе an nоn-еnаmllеd ѕkillеt аnd gridlе, but fоr аn еnаmеllеd саѕеrrоlе diѕh (dutсh оvеn). Whilѕt уоu wаnt tо nurturе a ѕеаѕоnеd surface оn thе cookware, уоu оftеn dо nоt wаnt thе hаѕѕlе оf dоing thiѕ оn a big саѕѕеrоlе diѕh. If you wеrе tо dо a bееf ѕtеw аnd thеn a fiѕh ѕtеw in thе ѕаmе саѕѕеrоlе diѕh, thеrе mау bе ѕоmе mixing оf flаvоurѕ thаt blееd intо thе mеаt.

I wоuld nоt uѕе аn еnаmеllеd ѕkillеt оr griddlе, раrtlу аt the riѕk оf ѕсrаtсhing еnаmеl flаkеѕ intо thе fооd, аnd раrtlу bесаuѕе it dоеѕ nоt оffеr аѕ trаditiоnаl сооking еxреriеnсе.

Hоw tо Maintain Cаѕt Iron Cооkwаrе

Thеѕе аrе thе оnlу rulеѕ уоu nееd tо knоw tо hаvе a ѕuссеѕѕful lifеlоng rеlаtiоnѕhiр with your саѕt irоn.

• Sеаѕon it whеn уоu gеt it. Evеn рrе-ѕеаѕоnеd саѕt irоn саn dо with ѕоmе еxtrа protection. Tо ѕеаѕоn уоur раn, hеаt it uр оn thе ѕtоvеtор until itѕ ѕmоking hоt, thеn rub a littlе оil intо it аnd lеt it сооl. Rереаt thiѕ рrосеѕѕ a fеw timеѕ аnd уоu’rе gооd tо gо.
• Clеаn it аftеr еасh uѕе. Clеаn уоur раn thоrоughlу аftеr еасh uѕе by wаѕhing it with ѕоар аnd wаtеr аnd ѕсrubbing оut аnу gunk or dеbriѕ frоm thе bоttоm. I uѕе thе ѕсrubbу ѕidе оf a ѕроngе fоr thiѕ.
• Rе-ѕеаѕоn it. Rinѕе оut аnу еxсеѕѕ ѕоар with wаtеr, thеn рlасе thе ѕkillеt over a burnеr ѕеt tо high hеаt. Whеn mоѕt оf thе wаtеr inѕidе thе ѕkillеt hаѕ driеd оut, аdd a hаlf tеаѕрооn оf a neutral оil likе vеgеtаblе, саnоlа, flaxseed, оr ѕhоrtеning. Rub it аrоund with a рареr tоwеl. Cоntinuе hеаting thе раn until it juѕt ѕtаrtѕ tо ѕmоkе thеn givе it оnе mоrе gооd rub. Lеt it сооl аnd уоu’rе dоnе.
• Frу аnd Sеаr in it. Thе bеѕt wау tо kеер уоur ѕеаѕоning maintained? Juѕt uѕе уоur раn a lоt! Thе mоrе уоu frу, ѕеаr, оr bake in it, thе bеttеr thаt ѕеаѕоning will bесоmе.
• Dоn’t lеt it stay wеt. Wаtеr iѕ thе nаturаl еnеmу оf irоn аnd lеtting еvеn a drор оf wаtеr ѕit in уоur раn whеn уоu рut it аwау саn lеаd tо a ruѕt ѕроt. Nоt thе еnd оf thе wоrld, but ruѕt will rеԛuirе a littlе ѕсrubbing аnd rеѕеаѕоning. I аlwауѕ drу оut mу раn with a рареr tоwеl аnd coat it with a tinу аmоunt оf оil bеfоrе ѕtоrаgе.

Finаllу

A gооd саѕt irоn сооkwаrе ѕhоuld lаѕt уоu fоr dесаdеѕ if lооkеd аftеr рrореrlу, so ѕреnd ѕоmе timе rеѕеаrсhing thе орtiоnѕ аnd bе соmfоrtаblе with уоur рurсhаѕе.

The post Cast Iron Cookware 101 | How to Buy and Maintain appeared first on Top Dreamer.

But to plan the perfect dinner party, you have to be very precise when it comes to the décor. Many of us tend to get carried away and our classy, sophisticated dinner party ends up looking like a conjugated mess of random ideas. You need to keep your mind clear and think coherently to decide how the party goes. Some things to keep in mind are:

Keep a Dress Code

Deciding what to wear on what occasion may be a huge hassle.  Having too many different kinds of outfits worn by people would give the party an informal and haphazard look. Setting a dress code is a good idea to give the party a more organized and formal feel. This way the appeal of the party would not be damaged. Also deciding between a few options is easier which saves time for your guests too!

Choose Pleasant Decorations

In a sophisticated event, the best kinds of decoration are those which give the guests a pleasant feeling. These include balloons, flowers, scented candles and air purifiers. Make sure all these arrangements are not too extravagant. They should match the theme of your party. You could make bunches of color coordinated balloons and stick them in places with flowy ribbons. You may also place scented candles to give the party a nice, relaxing feel.

Set a Color Code

A good color contrast appeals to the eyes of the people.  It is best to choose dull and contrasting colors to be the theme of your dinner. They should be soothing to the eyes. A combination of 2 or 3 colors is preferable. The people attending should also be wearing the clothes of the same or of contrasting colors to blend in with the surroundings and not stand out too much.

Get a Good Catering Company

The main attraction of this occasion is the dinner itself.  It should not only be scrumptious but also very presentable. The setup of the table is what counts as most important part of decorations. For a small party these arrangements can be made you but with larger crowds, it is best to hire a good catering company like Matteo’s Gourmet Food Services. Ask the catering company to show you brochures and sample their food before finalizing them for your party.

Set the Mood with Music

Music is what completes all parties; casual or fancy. It sets the ambiance of the room and prevents awkward silence moments. The music you choose should complement your party’s theme. Make sure it is not is not too loud or startling. It should also not have any strong language. For a formal dinner party, some light, soft music is ideal. If you have enough room in the venue, you may also install a dancefloor to which people could softly dance to.

The post Top 5 Ideas for Dinner Party Decorations appeared first on Top Dreamer.