The Ultimate Guest Bedroom

The importance of a guest bedroom is (very) often overlooked. It usually receives little to no design attention in terms of color, character and comfort. It's the dumping ground for the desk you just can't let yourself get rid of (its still standing, right?!), an ages old bedspread, and a bedside table that's missing a counterpart. These bedrooms feel hallow and a little cold. We have all slept in a guest bedroom like this, and if you have one like this- you know who you are!

A good and proper host offers the best of everything to their guest. It's quite a nice thing to do when you offer up your home, feed a person and entertain them free of charge. And, its quite another thing when you do this with style and grace- two aspects a lot of people fall short of in the overnight hosting department.

The goal is to create a guest suite, not merely a guest bedroom. A space so wonderful that it rivals a fine hotel, a space your guests wouldn't mind living in full time. The intention is not to outdo your guest's normal digs, but to provide for them a home away from home. A space that is truly comfortable and full of details that illustrate hospitality and, most importantly, thoughtfulness.

In short, make the guest bedroom as wonderful as your own (or, in case you have neglected even your own sleeping quarters, as wonderful as you would like your room to be!). Here are tips for executing The Ultimate Guest Bedroom:

The Room: Blend the suite with the rest of the home. Incorporate your home's colors and use architectural details (window casing, mouldings, etc.). The furnishings should coordinate, never a mish mash of leftovers and never "matchy-matchy" (in other words, no 5-piece sets!). This is a picky thing, but ensure the door is hung correctly and there isn't a huge gap at the bottom- sound travels through gaps just as air does. Also, a lock on the door- especially if you have children, can do a lot to ease a guest while dressing and grooming in someone else's home.

The Closet: Don't fill the closet with stuff you have no room for. The guest room closet should have an assortment of empty hangers, a luggage rack if space permits, an extra blanket, a throw blanket, two extra pillows, and a hanging cedar block. If you must use the guest closet for storage, ensure it's organized, tidy and boxed up. Also, if you live in a warm climate- provide a fan. If you live in an arid climate- provide a humidifier.

The Lighting: Put the overhead lighting or other ambient lighting on dimmers (such as a pair of lamps). Provide bedside reading sconces on individual switches or a reading lamp and cozy chair.

The Bedding: Use the same quality (or better!) bedding as you do for your own room. Coordinating high quality natural fiber sheets are a must. Thread count, card and twist of the fibers are all equally important. Provide pillows- but not a truckload. Two back shams or Euros (oversized squares) and two sleeping pillows are all you really need. Put down sleeping pillows on the bed and down alternatives in the closet, in case a guest has allergies. Make sure the mattress is in good shape and comfortable enough to get a good nights sleep (testing it out once in awhile is a good idea!).

The Personal Touches: Stock reading material such as current magazines your guests might enjoy, your favorite books or a selection of current best sellers. Stock a few pencils and some notepaper. Stock bottles of water to prevent your guest from stumbling towards the kitchen or bathroom if they need a drink in the middle of the night. Provide a tasteful alarm clock- preferably a travel size (not the tech-y looking black-box sort). Stock earplugs in case of commotion, for whatever reason (lawn mower, crying baby, surround sound from the family room, plumbing noise- you are accustomed to your noise, but guests aren't!). Put fresh flowers in a bud vase or small vessel at the bedside. Ensure blackout liner is used in the drapery backing.

Media: If you're going to provide a television, provide a TV you would be happy to watch- don't ditch the old goliath in this room. I am a fan of small to medium flat screens since you can literally put them anywhere due to their slim profile and multiple mounting options (wall mounted, extending arm mounts, on top of the dresser, etc.). Provide a DVD player, too. Stock a few of your favorite movies, some classics and a few new releases. If there are special instructions for how to work the media or the remote, print it out and have it laminated for guest reference. Media is nice to provide since everyone has different sleeping and waking habits- early risers have something to do until the rest of your house wakes up, and night owls can quietly watch while everyone else goes to sleep. There is seldom anything worse than being the only one wide-awake in a house that isn't yours!

The Icing (for especially savvy hosts): Monogram your linens and towels. Provide stationary with your estate name and or family crest. Obtain four bedding palettes, one for each season (by the way, its okay to store the guest linens in the guest closet!). Prior to your guest arriving, create a gift box filled with little things you know they will love- a fancy bar soap, a pair of house slippers, a small candle, a map or guidebook of your area...and don't forget to enclose a note wishing them a wonderful stay! Lastly, have on hand basic toiletries that one may forget to pack. Stash this "Just In Case" basket in the closet and let your guests know they are welcome to the contents should they need them.

As a host, you will receive rave reviews for years to come. Your friends and family will look forward to visiting, and, most importantly, guests will feel welcome and comfortable in your home. That is the ultimate goal of hospitable entertaining.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janelle_Steinberg

Creating Quality Time With Family

When I was a little girl I spent many a summer afternoon visiting my grandmother. My grandmother had a front porch. I still can see it today even after she has passed on. There was a glider swing on her porch that we really enjoyed. We would sit on her porch for hours and visit with gram and some other family members that would stop by.

We even had a few family BBQ's at gram's. There was a picnic table out in the field. The grandchildren would run and play. Then we would enjoy a dinner. Outdoor cooking tastes so good. Not only was the food good but the conversation and interaction with other family members was so much better. Picnic Tables are great for family gatherings as they provide lots of seating.

We now have some outdoor furniture of our own. After working all day we enjoy quality time sitting out on the deck with just a table set for two. We don't have any grandchildren yet but it gives us time together relaxing, having a cold drink, and enjoying the summer evening with some one on one conversation time. We have a picnic table out in the yard for when we get company with some garden benches and folding chairs for additional seating . On cooler evenings we set up the folding chairs in front of the fireplace and enjoy our drinks and conversation there in front of the fire. It gives us a chance to burn some brush or sticks that have accumulated around the yard.

We have a swing set up in the back of the yard that the cat really enjoys. She sleeps there all summer. We just have to remove her cushion with all the fur so we can sit and enjoy some shade when we are out there on hotter days.

One on one quality time together after a long day at work or after working out in the yard is healthy for a relationship.

It is good for the body to have a place to sit and relax and just take short break when you've been working hard..

Be good to yourself. Get away from the Television. Get out of the house and get some fresh air. Get closer with your loved ones. You'll be glad you did.

I hope that you will invest in lifelong memories and healthy relationships. Spoil yourself while spoiling others.

Here at Cedar Hideaway we provide you with a selection of Outdoor Furniture and Garden Products that are built to last and priced below our competitors. You have the option of purchasing our outdoor furniture and garden products as and unassembled kit that is designed to keep your costs down. Or as an assembled knock-down version that is 70-90% assembled depending on the product purchased. With both kits holes are pre-drilled. Kits come with fully illustrated instructions. Some of the products we offer are: Garden benches, Swings, Chairs, Tables, Window Boxes, Potting benches, Cedar Planters and more. We also have a line of Teak and Chinese Oak furniture.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_Allaire

December Celebrations - Beyond Christmas

December is the time for festive celebrations. Of course, most of us excitedly look forward to digging into our traditional Christmas Roast Turkey or Prime Ribs. But why not invite friends to something a little different in honor of multiculturalism, and begin some new traditions. Here are some other celebrations (along with their great menus) to ponder and salivate.

For Hanukkah Dinner, start with tray passed Mini Cheese Blintzes topped with Warm Blueberry Maple Sauce.

Then there's nothing like a Slow Braised Brisket (you don't have to be Jewish to love this special treat) with Potato Pancakes and Chunky Apple Compote, accompanied by Roasted Winter Vegetables.

Desserts for the kid in all of us- Hanukkah Cupcakes, decorated with blue and silver sprinkles and Stars of David, and the updated version of jelly filled doughnuts, Beignets sprinkled with Powdered Sugar and served with a Tart Cherry Compote.

Celebrate family, culture and community with a first-fruits Kwanzaa party. Put out a spread of selections from the African Diaspora.

Start with Jamaican Jerk Chicken Skewers and Cod Fish Cakes- full of flava', mon...

Then a buffet of West African Roast Chicken with Peanut Sauce and Okra, Fried Catfish, Fresh Corn Pudding, Candied Yams and a Melange of Collard, Mustard, Spinach and Turnip Greens Sautéed with Garlic inspired by the American South.

And to finish-what else but Pecan Pie?

To pay tribute to our neighbors from the up North and across the pond, how about a Boxing Day Brunch serving Quiche Lorraine, Pumpkin Waffles with Cinnamon Poached Apples and Canadian Maple Syrup (of course).

For dessert- a Fruit and Rum Trifle.

This year we have a weekend to recover after all the ringing out of the old and in with the new year. How about a "Hair of the Dog" Champagne Brunch showcasing an Omelette Bar with All the Fixings. Spring for a young culinary student to come in and do the cooking honors, If that's not in the budget consider Frittatas, which are basically open-faced omelettes, which can be baked ahead of time in the Pyrex pie dishes and taste great at room temperature. Add some Fresh Salmon or Crab Cakes and French Toast, which your guests can dip and then cook themselves on an electric griddle set up on the buffet.

There's no better way to get the New Year off to a great start than sharing a wonderful time of feasting with family and friends.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gisele_Perez

3 Great Fall Family Activities For Kids of All Ages

Fall is here and the cooler weather means it's time to get outdoors and have some fun. If your summer was spent crowded around the air conditioner trying to stay cool, now's the time to enjoy the changing leaves and beautiful fall weather. Though there are many different activities for families to enjoy, now is a great time to visit a local pumpkin patch, go kite flying and visit an apple orchard.

Visit A Local Pumpkin Patch

A pumpkin patch is a great fall tradition. They are usually open throughout October and feature hayrides into the pumpkin fields so you can choose your own pumpkins. Some even have activities like mazes carved into cornfields, haunted houses and small petting zoos so there's something fun for all ages. If you visit at night, make sure to bring marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers for s'mores.

After a visit to the pumpkin patch, part of the fun is carving spooky or silly designs into your pumpkins. Don't forget to roast the pumpkin seeds for a special fall treat.

Flying A Kite

Flying kites are another fun fall activity. If your children are younger, try to keep it simple with a single line styles. These are exactly what their name suggests - it is attached to a single piece of string, which allows it to fly in medium speed winds. A single line kite is typically the easiest to fly out of all the different types and comes in different shapes like diamond, delta, box and parafoils. Kids can even pick out special designs like sharks, birds, butterflies and rainbows to brighten the sky.

Once kids have mastered a single line kite, it may be time to move on to stunt kites. These are typically larger than a single line and are sturdier, meaning they can fly in higher wind speeds and can even withstand a few crashes. Stunt kites have two or four lines connected to the kite which allows the kite to do tricks like dives and loops.

Nearly everyone can fly kites. All you need is an open area, a little wind, a kite and you're ready for a fun fall day outdoors.

Visit An Apple Orchard

Autumn means apple season, so if you're lucky enough to live near an apple orchard, take the time to pick your own apples. The orchards also often boast all different kinds of foods made out of apples like apple pie, caramel apples, apple cider and apple butter so make sure your family comes hungry to take advantage. If it's cool outside, enjoy your apple cider hot and your pie warm with vanilla ice cream melting over the top. If the weather is warm, apple cider makes a refreshing cool drink.

Many orchards even offer horse drawn carriage rides out to the apple fields, which kids of all ages will enjoy and some orchards even have their own bee colony so you may be able to take home some fresh honey.

Visiting a pumpkin patch, flying kites or visiting an apple orchard are just a few of the many fun family activities that go hand in hand with the beautiful autumn weather. These activities are perfect for nearly everyone.

About the Author: Christine O'Kelly is an author for KiteStore.net, an online kite store offering various kite flying supplies, stunt kites and kite buggies at low prices. They also offer a live chat service, a free kite newsletter and a price guarantee.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_OKelly

Setting Your Dining Room Table - Formal to Informal With Flare

Whether you're planning a formal dinner party or a casual get-together with friends, the care you take in setting your dining room table can express the thought you put into entertaining your guests. It isn't difficult to set a beautiful table with things you already have.

Planning Your Center Piece

When it comes to centerpieces for a dinner of course we tend to think of flowers and candles and these are probably by far the most popular but you don't need to be stuck with tradition. A beautiful tray of perfect red apples arranged in a pyramid can be simple but elegant. Or try a grouping of white pillar candles in varying heights placed on a mirror or tray of clear glass marbles. Your dinner table will sparkle.

If you do choose flowers, make sure your arrangement looks good from all directions since your guests will be seated around it and that it isn't so tall that people can't see over it to carry on a conversation.

Deciding on the Linens to Use

One of the first steps in setting your table is to decide on the linens you'll be using. A white tablecloth and napkins are considered traditional for a formal dinner, while a patterned tablecloth or placemats work well for a more informal gathering. If the tablecloth has fold marks from being stored, iron it with an iron on steam setting or put it in the dryer with a damp towel for a few minutes.

Napkins don't have to be a match with the table cloth but they should match each other. At a formal setting, the napkin is either folded or rolled in a napkin ring and placed centered on the dinner plate or to the left of the left of the forks. If you're setting an informal table, the napkin can be placed under the forks or on the dinner plate. Try some creative napkin folding techniques for your more informal settings.

Selecting Your Dinnerware

When it comes to dinnerware, it's not important that everything be an absolute match. Use plain white plates set on gold charger plates for a very formal look or use the same plates set with contrasting salad plates for an informal setting. Add Grandma's serving dishes with the tiny floral pattern and gold rim for a touch of vintage charm.

Placing the Flatware

Silverware is used for the most formal table settings but otherwise any quality stainless steel flatware is fine. The general rule for arranging flatware is that it is placed in the order of the courses to be served, starting from the outside and working in toward the plate. Forks are always on the left with knives and spoons on the right. The blades of the knives should be facing inward toward the plate. If you us bread and butter plates the knife is placed across the plate.

Arranging your Glassware

Using simple but elegant stemware is an easy way to bring a sense of quality to any table whether your settings are planned for a formal gathering or a few friends dropping by for pot luck. If you're setting just one wineglass, place it at the tip of the knife. If using more than one glass, follow the same rule as that used for flatware and arrange them in the order they will be used, in a triangle shape above the knife.

Remember there are few hard and fast rules when setting your dining room table. Even with a formal setting there is room for flexibility and creativity. What's more important is the time you will spend sharing with family and friends around your beautifully set table.

Amanda works for Your Home Supply (YHS) the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of products to help customers with common household repairs, as well as decorative accessories for the home. Visit them now at http://www.YourHomeSupply.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Bashore