How to Arrange Fruit Platters & Banquet Displays

The decor might be gorgeous and the bride's dress beautiful, but it's usually the banquet table that is the center of attention at a wedding reception or similar event. Guests typically arrive at a reception ready to eat, especially if the banquet table looks attractive. Arrange the banquet table so that it is user-friendly and visually stunning. Because fruit comes in so many different colors, shapes and sizes, the fruit platter usually is the most creatively displayed item on the table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Pick linens that match the event for the banquet table. If the event is a wedding, it likely has a specific color theme. Stick with the same color scheme so that the buffet is not out of place. If the event has a cultural theme, use the country colors or representative items to dress the table. For a Hawaiian-themed event, for example, line the tables with a grass skirt.

2

Arrange the fruit platter so that it is the center of the banquet table. There are virtually endless ways to display the fruit. One idea is to place a large chocolate fountain on the table and place fruit on several three-tiered catering platters surrounding the chocolate fountain. Cut fruit such as strawberries, apples and bananas into bite-sized chunks for easy dipping, and place toothpicks in the fruit for quick and easy dipping. Another way to display the fruit is to create a spilled-picnic-basket look. Elevate a large wicker basket on a covered platform, such as a sturdy box, and lay it on its side. Arrange the fruit so that it is cascading out of the basket. Place fruits of contrasting colors next to each other for a more dramatic look. Grapes in bunches work well with the cascading look. Also use orange slices, banana slices and whole strawberries. For smaller berries, such as blueberries, place them in tiny, wooden baskets so that it looks like they've just been picked off the farm. Use mini-spades in the baskets as spoons. Have a tiny, wooden basket filled with toothpicks to pick up the fruit as well. This display would best complement a garden or outdoor wedding in the country.

3

Place lighter fare such as breads, cheeses and antipasto platters at the beginning of the buffet line, then the grand fruit display in the center and the hot food and entrees at the end. The fruit acts like a divider between the cold food and the hot food.

4

Use covered boxes of different heights and sizes throughout the banquet table to display food at various height levels. This gives the display depth and also gives you more space for other food.Use a wide variety of serving platters for food so that everything is not uniform. Don't worry about following exact rules on what platter to serve specific foods on. Serve cold meats and cheeses on a cake stand if you want. Present breads on a tiered cupcake platter. Place vegetable dips in martini glasses. Serve the food in unusual ways to garner the most attention.

5

Skip the large chafing dishes. Chafing dishes tend to take up a lot of space and don't allow for much creativity. Instead, serve hot food on hot platters that retain heat and replenish with more hot food frequently.

6

Arrange the tables so that food is accessible on both side of the banquet table, unless you are having the wait-staff dish out the food. This will help avoid long lines and annoyed, hungry party guests. Plates should be at the start of the banquet table and utensils and napkins on the other end, so that guests don't have to juggle their utensils with their plates when trying to pick up food.

DIY Office Design

You don't need a degree in interior design to create an office. Nor will you be required to use a computer to render an architectural schematic. Here's what you will need: Permission from the boss to undertake the project, a budget and lots of one-on-one meetings with her during the process to make certain she's happy at all times. You get the fun tasks: picking colors, shopping and gathering compliments when the project's done and the staff is ready to move in.

Instructions

1

Interview the boss extensively to ascertain her likes and dislikes. Nail down specifics. Show your boss photos of typical offices to gauge her tastes. Ask how much latitude you have when choosing furniture, paint, lighting, window treatments and art. Find out when she wants the project completed. Request a "not-to-exceed" budget so you're able to track costs as the project unfolds.

2

Measure the office, identifying and recording the sizes of specific areas you've been asked to design--reception, boss's office, conference room, cube farm, break area, etc. Solicit quotes from painters. Pick one dominant color and two auxiliary colors for the office spaces, consulting your boss before you commission the painters to begin work.

3

Create a "design board" that consists of swatches of the carpeting, drapes, wallpaper and other decorative accessories you're recommending for the office design. Ask your boss to sign off on the board, approving the choices you've made, so there are no misunderstandings once the project is in full swing. Schedule the major refurbishing tasks in this order: painting, carpeting and window treatments.

4

Use the boss's preferences for wood, steel or plastic and laminate materials to guide your search for office furniture. Take along a digital camera when you visit commercial office furniture suppliers. Obtain catalogs. Maintain a list of prices and styles if this data isn't included in catalogs. Alternately, shop the Internet for furniture, remembering that shipping charges often eat up savings when compared to retail purchases.

5

Oversee the installation of partitions to create office cubicles if you've been instructed to subdivide departments into these styles of units. Position desks, chairs, credenzas, bookcases and workstations in ways that offer the most amount of walking room for employees and guests.

6

Choose artwork based on each area's configuration, mounting large paintings and lithographs on office walls with lots of ceiling to floor space. Bring your office design project to a proper conclusion by working up a complete accounting of how much you spent on each segment of the project, making certain to include original line items to let the boss know that you came in at, or under, your target budget.

Craft Ideas for a Serving Tray for Christmas Candies

Any serving tray or dish quickly becomes a candy tray when covered with store-bought or homemade Christmas candies, but you can add a little extra oomph to your holiday table by crafting a special tray for this purpose. Design your serving tray using colors from your Christmas-decorating theme or your favorite candies.

Snowflake Serving Tray

Cut snowflake shapes from adhesive shelf-liner paper. Peel away the paper backing and press the snowflake onto a serving tray with a smooth surface. You can also use Christmas-themed cookie cutters to trace and cut out shapes from the paper. Another option is to use a handheld decorative hole punch.

Decoupage Serving Tray

Attach Christmas candy wrappers to a plain serving tray with a decoupage medium. Apply the decoupage medium to the back of each wrapper and the tray before smoothing the wrapper into place. Add extra embellishment with glitter, sequins or craft rhinestones. Once you are satisfied with your design, cover the entire surface with several coats of decoupage medium to protect the wrappers and create a smooth surface. You can also use Christmas wrapping paper, origami paper or Christmas shapes cut from construction paper.

Instead of decorating a store-bought tray, you can build the tray with pieces of torn paper. Spray a plate or bowl with nonstick cooking spray to prevent your decoupage serving tray from sticking. Rip or cut pieces of heavy construction in your desired colors and arrange them to completely cover the surface of the dish. Apply a coat of decoupage medium and allow it to dry. Repeat the process to build three to four layers of paper sandwiched together with decoupage medium. When the serving tray is dry, gently peel it away from the dish and cover the inside and outside with several layers of decoupage medium until the tray is firm.

Candy Foot Serving Tray

Add feet to any candy tray using real hard candies coated with clear acrylic spray. The acrylic coating prevents the candy from becoming sticky when exposed to water. Choose candies with flat sides, such as round peppermint or butterscotch candies. Coat the candies with the spray and allow them to dry. Place one candy under each corner of the tray or stack several candies at each corner for a higher tray. Glue additional acrylic-coated candies to the top of the tray for added direction using a decoupage medium or permanent craft glue.

Wedding Food Buffet Display Ideas

After you have invested countless hours into planning your perfect wedding, you want your wedding food buffet display to impress your guests and carry through the festive atmosphere of your special day. A key factor in buffet display ideas is to create "eye appeal." Colorful food combinations, garnishes, enhancing decorations and eye-catching centerpieces, along with elevated tiers in your presentation, give your wedding buffet just the right touch of class.

Colorful Combinations

Organize your buffet display in sequential dining order. Accent each food tray or basket with an array of multicolor foods such as mounds of pineapple, blueberries, strawberries, melons and kiwi or a segmented tray of cold cuts, cheese, carrots, radishes, mushrooms, celery, broccoli and cauliflower. For a sweet treat, try a candy buffet. Choose a selection of colorful candies and personal favorites and display them in attractive glass jars with a scoop.

Garnishes and Decorations

Accent your food trays with greenery, fresh flowers, parsley, lettuce beds and other garnishes to enhance your guests' perception of elegance and food appeal. Adorn the table with ribbons, streamers, greenery or more flowers. Lighting is key in creating ambience and visual appeal. Use candles, flickering tea lights, LED lights or lamps to illuminate your food display.

Tiered Display

Use boxes, books or blocks of wood under the table cloth to create tiered levels on which to set your food trays and baskets. Place a tall display next to a low-lying display for more visual interest to draw the eye. Using food pedestals and risers can add a whole new dimension to your buffet.

Centerpieces

One eye-catching centerpiece in the center of your buffet table can set the tone of your reception. Sculptures of ice or stone, water, chocolate or champagne fountains, a candelabra or a lush fresh flower arrangement lends a satisfying finishing touch to your reception and turns ordinary into extraordinary.

Beverage Display

After all the delectable food on the buffet display table, guests will be thirsty. A punch bowl can hold ice cream or champagne punches to quench thirst. For a more attention-grabbing option, try a champagne fountain whether you fill it with pop, punch or champagne. Satisfy coffee and tea lovers with urns of hot water and coffee and a selection of tea bags. Fill decorative buckets with ice to hold canned and bottle drinks. Provide a scoop for guests to help themselves to the ice.

How to Mount a DVR on Top of a Flat Panel

The days of placing equipment on top of thick, floor-mounted TVs are all but gone. With flat panel sets becoming ever-flatter, many are presented with new equipment placement dilemmas. However, purchase a small, adjustable shelf designed to mount to the top and rear of the flat panel set. These shelves offer limited weight duty and size, but they are suitable for mounting a single component to the top of the set, such as a DVR.

Instructions

1

Center the shelf on top of the TV, aligning the adjustable legs with two flat spots on the rear of the TV.

2

Clean the area where the mounting pads will be affixed on the rear of the TV using the alcohol pads.

3

Remove the backing on the hook-and-loop fasteners on the shelf's mounting pads. Aligning the feet with the rear of the set, place the supplied hook-and-loop fasteners on the set. Firmly mate the pads on the feet and on the rear of the set by pressing them together.

4

Tighten the hex screw on the legs as needed to make the shelf level, using the supplied hex wrench. Use your level tool for the precise corrections. Place the DVR on top of the shelf, and make connections as necessary.

Folding Chair & Table Storage

Folding chairs and tables are convenient furniture to maintain in a household. The arrival of unannounced dinner company, craft projects or family game night can benefit from the ease of setting up a folding table and chairs. When the need for the folding furniture has passed, the tables and chairs fold almost flat for storage. Does this Spark an idea?

Attic Storage

In regions of the country that see extreme temperature shifts, the materials that comprise the folding table and chairs should be considered. Vinyl and other plastics used in attached cushions or protective tabletops can crack and split in hot and cold climates. Items with plastic, rubber or vinyl parts should be stored between 41 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The hotter the temperature, the faster the materials deteriorate. Mice and other small creatures can burrow into or chew on fabric chair cushions.

Garage Storage

Garages have some of the same storage problems that attics have as far as potential critter invasion and drastic temperature changes, but if the folding table and chairs are properly stored in a zip or hook and loop tape closure storage bag, the likelihood of damage is reduced. Garages see more traffic than do attic spaces, so rodent and bird activity is less plausible than in dark, isolated attics. Large folding banquet tables store well in garages and usually have to be stored where there is ample space due to the table size.

Closet Storage

Store a folding table and folding chairs in a storage bag at the back of a closet to maximize the use of your closet space. The flat back wall is a good place to position a folding table. Chairs can be arranged to one side of the closet against the wall or stacked on top of each other on the closet floor if space is available. Because the closet is located inside the home, fabric and plastic materials used in the construction of attached cushions on folding chairs or padded tabletops on folding tables won't be affected by changing temperatures or rodents looking for a snack. You can store furniture without a storage bag in a closet without sustaining damage to the table or chairs.

Behind or Beneath Large Furniture

Slide a folded table and chairs beneath a bed to utilize out of the way storage space. Place the table onto the floor with the tabletop facing down and the folded legs facing up. Place a towel or blanket over the folded legs. If your bed is high enough, stack two or more folding chairs on top of the towel or blanket and slide the stack beneath the bed. Folded tables and chairs can be slid between a wall and the backs of armoires, dressers, couches, china cupboards and other furniture wide and tall enough to conceal them.

How to Use a Folding Train Table

Train tables can provide hours of fun for young children. With their imaginations in full swing, they can build entire scenarios, set up tracks and run their trains everywhere. For those with limited space in their home, a full-size train table dedicated exclusively to trains may take up too much space. Thankfully, manufacturers have created so-called "folding" train tables with reversible tops. These don't fold up for flat storage as the name might suggest; a folding train table transforms into a standard toddler table for playing with play dough and coloring, with the decorated train side facing down for protection.

Instructions

1

Turn the green, decorated side of the table upward when the children want to play with trains. Bring out their train set including the tracks, mountains and trains.

2

Secure the top of the table with with the table mounting clips to hold it steady while the children play.

3

Clean up the train set at the end of the day after they are done playing, placing all the toys away in a box.

4

Release the mounting clips and flip the tabletop over to the plain wood side to give the kids a surface for coloring or eating. Be sure and resecure the mounting clips to hold that side of the table steady.

How to Make a Sewing Cutting Table Using Folding Tables

Cut a laminate top to turn a pair of foldable card tables into a cutting table. This creates a table long enough to lay out the pieces for a dress, or a full length skirt or slacks. Laminate is available at hardware and home improvement stores. It is thin and lightweight, but sturdy. You can store the cutting top under a bed or at the back of a large closet. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the width of a folding card table, from the widest part of the outside edge to the corresponding point on the opposite side. Do not measure just the top surface, which may be slightly smaller.

2

Mark a rectangle with this width and twice this length on a piece of laminate countertop. Use masking tape to mark the rectangle. The outside edge of the tape should be along the outside edge of the rectangle. The tape will keep the edge from splitting.

3

Use a circular saw with a fine blade to cut along the edge of the tape. This is the cutting table top.

4

Finish the edges of the table top by filing it with a wood file held at a 45-degree angle. File the edge smooth so it will not snag the fabric.

5

Set up the two folding tables side by side and place the cutting tabletop on top.

How Do I Build a Foldable Router Table?

A router table is designed to have a router mounted on the bottom of a flat surface that has a hole through it. The router bit is positioned through the hole and extends above the flat surface. A table that folds up against a wall is helpful in a small woodspace. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Draw two intersecting lines from corner to corner on your plywood. Drill a 3-inch hole using your hole saw where the lines intersect. This is where your router will be mounted.

2

Attach a 30-inch 2 by 4 to one side of the plywood using three 2 -inch screws so it is flat and flush with the edge. Screw another board along the opposite edge of the plywood in the same manner. These will be the front and back of the finished table's bottom.

3

Attach the last 30-inch 2 by 4 flat against the wall, parallel with the floor, with its top edge 30 inches above the floor. Use three 3-inch screws. The table top will be hinged to this board.

4

Screw two hinges to the board on the wall. The hinges should be on the 4-inch wide surface, 5 inches from each end, and able to fold up and over the top edge of the board.

5

Set the plywood with the boards attached to it on top of the board on the wall. All of the 30-inch boards should be parallel. Attach the hinges to the back 2 by 4 on the plywood. The plywood should be able to fold down, parallel to the floor in its working position, and up against the wall in its stored position. position. This is your router table top.

6

Fold the table top up and screw two hinges to the 2 by 4 on the front side of the table. They should be 5 inches from each end, on the 4-inch wide surface of the board and able to fold 180 degrees. Screw the other half-hinges to the ends of the 28 -inch boards. The boards should be parallel with the table top when it is folded up and perpendicular to the table top when they are folded down. The outside edges of these boards should be 25 inches apart. These are the legs to your table.

7

Screw the 25-inch board to the legs so it is perpendicular to the legs, 15 inches above the floor when the legs are folded down, and with the ends of the board flush with the sides of the legs. This board will provide extra support to the legs, and result in a sturdy table.

8

Fold the table up against the wall and screw an eye-hook to the top 30-inch board. It should be 15 inches from each end and on the 2-inch wide surface of the board. Screw the second eye-hook to the wall so it is 3 inches away from the other eye-hook. Tie the string to both eye-hooks to secure the table in the upright position.

9

Mount the router mount to the bottom of the table so the router bit sits right above the table surface. Remove the router before putting the table in the upright position. The bracket on most routers isn't meant to provide horiztontal support to the router.

How to Make a Coffee Table With Folding Legs

Coffee tables are a convenient place to place a snack, while sitting on the sofa, but they do limit floor space while entertaining. A coffee table with folding legs is great for relaxing evenings when you need a table and convenient when you need the extra space for parties or holidays. Making a coffee table, that you will enjoy for years to come, and hiding the folding leg brackets with a decorative base, is a great woodworking project which you can complete in a weekend.

Instructions

1

Cut a 2 ft. by 4 ft. piece of wood for the table top with a table saw.

2

Cut two 39 inch lengths and two 18 lengths of 1 inch by 4 inch board for the rails.

3

Cut 45 degree angles on the rails with a miter saw on the length and width rail ends.

4

Cut two 8 inch lengths and two 30 inch lengths of 1 inch by 1 inch board for the fillets.

5

Place the table top with the bottom up on a clean dry work surface.

6

Create the table base frame on the table top by placing the length and width rails upright, centered and squared on it, trace their inner and outer edge positions with a pencil and set them aside.

7

Place a 3/8th diameter bead of wood glue onto the center of your marked frame on the table top bottom and on the 45 degree cut angles of the rails.

8

Assemble the frame on the table top bottom over the wood glue. Wipe any excess glue with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits. Allow the glue to set for 2 hours.

9

Place the width and length fillets (brace pieces) centered within the frame lengths and screw them into the table top with 1 1/2 inch wood screws every 4 inches, starting at the center and working to the ends.

10

Install the folding leg brackets with the included hardware at each corner within the table frame base, so that the legs will fold to the center along the length of the table.

11

Secure the table base frame to the fillets by screwing 2 1/2 inch wood screws through the fillets into the frame at each fillet end and every 4 1/2 inches.

12

Insert the table legs into the brackets and tighten the bracket flanges to secure them in place.

13

Sand the table with 80 grit sandpaper. Remove the sanding dust with a cloth dampened with water and then continue sanding with a 120 grit, 180 grit and 220 grit sandpaper, wiping between each paper.

14

Apply two coats of wood stain by applying the stain with a paintbrush, letting it sit for 15 minutes and then wiping it with a clean cloth. Allow each coat to dry for 6 hours before applying the second or the polyurethane.

15

Paint 2 light, consistent coats of polyurethane finish to the wood with a paintbrush, allowing the first coat to dry for 2 hours before applying the second.

How to Make Folding Table Legs

A folding table is a piece of furniture that is often used to help seat extra guests that may come over for dinner, once every seat at your regular dinner table is taken. A folding table can also be used for things that don't need to be kept out all the time, such as craft areas. Many of the folding tables that you find at the store, however, aren't very attractive, nor are they very sturdy. So, if you need a folding table to keep around your house, but you would like a more attractive and sturdy version, why not make your own wooden folding table legs and attach the to a wooden table top? Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Prepare your wooden tabletop and legs, however necessary, whether that be sanding, painting or staining. The brackets are a bronze-plated steel, so you will want to choose a stain or paint color accordingly.

2

Determine where you would like the legs of your table to be mounted. Measure and mark on the underside of the table where the outside corner of each leg will be, making sure they are all in the same location relative to their respective corners.

3

Attach the brackets to the legs of your table so that when the bracket is open, the part that attaches to the underside of your table is flush with the top of the leg. Do this by first lining up the bracket how it will be attached, marking the screw holes with your carpenter's pencil, drilling pilot holes, and then screwing the bracket to the leg with the screws that come with the brackets.

4

Double-check your measurements and markings for each folding table leg before you begin to attach them. Put the legs in place on the underside of your tabletop according to the markings you made earlier, making sure that each leg is facing in the direction it needs to face so that it will fold up under the table, and mark the screw holes for the bracket on the underside of your tabletop. Drill pilot holes for all of the screw holes, and then screw each leg/bracket combination in place, again with the screws that come with the brackets.

DIY Folding Work Table

Crafters, handymen and busy families can always use a dedicated workspace for projects, even if there isnt extra room to put in a traditional table or workbench. The simple solution is a folding work table that opens for use and folds away for storage. For an interesting do-it-yourself weekend project, build a portable folding table, a permanently installed wall-mounted or built-in folding table, or a small folding table tray for smaller projects. A folding work table makes good use of small or unused spaces. Does this Spark an idea?

Portable Folding Table

Build a lightweight, portable folding table with two pieces of sanded plywood hinged together in the middle, folding legs, and a mounted handle for carrying. Get hardware at home centers or from salvaged furniture like card tables. Get plans and ideas from carpentry books at the library or online. Cover the tabletop with padded cloth for a more decorative surface.

Wall-Mounted Folding Table

For areas with ample wall space, but not as much floor space, mounting a folding table on the wall is a convenient solution. Build the size table needed using lightweight materials, hinge the legs and table edge that will fold down, and secure the table supports to studs in the wall for a practical and accessible work area.

Built-In Folding Table

More intermediate handyman and carpentry skills are necessary to make a built-in folding table, but are well worth the extra effort. Like built-in bookcases and cabinets, built-in folding tables provide a finished look to a practical piece of furniture. Some drywall and wall finishing skills can make the folding table fit into the wall instead of sitting on it. Cabinet doors can further camouflage the table.

Small Folding Table

Assemble 15 short planks of cedar with some screws and hinges for a great 36-inch by 24-inch folding table to use outside on the deck or patio. Build a set of four matching small folding tables to use at barbecues and outside parties or to give as a gift. Simple carpentry skills and tools such as a power drill, a hand or table saw, a sander or plain sand paper and a tape measure are all you need to make this practical table.

Folding Table/Wall Hanging

Build a table that mounts on the wall, with legs that fold flat to frame the edge of the underside of the table, mount a large picture on the bottom of the table and it can double as a framed wall hanging. Lightweight materials and an attractive paint job make this folding table/picture frame a really fun and unique do-it-yourself project.

Drop Leaf Work Table

Attaching a drop leaf work table to the side of a storage cabinet can create a pop up and store-away work surface to use anytime its needed. You can attach a table top the same size as the side of the cabinet with hinges and attach folding legs underneath with hinges and supports to complete the table.

A DIY Folding Kitchen Table

Not having enough space in your kitchen is always a big problem when two or more people live in a small apartment together. This can be easily solved by having a fold-away table in your kitchen that can be dismantled after supper. They are normally attached to the wall by a hinge and supported by a fold-away leg. They ideally seat three people and are perfect in small loft apartments or in summerhouses with little space. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Screw one of the hinges onto the end of the 3-foot leg. The leg needs to have a square cross-section.

2

Put the 4-by-2-foot wood board near the wall where you want to attach it. Screw two hinges onto the board, 1 foot from each end. The board needs to be as thick as the hinge so that it fully supports the table when it is in use.

3

Screw the leg onto the board. It must be on the bottom side and 1 foot from the side of the table. Use short screws so that you won't make a hole all the way through the board.

4

Screw the board into the wall. Ask a friend to come and hold the board for you as you are screwing it to the wall. Decide whether you want the table to fold upward or downward and screw the hinge accordingly.

5

Glue the magnet onto the leg end that is closer to the floor. Fold the leg up and make a note where the magnet touches the board and then stick the other magnet there. Make sure to have the magnet's positive side on the leg and the negative on the table or vice-versa, otherwise the magnet will not hold the leg up.

How to Build a Folding Wall Table

Folding wall tables come in handy for people who live in small apartments, or for people who just like to have a little extra space. Wall tables are often simple in design, and are mainly built for functionality. Plywood and basic construction lumber is a qualifying choice of materials for this project, as they are inexpensive and easy to work with. In about an hour this project can be built and installed in the home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Use all of your 4-inch screws to screw one of your 1x3 pine boards to the wall so it is flat on the wall, horizontal, and so the top edge is 30 inches above the floor. Use your level to ensure the board is level. Screw two half-hinges to the 3 inch wide side of this board so there is a half-hinge 3 inches from each end of the board. The top half-hinge must be able to move a full 270 degrees over the top edge of the pine board.

2

Lay two 1x3 pine boards on your workspace so they are vertical and parallel, and so the outside edges are 30 inches apart. These will be the table legs to your table. Screw your last 1x3 pine board perpendicularly to each of the vertical boards. It should be 13 inches from the top and bottom ends of the vertical boards. This board will provide support to your table legs. Screw a half-hinge to each top end of the two vertical 1x3 boards. The hinges should be able to move 270 degrees and be able to fold over the end of the board.

3

Lay your two table legs on the plywood. The plywood is your table top, and the legs will be fastened to the bottom of the table top. Screw the half-hinges to the plywood so the legs are 3 inches away from the 30-inch edge. The leg support must be parallel with this 30-inch edge, and the legs must be able to fold down over the table, not away from the table.

4

Lift your plywood over the pine board that is attached to the wall to prepare to screw it to the hinges. The legs on the table should be folded down towards the floor. Screw the half-hinges on the pine board to the plywood. As the plywood folds down, the legs should fold out and support the table.

5

Screw one of the eye hooks to the bottom of the table, along the edge where the legs are attached. Fold the table back up toward the wall, and screw the other eye hook to the wall so it is a couple inches away from the one screwed into the table. Use your string to hold the table in place by tying it to the eye hooks.

How to Make a Folding Wooden Table

Whether it is for a poker game, a yard sale, arts and crafts or a computer table--almost anyone could use a small wooden table in the house. Building your own table can be a little challenging, but it will possibly save you money in the long run. Anyone can do this project, it just takes a few supplies and a little effort. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Saw two 18-inch sections off the 1-inch-by-6-inch wood and then cut them both in half. The four pieces will make up the top of the table.
Cut off four 16-inch-by-1 1/2-inch sections for the legs and one 16-inch-by-2 1/2-inch section for the stretcher.
Saw off two 10-inch-by-1 3/4-inch pieces for the leg supports and cut two 10-inch-by-1 1/4-inch pieces for the small stretchers.

2

Sand the wooden sections on all sides and place them flat with the good side down. Use the table saw to square off the four pieces on the ends. Make 1/4-inch spaces in between the boards.
Attach the support boards underneath the table top. Use two screws to attach the middle board and one screw each in the outer boards.
The outer edge of the outside boards should be 16 inches apart from each other and 1 inch from the edges.
The middle support board should have one edge that lines up with the center of the table top.

3

Connect the wide legs and stretchers using an overlap joint. Lay one board on top of the other at right angles and screw them together. The wide legs should be 13 inches apart and attach the stretcher 1 1/4 inches from the top of the legs.
The narrow legs should be 7 inches apart. Attach the top stretcher at the top of the legs and the lower stretcher 3 7/8 inches from the top.
Cut a notch 3/4 inches wide and 3/16 inches deep in the middle of the top stretcher and a notch 3/4 inches wide and 5/16 inches deep in the bottom center of the lower stretcher.

4

Drill a 1/4-inch hole vertically down through the two stretchers on the narrow legs and down the center of the longer stretcher of the wide legs. Make sure the narrow legs fit in the spots before you glue them in.

5

Attach the legs after the glue dries and use a 1/4-inch-by-5-inch bolt and nylock nut to keep the pairs of legs together. You may need to use washers for the spaces between the stretchers.
You may have to file the legs to get them to fit flat against the table top; test them first to see if they fit.
Use hinges to attach the outside supports and center the legs on the supports.
Screw in the magnetic catch to the middle table support. This is where it will hold the narrow legs centered on the table.

6

Stain the table to the desired color.

How to Make a Folding Picnic Table

Folding picnic tables can take several forms. Among the references and resources listed for this article, you'll find a how-to video and building plans for an elaborate pair of benches that can be united to form a folding picnic table. For the less industrious there are plans for smaller tables, too, but for the backyard entertainer who wants a simple folding picnic table that is inexpensive and easy to stow away, the trestle-top picnic table is the way to go.

Why a trestle top? For one, you don't want benches attached to the table like a conventional picnic table design. Have you ever watched someone laden with a paper plate full of picnic fare try to crawl over one of those fixed-in-place benches and sit down? It is better to arrange chairs around the table or provide portable benches that can be moved back and forth as picnickers come and go. Also, attached benches limit the alternative use of the table--as a buffet table, for example. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Build the table top out of one-inch by six-inch pine boards. Buy the straightest, least warped ones your lumber yard has to offer, but realize you'll be able to overcome slight warp-ages when it comes to gluing and clamping the boards together. Run the boards through a planer, if necessary, to attain even thickness and cut them to a uniform length. Lay them on a flat surface and apply wood glue to the joining edges. Use large wood clamps to hold the boards together while the glue dries. Six boards glued edge to edge will make a table top of conventional width.

2

Sand the tabletop smooth using a belt sander.

3

Cut eight two-inch by four-inch table legs to the desired table height and screw them into the sawhorse brackets using wood screws and a cordless screw driver. Trim the bottoms of the table legs using a compound miter saw so the legs stand square on the ground when the sawhorse brackets are extended.

4

Cut two-inch by four-inch boards slightly less long than the tabletop is wide and clamp them in the sawhorse brackets so the brackets with legs extended form four corner legs of the table. The support boards under either end of the tabletop provide lateral support.

5

Position the one-inch by six-inch board top on the four corner legs and supporting end boards. The end result is a quite stable though thoroughly portable picnic table that was not too costly to construct.

6

When the picnic is over, remove the trestle top and end table leg-separating boards, fold up the corner legs and store all for the next picnic use.

How to Build a Folding Table Out of Plywood

A folding table can be useful in many situations such as when you are having a dinner party, a barbeque or need a surface for crafts or hobbies. When you don't need it, you can fold the table away and it takes up very little space. Making your own folding table is easy and a lot cheaper than buying one from a shop. Making it yourself also means you can make the table to your specifications.

Instructions

1

Sand the entire plywood board using a fine grade of sandpaper. This will smooth any rough edges, remove any splinters and improve the finish on the table.

2

Lay out the folding legs on the underside of the table to ensure they will not clash when folded away. Purchase these folding legs at any hardware store or online for less than $30.

3

Screw on the legs through the pre-fabricated holes using the electric drill. As you are using screws, there is no need to pre-drill any guide holes. And as the holes are prefabricated, there is no need to measure and mark with a pencil.

4

Apply a finish of either varnish or paint using a paintbrush. If you are painting it, you will first need to apply a primer to help it bind to the plywood. Leave the primer to dry for 24 hours before applying the paint.

5

Apply a second coat or use the table only after allowing the finish to dry for at least 24 hours.

Folding Table Parts

The design of a folding table allows for easy portability and storage options. Merchants sell folding tables in rectangular, square and round styles that have either resin or wooden tabletops in a variety of standard sizes. Folding tables often have legs with hinged locking devices and end caps, these parts provide additional stability to the tabletop. Does this Spark an idea?

Tabletop

A folding table may have a resin or plastic top or it may be wooden. There can be a split in the center of the tabletop to allow for folding it or it may be solid. Standard rectangular sizes are 6 feet by 30 inches or 8 feet by 30 inches and 4 feet by 24 inches. Round folding tables are available in 24, 36, 48 and 72 inch diameters.

Frame

The frame on a folding table is generally steel or an alloy material. It supports the tabletop by its placement around the underside of the table's circumference.

Legs

The folding table's legs attach to the table with mounting brackets and screws on each short end of a rectangular folding table or on two sides across from each other on a round table. The legs are generally steel or metal and contain a support bracket that is at a 45-degree angle to the table. The support bracket holds the legs out in a vertical line so that they do not fold in while in use. There is a hinged locking device located on the support bracket. Depressing the hinge will release the legs so they can fold inward and flush with the tabletop for easy transporting and storage.

End Caps

The bottoms of a folding table's legs have end caps to protect your floors from scratches. They fit on the bottom of the legs so that the metal tubing is not exposed. End caps also help to stabilize a table on slick floors so that the table does not slide. The end caps are also a safety factor so that when a table is folded you don't get scratches on your arms from the metal while carrying it.

Carrying Handle

Some smaller models of folding tables have a carrying handle. These seamed top types allow the top and legs to fold also. When all of the parts of this table are folded it creates a "suitcase" with a latch to hold all the parts in place and a handle that pulls out for easy carrying.

How to Build a Folding Hobby Table

If you have a hobby like quilt making or gaming, you might have been forced to carry it out in any space you can find, from kitchen tables to floors. But to get the most out of your hobby, you need to have workspace and specifically, a hobby table. You might think that you don't have the room fro a table, but the easy solution is to build a folding hobby table that can serve your particular needs. When you are not using it, the table can easily be folded and stored out of the way. Constructing this table is a fairly simple project.

Instructions

1

Gather your materials. Have the supply store cut a sheet of plywood and four lengths of wood for the legs to the size you want for your table. Use your rotary sander to smooth down the surfaces.

2

Screw the brackets onto the ends of the table's legs. Then mark equidistant positions in the corners for the legs.

3

Place the leg ends one by one in the corners and screw the brackets into place. Make sure you place them so the legs fold inward.

4

Turn the table over. Cut two lengths of molding one inch less that the length of the table, and two that are one inch less than the width of the table.

5

Use a hammer and nails to hammer the molding on the top of the table to from a barrier to keep small items from rolling off.

6

Use a brush to paint your table. Let it dry.

Lifetime Folding Table Instructions

Lifetime started business in 1972 with its line of durable, movable basketball rims. Since then, the company has focused on becoming the world's leading manufacturer of folding tables and chairs. As of 2009, it has two versions of the folding table: the ordinary rectangular and round tables and the fold-in-half tables, all of which are easy to fold open for use and then close for storage. Does this Spark an idea?

Rectangular and Round Tables--Opening

To open Lifetime rectangular and round tables, set either table on its side and hold it there with one hand. With your other, pull the two sets of legs from underneath the table as far as they can go until they lock in the open position. Then secure the loose metal latch to hold the legs in place. Either by yourself or with a partner, lift the table and stand it on its legs.

Rectangular and Round Tables--Closing

To close the tables, simply reverse the process. Place a table on its side, slide the metal latch down towards the table, and fold the legs back in. When you hear the legs lock, your table is ready to be transported.

Fold-in-Half Tables--Opening

Spread open the table's legs by pulling the two halves of the table apart. This will give you a base to hold the table in place. Next, reach under the side of the table and press the release button. Pull up both sides of the table. You'll feel them lock into place. Stand the table on its legs.

Fold-in-Half Tables--Closing

Place the table on its side and press the latch release button found underneath the table. The two sides of the table will easily fold together, pushing the legs in as they do to make the table thin and easy to transport and store.

How to Make Foldable Table Legs

When you have a table that is used only occasionally, such as for card games or crafts, it makes sense for its legs to be outfitted with folding brackets so that the table can be folded flat and stored when not in use. Whether you are building a brand-new table or would like to alter an existing one, installing folding brackets to the legs is a simple do-it-yourself job that can be completed in an afternoon. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Sand and stain or paint the table top and legs as desired. Allow them to dry completely if they have been stained or painted, then lay the table top upside down on a clean, flat surface. If you are working on an existing table with the legs already attached, use an electric drill or screwdriver to remove the screws holding the legs to the table.

2

Use a pencil to mark where the legs should be located when they are unfolded and sticking out vertically from the table top. There should be one leg at each corner of the table.

3

Fold the legs down before installing brackets to be sure that they dont overlap or obstruct one another. Depending on the length of the legs, they may be able to fold toward each other at the center of the table or each leg may need to fold down to its right or left so that one leg runs along each side of the table when they are all folded. Once the folding layout has been finalized, stand one of the legs back up vertically and set the others aside.

4

Open the first bracket all the way and lock it into position. Place the bracket against the table leg so that the small plate at one end of the bracket fits flush against the leg while the other fits against the bottom of the table. Double-check to be sure that the bracket is positioned so that the leg will fold in the right direction.

5

Mark the locations of the screw holes against the leg and table with a pencil, and then remove the bracket. Use an electric drill with a 1/16-inch drill bit to drill small holes at each pencil mark, and then put the bracket back into place. Drive screws into each hole to secure the bracket in place.

6

Repeat the bracket installation process on each of the remaining three table legs.

How to Make Folding Legs

Folding tables can provide extra seating during special occasions when there is not enough seating at the regular dinner table. In cramped living spaces, a table with folding legs is a practical investment as it can be stored away easily by folding the table's legs. This, of course, creates "new" space. Just like any piece of furniture, folding tables can be expensive although it doesn't always mean they have good quality. With some basic carpentry skills and materials, you can build your own table with folding legs that are as sturdy as you need them to be.

Instructions

1

Select a tabletop that measures slightly more than twice the size of the wooden legs. The wooden legs will measure approximately 29 inches, so the table should be roughly between 65 and 70 inches long.

2

Cut the cedar stock into four pieces, each one measuring 29 inches long. These table legs must all be the same length and width.

3

Use a hand sander to sand down the table legs to remove any rough edges.

4

Clean the table legs to remove any dirt and dust with a tack cloth.

5

Pour paint or stain that matches the tabletop into a paint pan. Use a paint brush to paint or stain the folding legs.

6

Allow enough time for the paint or stain to dry. Read the label on the paint or stain to determine drying time.

7

Turn the tabletop over to expose the underside.

8

Place each leg against the corners of the table and draw the outline of the table legs' tops onto the underside of the table with a pencil. The legs should be approximately 2 inches to 3 inches from each edge of the table and in the same location at each corner.

9

Place the hinges on the underside of the table against the boxes drawn on each corner. Mark the locations of the screw holes from the hinges on the table top.

10

Remove the hinges from the table and drill pilot holes into each of the marked spots. Use a drill bit with the same diameter as the screws from the hinges.

11

Secure the four hinges to the underside of the table using the provided screws and attached hardware.

12

Place the legs against the hinges. Mark the locations of the screw holes for the hinges on the top of the legs.

13

Use a drill bit with the same diameter as the screws provided to drill pilot holes for the screws in the four table legs.

14

Secure the table legs to each hinge with the provided screws and attached hardware.

15

Fold the table legs underneath the table and turn the table top over onto its top side. Unfold the legs to use the table top. Fold the legs under the table to store the table.

How to Build a Folding Table That Attaches to a Wall

When space is at a premium or you simply want an extra surface installed in a room, build a folding table that attaches to the rooms wall. With folding shelf brackets, attach the table to the wall studs, creating a surface capable of bearing a lot of weight. When the table is not needed, simply fold it downward so it takes up only a few inches against the walls surface. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Mark a line across the wall with a pencil thats the desired width of the table, at the height where you want the tabletop.

2

Measure the length of the line with a tape measure. Transfer the measurement to the piece of wood from which you want to create your tabletop, using the measurement to set the tabletop length with a pencil. Determine the width you desire for the tabletop and place a mark onto the wood at the desired width as well. Connect the length and width markings by using a carpenters square to create 90-degree angles and a straightedge to mark straight sides for your tabletop. Make certain the width of your tabletop is no greater than the height of the tabletop on the wall minus the height of the wooden board youre using.

3

Cut the wooden board along the marked lines using a table saw. Sand the edges smooth with medium-grit sandpaper. Wipe the sanding residue from the wood.

4

Stain or paint the wood the color desired. Use a paintbrush to apply wood stain to the tabletop, brushing the stain onto the surface of the wood in rows along the wood grain. Allow the stain to sit for 15 minutes to penetrate the wood, then remove the excess stain remaining on the surface with a clean rag. If youd rather paint the surface, apply a coat of epoxy primer paint, wait two hours and then apply two coats of epoxy topcoat to the surface using a paint roller for all layers. Allow the paint or stain to dry overnight.

5

Apply a strip of wood veneer trim to the table edges to keep the wood from splitting along the edge with use. Brush a layer of construction adhesive onto the edges of the tabletop and onto the rear of a piece of veneer cut to fit the edges. Allow the adhesive to dry until it loses its wetness but remains sticky, then press the veneer pieces to the sides of the table. Roll over the veneer pieces with a laminate roller to press out any air beneath the pieces, then trim the veneer closely to the edge of the top and bottom of the table with a router.

6

Locate the wood studs in the wall along the marked line using a stud finder. Mark the stud locations, then measure the space between the locations of the outside studs on each table end.

7

Place the table topside-down onto a flat surface and then position the folding shelf brackets onto the rear of the table, spaced the same distance apart as the two outside studs. Make certain the bracket is positioned so that when opened the table will sit flush against the wall. For example, if the brackets stand an inch from the wall when mounted, place them an inch down from the table edge that touches the wall. Mark the location of the bracket mounting holes against the rear of the table with the pencil.

8

Drill pilot holes into the table at the marked mount locations with an electric drill for the bracket mounting screws. Make certain you do not drill straight through the tabletop.

9

Return the brackets into place against the rear of the table and then screw them in using wood screws. Open the brackets and place the table against the wall, using the drawn line on the wall as a guide for the tabletop. Mark the location of the bracket mounting lines along the wall at the stud locations, through the other arms of the brackets against the wall, with the pencil. Drill pilot holes through the walls and into the wall studs.

10

Drive drywall screws through the brackets and into the walls to secure the table into place. Test the placement of the table by folding it downward against the wall, and then upward back into open position. Adjust the positions of the brackets if necessary so that the rear of the table lies flush with the wall when opened.

Parts for a Folding Picnic Table

Made from plastic, wood or aluminum, folding picnic tables are designed for convenience, function, durability and storage. A single folding picnic table/bench can serve as a bench or a table. However, it will look like half of a traditional picnic table. Therefore, two sets of folding picnic table/benches placed together in the table position are needed to form a traditional picnic table.



The basic parts of a folding picnic table are the bench seats and backs, the tabletop, arms and arm supports, legs and hinges. Additionally there are table support pieces and decorative fill. Does this Spark an idea?

Seat Backs/Tabletops

The tabletop in the upright flat position serves as a table. However, when released from the locked, or upright position, and flipped down, it serves as a bench seat back. If a locking system is present it will have two locking pieces attached to the underside of the tabletop on opposite ends.

Two of these foldable bench pieces, when put back to back and in the tabletop position, form a standard picnic table with a top and two benches. If made from a kit or from scratch, the dimensions of the table and benches can be changed by choosing the length of the boards to be used. Underneath the tabletop or on the back side of the benches there also will be support pieces.

Individual Bench Seats

The individual bench seats will be the same length as the seat back/tabletops. They will have a seat brace that runs the length of the seat and connects to the legs and a supporting seat base end. The seat base end also connects to both the front and rear legs. On the top side ends of the benches are strap hinge braces that connect the bench seat to the arms that support the tabletop/seat back.

Arms and Supports

Arm supports on each end of the tabletop/seat back, along with a perpendicular table support piece, provide the support framework that connects the tabletop/seat back to the bench seat.

Decorative Fill

Two decorative fill pieces (one on each side) extend off of the tabletop section to cover the arm supports and base ends.

Front and Rear Legs

Each folding picnic table has a pair of front legs and a pair of rear legs. The legs are attached to the bench seat (front and back). They complete the frame of the table/bench and provide support for the bench seat.

Accessories and Variations

An optional accessory on purchased folding picnic tables is a shade umbrella.

Variations in design and by manufacturer may change the position of the supporting elements or may change the purpose of the parts. For example, an aluminum picnic table designed to be light or for convenient storage may have two small individual seats on each side of the table instead of a bench seat. Additionally, the tabletop doesn't fold down to become a bench seat back. It is designed more for picnics on the go or for camping situations.

DIY Legs for a Folding Table

In cramped living space, you might forsake a dining area in favor of more critical functions for the space, such as a food preparation area or living area. Instead of losing the dining area completely, use a folding table with hinged legs, which will allow you to eat your food or work on your projects at a table. Once you no longer need the table, you can fold up the legs and hide away the table. You can create a folding table yourself, as long as you already have a tabletop you like.

Instructions

1

Cut your stock into four pieces, each that measure 29 1/4 inches long. If you'd prefer thinner legs, you use smaller stock or cut some width from each length of stock at this point. Make sure all the pieces are the same length, and the same width, if you made any adjustments.

2

Sand your legs smooth, and then wipe away any dust with a tack cloth. Paint or stain your legs to match your tabletop. Allow the paint or stain to completely dry before proceeding.

3

Turn your tabletop onto its face. Dry fit your legs against the underside of your table. Place each leg against one of the four corners of the table, match all the edges, and then draw an outline of the table legs' tops onto the underside of the table.

4

Place your hinges against the boxes you just drew. Put one hinge against each box, with each hinge facing the center of the table. Mark your hinges' screw holes on the table.

5

Drill pilot holes into the screw holes you marked, and then attach the hinges to the table's underside using those pilot holes and hinges' attached hardware.

6

Dry fit your legs against the hinges you just attached, and mark the screw holes for the hinges onto your legs. Drill pilot holes into the legs before attaching the hinges to the legs with your hinges' remaining screws. Your legs are now attached to the table, but can be folded beneath the tabletop when necessary.

How to Make a Foldable Table With Hinges

A basic foldable table is useful for events and functions that require temporary table space. When not in use, it can be stored in a small space until it is needed again. Build the table out of plywood and piping, both of which are available at hardware stores. The surface can be decorated however you want, or you can leave it unfinished if its appearance is not important. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut a sheet of 3/4-inch plywood into a rectangle the size you want for the tabletop using a saw. Skip this step if you want to use the entire sheet for the tabletop.

2

Cut the plywood in two, creating two equal panels. For example, a 3-by-8-foot table top would become two 3-by-4-foot panels.

3

Lay the panels on the floor with the cut ends butted up against each other.

4

Place two 3-inch hinges on the cut, with one wing on each piece.

5

Screw the hinges to the plywood with 3/4-inch wood screws. The thickness of the wings will prevent the screws from penetrating the table surface.

6

Place a 1-inch threaded flange on each corner of the table, positioned an inch in from the corner.

7

Attach the flanges to the table with 3/4-inch wood screws.

8

Screw four threaded pipes into the four flanges. The pipes should be as long as you want the table to be tall.

9

Set the table on its legs. Unscrew the legs and fold the table in two to transport it.