How to Build a Small Picnic Table

Picnic tables make great outdoor furniture. Though especially useful during the summer months, they can be enjoyed year round. They also take up minimal space compared to a separate table and chairs. Making a picnic table yourself is quite cost-effective. A small picnic table is perfect for children and takes up less space than a full-sized picnic table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut the table's four legs using your 2X8 boards. Angle the top and bottom of each leg at 22 degrees.

2

Cut the two top crosspieces of the frame using 2X4 boards. Each crosspiece should be approximately 30 inches long. Angle the ends at 22 degrees to match the legs.

3

Lay the legs on a flat surface in pairs. Set a top crosspiece across each pair, lining up the edges.

4

Place one 2X4 across each frame, about halfway down the legs to form a lower crosspiece. Adjust the lower crosspieces until each side has an equal overhang. The overhang needs to be wide enough so that two 2X4s spaced 1/4-inch apart can fit on it. Cut off any excess.

5

Nail the crosspieces in place, but do not center the nail. This is only to hold the crosspieces in their correct positions while you drill into them.

6

Drill a centered hole where each crosspiece intersects with a leg. You'll have eight holes total. Use the carriage bolts, washers and nuts in the drilled holes.

7

Stand your two frames upright. Ensure that they stand perpendicular to the ground. You don't want them to be angled. On one side, lay a 2X4 on the lower crosspiece, against the legs. Repeat on the other side.

8

Adjust the position of your frames and inner bench pieces so that six inches of bench jut past the frame on either end of the table. Secure the benches in place with a clamp. Screw them in place using two deck screws in each. Leave 1/4-inch of space behind these. Add the outer bench pieces the exact same way.

9

Place the 1X8 boards across the top of the frame. These should overhang each end of the table by six inches, just like the benches. Screw these into the top crosspieces with three deck screws on each board, on each side.

10

Cut a center bottom brace using a 2X4. This should fit all the way across the underside of the table. With the table still in an upright position, clamp the center-bottom brace in position -- directly centered -- and use deck screws to secure it in place.

11

Cut a bottom brace for each bench and secure them in a centered position, just as you did the bottom brace on the table.

12

Flip the table over.

13

Cut two bracing pieces out of 2X4s. These each attach to the center bracing piece on one side, and the lower crosspiece of the frame on the other. Angle each end at 28 degrees, and measure the distance between the crosspiece and the center bracing piece to know how long to cut them.

14

Screw the two bracing pieces in place with deck screws. You can now use the table. If you choose, you can fill in the screw holes, paint or decorate it however you like.

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 an Origami Table

Making an origami table from origami paper requires folding the paper into a flat square with pointed legs. First form a "windmill" shape that has a square at the center and four blades that extend out. Then fold these blades to form the legs of the table.

Instructions

1

Create a "book" by folding the paper in half then open it. Now fold each of the "book covers" in toward the center crease to form a "cupboard."

2

Keep the "cupboard" closed, turn it horizontal and repeat Step 1 to form a small "book." Open the small "book" horizontal and fold each of your small "book covers" to the center crease to form a small "cupboard." The paper is a small square shape at this point. If you were to open the paper flat you should have 16 small squares based on the creases made by your earlier folds.

3

Make a triangle by folding the top right corner of your square shape to the left bottom corner then open to the small "cupboard." Repeat with the left top corner to the bottom right corner and open once more to view the small "cupboard." When open you should see the appearance of an "X" created by the triangular folds.

4

Turn the two flaps into four squares. Lift the corner of one flap and pull the underneath part out to a point. Push the point back down flat on top of the flap to form a square. Repeat with the other corner of the flap. Then repeat with the second flap so you end up with four squares.

5

Form the windmill "blades" from the four squares. Pull the top layer of each square outward and press the edges together to form a "kite" shape. Do this with all four squares to form four "blades."

6

Fold each "blade" in half inward to form legs. They should all be sticking up in the air.

7

Flip the finished table over and stand it on its legs.

What to Get for Your Hallway Furniture

When it comes to decorating a hallway or entryway, there are a number of factors to consider. Hallways serve as a transitional space and should blend with the aesthetic of the rest of your home. Additionally, the hallway furniture should serve both a decorative and functional purpose, as hallways tend to be a functional space. Does this Spark an idea?

Console or Demilune Table

Place a console table or a demilune table, which is a table in the shape of a semi-circle, in your hallway. A console table with a bottom shelf can be used as a bookshelf or for displaying objects and accessories. Likewise, you can place baskets on the bottom shelf to create extra storage for magazines and other knick knacks. Decorate a console table or a demilune table with a lamp, vases, candles and other home accessories.

Chairs

Select chairs to flank a console table in the hallway. Traditional design may utilize a matching set. However, for a more contemporary feel, select two different styles. Alternatively, place storage cubes that double as seats on each end of a console or demilune table. Place a throw pillow on each chair as an accent.

Bench

Place a bench in your hallway for putting on or taking off your shoes. A bench can also be used instead of a console table for displaying objects and accessories. A bench for the hallway can be a combination of a storage bench with a hinged lid or a bench with baskets or cubicles underneath for storage. Likewise, a bench can have cubicles and hooks above it to hold coats, hats and bags.

Coat and Umbrella Stand

Particularly in the winter season, a coat stand and an umbrella stand are essential for storing wet items you don't want to bring into the living space. Place the coat stand and umbrella holder adjacent to the door to ensure easy access whether you're coming in or out.

What Are the Tables Called That Sit Behind Couches?

Tables that sit behind couches serve several purposes, both decorative and functional. They can hold books, photographs, lamps, sculptures and mail. The right color and style can also accentuate your room's decor. Tables that sit behind couches don't have to stay there. They also can be place in hallways and foyers, against the wall in living rooms, and nestled in dining rooms and bedrooms. If you're looking for one but don't recall the name, don't worry. Describe it to an experienced furniture salesperson and he'll know exactly what you're talking about. Does this Spark an idea?

Names

Tables that sit behind sofas are called various names, including sofa tables, console tables and hall tables. The tables are about as tall as the back of a couch, and serve a plethora of aesthetic and functional purposes. Sofa tables are available for purchase from many furniture retailers, both in retail stores and online.

Variations

There are slight variations within the ranks of sofa tables. Tables can vary in height and width; they can be a bit lower, the same height as or slightly taller than the back of your couch. Tables can be narrow or wide, or have leaflets that fold down on the sides so you can alternate between the two. Some sofa tables are designed simply with no frills. Others have drawers and shelves for storing and/or displaying personal items. Often, sofa tables come with a matching mirror to be hung neatly above the table.

Uses

Sofa tables are used for several purposes. Shelves and drawers can be used to hold books, magazines, sewing equipment, candles and flashlights, incoming and outgoing mail and other odds and ends. The tops of sofa tables are used to set down purses, keys and packages, as well as decorations like family pictures, artwork, lamps and items in placement transition. Sofa tables that have open spaces beneath them can also be used for temporary storage.

Placement

The name can be misleading. Sofa tables can go in many places throughout your home, not just behind your sofa. Some people put sofa tables in their foyer to liven up the entryway. Others have them as furniture accessories along a living room, dining room or bedroom wall. According to Sofa-Table.com, they can also go between two accent chairs in place of a low coffee table, or between windows, or behind a short loveseat.

How to Create a Table Slide in PowerPoint

Tables work well in slide presentations when you want to present numerical data or other brief snippets of information. These instructions work for PowerPoint 98/2000.

Instructions

1

Create a new slide by going to the Insert menu and selecting New Slide.

2

Select the Table Slide layout.

3

Click in the Title box, then enter a slide title.

4

Double-click the Table icon, then enter the number of rows and columns you want in the table.

5

Click OK.

How to Restore a 1950s Style Table

A vintage style kitchen isn't complete without a 1950s style table. Typically made with a Formica top and chrome legs, the tables have matching chairs, covered with vinyl. Modern day companies now make replica tables that look just like the authentic ones. Whether you purchase a reproduction or have a real table from the 1950s, you still have to deal with scratches, stains and other damage to the table. When you restore the table, you remove all those potential problems. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Squeeze a few drops of dish soap or mild detergent into a plastic bucket and fill with water. Mix the liquid with your hands, until the soap and water combine. Dip a soft cloth in the solution and wipe down the top of the table and the vinyl with the solution. Wipe down with a damp cloth and then dry everything with a soft cloth.

2

Spray window cleaner or glass cleaner over the table and wipe down with a soft cloth. The window cleaner removes any streaks left behind by the soap and water, giving the table top a cleaner look. Buff the table softly with a dry cloth, to remove any traces of the cleaner.

3

Apply a thin layer of colored epoxy to any scratches on the surface of the table. Press the side or edge of a wood craft stick onto the table and pull it across the epoxy, wiping off any epoxy that spills over the top of the scratch. Use rubbing alcohol poured on a paper towel to wipe off any excess epoxy. Let the epoxy dry completely.

4

Pour liquid household cleaner on any stains and let sit for at least an hour. Blot away the cleaner with a paper towel and apply more, if the stain remains. Rinse any excess cleaner away from the table with fresh water.

5

Rub distilled white vinegar over the metal legs of the table and the matching chairs. Use the dull side of a piece of aluminum foil to rub the vinegar onto the chrome or metal surfaces. The mixture removes rust, dulls the appearance of scratch marks or pitting and makes the chrome shiny again.

How to Choose the Right Size for Couch Side Tables

Couch side tables, also known as end tables, can help to add functionality to a space and accent the dcor of a room. Choosing the right sized end tables can make or break a space. Excessively large end tables can crowd a space and subtract from its functionality, and choosing an end table that is too small can cause it to be drowned out by lamps or books. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the length, width and seat height of the couch, and write these numbers down on a sheet of paper.

2

Measure the amount of available space at both ends of the couch, and write these numbers down on your sheet of paper.

3

Look around the room at the layout and other furniture to determine the best shape of side tables for the space. An example would be if the room and furniture have clean, straight lines, consider square or rectangular side tables.

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.

Cafe Kitchen Decorating Ideas

A nice, relaxing cup of coffee in your favorite cafe can be a great way to start your day. If you'd rather not trek to the nearest cafe and spend money on coffee, consider creating a cafe feel right in your own home. Remodeling your kitchen in a cafe style provides a cozy and soothing space for you to prepare your meals and eat. For design inspiration, keep your favorite cafe in mind and try to incorporate that style with your own personal flair. Does this Spark an idea?

Color

Cafe interiors are generally done in warmer colors and earth tones. For your kitchen, consider shades of brown to reflect different coffee drink colors. Warm greens and reds also work well for a cafe vibe. Some cafes may even have black walls to allow the decor to stand out more and show off a classic look. Walls are usually solid-colored, though some cafes make use of striped bordering or murals.

Lighting

Having lots of natural light is a great way to bring a cozy cafe feeling to your kitchen. Sheer curtains allow the sun to filter through. If your kitchen lacks the right position for natural light or if it lacks enough windows, consider installing a dimmer system within the kitchen. By having a dimmer system, you can turn up the lights to see better while cooking. In addition, the lights reflecting off the walls will create a warm glow within the room.

Furniture

Classic cafes feature plenty of tables with tablecloths and wooden furniture. A round table works best for a cafe theme, complete with a dark-colored, floor-length tablecloth to complement the wall color. More-contemporary cafes may forego tablecloths in favor of showcasing a solid wooden table or a wood table with a tiled top. Look for wood chairs with cushions to match your color scheme. Some retailers sell kitchen corner booths to make for an even more authentic cafe feeling.

Appliances and Accessories

Having cafe-style appliances is key to a cafe kitchen look. Invest in a coffee maker, espresso machine or a maker that can create different cafe drinks. As with the wall color, stick with simple solid colors, particularly black or white. A houseplant hanging or sitting on a table gives your kitchen more of an outdoor cafe feel. Look for cafe-style dishes and especially coffee mugs, which you can hang up as decorations. You may even set up a sandwich board that lets your family know the daily specials.

How to Create a Simple Table in Microsoft Word

Tables present complex information in an easy-to-read format. You can insert text, numbers and graphics in tables. These instructions work for Microsoft Word 97 or 98.

Instructions

1

Go to the Table menu and select Insert Table. The Insert Table window opens.

2

Select the number of rows and columns you want in your table.

3

Select the column width (up to 22 inches) or choose Auto to have the column width adjust automatically, making the table extend across the width of the page.

4

Select the AutoFormat button to select one of Word's preformatted table styles. The Table AutoFormat window opens.

5

Click one of the styles in the Formats box in the upper-left side of the window.

6

Preview each format, after selecting it, in the Preview box in the upper-right side of the window.

7

To customize a preselected format, select or deselect the borders, shading, font, color, heading rows, first column, last row and last column boxes.

8

Select AutoFit, and Word will automatically fit the table to your page.

How to Accessorize a Coffee Table

Accessorizing a coffee table can give a room a creative focal point that reflects your personality. Creating the perfect tablescape is like creating a still life for a painting. While an individual object on a coffee table may not work well on its own, it could work well when combined with other items. Mix and match items with different textures. For example, use straight objects with curved ones, or pair shiny items with their duller-textured counterparts for an interesting look. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Center your favorite picture book on the coffee table. You don't have to purchase an "official" big, heavy coffee table book; simply display any book that contains interesting visual elements in the middle of the table, opened up to your favorite page. If you do not have a book with pictures in it, use a photo album or scrapbook.

2

Dress up your coffee table with flowers. Flower arrangements can add a soft, romantic or whimsical feel to a room. Use fresh flowers in a vase, or quality silk flowers for a long-lasting accessory. Some craft stores have staff members who specialize in making silk flower arrangements; bring in a picture of a floral arrangement you like and purchase the silk flower counterparts. You do not have to use a traditional vase for silk flowers; you can use a fancy box or containers made of ceramic or metal. When placing a floral arrangement on your coffee table, keep the arrangement's height and the size of the table in mind. The arrangement should not be so high that you cannot see your TV, fireplace or guests' faces.

3

A fancy wooden tray that matches your dcor is a simple accessory that you can use to adorn your coffee table. If you have a small coffee table, place one tray in the middle of it. Use two trays on a large coffee table to create a sense of balance. Place your favorite items in the tray, such as candles of various heights, a tea set, souvenirs you recently picked up, a book of crossword puzzles and a fancy pen, retro-style toys or incense holders. You can easily remove the tray and its contents when you want to use the space on the coffee table.

Kitchen Design Ideas With a Coffee Theme

People often design their kitchens around a theme of a place related to food, such as a French bistro, a country picnic or a candy-colored bakery. Basing your kitchen design on a kind of food, such as coffee, will set your kitchen apart from other kitchens in the neighborhood and serve as a decorative homage to a food (or beverage) you love. Does this Spark an idea?

Coffee Palette

Coffee beans are a lush dark brown.

Design the kitchen to make use of the distinctive and attractive colors associated with coffee. For example, paint the walls a light cafe-au-lait brown, paint the cabinets and trim the off-white color of cream, and choose kitchen chairs upholstered in deep coffee-bean brown fabric. Fabric patterns that look good in coffee colors include gingham, checkerboard and plaid. Use the fabric for curtains, chair upholstery and kitchen hand towels. Brass drawer pulls and other fixtures complement coffee colors.

Coffee Textures

White porcelain is a classic coffee cup material.

Outfit the kitchen with coffee textures. Tile the backsplash (the wall behind the sink, counters and stove top) with white tile that recalls a plain white coffee cup. Apply a paint treatment to the walls or cabinets to make them look like they have the rough, woven texture of a coffee bean bag. Choose a refrigerator with a glossy finish rather than a matte finish, because the glossy finish mirrors the gleaming, slightly oily texture of high-quality coffee beans.

Cafe Layout

Outdoor cafe tables can be used indoors.

Set up the kitchen furniture and accessories to mimic the most convenient and attractive features of a cafe. If you have a small kitchen, use a little round-topped two-person cafe table rather than a traditional table to save space. Set up a permanent "coffee and tea station" on a section of the counter or on a low shelf with an electric kettle (for hot water), spoons, creamer, sugar, your coffee maker and accessories, and a selection of coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

Coffee Accessories

Coffee is transported in printed sacks.

Pepper the kitchen with coffee-related accessories. Nurture a coffee berry tree in one corner, although don't count on it for coffee, as the trees take years to mature and the process of harvesting and roasting the beans is quite complex. Re-upholster your worn kitchen chairs with coffee bean bags or use a coffee bean bag as a throw rug. Order the adhesive letters necessary to spell out a coffee-related quote on the wall, such as Talleyrand's famous description: "Black as the devil, hot as hell, pure as an angel, sweet as love."

How to Build a Clothes Folding Table

Its the ultimate in convenience: a 5-foot-long adjustable clothes folding table thats like Houdini: here one minute and gone the next. Mounting a folding table to a wall comes with perks: When its not doing its laundry duty, you can use the pop-up to stow dishes or casseroles. Save your back, too, once you can sort wash at a height that doesnt strain it. Finally, morph your laundry center into a childs drawing table by pulling up a tall stool and handing over the crayons, knowing your dining room furniture will be spared from Burnt Ochre scribbles. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Choose a wall for the folding table that wont interfere with traffic patterns, open appliance doors, pantries and other obstacles if you havent enough space in a laundry or mudroom to install the unit. Calculate the heights of family members when you figure out how high to mount the unit so nobody can use Im too short as a reason not to pitch in when the dryer bell rings. Mark the wall to indicate the points at which the table will be attached.

2

Don safety glasses before using a table saw to cut down a section of countertop so it measures 5-feet-by-20-inches. Sand and stain or paint it to match the wall if youre using wood or fiberboard for your clothes folding table project. Alternatively, plan to reface the exposed sides of laminate countertop with strips of matching material once its mounted to the wall.

3

Tap the wall to find studs or use a stud finder if you plan to anchor your clothes folding table to the supports. Alternatively, forget the studs and use a drill to sink anchors directly into the drywall that are deep enough to support heavy-duty screws or bolts.

4

Check fold-down bracket sizes to make sure yours accurately fit your folding table dimensions before you mount them to the wall. The folding shelf brackets should be from 2 to 4 inches shorter than the countertop width so theyre long enough to support the weight but not so long they protrude from beneath the table when it's in the down position.

5

Mount brackets to the wall, leaving 32 inches between the pair. Install additional fold-down brackets if youre concerned about two being enough. Fasten the brackets to the underside of the countertop. Use a level to check uniformity. Test the fold-down mechanism to make certain the unit folds up and down smoothly. If the process causes scratches or hitches, make adjustments as necessary.

6

Glue strips of laminate to the raw sides of the clothes folding table if youve made yours of laminate material to finish off the edges. Allow the glued edging to dry before you use the table. Mount pegboard on the wall above the table so socks without a mate can be hung up until the missing sock is found.

How to Make a Fold-Down Laundry Table

Fold-down laundry tables help save space in small laundry areas. They provide a space for folding and sorting clothes, and can be folded up against a wall when not in use. Laundry tables like this are often simple in their construction, do not require much time to install and have a low material cost to build. Pine boards and plywood are adequate for fold-down laundry tables. These building materials are easy to work with and will make for a long lasting laundry table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Locate studs in the wall where you wish to mount your laundry table. Position a 33-inch board horizontally against the wall and over the studs. Use your level to ensure it is horizontal. It should be at a comfortable height for you on which to fold clothes. Many tables are around 34 inches high for this. Screw three screws through this board so each screw enters a stud.

2

Screw the second 33-inch board 33-inches above the first. The ends of the boards should be aligned. Use your level to ensure this board is horizontal and screw it to the studs just as the first board was fastened to the wall.

3

Position the plywood flat against the wall and between the boards. The two vertical edges of the plywood should be flush with the ends of the boards. Screw the two hinges to the plywood and the bottom board. The hinges should each be 4 inches away from the ends of the board and should allow the plywood to fold 180 degrees down from the wall.

4

Screw the 3-inch board to the top 33-inch board using one screw. Screw through the 1 1/2-inch center of the 3-inch board and into the 16 1/2-inch center of the top board. The edges of both boards should be flush. Fold the plywood up and against the wall. Rotate the 3-inch board 90-degrees to hold the plywood.

5

Screw two eye-hooks to the top 33-inch board. The hooks should be 1 inch from each end and on the 1/2-inch center of the board. Screw two eye-hooks into each of the top two corners of the plywood. They should each be 1 inch away from each edge plywood, 1 inch away horizontally and 1 inch away vertically.

6

Rotate the 3-inch board to release the plywood and hold it so it is perpendicular to the wall. Use your level to ensure it is horizontal. Tie the strings around the eye-hooks so there is one on each side of the table and so they will hold the table in this position. Fold the table up and rotate the 3-inch board 90-degrees when it is not in use.

Definition of a Credenza

What is a credenza and what is it used for? Today's definition of a credenza has been expanded to fit many different pieces of furniture, from the sofa table to the media console. Style and versatility of function are what define this unique piece of furniture. Does this Spark an idea?

History of the Credenza

To lend credence to something is to assist in verification of the truth. The credenza, a long, flat topped storage unit that has been in existence since the 19th century, was used for such a purpose. Prior to eating a meal, a king, lord or other member of nobility would have a taster eat the food. The purpose of the taster was to determine whether the food was poisoned, or to verify the authenticity of the food, which had been placed on top of the credenza. We have adopted the Italian version of the word credence, credenza, to describe this piece of furniture that once held food for the taster.

Style

The credenza comes in a number of styles, from the extremely ornate to plain and practical. As expected, styles have changed throughout history. Early credenzas owned by the wealthy boast intricate woodwork, with elaborate wood inlay designs. As the modern furniture period progressed in the 20th century, the style produced was simple, with straight lines and no intricacies. Credenzas can have drawers, cabinets or both and are made from a variety of wood, depending on the style and manufacturer. Some of the modern pieces are made from plastics.

Function

The best attribute of the credenza is its versatility, which makes this an enduring piece of furniture. Whether used in a dining room, office or family room it has numerous functions and can be adapted to suit your needs. In a dining room the storage space would be useful for serving platters, dishes or even liquor. For a family room, the credenza can function as a media console. There are many uses for this extraordinary piece of furniture.

Potential Uses for Your Credenza

Sideboard -- The credenza can be used in the dining room for storing dishes, glasses or liquor.

Buffet -- Food can be placed upon the credenza during meal times to leave more space on the dining table.

Desk -- A credenza is often used as a desk within an office. This type of credenza varies slightly in style in that there is leg space allowing one to sit at the piece and work.

Hutch or Display Cabinet -- A simple use for this piece of furniture, this allows storage space for items that need to be out of sight while leaving the top for display pieces. In this case, the credenza also works as a visual design element within the room.

Office supply storage -- Ideal for paper, ink and office supply storage, the credenza can also hold a printer, fax machine or modem on the top.

Bookcase -- Some credenzas may come with open shelving, but for the most part your books will be tucked away in the cabinet section. You can also display your better known volumes with stylish bookends on the top.

Media console -- Again, depending on the design of the room and the overall look you are hoping to achieve, your credenza can hold your television, stereo and various media equipment. The cabinets and drawers are well suited to store CDs and DVDs.

By Any Other Name

When shopping in a furniture store the following names can describe a credenza:

Sideboard
Sofa table
TV console
Media console
Chest
Buffet

A credenza by any other name is still a credenza: a versatile, extremely useful piece of furniture that can configure to any room. According to Barbara Scott of Once In A Blue Moon Furniture, "People rarely ask for a credenza even though that's what they want. They just come in here with measurements and tell me they need something to hold their television or whatever." So if you are looking for that just right piece of furniture that combines storage with display space, the credenza just might suit your needs.

How to Decorate Entryway Walls

The entryway is the first thing guests see when they come to your home. Your visitors may judge your home in a matter of seconds. It sets the tone for the rest of your house. The entryway is often an overlooked area because it's not an actual room. Decorating an entryway wall can make your house feel finished and welcoming. An entryway wall is a place to make a stunning first impression. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Add a faux wall. Your entryway might open up right to your living room. Create a separation of space. You can easily add a faux wall by using a heavy screen. Place an open bookshelf next to the door. This allows you to display items on your new entryway wall. Place accessories such as vases on the shelves or stack books so it's attractive from both rooms.

2

Coordinate the paint color with the rest of the house. This helps your entryway flow into the next room. You also won't have to worry about picking a separate paint color. You can also experiment with a deeper, richer color in the space. If you want a different color, frame the doorway and ceiling to the next room with trim to separate the spaces. This tells you where to stop one paint color and where to begin the next.

3

Set the tone. The entryway of your home is a place to tell people what you are about. You can showcase a large piece of modern art for a contemporary style. Make your own collage with family pictures. Use a photo program to turn all of the pictures the same tone like sepia or black and white. Place the pictures in coordinating frames so the space doesn't seem too busy. You can even buy the same frame to use on all of your pictures. Make sure to pick up a few extra frames so you can add new pictures to your collage over time.

4

Hang a mirror. You'll probably look at your entryway wall every time you leave the house. Hang a mirror at your height so you can check your hair on the way out the door. Mirrors can help small spaces seem bigger, which is perfect for an entryway.

5

Make your entry wall usable. You can decorate entryway walls with coat hooks. This will help you store coats if you don't have a coat closet. Push a low bookshelf onto your entry wall to hold shoes. Place baskets on the bookshelves to hide away any unsightly items.

6

Draw the eye up. Many entryways have high ceilings. Showcase this with your entryway wall. Use a darker tone of paint on the furthest wall. It will accentuate the high ceiling. This way the eye will float up to see a dramatic chandelier.

7

Place a console table in your entryway. These tables are designed to take up less space than traditional tables so it will fit in your entry. Put baskets on the table so you have a tidy place to put your mail, keys and cell phone.

Instructions for Folding Table Legs

You can turn any sturdy flat surface into a folding table by installing folding table legs onto it. Purchase folding table legs separately from the table surface. Then, install the legs under the table surface to create your own folding table with legs fold flat against the table surface to allow for easy storage. Before you purchase folding table legs, measure the table surface's length and width. Use these measurements to find folding table legs that will fit under the table surface, when they are extended or when they are folded. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Lay the table surface upside down on a flat location. Lay the folding table legs on the table surface, as they will appear when they are folded. The bottoms of both folding table legs should point toward the table surface's center.

2

Check the distance from the folding table legs to the table surface's edges. Adjust the legs so they are centered over the table surface's width.

3

Mark the holding brackets' screw hole locations onto the back of the table surface and remove the folding table legs.

4

Drill a 1/8-inch pilot hole through each of the screw hole markings. Do not drill all the way through the table surface. Make the hole just deep enough that you can easily start driving a screw into it.

5

Position the folding table legs back on the table surface and line up the brackets' screw holes with the pilot holes. Secure the brackets in place with screws. Some folding table leg manufacturer's provide the screws. If your legs did not come with supplied screws, purchase wood screws short enough that they will not puncture the table's surface when used.

6

Lift the folding table legs up so the hinged bar locks into place. Flip the table over and rest it on the folding table legs.

Ceramic Tile Table Top Projects

Adding ceramic tiles to an existing wooden table can be a creative way to revive a tired decor. Kitchen tiled tables can be more durable and easier to clean than their traditional wooden counterparts whose porous surfaces trap moisture and food residue, and can trap germs as well. Tiles can be chosen to coordinate with existing decor or as a jumping-off point for a total room redo. Less expensive than many solid stone accents, tiles can nevertheless be used to the same purpose of dressing up an otherwise ordinary piece of furniture by creating a shiny, colorful and durable surface tailored to a homeowner's aesthetic tastes. Does this Spark an idea?

Kitchen Table

Many a basement in America has some form of table that would be suitable to this project. Old wooden pieces whose legs are still sturdy, but whose tops have seen better days can be transformed with a router, tiles, mortar, grout and a little patience. Simply rout out the tabletop to a depth that would accommodate the thickness of the tile, add a mastic or mortar to hold selected tiles in place, and grout around the inserted tiles. Try creating a pattern with custom-made tiles that represent each family member's place at the table.

Coffee Table

Taking about as much wear and tear as a typical kitchen table, is the wooden coffee table. However, adding tile following the method listed above, can once again make your table a safe place to put down a cup of coffee. Existing coffee tables can, of course, be rescued using this model, but unfinished wooden tables can also be purchased at any unfinished furniture store and put to this use. Coffee tables are also a stable of neighborhood garage and yard sales, and can usually be bought and tiled for a mere fraction of what it would cost to buy a tiled table in a retail setting.

Bed Stand

The bedside table is a common place to put glasses of water. Unfortunately, this also means that bedside tables get a fair amount of liquid spilled on them. In past generations, the solution for such an issue was to clad the horizontal surface of the piece in marble or another hard, decorative stone. Tile can as easily be applied to fulfill a similar purpose of adding durability and beauty at the same time.

How to Decorate a Hallway

Rev up a hallway with clever decorating. Here are some ideas to get you started. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Visually widen a hallway by painting the walls on the narrow ends a deeper color than the long side walls.

2

Furnish the hallway if it's wide enough; a narrow bookcase or console table will often fit in a hallway without being an obstacle to the heavy traffic in the space.

3

Accessorize a hallway with pictures that are intended for up-close viewing. These can be photographs or detailed paintings or prints.

4

Install picture ledges (about 3 to 4 feet from the floor is a good height). Switch pictures in and out to keep the look interesting.

5

Consider painting doors and moldings the same light color as the walls to add a sense of spaciousness and reduce the chopped-up appearance that sometimes comes when you have light walls and dark doorways.

6

Use a minimal window treatment, or none at all, if you have natural light coming into the hallway.

7

Add artificial lighting for safety and to banish the dreary, closed-in feeling. Or consider a skylight.

8

Make a hallway seem cozier by painting the ceiling in a medium to dark paint.

9

Use an area rug (or rugs) only if there's no tripping hazard.

10

Maximize the hallway's function by providing a place to drop off shoes, coats and the like. This is especially important in a back hall where folks arrive home from school and work.

How to Make Bedside Tables

Bedside tables are one of the greatest inventions around. They vary in shape and size and can be found to fit anyones pocketbook. The most elaborate bedside tables are handcrafted and display rich exotic woods with carvings and colors that are difficult to describe. Depending on your taste, you can build a set of bedside tables that match your personality or they can be simple flat surfaces on which to place a lamp and a glass of water for bedtime. The most difficult part of building a table is the legs. It is recommended that these be purchased. Legs that vary only slightly will cause a table to wobble. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Label the 1 piece of oak plywood 18-inches x 24-inches as the top. Drill holes in the edges of the 1 x 2 inch oak, 3 inches from the ends, with the 1/8-inch drill bit. Then, drill the countersink holes with the 3/8-inch drill bit. Do not drill more than halfway through. Do this on all four 1 x 2-inch oak pieces.

2

Turn the top so that the bottom side is up. Draw a line 1-inch from the edge around the perimeter of the top.

3

Run a bead of wood glue to the long edge of the 1 x 2-inch oak and secure it to the bottom side of the top. Be certain to line it up with the 1-inch mark around the perimeter of the top. Repeat this until all four pieces of the 1 x 2-inch oak has been installed.

4

Measure and cut the flat mold to make a picture frame that will cover the plywood edge of the top. Secure these pieces with the brads and set the nail heads with the nail set.

5

Apply glue to the end of the leg that secures to the bottom side of the top. Place it in the corners created by the 1 x 2-inch oak. Secure the leg by driving 1 -inch drywall screws through the 1 x 2-mch oak and into the leg. Repeat this until all four legs are installed. Turn table upright, sand lightly, and finish as desired.

How to Restain a Table

Restaining can be a great way to breathe new life into old wood furniture. Tables, in particular, get a lot of wear and tear from daily use. Restaining it properly will help it keep its finish a long time. Restaining a table isn't difficult but takes time and patience. Be prepared to be thorough when staining wood, as shoddy workmanship such as not sanding evenly or causing gauges will show up more than you think in the finished product. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Apply a varnish stripper to the entire table (if applicable). Make sure you get a sufficient amount in any carving or scroll work to loosen the varnish in those areas. Check with a home improvement store to select the varnish that's best for your table's wood type and the kind of varnish you want to remove.

2

Allow the varnish stripper to dry sufficiently. Use fine sandpaper to smooth the surface and remove any remaining residue. Ensure that all of the previous varnish is gone before attempting to restain. Wipe off the table to thoroughly remove any dust remaining from sanding.

3

Once the wood is clean, apply the first coat of stain with a fine bristle brush. Use the clean rag to wipe up any excess stain. Allow it to dry.

4

Repeat Step 3 until the desired shade is achieved. Allow each coat to dry between applications.

5

Once the final coat is dry, apply a coat of polyurethane or varnish with a clean paintbrush. Continue to apply coats until the desired level is achieved.

How to Build a Banquet Table

Whether it's a wedding, a big birthday party or just a family get-together, banquet tables are a staple of every large gathering. They line up neatly and seat eight to 10 people comfortably. However, renting them can be time-consuming, and buying ready-made tables can be expensive. By building a simple table that can be covered up with a tablecloth, you can save time and money. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Visit an electrical parts distributor's warehouse and buy two cable reels, which are round wooden cylinders that hold very large lengths of wire. You need them to be 29 inches wide and 25 inches in diameter.

2

Buy one sheet of 3/4-inch thick plywood measuring 6 feet long. Cut the sheet so it is 30 inches wide. Place the reels 1 foot apart to form the base of the table. Lay the plywood top on the table to create a standard sized 6-foot by 30-inch rectangular table.

3

Use four screws measuring 2 inches long each to attach the plywood to the cable reels. The finished table will have 8-1/2 inches of overhang on each side and 17 inches at each end.

4

Cut four pieces of 3/4-inch molding to cover each of the four sides of the plywood. Two pieces of molding will be 6 feet long, and the other two will measure 30 inches long. Nail them to the edges of the plywood to prevent the raw edge of the plywood from snagging the tablecloth.

5

Cover the table with a floor length banquet table cloth to hide the cable reels. If desired, staple plastic padding to the top of the table for easier cleanup.

Strategies for Teaching Times Tables

Mathematics and memorization can be difficult skills to learn. Simply lecturing to students and using the rote memory technique alone to drill multiplication tables into their heads are often not very effective. Below are alternative strategies for teaching times tables.

Around the World Times Tables

Students learn best when they have fun rather than when they perceive something to be a lesson or chore. Around the World Times Tables is an innovative classroom game to teach children times tables. Have students sit in a circle. The object of this game is for them to answer enough times table flash cards correctly to make it around the complete circle. Have one student start the game by standing behind the student clockwise to him. Hold up a multiplication flash card for any student to answer. If the standing student is the first one to answer the flash card correctly, she moves to stand behind the next student. The student keeps moving clockwise as she answers correctly until she completes a circle and returns to her seat. If another student answers the flash card correctly before the standing student, that student takes over by standing up behind the student clockwise to him, and the previously standing student sits in his chair. The first student to successfully complete a circle wins.

Dominoes Times Tables

Dominoes times tables are especially ideal for visual learners. Illustrate how multiplying is just like adding by multiplying dominoes in front of children. For instance, to illustrate how 2 x 2 is essentially the same concept as 2 + 2, place two sets of double dominoes side-by-side so children can see the concept. Have students make both addition and multiplication statements about the dominoes to better help them grasp the concept. This game is ideal for teaching doubles, such as 3 x 2, 4 x 2, 5 x 2, and so on.

Multiplication Bingo

Print out a multiplication table bingo card template and have students write any of the 25 numbers listed at the bottom of the template in their bingo squares (see Resources). Hold up a set of flash cards before the students, and instruct the students to place a marker on their squares that contain the correct product. After all students have placed their markers, tell the correct answer to ensure the students who placed markers did so correctly. The first student to get a Bingo, a full line of markers, wins.

Foyer Furniture Ideas

No matter what size your foyer may be, you can find ways to decorate it if you treat your foyer like a room. A foyer or entryway gives your guests a preview of what the rest of your home may look like. Use furniture to decorate your foyer and show off your personal style. When you decorate your foyer with furniture, make certain your doorway can open all the way. Does this Spark an idea?

Seating

A bench in the foyer offers a place to sit when removing shoes and boots. You can also decorate your bench with decorative pillows, making it an inviting, comfortable place to sit and read your mail. You can store boots under the bench on plastic boot trays.

Add a chair, if your foyer only has room for one piece of furniture. Include a decorative pillow to make the chair more inviting and to add color to the room.

Tables and Consoles

Position a sleek console in your foyer if it has a narrow passageway. Besides adding class to the room, you can keep items in the drawers to take with you when leaving, such as mints.

Place a round table in the middle of your foyer. Make certain you have at least 3 feet of room on either side of the table, so you can walk around it. This round table can make a handy and decorative place for your keys, a mail basket or a vase of flowers.

Dylan Landis, contributing editor to Metropolitan Home, and author of "Elegant and Easy Foyers, Halls, and Stairs: 100 Trade Secrets for Designing with Style," suggests if your door opens directly into your living room, without a foyer, create a foyer by placing a round table near the door.

Turn your foyer into a dining area, by placing an attractive dining table with fold-down leaves in the foyer. Place the table against the wall like a console. For meals, pull out the table and leaves, then bring in dining chairs.

For a small foyer, mount a console on the wall using brackets. In this way, you still have some floor space as well as a place to set your keys and mail down.

Uncommon Furniture Ideas

If you have a piece of furniture that hardly gets used, like a dresser, polish it up and move it from the basement or bedroom to the foyer. Your dresser can take on a luxurious appearance in the foyer.

If your foyer has a small nook, place a table and chair there. The furniture provides a feeling of coziness to the nook area as well as the whole foyer.

Turn your small foyer into a peaceful, Zen-like space. Mount a running water fountain on the wall. Hang a mirror to add space and for self-reflection. Use candlelight to add a spiritual aura to the space, by placing a votive candle on a console, if you have the room, or by hanging a bracket to hold a votive on the wall. Add a bench for meditation or relaxation.