Some TV stands are simply too short--too close to the floor--to provide a good viewing position for an LCD TV. If yours is like this and you don't like the height of your LCD TV when it is sitting on it, don't rush out and get a new TV stand just yet. With a decent-sized piece of plywood and some 2-by-4s/2-by-6s, you can create a homemade lifting platform for your LCD TV to sit on. When placed on your TV stand, this will lift your LCD TV considerably higher up.
Instructions
1
Lay the two 2-by-4 or 2-by-6 pieces of wood down parallel to each other on their narrow sides; approximately 28 inches apart, and then set the piece of plywood on top of them. The 2-by-4s/2-by-6s will be the support pieces.
2
Line up both the 14-inch edges of the plywood with the 14-inch support pieces, making sure they are completely flush on all adjoining sides, and then mark three equally spaced spots on the plywood (above each support piece) for the screws.
3
Screw the plywood to the support pieces with your power drill, taking care that the plywood and support pieces remain flush during the operation. Once they're all connected, place your homemade lifting platform on your TV stand and put your LCD TV on top of it. The building process is now complete; your LCD TV is ready to be watched from a far more comfortable position.
Building a ping-pong table top to put on top of a pool table is a very cheap and effective route to playing ping pong. Instead of buying an entire table, having a ping-pong table top that is easily movable frees up more space in storage and is easy to build. This project should take about two hours, which includes painting.
Instructions
Putting the table together
1
Take the belt sander and with your piece of plywood on top of the saw horses, begin lightly sanding one side of the plywood to make sure there are no imperfections and you have as smooth of a surface as possible.
2
Grab your green enamel paint--or whatever main color you choose--and begin the process of painting both sides. One coat is needed on the bottom, but at least three coats are needed on the top side that you play on.
3
Ensure the paint has dried. Using the masking or painter's tape, create the playing lines. All lines should be three quarters of an inch wide. One solid line goes around the entire edge of the table. One more line goes directly down the middle of the table end to end lengthwise. Wait for it to dry and paint a second coat if needed.
4
Flip the table over and take your adhesive rubber paddings. Apply the sticky side along the table in the area of which it has contact with the pool table. These pads need to be in the proper place to ensure you do not scratch or harm your pool table. You should have at least four on each side and three on the ends.
Restaurant design should be geared toward your customers. Consider your target audience and what they would expect when eating, and then design a restaurant concept that will both shock and please them. Also, use your food and the overall culture of your restaurant to inspire your dcor. Most of all, find something that will set you apart and create a buzz about your restaurant. The success of a restaurant is about image just as much as it is about the food, so make careful and intelligent decisions. Does this Spark an idea?
Go Vintage
Vintage is always in style, and it is always original because there are so many different eras to choose from. Draw inspiration from old soda shops, with bright red vinyl benches, swivel stools and a jukebox at each table. Or use the1970s for a more retro feel; hang bright green or orange bubble lamps from the ceiling, or install simple wall sconces with brightly colored lampshades in retro patterns. Give the restaurant a vintage feel with a modern twist to make it your own.
Go Modern
An extremely modern style is also a popular restaurant design. Use extremely modern tables, chairs and artwork. Lighting is a huge defining factor in modern dcor. Use bright, colored lights and contemporary lighting fixtures that function as lighting and artwork. Add contemporary touches to the room, such as wallpaper and tile in geometric patterns or splashes and molding made from modern materials such as metallic or iridescent tile.
Keep It Simple
An extremely simple restaurant design is not only eye-catching, but it is also more versatile and may have more staying power than a design with a lot of detail. The extreme lack of detail is what is most noticeable about an extremely simple restaurant design. Style your restaurant in all white, with bright and bold contrasting colors or details, such as bright pink, teal or even black. Use white walls, shiny white tables and stainless-steel chairs. Then place a clear or stainless-steel vase filled with bright gerbera daisies at each table.
Maximum Elegance
An extremely elegant look is a great decorating style for your restaurant. Use lots of mirrors to make the room look larger and grand, use a dark tile or wood floor, and paint the walls in a neutral color. Enhance the room with ornate details in the crown molding, beautifully crafted tables and chairs, and elegant silver candlesticks in the center of each table. Make the room look as decadent as the food you are serving, and draw inspiration from the finest French and Italian restaurants.
Playing craps at home is as entertaining as playing craps at the casino if you have your own table and some friends to play with. Purchasing a craps table can be expensive, but building your own is comparatively cheap and easy. This is especially true if you have a pool table or tall table that can be converted into a craps table.
Instructions
1
Measure your felt craps table layout.
2
Cut a piece of plywood to the dimensions of the layout. Use a power saw or hand saw.
3
Take another two pieces of plywood and cut them so that the length of the pieces is the same as the length of the piece that was cut to the dimensions of the layout.
4
Take another two pieces of plywood and cut them so that the length of these pieces is the same as the width of the piece cut to the dimensions of the layout. The pieces from Steps 3 and 4 will be the sides of the craps table.
5
Cut the pieces from Steps 3 and 4 so their width is 2 feet.
6
Glue the felt craps table layout to the piece of plywood you cut to fit its dimensions. This will be the bottom of the craps table
7
Take felt of the same color as the craps table layout and cut four pieces to fit the sides of the table--2 feet by whatever the length of the layout is and 2 feet by whatever the width of the layout is.
8
Glue the four pieces of felt cut in Step 7 to the four sides of the craps table.
9
Use a staple gun to staple one of the sides of the craps table that matches the length of the layout to the bottom of the craps table lengthwise.
10
Repeat Step 9 with the other side of the craps table that matches the length of the layout.
11
Staple one of the sides of the craps table that matches the width of the layout to the bottom of the craps table width-wise. Staple each of the length-wise sides to this width-wise side as well.
12
Repeat Step 11 with the other side of the craps table that matches the width of the layout.
13
Use sandpaper to smooth all the edges of the craps table.
14
Use wood stain finish or paint to finish the craps table. Allow the stain, or paint, time to dry.
15
Put the craps table on top of a tall table or inside a pool table.
Bistros are cozy, with a distinctly European feel. Perfectly decorated, they should evoke a feeling of friendly, casual dining. The bistro design is used in kitchens, as the word bistro (originating from the French word "bistrot") refers to a small, unpretentious restaurant. Decorating ideas for bistro design include warm, bright colors, wrought iron, cafe-style furniture, and accents such as grape designs or wine themes. Does this Spark an idea?
Colors
Bistros usually have at least one bright accent color, such as yellow or red, coupled with warm neutrals, such as rich browns and creams. Try painting your walls a medium shade of brown, with one red accent wall. Place a bowl of yellow lemons on the counter or in the middle of the table. Alternately, use a vase of yellow daisies. For even more color, add a throw rug under the table in your chosen accent colors.
Furniture
To create an authentic bistro feel, choose a black wrought-iron table and four matching chairs. This should be a small, cafe-style table. For a more modern bistro look, choose an equally small black counter-height square table and chairs made from wood. A third option is a green wrought-iron set instead of black. Whichever you choose, warm it up with colorful cushions on each chair. In addition, if you have the space, place an armoire with glass doors in the room and display colorful ceramic crockery on the shelves.
Accessories
The rooster is a symbol commonly found in French country design. Try displaying a wooden or ceramic rooster on top of an armoire or buffet. Place a series of colorful ceramic plates on plate holders along a shelf. Hang posters from wineries on the wall, and hang some cafe curtains in the windows. Display your favorite wines on a countertop wine rack and drape some silk grapevines over the curtain rod.
"Cafe World" is a free Facebook-exclusive game. The player must create and manage a restaurant, then cook and serve its food. Cafe items are obtained through Cafe Coins, which are earned in game play, or Cafe Cash, which must be purchased through a secure checkout. The way these items are distributed in the cafe can play a major role in how well the cafe attracts and serves its customers.
Instructions
1
Click the "Market" button on the lower right-hand side of the homepage screen. Click "Functional" from the pop-up box.
2
Click the "Stove" button. Buy and click a stove and drag it to your cafe. Arrange your stoves so they connect, either in a straight line or semi-circle.
3
Click the "Counter" button. Select a counter and click and drag it to an open spot. Place the counters together and directly behind the chef so he can just turn around to place finished food on them.
4
Click the "Special Items" or "Equipment" tab. Select a specialty oven, a cooking station, a fryer and any other equipment you think you may need. Click the item and drag it into your cafe. Click the green circle to exit out of the functional categories.
5
Click the "Market" button, followed by the "Decorations" button. Buy the best chairs, doors, tables, walls, windows, floors, decor and flags you can afford.
6
Click and drag the items to an open spot in your restaurant. For example, if you are under the "Walls" category, drag the desired item to your wall.
7
Arrange chairs and tables where they are easily accessible to your customers. You need at least one chair per table. Leave enough space around the tables so customers and waiters can get around them with ease.
8
Click the green circle to exit the menu. Observe your cafe and customers. Return to the "Decorations" tab to rearrange tables and chairs if necessary.
If you're a water lover and can't or don't want to get married at the beach, a poolside wedding is a nice alternative. A poolside wedding can be an elegant affair. Decorating the area requires minimal work and can be a lot less expensive than holding a wedding in a traditional location. A simple poolside wedding is easy to plan. Read on for some ideas.
Centerpieces
Purchase tall, clear vases, and fill with water. Place a variety of fruits inside the vase, such as oranges, tangerines, lemons, limes and blueberries. Then insert into the vase tall flowers such as orchids and tulips, which will coordinate well with the fruit. This creates a visually stunning centerpiece.
Seating
Arrange the tables around the pool. Make sure the tables are placed at a distance from the pool so no one accidentally falls in. Leave some space for an aisle. Have everyone remain seated at their tables during the ceremony so you can use the same space for both the ceremony and reception.
Decor
Accentuate the natural beauty of the pool with some simple touches. Place floating candles in the pool to illuminate the water. Hang light sticks or lanterns from surrounding trees or buildings. String twinkle lights around the surrounding bushes and plants to add some sparkle and shine. Use glass tables to continue the water theme.
Mood Music
Hire a cellist or harpist to play soothing music during the wedding and reception. Or, play classical favorites and soft, romantic music to accentuate the relaxing feel of the pool water and the beauty of the day.
Wedding Favors
For favors, wrap with custom labels (including the couple's name and date of their wedding) bottles of water. Buy pairs of flip flops for however many guests you've invited, and let them choose their own pair to take home. As part of this favor, give guests pool towels in your wedding colors.
Pub tables are intended to look a little rough. Unfinished 2-by-4-foot stock lumber is much less expensive than other materials and will take a lot of abuse. Once planed, sanded and finished, stock lumber creates a butcher-block look that complements a Tuscan cafe or bistro-themed patio, deck or garden room. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1
Cut all stock lumber to 24-inch lengths using your table saw. Use your carpenters' try square to ensure that all ends and angles are 90 degrees. Fix any incorrect angles by cutting them again with a table saw and miter fence.
2
Lay one of the pieces of 2-by-4-by-24-inch stock lumber with the 24-inch length facing left to right and the 2-inch edge facing you. Arrange the other five pieces of the same width and length with their 2-inch sides butted together and all ends flush to make a 24-inch square.
3
Make a mark down the center line of each board, 6 inches from each end. Snap a chalk line across the boards along both sets of marks. These two lines mark the positions for the 2-by-2-by-24-inch crosspieces.
4 C-clamps will hold the parts together while you drill or glue.
Lay each crosspiece along the chalk lines and secure them with C-clamps at each end. Mark the center point of each of the 2-by-4-inch boards where it crosses the center line of each of the crosspieces.
5
Drill 1/8-inch diameter, 3-inch-deep pilot holes at each marked point, through the crosspieces and into the tabletop pieces. Countersink each hole.
6
Remove the clamps and sand all wood to remove burrs, using coarse and medium sandpapers, in that order.
7 Bar clamps provide a secure hold when clamping wide objects.
Dry-clamp the 2-by-4-by-24-inch pieces together using bar clamps. Verify that all ends are still flush using a straight edge. Ensure that all four corners make 90-degree angles by checking them with the try square. Woodworker Ian Kirby recommends dry-clamping before glue-up to ensure that all parts will fit together properly before you commit "...to the permanence of glue-up."
8
Measure side and diagonals. If the sides are not equal, take the assembly apart and cut away the excess wood. If the diagonals are off, reposition the clamps and make sure they are applying an equal amount of pressure until the diagonals are equal again.
9
Remove the bar clamps. Apply carpenters' glue along one edge of two of the 2-by-4-inch pieces and along both edges of the other three 2-by-4-inch pieces.
10
Butt all the glued 2-inch edges together and use the straight edge and try square to make sure the 4-inch ends are all flush and all the corners still make 90-degree angles. Put the bar clamps back in place and allow the glue to dry overnight.
11
Position the 2-by-2-inch crosspieces so that all the pilot holes match. Secure the crosspieces to the tabletop pieces using 3-inch long, 1/4-inch diameter wood screws.
12
Mark two points, 1-inch apart, 10 inches from each end of each remaining 2-by-4-by-24-inch piece of stock lumber. Snap a chalk line across each end of each board, along the paired marks. This should result in two lines that are 4 inches apart at the center of each board.
13
Cut each board 1-inch deep along the two marks. Remove the wood between the two lines with a wood chisel, jointer or dado jig to make a 4-inch-wide, 1-inch-deep dado in each board. This will allow you to lay the boards across each other with the dadoes facing, which will create a flat, 2-inch by 4-inch by 24-inch cross, which will be the feet for your pub table.
14
Apply carpenters' glue in both dadoes and press the boards together with dadoes facing. Place a cinder block or 10-pound free weight at the cross point of the two boards to ensure a good seal while the glue dries overnight.
15
Position one pipe flange on the crossed table feet so that one of the four screw holes of the flange plate are on each leg. Secure with manufacturer-supplied hardware.
16
Lay the tabletop with the crosspieces facing the ceiling. Find the center point of the tabletop by snapping a chalk line across opposite corners. The point where the two diagonal lines intersect is the center of the square, as seen in the second image on the Wolfram Math page about squares.
17
Align the screw holes of the second pipe flange along each chalk line, with the center of the flange at the center point of the tabletop. Secure with manufacturer-supplied hardware.
18
Screw the black iron pipe into the flange on the table feet, and then screw the other end of the pipe into the tabletop flange.
19
Finish your table as desired with bright paint, stencils, decoupage or clear acrylic sealant.
Some consider it a game, others a sport, but pingpong has long been a popular activity for people of all ages. Fast game play and simple rules are among the reasons for its continued popularity, but there are drawbacks as well, such as the expense of the pingpong table itself. It is, however, easy enough for anyone who's handy with basic tools to build his own table. Doing so costs just a fraction of the price of a manufactured table.
Instructions
1
Measure and then mark four spots for the sawhorse brackets at the corners of the sheet of MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). Each of the four holes needs to be 30 inches from the long end of the board and 18 inches from the short side. (Although standard MDF boards are 8 feet by 4 feet, home centers such as Lowe's as well as full-service lumber yards will special order the 9-by-5 sheet you will need for a regulation size table.)
2
Drill holes through the marked spots on the MDF board using a 1/4-inch drill bit. Insert the lag bolts through the holes from underneath so they extend straight up to accept the sawhorse brackets. Secure the brackets with 1/4-inch nuts while making sure they all face the same direction.
3
Cut the 2-by-4 boards into eight, 29-inch lengths to form the legs for the pingpong table. Insert the legs into the sawhorse brackets and secure with the included hardware. Once completed, the 29-inch legs plus the thickness of the MDF board and the sawhorse bracket will provide a standard 30-inch high table.
4
Turn the table over onto its legs with the help of another person. Once righted, use wood filler to smooth any dents left in the tabletop by the lag bolts. Allow to dry and then paint the surface forest green. Or, feel free to use blue, red or black paint instead as all are common colors for pingpong tables.
5
Apply electrical tape to form the white lines for game play. The lines will be applied to the top edge of the tabletop along its entire perimeter, as well as one line that bisects the table lengthwise creating a left and right side, just as on a tennis court.
6
Stretch the net across the center of the table and attach with the included clamps. Using a pre-made net is a wise choice as it's much simpler than trying to make one yourself, as well as being relatively inexpensive and readily available in sporting goods stores.
The dinner guests are about to arrive; and you have no idea how to set the dining table! Don't panic! Depending on the occasion, a few dishes properly placed here and there will transform your table into a five-star restaurant. Follow these steps to impress your friends so much they will be convinced you had a former career in fine dining. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1
Start by laying out a nice tablecloth to show your personal style and a special touch. Think traditional white, perhaps, for a formal setting or something with more color for a festive occasion.
2
Place a dinner plate directly in front of each guest's chair. On top of each dinner plate, you may place a salad plate or soup bowl, if appropriate.
3
Lay the forks on the table to the left of the plate, with the shorter and wider salad fork directly next to the plate, and the longer and more slender dinner fork to the left of the salad fork. Line up the bottoms of the forks.
4
Place a dinner knife on the table directly to the right of the dinner plate, with its blade facing the plate.
5
Set a soup spoon to the right of the knife, again lining up the bottoms of the utensils.
6
Position all drinking glasses at the top right corner of the plate, directly above the knife and spoon. Arrange the glasses in a slanting or V pattern, whichever you prefer, just so long as all glasses are easily accessible.
7
Place a small bread plate directly above the forks. Lay a bread-and-butter knife horizontally across the plate.
8
Arrange a dessert spoon and fork horizontally on the dining table above the main plate. Place them close together, aimed in opposite directions.
9
Finally, add a cloth napkin to the far left of the place set, next to the forks; or, fold the napkin into any number of fancy designs and place it on top of the plates. Add your personal touch!
10
Create a more colorful dining experience by setting out a special centerpiece, such as a bouquet of flowers.
As technology continues to advance, the physical shape of a television is becoming slimmer. LCD, or liquid crystal display, televisions are part of this slim trend, allowing the consumer to have more choices of placement than ever before.
Types
Most new LCD televisions come with a standard pedestal for placement on a piece of furniture, such as a cabinet. There are also after market pedestals that can vary in height so that they can be used in a group setting, like in an auditorium.
Considerations
Pedestal safety is imperative for the safety of the consumer and the integrity of the electronic equipment. With a small pedestal, make sure that the furniture it is sitting on is level so that the screen does not tip over. Have a friend help support the TV while installing it, if it is excessively heavy.
Features
If a large LCD TV is installed on a tall pedestal, make sure that the pedestal's legs are bolted to the floor for stability. For smaller, lighter LCD TVs, typically if the television is less than 25 pounds, bolting should not be necessary.
Choosing the wrong seven-foot pool tablealso known as tournament tablefor your home or bar, can create an unlevel playing surface or have a cheap, unsteady feel. A quality seven-foot table can provide you the opportunity to improve your professional or casual game, or it can help grow your pool-tournament business. Learn to identify a quality tournament table, and you can satisfy yourself as well as your customers.
Instructions
1
Evaluate the legs and rails, and select a table that offers solid-wood construction. Solid wood legs offer stability whereas folding legs or plastic legs might dent, bend and set the table at an uneven angle. Solid wood rails ensure a standard rebound distance during game play.
2
Compare leather, plastic or rubber pockets. Pockets do not affect play, but tournament tables in commercial businesses often have similar pockets regardless of the style whereas leather pockets provide homeowners the highest quality.
3
Compare the thickness and number of the table's slate partitions, and select a mininum thickness of one inch and a three-panel partition model that allows the most precise leveling. The slate partitions make up the entire surface of the pool table, and 2-panel partition models do not offer precise leveling ability. Although 3/4 inch slate offers functional play, it does not offer the stablity and solidity of a standard tournament or high-quality home table.
4
Examine the frame and look for solid-wood construction and a solid-wood center beam with two crossbeams to support the slate. Solid wood provides a solid feel and will affect the stability of the rails that ultimately affect how balls bounce. A center beam and crossbeam construction evenly distributes the weight of the slate and creates a sturdy table.
5
Compare costs. A solid-wood seven-foot pool table costs $1,400 to $3,200.
A cafeteria restaurant saves you most of the expense of a service staff and offers customers the benefit of receiving their food quickly. A cafeteria restaurant design should provide ample space for tables, for a food service area, and for a food production kitchen. Decor should be functional and casual, designed to seat a maximum number of patrons without discomfort. The food service area should be easily accessible from both the dining room and the kitchen.
Instructions
1
Design a dining area with plenty of tables and benches. A cafeteria format enables you to serve many customers quickly, so your seating should be adequate to accommodate the volume of diners that your kitchen can feed. Fit as many tables and benches as possible in the space you have available without making the area feel crammed. Situate busing areas with shelves for bus tubs for dirty dishes, as well as trash, and compost and recycling if applicable.
2
Design a food service area with appliances to keep hot food hot and cold food cold. If your restaurant cafeteria will be self service, install food warming stations with access from both sides, as well as a refrigerated salad bar unit with either built in refrigeration or space for ice. Situate plate, bowl and silverware racks at the end of each food island. Install a drink machine on a counter and a rack for glasses nearby. Make sure all of your self serve food stations have ample sneeze guards. If the food at your cafeteria restaurant will be served by your staff, install hot holding and cold holding areas behind the counter, with a glass partition between the customer line and the food service area.
3
Design a commercial kitchen adequate to prepare food in volume and keep it hot or cold. Install industrial steam kettles, commercial ovens, and a gas range with at least 10 burners. Build a large walk-in cooler in the back area, and situate small reach-in coolers near work stations. Keep service equipment such as sheet pans within easy reach of food preparation areas. Place pass-through coolers and warmers between the front and the back of the house so kitchen staff can stock them with trays of ready food and serving staff can access them from the serving area.
Playing pool is a lot of fun and a great social activity. However full size pool tables take up a lot of room and are quite expensive. Making your own mini pool table is much more cost effective as well as space effective, here's how to build one.
Instructions
1
Lay a large piece of wood (4' x 2' x 2") on a flat surface. Take a cup and trace the outline on all four corners and directly in the center on the sides.
2
Cut out the circles with a jig saw. Create a bottom base and cut identical holes at the top for the balls to fall into. Screw this plank into the first.
3
Take four small wood pieces of identical size and screw them into the bottom of the planks. These are the legs of the table.
4
Sand the wood as needed to create a smooth texture. Round the corners if you would like. Finish the wood with a paint color if you choose or just a wood sealant.
5
Get a large piece of felt and place it over the top of the table. Cut a piece to fit the tabletop. Cover the table surface with fabric glue. Press the felt into the glue and smooth down. That's it! You just made a mini pool table.
A glass-top dining table is a beautiful piece of furniture for a dining room or eat-in kitchen area. Glass-top tables allow diners to see through the table's surface to admire the beautiful base structure. Having the ability to see the base structure emphasizes the importance of having a well-crafted base. A handmade decorative table base can be easily constructed to catch the attention of any guest diner, and is sure to be a conversation piece. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1
Assemble the tabletop base frame. Select two 36-inch 2x4s and two 30-inch 2x4s. Lay the 30-inch sections flat on your work surface, and line up the two 36-inch sections along their outer corner edges to make a 36-inch square outline.
2
Bond the tabletop base. Apply two long nails to each end to bond the sections of wood together. Use straight metal brackets to enforce the connection at each corner. Lay the straight brackets so half is on each piece of wood at the corner, and use 1-1/2-inch nails to bond the brackets to the wood. Repeat at all four corners.
3
Attach the legs. Measure in 2 inches diagonally from each corner and mark this section. Apply wood glue to the end of each 30-inch baluster and attach them to the table base, centering the leg on each corner's marked location. Allow the wood glue to dry for 10 minutes, and then place the base in a standing position. Drive two 6-inch nails down into each leg going from the top of the base.
4
Paint the table base. Use black paint, and paint the base structure using a paintbrush. Cover over any metal brackets and exposed screws. Allow the paint to dry completely before continuing.
5
Attach the tiles to the base. Apply a layer of thinset mortar around the entire top surface of the table. Place a tile in each corner, and continue to lay tiles around the top of the base until the surface is completely covered. Allow the mortar to set for 24 hours.
6
Grout the tiles. Apply a layer of grout with the grout float to the space between each tile. Remove any excess grout with a wet sponge. Allow the grout to set for 24 hours.
7
Attach the glass. Mark the center of each corner tile, and drill a small hole through the mark. Insert the small suction cups to the drilled location. Gently center the glass top on the base structure.
Using restaurant-quality table linen and table settings can make a domestic table setting look professional and stylish. Restaurants use different types of linen and table settings, so choose a style that suites your decor and the occasion to impress your guests and create a memorable event. Does this Spark an idea?
Fine Dining
To emulate a fine dining restaurant, use the best-quality table linen, cutlery and glassware. Elegance and simplicity are the watchwords here. Napery should be white, with the napkins made from a heavy cotton and folded neatly on the side plate or held in a silver napkin ring. A heavy white tablecloth should cover the table, with edges almost to the floor. Decorate the table with white candles and simple floral arrangements. Glassware should be fine, rather than chunky. Use sparkling wine and water glasses to reflect the candlelight. Set silver cutlery in the traditional pattern.
Cafe Style
A more informal approach is to imitate a cheerful cafe style for a lunch or a relaxed dinner. Use a gingham oil cloth to cover the table and colorful, chunky mismatched china. Place bottles of ketchup on the table and serve tea in chunky mugs. Brightly colored paper napkins and vases made from jam jars filled with posies of garden flowers complete the look.
Al Fresco
Many restaurants have an outside seating area for dining al fresco. Pick up tips from the way the tables are set to recreate the look at home. Do away with a table cloth or add a heavy beaded fringe to ensure it doesn't flap in the breeze. Heavy napkin rings will ensure they stay put. Imitate romantic restaurant lighting by running outdoor fairy lights down the length of the table; candles might be blown out.
Themes
Restaurants often alter their table settings depending on the time of year, so consider decorating the table with pumpkins at Halloween or lots of church candles of different heights for a wedding celebration. A red theme works for Valentine's Day or an anniversary, so use red napkins, candles and a bowl of red roses to make the table extra special. At Christmas, bring in the outdoors with scented boughs of pine and pine cones spray-painted in gold.
A tall table, often referred to as a pub table or a bistro table, stands about 40 inches high and makes a stylish addition to your home. Customize your table's size and color to match your other furniture, and save money by building it yourself. With a few simple woodworking tools and the wood of your choice, you can create the perfect piece of furniture for your home.
Instructions
1
Design your table according to your available space and desired style. Choose either a round or square tabletop, and decide how large you want the tabletop. The table's height should leave room for your tall chairs or stools. Purchase the wood for your tabletop, legs and support frame based on the measurements indicated in your design.
2
Measure and cut the tabletop, legs and support frame. If the table is round, the length of the support frame legs should equal the radius of the tabletop minus approximately two to four inches. If the table is square or rectangular, the length of each leg of the support frame should equal the corresponding side of the table minus two to four inches. Sand any rough edges.
3
Construct the support frame and table legs. The support frame consists of the four table legs at the table corners with the legs of the support frame in between, forming a rectangle. Stand each leg upright, with the end that will fasten to the bottom of the tabletop on the floor. The support frame legs should rest flat against the ground and will fit horizontally along the bottom of the tabletop. Screw the table legs into the support frame legs.
4
Attach the support frame to the tabletop by driving a screw through the support frame legs into the bottom of the tabletop. Use screws short enough so they will not drive through the top of the tabletop. Turn the table right-side up and wiggle the top on its legs. Tighten the screws in any joints that move.
5
Finish the table by varnishing or painting it as desired.
Hardwood looks best with simple, clean lines. It should look substantial and strong in thickness, but not cumbersome. Woodworkers use laminated hardwood panels to build furniture that will last a lifetime. It has no veneer to separate or weaken, and will resist scratches or damage because it is solid wood. You can build a simple hardwood TV stand with three hardwood panels strong enough to hold any television. Build it 36-by-18 inches to hold any size TV, including big screen televisions.
Instructions
1
Install a dado blade on the table saw set at 3/4-inch wide. Raise the blade on the saw to 3/4-inch from the highest tip on the blade to the point where the blade emerges from the saw table.
2
Measure and then lock the fence down 30 inches from the blade.
3
Place the miter gauge on the table saw. Place the 36-inch panel on the miter gauge with one end of it against the fence.
4
Turn on the saw. Holding the panel against the miter gauge fence with your left hand, slowly push the panel and the miter gauge forward with your right hand. Hold the panel flush against both fences as you push it over the blade. When the blade emerges out the back of the panel. Continue pushing the panel forward 6 inches and then stop. Turn off the saw.
5
Spin the panel around 180 degrees so that the slot you just cut on the panel is now on the left side. Repeat step 4.
6
Slide the table saw fence over to the right 3/4 inch. Repeat steps 4 and 5. You should now have two, 3/4-by-1 1/2-inch notches cut perpendicular across the bottom of the panel.
7
Turn the panel upside down so that the notches are facing up. Spread a layer of glue inside both notches. Stand the other two panels vertical up inside the notches, and flush them at both ends. Use a mallet to tap them down into the notches if they are tight. Wait a minimum of one hour for the glue to dry.
8
Sand the TV stand by hand with 100-grit sandpaper. Round all the edges with the sandpaper.
The lightweight nature of flat-screen televisions make them a safety hazard if placed on a stand, especially if there are small children around who could pull on the TV. Secure the TV stand yourself so that it will not fall over from an act of nature -- for example, a tremor -- or an act of man -- for example, the inquisitive hand of a child. Supplies from a hardware store will be necessary for this do-it-yourself project, as will tools most homes already have on hand.
Instructions
1
Pull the TV's power cord out of the wall outlet. Remove the audio and video connectors from the back of the TV. Remove the TV from the TV stand and place it aside.
2
Pull the TV stand away from the wall so that you can get behind it. Draw a dot on the wall that corresponds to one of the vertical poles beneath the shelf that the TV rests on -- use a soft lead pencil to do this. Repeat this procedure with the other vertical pole beneath the shelf.
3
Place an electronic stud finder on the leftmost line, as you face the wall. Move the finder slowly to the left until you hear a beep that indicates a stud in the wall. Mark this position with an "X." Repeat this procedure with the other dot drawn on the wall.
4
Draw a light vertical line down from each "X" to the floor with the pencil. Drill a hole in each of the vertical poles, using a power drill, 2 inches down from the shelf. Repeat this 4 inches down and then again another 4 inches down.
5
Place the TV stand against the wall so that the two vertical poles line up with the drawn lines. Insert a toggle bolt wood screw into one of the holes in one of the poles. Have an assistant keep the TV stand pressed against the wall as you drill the screw into the wall stud. Repeat this procedure with all of the holes in the poles.
6
Return the TV to the TV stand. Plug the power cord in and return the audio and video cables to their respective connectors on the back of the TV.
If you're under 21, you may have a tough time finding things to do in Las Vegas. Being underage means you can't gamble, drink or enter most of the city's famed bars, nightclubs and adult-oriented showrooms. However, there are some fun activities---including an amusement park and plenty of arcades---that are big draws for the kids and young adults who visit Las Vegas.
GameWorks
This club-like video arcade is located on the Las Vegas Strip next to the MGM Grand. All the newest and most popular video games---including Razing Storm and Dance Dance Revolution---are housed here. There are also sports-themed games and virtual bowling, as well as pool tables, old-fashioned air hockey and a 75-foot climbing wall. The Glacier Bar even serves up fun, frozen nonalcoholic drinks.
GameWorks 3785 Las Vegas Boulevard South, 10 Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 (702) 432-4263
ESPN Zone
This sports-themed restaurant is packed with fun for people of all ages. Located on the Las Vegas Strip in New York-New York, its second floor is an enormous interactive games area. You'll see everything from deep sea fishing and wave runner games to pinball machines and Ping-Pong tables. Teens will enjoy shooting hoops, and there's even a mini-bowling alley. This is also a popular place to hold kid birthday parties, Bar Mitzvahs and sweet 16 celebrations.
ESPN Zone 3790 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 (702) 933-3776
Pole Position Raceway
This indoor karting facility is located minutes west of the Las Vegas Strip across from the Palms. It features a European-style track that is a quarter of a mile long, as well as electric karts with 18-horsepower motors. The motor racing experience is the most realistic you can have, as you'll need to use a lot of throttle and brake action to control the kart. Groups of up to 12 are allowed on the track. The facility also offers pool tables, air hockey and video games.
Pole Position Raceway 4175 South Arville Street Las Vegas, Nevada 89103 (702) 227-7223
Speed -- The Ride
This wild roller coaster is part of the NASCAR Cafe Las Vegas Entertainment Center located on the Las Vegas Strip in the Sahara. It features two inversions and reaches a speed of 70 mph. Lasting only 45 seconds, it's a quick thrill---but afterward, race fans can explore the other offerings at the entertainment center, including a simulated driving experience in the Las Vegas Cyber Speedway and more than 120 video games in the Pit Pass Arcade.
Sahara 2535 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 (702) 737-2111
The Adventuredome
Located at Circus Circus on the Las Vegas Strip, this is a beloved attraction, especially among teens. The five-acre, climate-controlled amusement park under a gigantic pink glass dome boasts several thrilling rides. The double-loop, double-corkscrew Canyon Blaster roller coaster is well-loved. Also popular are the Rim Runner log flume, the Sling Shot tower and the 4-D FX theater. Younger children will like the carousel and Ferris wheel.
Circus Circus 2880 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 (702) 794-3939
A mismatch between the height of dining room chair seats and the table surface can make for some really uncomfortable meals. Most furniture comes in standard sizes and that includes heights. But handmade antique tables and chairs and the odd but fabulous flea market bargain may be taller or shorter than average. When shopping for chairs, or planning to make your own, it helps to know the most common -- and comfortable -- proportions. Does this Spark an idea?
Standard Sizes
The most common heights for dining chairs are those you will find in most restaurants and dining sets sold for home use. In the United States, typical dining chair measurements are 26 inches from the floor to the top of the backrest and 16 to 17 inches from the floor to the seat.
Comfort Mandate
Common sense tells us that the heights may vary somewhat, based on factors like chair cushions and styles. The reality of chair heights, according to an evaluation of restaurant furnishings produced by the University of Michigan Extension, ranges from 15 to 18 inches for seat height, the critical factor for dining comfort. Table heights may vary from 26 to 30 inches tall. For a lower table, use a lower chair seat to ensure leg clearance. A taller table will require a higher seat height so diners are not reaching up to access tableware. When calculating relative heights, sit on chairs with springs in the cushions to see how much they depress under weight.
Fine Tune the Fit
If your table height is between 28 and 30 inches, a dining chair seat should be 18 inches from the floor. Double check to be sure seats with arms will fit into the table and under its lowest point and that diners' fingers and arms resting on those seat arms will fit, too. Otherwise, anyone using the chair will have to sit too far back from the table to reach. If your chairs are kitchen counter stools in contemporary open-plan spaces where a kitchen island serves as dining table, match 24- to 26-inch-high stools to a 36-inch-high counter.
Custom Considerations
Antique dining chairs will require careful matching to tables. For example, Chinese chairs that have high seats and footrests work well with tables from the Ming and later dynasties that are 32 to 36 inches high. When mixing and matching pieces in eclectic dining room design, it's important to note that standard dining chairs are too low to place around a table that high, unless you use a number of cushions. The table height should be about 10 inches taller than seat height, whatever the mix of periods. With the right proportions -- and a few telephone books for the kids -- everyone can gather around the table on dining chairs that let them enjoy the food without stretching or squirming.
Country-style restaurants are known for their kitschy charm, rustic designs and typically family-friendly atmospheres. Ideally, their interiors will be reminiscent of classic country dining rooms and provide the same feelings of warmth and comfort. If you are thinking of decorating a restaurant in the country style, several ideas can help. Does this Spark an idea?
Tables and Chairs
According to Country Home, adorning your space with tables and chairs consisting of worn or distressed wood can help create a rustic, lived-in appeal. Instead of tracking down multiple, identical sets of these types of tables and chairs, which could be both expensive and time consuming, you may want to consider mismatching styles. The distressed finishes of the pieces may be enough to tie them together in your decor. Staining them all the same color is another option. Alternatively, for a more causal country feel, you can use wicker chairs instead of wood, or forgo chairs altogether in favor of picnic-style bench seating. As Interior Decorating Ideas for You notes, red-and-white-checkered, plaid or striped tablecloths all work well as country-themed restaurant table coverings. Other options include using multi-colored decorative quilts, or making matching quilts from blue and white bandannas, as Country Home shows.
Floors
Restaurants often have expansive floor spaces, which customers will undoubtedly notice. So instead of using cold concrete or more modern-style tiles, stick with the natural choice, wood, which will add warmth and texture to your country restaurant. According to Country Home, if you are lucky, you may be able to salvage wood floorboards from a defunct farmhouse or other old, wooden structure, which you can lay down to create instant antique charm.
Accessories
The character of your restaurant will depend largely on the decorative items that you fill it with. As Rental Decorating Digest mentions, some of the best accessories for creating country-style spaces include potted plants, both hanging and on windowsills and shelves; fresh flowers in vases; woven bowls and baskets filled with vegetables or fruit; and copper pots and cookware. You may also want to consider hanging up some wooden spoons and adorning shelves with antique items, like tin canisters.
Exterior Options
If your country-style restaurant is going to have a patio or outside eating area, there are several ways that you can infuse it with country charm. As Modern Furniture Sets notes, leaving natural finishes on the outdoor woodwork is a good option, although you may also want to consider complementing it by painting some sections a pale blue. Try sticking with light, cream-colored chairs and tables to increase brightness and warmth, and make exterior walls more stimulating by adorning them with shelves of potted plants.
A glass top table makes an elegant addition to any dining room. Such tables have a versatile appearance; combine the glass top with a streamlined base for a modern look or with a decorated curved base for a more traditional look. When considering a glass top dining table, you'll need to consider several features. Also, weigh the benefits these beautiful fables offer against the drawbacks so you will be pleased with your selection. Does this Spark an idea?
Types
Glass can be used as a dining table surface as either a large piece of glass set on top of legs or a pedestal, or it can be placed upon a solid dining table to protect the wood or other decorative finish while allowing the natural beauty to show through. It can be cut to any size to fit a specific table base or to be just the right size for a dining room.
Securing
Glass table tops can be very heavy, depending on the thickness and size, and can be dangerous if they slide. To keep the glass from sliding on the base, it needs to be secured with glue, bolts, or non-skid dots. Very large or heavy pieces of glass that are unlikely to shift can be placed on felt pieces to even out the surface.
Features
Glass table edges are often rounded, beveled or square; no matter which type of edge, the corners are smoothed so you won't have sharp edges against your arms when you're eating. Tables made of tempered glass are stronger and safer than normal glass. Even when a table made of tempered glass breaks, it will break into tiny round pieces without sharp edges. Look for glass that is 3/8- to 1/2-inch thick so it will be strong but not so heavy it is difficult to move.
Benefits
A glass table is ideal for small dining rooms, as the clear surface makes the space appear larger. Since you can see right through the table, place it over your favorite floor rug so you can see the pattern. If you no longer like the look of the base or it won't match your new decor, just replace it with a new base and use the same piece of glass. It doesn't take much to care for this style of table; simply spray it with a glass cleaner and wipe dry with a paper towel or clean soft cloth.
Drawbacks
The No. 1 drawback of a glass table is that fingerprints will inevitably appear on the surface. To remedy this, you will need to clean the table with a glass cleaner frequently; daily, if the table is used frequently. Very large glass table tops can be quite heavy and difficult to move or adjust. Glass is also susceptible to cracks, breakage and chips. If the table is rectangular, the corners may be sharp and can injure a child if he runs into it.
"Cafe World" is a simulation game played on Facebook that was released in 2009 by the gaming company Zynga. The object of "Cafe World" is to manage and expand a virtual cafe by generating a "buzz" (popularity) and earning profits. When you first start playing "Cafe World," your cafe is small and only has a few tables. As demand grows, it becomes necessary to expand your cafe by hiring new waiters and adding inventory, including tables, which are used to serve your guests and must be purchased from the in-game store.
Instructions
1
Click on the "functional" icon on the game menu. The "functional" icon appears as two connected cogs.
2
Click on the "counters" icon to display a list of all available tables.
3
Click on the table you would like to add, and confirm your purchase by clicking it again. Tables vary in price, depending on their size and type. "Cafe World" uses simulated money that is earned by serving guests.
4
Place your table in your cafe by clicking on it to drag it to a desired location. Tables can be adjusted at any time by clicking on the "functionality" icon and then clicking on your table to drag it.
Fashioned after the French-styled bistro table, cafe tables are small in surface area and generally intended for two people. Ideal for cramped eating spaces or as a respite in an outdoor patio or garden setting, cafe tables also can add a bit of color and texture to a plain interior. No single cafe table can be considered the top choice. However, recommendations from top design experts and resources can narrow the available possibilities. Does this Spark an idea?
Cafe Collection - Ballard Designs
Apartment Therapy, the online portal connecting apartment and home dwellers to the basics of home design, directs its readers attention to the outdoor cafe tables from Ballard Designs. The Cafe Collection by Ballard Designs includes colorful, metal cafe tables in diameters of 24 to 36 inches. The rectangular table measures 38 by 25 inches. Ballard tables are ideal indoors in a kitchen nook or located on a balcony or patio. The cafe tables and matching chairs are lightweight and graceful in design and won't clutter the look of the room. Priced at $89 to $139, the tables are made in a red, black or white glossy finish. Chairs are priced separately.
Colored Cafe Table
Interior designer and writer for "Elle Decor" magazine, Mark Cutler highlights Smart Furniture's colored cafe tables as a great addition to any garden or patio setting. The tables are 18 inches in diameter and can be purchased in green, black, red, blue, yellow or frost. Tops are tempered, colored glass (frost is a frosted clear glass), which adds a light colorful look to the table. Priced at $115 each, the tables are height-adjustable from 19 to 31 inches. The adjustable height allows the tables to be used as cafe tables, end tables or at bar height.
Mosaic Cafe Table
Etsy.com showcases hand-crafted, artisan products of all kinds including mosaic cafe tables. One of the more colorful choices are the mosaic bistro tables hand-made by Half Moon Mosaics. The tops are colorful, Italian glass designs with wrought iron bases and table tops measuring 20 to 24 inches in diameter. A great choice for afternoon tea or morning coffee for two, Half Moon Mosaic designs are appropriate for indoor or outdoor use and are crafted in a variety of patterns. Hand-made cafe tables are a bit more expensive than manufactured ones; Half Moon's prices start around $480.
A corner TV console takes up less space than a square or rectangular console, since it "wedges" into the corner. If you can build your own furniture pieces, you can build a corner TV console out of standard lumber and plywood. You will need to break out some of that old algebra knowledge to calculate the measurement of a right triangle to get the pieces right. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1
Design the size of your console. This depends on the size of the TV; it needs to fit safely on top. Measure the space available in the corner. Then decide on the number of shelves you need to hold the cable/satellite box, DVR/DVD player, video storage and possibly the stereo.
2
Draw the measurements for the top and bottom pieces of the console onto the particle board. These two pieces should be right triangles (see the algebra formulas below) to fit in the corner. Add as many pieces of the same shape and size for your shelves. Cut them out with the saw.
3
Cut four pieces the height of your console from the 2-by-6 boards. Line up the boards vertically so you can attach the 6-inch sides to the side edges of the particle board---the sides that will face the walls---at each corner. Screw each board into the top and bottom pieces of particle board.
4
Brace the top and bottom to the boards with L-brackets. Screw two brackets to the underside of the top and the inner sides of the 2-by-6 boards. Screw two brackets to the topside of the bottom piece, then to the inner sides of the boards.
5
Add the shelves to the console, so they line up with the top and bottom pieces, their edges fitting against the side boards. Position each shelf for a height 1 to 2 inches taller than the device that will go there. You can fit them in place with wood glue before screwing each shelf to the side boards (as you did with the top and bottom). Brace each shelf with L-brackets.
6
Glue trim boards to the sides for a smooth finish. If you do this, drill or cut out large holes in one side for power cords to fit through.
7
Paint or stain the console. Let dry completely before setting up the TV and other devices.
Checkered tablecloths, fine linen napkins, silk table coverings--each of these items brings to mind a certain ambiance. Whether dining at an Italian restaurant, enjoying a home-cooked meal or celebrating a wedding, table linens can help set the mood. Not only are table cloths and accessories extremely practical, they can also provide a decorative addition to any dining area. Does this Spark an idea?
Function
Table linens cover tables, protecting them from food and drink stains and scratches, and most are designed to be easy to clean. They also provide a decorative and stylish addition to a dining area, whether in a restaurant or at home. Accessory table linens such as cloth or synthetic fabric napkins serve a similar purpose, but are used by individual diners.
Types
Table linens can be classified by shape, material, and function. Generally, table cloths come in either round, rectangular, or square shapes to accommodate the three most common table forms. The look of a particular table linen varies depending on the setting and purpose the item serves, plus the type of material the cloth is made of. For example, casual dining table linens with a simple design might be made of cotton, used as a table covering for meals or perhaps as a picnic blanket. Yet linens made of materials such as silk or lace are more likely to be reserved for more special occasions or high-end dining establishments. Napkins and table skirts also fall into the category of table linens, but serve slightly different purposes than a tablecloth. Linen napkins are made for individual use during a meal, while a table skirt generally serves as a decorative piece to fully cover the sides of a table.
Features
A variety of colors, designs, and materials are used to produce table linens. The use of these high-quality table coverings made of silks and intricately woven fabrics can signify a special event such as a wedding or ceremony or a high-end restaurant. While most table cloths are made to hang vertically over two edges of a table, others hang vertically along all four sides of the table. Some are more distinctive, made with gathered folds that hang over each of a table's four corners.
Considerations
When searching for new table linens, it's a good idea to consider not only the cost and materials of which they are made but also how you plan to maintain the items. For example, restaurants might purchase easily washable table cloths that can be laundered in-house, or they could opt for those requiring professional laundry cleaning, depending on their budget and business size.
Benefits
Table linens can be affordable additions to your home's dining space while accenting the rest of the room through a complimentary color choice and texture. Additionally, most table coverings come in easy-to-maintain fabrics and help keep the underlying table stain mess-free.
If you have been looking for a coffee table for your living room or family room and cant seem to find one that interests you, you may want to consider making one yourself. You can build a simple coffee table much more easily than you may think, and it does not even have to look homemade. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1
The first thing you need to do is decide the size and shape of your coffee table. It can be round, rectangular, square, or a free-form organic shape. Remember, it is your coffee table, so you dont have to follow and hard set rules on the dimensions -- as long as it fits your living room.
2
Purchase plywood to make the top of your coffee table. A good variety to use is 2/4 plywood or MDF. Oak or birch are also excellent choices, but a little more costly. If you are making simple square or rectangle coffee table, you may be able to get the attendant at the hardware store cut it for you.
3
Cut your plywood with a circular saw if you are experienced in using one and want to make your coffee table in a non-standard size and shape.
4
Sand the top of your coffee table until it is smooth to the touch when you run your hand across it. This will probably take the most time, but careful sanding will make your table look more professional.
5
Use iron-on edge banding if you use MDF to make your tabletop. You can also choose to laminate the top of the table.
6
Purchase a ready-made leg set. They are sold at hardware stores, places like Ikea, and you can also order them online. The legs may be carved wood or metal, and they will have a bolt screw sticking out of the end. The legs are to be screwed into a leg base which you can purchase along with the legs. To install the legs, turn over the table top and position the leg bases on the underside of the table near each corner. Then screw them in using the hardware provided. They should be about 1 inch from the edges. See the resource section for one of the many websites you can use to purchase legs for your coffee table.
7
Paint or stain your coffee table in either a simple or ornate style. Then, put a protective coat of varnish on it.
When the temperatures rise and summer is in full swing, it is the perfect time to throw a pool party. This type of theme party is usually enjoyed by adults and children alike, and it is fairly simple to organize. Many homeowners have a backyard pool, which makes this an easy way to have a party that is inexpensive as well. Homemade pool party decorations add much to the ambience of the party and give the overall theme a personalized touch. Making decorations is fun and easy and the result is a pool party with custom style.
Instructions
1
Make a flip-flop tropical tree. Take a big bucket of sand and insert a tree branch into the middle of it. Tie all sorts of colorful, foam flip-flops to the branches with brightly colored ribbons. Hot glue shells and starfish to ribbons and hang them on the tree branches, as well as fun and inexpensive pool party decorations.
2
Make a beach ball banner. Using a variety of acrylic paints, draw beach ball designs on the front of 15 paper plates. Fill in the lines with colorful paints and allow them to dry. Punch a hole in the top of each dried plate and thread them onto a long ribbon for a pool party beach ball banner.
3
Add a beach scene. Paint simple palm trees, sand and an ocean on a refrigerator box, with poster paints. Place the homemade party decoration by the pool for a tropical touch that adds to the overall ambience of the event.
4
Create pool party lanterns. Take a child-size inflatable tube and insert a wide-mouth canning jar in the middle. Fill the jar half full with water and lay a floating candle on top of the water. Cut various flowers and insert them in between the tube and the jar for a fun and easy pool party decoration.
5
Cut wave decorations. Use a pencil to trace waves on long pieces of blue paper that are found in most craft stores. Cut the waves out and roll up a few pieces of duct tape on the back. Adhere the waves to fences, tables, chairs or anywhere you want a water-themed decoration.
6
Assemble colorful leis. Cut the blooms off silk flowers. Thread them on a long piece of thin yarn using an embroidery needle for a pool party decoration that guests also take home as a memento of the occasion.
Throwing a poker night for you and your friends can be a fun way to spend an evening. Using a regular kitchen table and your old poker chips can be very bland, though. A poker table top can help to separate players and keep track of chips. It's also a much cheaper option than buying an entire poker table. Due to the popularity of poker, there are plenty of local and online stores that sell both poker table tops and poker chips.
Instructions
1
Shop at big name sporting goods stores. Due to the fact that poker can be found on ESPN, national stores such as Dick's, Modell's and Sports Authority all sell items such as poker table tops and chips. Ask a sales associate for the exact location of these items.
2
Buy from the Poker 'n Stuff website. This website allows you to pick out poker chip sets or create your own chip set. Click on the Poker Tables link on the left side of the page. You will find regular tables as well as several poker table tops to choose from.
3
Search for poker table tops and poker chips at large discount department stores. Wal-Mart and Target are two examples of these stores. Poker table tops and chips are usually located in the sporting goods section of the store.
4
Browse through the items listed on the Just Poker Supplies website. Underneath the Product Categories heading, click on Poker Chips and Poker Chip Sets to find different types of chips. Select the Poker Tables link and you will find a Poker Table Tops Folding link. Choose that link and you will find many different table tops.
5
Go to the Discount Poker Shop website. Right on the home page, you will see pictures of both poker chips and poker table tops. Use the many Poker Chips links on the left side of the page to browse through the different chips sold by the website. Click on the Poker Table Tops link to find even more table tops sold by Discount Poker Shop.
6
Save money by purchasing both poker chips and a poker table top from Overstock.com. Once you go to the Casino Games portion of the website, you will see pictures of several different table tops and poker chips. Click on the Poker Chip Sets link to shop only for chips and select the Casino & Poker Tables link to find poker table tops.
Restaurants have high health standards that contribute to the success of the establishment. It is a necessity to ensure tables are clean and disinfected before another family sits at the table to eat. Along with providing a fresh atmosphere, a clean table reduces the spread of germs and illness from one customer to the next and prevents the "Oh gross!" comment from the next customer.
Instructions
1 Tables must be cleared before proper cleaning.
Remove all debris from the table. This includes all dishes, napkins and garbage left behind by the previous customer. Check for candy and gum that might have been smashed on seats or under the table, and remove with a scraper
2
Use a clean, damp rag to wipe the surface of the table. Use an abrasive cream made from baking soda and water to remove any sticky, hard-to-remove substance. Apply a thin layer of paste and then use the rag to scrub the table top until the caked on debris is removed. Check the seats for any food or sticky objects, and use the baking soda paste to clean the chair or booth as well.
3
Rinse the rag with clean, hot water, and wipe off any traces of baking soda from the table and chairs. This will likely require several attempts to remove the baking soda residue.
4
Fill a clean container with a 1/2 gallon of hot water. Add 2 tablespoons of bleach to the water and stir. The mixture should not have a overpowering aroma, and should only be slightly detectable. If the bleach water is made too strong, there will be chlorine residue left on the tables, and could be so strong that the smell could make customers sick. If the bleach water is too weak, it will not have the disinfectant properties to effectively clean the surfaces.
5
Dip a clean rag in the bleach-water solution, ring out the excess water and use the rag to wipe down the surface of the table and chairs. Dry the table with a clean cloth before another customer is seated at that table.
Pool table felt becomes worn out over time, causing problems with the quality of play. Resurfacing a pool table's felt will make it like new again, along with improving the appearance. Different colors and styles of felt are available, allowing the owner to customize the look of her pool table.
Function
Pool table felt covers the slate top of the table. This allows the balls to roll smoothly and consistently along the table's surface.
Types
Pool table felt is made of a wool blended with another fabric, usually nylon or cotton. Heavier felt is wound tighter and is more durable than lighter felt.
Features
Some types of pool table felt are treated with stain-resistant coating like Teflon. Major pool table felt manufacturers include Sterling, Velocity, Mali and Iwan Simonis. The price ranges from $50 to more than $250, depending on the quality and quantity desired.
Size
Most felt replacement companies sell their pool table felt pre-measured, but others may cut the felt from one large bolt of fabric. Measure the pool table's bed from rail to rail, adding a couple of inches on each side to be sure the rail itself will be covered.
Colors
Pool table felt is available in a variety of colors, including green, blue, red, gray, tan or black. Some colors are harder to play on than others because the balls become difficult to see, especially with dark colors like red or black.
If you would like to have a TV in your work space, but you have limited space, combining a desk with a television stand can provide a space-saving solution. Although you can purchase combination desks from a variety of online retailers and furniture stores, you can also build your own desk to meet your space requirements. You can build a combination desk using common carpentry tools. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1
Measure the available office space with a measuring tape to determine the size of the combination desk. The desk should provide enough room for paperwork, a laptop or desktop computer and office supplies, and should also offer sufficient room for a flat-screen TV. The top of the desk should sit at least 40 inches from the floor to maximize comfort while you work or watch television.
2
Mark the width and depth measurements on a section of 1/2-inch-thick pine or hardwood. Snap a chalk line between the measurements to form an outline of the desk top. Cut the lumber along the outline with a table saw.
3
Cut a section of 1/2-inch-thick hardwood or pine to the width and height of the desk, and two sections to the height and 1/2 inch shorter than the depth. These sections form the back and sides of the desk.
4
Stand the side sections so that the edges are flush with the edges of the back section -- the sections should form a "U" shape. Drill pilot holes through the back into the edges of the sides at 4-inch intervals. Insert and tighten 2-inch wood screws through the pilot holes with an electric screwdriver.
5
Place the desk top on the sides and back of the table. Drill pilot holes and insert 2-inch wood screws along the perimeter of the top on the back and sides at 4-inch intervals.
6
Cut an 8-inch section of hardwood or pine to the desk width. Cut two additional sections to a measurement of 8 inches by 6 inches. These sections form the supports for the television, and also provide space beneath the television for storing office supplies.
7
Stand the 8-by-6 inch sections on their 8-inch edges on top of the desk, 1 inch from the sides and flush with the back of the desk top. Drill pilot holes through the underside of the desk top and through the ends of these sections at 4-inch intervals. Insert and tighten 2-inch wood screws through the pilot holes.
8
Place the remaining 8-inch-wide section on top of the television side supports so that the edges of this section align with the desk edges. Drill pilot holes through this section into the ends of the side supports. Insert and tighten 2-inch wood screws through the pilot holes.
9
Cover the screw heads with wood putty, using a 1-inch putty knife. Allow the wood putty to dry overnight, then sand the surfaces and edges of the desk with a palm sander. Stain or paint the desk as desired to match your office decor.
Before you can select the best dining table size for your own dining room, you must consider how much space you have in the dining room, the shape of your dining room, the number of guests you would like to seat and how much money you have to spend. All of these factors play a significant role in helping you to discover your perfect sized dining room table. Does this Spark an idea?
The Size of the Dining Room
This is the first item to address in your search for the perfect dining room table. So, get a tape measure out and measure the length and width of the room. Write the dimensions down on a piece of paper, or make a memo in your phone to take with you when you shop for your table.
The guideline is to allow 3 feet of clearance all around the table. This includes a clearance of 3 feet from other furniture, as well as walls.
The Shape of the Dining Room
Stand back and look at your dining room to determine what geometric shape it resembles. Most dining rooms will look similar to a square or a rectangle. If you have a square space, look for a round or square dining room table. If you have a rectangular shaped dining room, an oval or rectangular dining table will fit best.
Number of Guests at the Table
After you have measured your dining room space and determined its shape, the next question, consider how many people you want to seat at the table. Fortunately, some standard measures exist. A 48-inch round table can seat five to six people; a 54-inch round table can seat six to seven people and a 60-inch round table can seat seven to eight people.
A rectangular, oval or square table needs to have 2 feet of space per dining chair. So, for example, to seat six people comfortably, you would need about a 72-inch by 36-inch table rectangular shaped table.
If you decide you want a rectangular table, purchase one with a center pedestal or trestle, instead of legs to allow you to get more people around the table.
Big Holiday Parties
If you plan to have big holiday parties, you might want to invest in a table that comes with a 12-inch leaf or insert. This is a great way to add space to your table to accommodate more people for special holiday dinners, without having a huge table open all of the time. Table leaves can be purchased for a minimal cost, and are a good investment.
Budget
After you have determined the size of the table you would like, visit a few online stores that offer dining tables in "your size", and do some comparisons to set a budget with which you can work. Think about how much money you feel comfortable spending on your dining room table, and stay within those parameters.
Wall-mounted televisions provide a space-saving option for rooms as well as a more aesthetic appeal than older, thicker models. Bulky DVD players hooked up to the wall-mounted TVs may seem like a decorating challenge as they can stick out significantly in comparison. There are a number of design ideas that can hide the DVD player or minimize its appearance. These ideas can work with any style of furniture.
TV Stand
Hang the TV on the wall and place a standard TV stand underneath it. While this may seem to defeat the purpose actually mounting it on the wall, you can use the top of the stand for displaying decorative objects. Use the shelves underneath to place your DVD player. Any type of wires that run to the TV can be camouflaged by cord covers available at most home improvement stores.
Floating Shelf
Floating shelves are shelves that hang on the wall and hide any mounting brackets and material. The actual shelf is the only visible part. These can make an attractive design option to store your DVD player. You can mount a floating shelf in a number of locations around your wall-mounted television. Put it under the TV for the most traditional look. Be sure to purchase a shelf that is deep enough and wide enough to accommodate your DVD player.
Built-In Shelf
In some homes it may be possible to build an in-wall shelf to store the DVD player. When properly planned, a skilled carpenter can custom-make a small compartment in the wall for storage. Include a door to obscure the DVD player if desired. You can mount the TV above the compartment. This design idea is easiest to implement in a house as it is being built. It may be a significant project in homes that are already constructed.
TV/DVD Mounting Hardware
You can purchase hardware to mount your television on the wall that also contains built-in shelving to hold accessories such as a DVD player. These may also contain a way to hide the wires within the shelf bracket. This option provides a solution to those living in small spaces who don't have room for large pieces of furniture to hold the DVD player.
Vizio HDTVs come with a detachable TV stand that you can remove if you wish to mount your television flush against a wall. This detachable stand is attached to the television with several screws, so in order to remove the TV stand, you must first remove the screws. With a bit of careful planning, you can detach the TV stand from your Vizio TV in a few simple steps.
Instructions
1
Turn off the television and disconnect the power cable from the back of the set. Disconnect any other cables, including component, HDMI and composite cables.
2
Lay the television face down on a flat, soft surface, such as carpet, to protect the screen.
3
Unscrew the screws attaching the TV stand to the back of the television. The number of screws used will vary depending on your TV model.
4
Remove the TV stand from the back of the Vizio HDTV.
