Types of Occasional Tables

The term "occasional table" is used to describe any table that is not a dining room table or a desk. Tables that lack one specific purpose and could be moved to almost any room in the house fall into this category. Most occasional tables fit in living rooms, family rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and libraries. One of their most important functions is to provide a surface for temporary objects, such as a cocktail, reading glasses, a book or the daily newspaper. Does this Spark an idea?

Coffee Tables

"Coffee" and "cocktail" are two terms used in reference to the same type of table. Coffee tables are low and usually placed in front of a couch to hold a beverage, the remote control and reading material. As is the case with all occasional tables, they are made of various materials, including glass, steel, wood and rattan. They are often used for display of objects such as coffee table books, when the tables are not being utilized. Coffee tables are put to use in living and family rooms, on furnished porches and in any other seating area.

Console Tables

Console tables and sofa tables are one in the same. They are long, rectangular tables that stand just higher than waist height on the average adult. Consoles are meant to go against a wall. They take on the name "sofa table" when placed behind a floating sofa, or a sofa that does not have its back to the wall. The original console tables were elaborately carved and gilded in precious metals. Consoles are most often placed in foyers, hallways, dining rooms and living rooms as an extra surface for lamps, decorative accents, mail, purses and car keys.

End Tables

End tables, as the name implies, are made to sit either end of a bed, couch or any other type of seating. Manufacturers often sell occasional table sets, which includes one coffee table for in front of the couch and two end tables for either side. The end table is a taller, smaller-surfaced version of a coffee table in that it acts as a catch-all. They are most often used for things like table lamps, telephones, coasters and framed photographs. End tables are sometimes used in the bedroom in place of nightstands. The difference between the two is that a nightstand has drawer and shelf storage, and most end tables do not.

Nesting Tables

Nesting tables, also called nest-of-tables or nested tables, are a series of three or more occasional tables that are graduated in size to fit beneath one another. They are similar in style to end tables, and in some cases, the largest of the set is equal in proportion to an end table. Smaller nesting tables come in handy when an extra surface is temporarily needed. Apartment dwellers and those with small spaces often use the largest nesting table as an end table, storing the smaller ones underneath until they are needed. Certain styles of nesting tables---set side-by-side---easily convert to an impromptu coffee table.

How to Make Wooden Legs for a Foldable Table

A folding table goes where you go. The legs fold flat underneath the table for fast storage, and they may be easily unfolded whenever you need the table. You may make folding legs for any tabletop, including a table you already have or a tabletop you make. Use new legs on an existing tabletop and turn the table into a portable option. Take the table outside for a makeshift picnic table or store it until you need extra counter or table space. The folding table legs work with almost any tabletop. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place four wood boards measuring 2 by 2 by 28 on a flat surface. Sand all sides of the wood with fine-grit sandpaper, leaving smooth wood free from splinters and imperfections. The boards serve as the folding legs on your table.

2

Dip a foam paintbrush into a can of wood stain that matches your table top and brush across the wood. Brush the stain with the natural grain of the wood. After 60 seconds, wipe off the excess stain with a rag. Flip the wood over and repeat on each side. Repeat this step with each leg.

3

Open a folding leg bracket so that it resembles an uppercase L. Place the bracket flat against the end of the table leg and slide it down the leg until it sits flush with the end of the leg. Turn a 1 1/2-inch wood screw through the bracket and into the table leg. Turn a second screw through the second hole in the bracket. The bracket should have two holes touching the leg. Repeat this step with each table leg.

4

Turn your tabletop upside down. Close the brackets on each leg and place them upside down on the table. The top of the bracket should touch the table. Move the legs around the table until each one sits approximately 2 inches from the edge of the table.

5

Open one bracket, raising the leg straight up and putting the top metal piece of the bracket flat against the table. Screw two 1 1/2-inch wood screws through the bracket and into the wooden tabletop. Repeat this step with the remaining three legs. Turn the table over and use it. When you want to fold the legs in, press down on each one until it sits flat with the table.

What Are the Sizes of Folding Tables?

Folding tables, dating back to 1686, according to Colonial Furniture in America, have long served a very useful function in daily lives, right up through today. When a permanent table does not fit within the confines of a room, or a need is only temporary, a folding table fits the bill. Folding tables are available in many shapes and sizes. Does this Spark an idea?

Square Tables

Card tables are often associated with folding tables since families often own one. Traditionally used for just what the name implies, playing cards, it is often set up for a game of four-handed bridge. Card tables are usually 36-inches square by 29-inches high but square folding tables can also be found at 42 inches

Rectangular Tables

Rectangular folding tables vary from a small 24-inch by 48-inch table usually used for crafts to standards of 30 inches by 60 inches, 30 inches by 72 inches and the 30-inch by 96-inch size that is found in cafeterias across the country.

Round Tables

Round folding tables are often used at banquets and range in size from 42 inches to 48 inches as well as 60 inches and normally top out at 72 inches in diameter.

Trapezoid Tables

Trapezoid-shaped tables are available in 24-inch by 24-inch by 48-inch and also 30-inch by 30-inch by 60-inch sizes.

Horseshoe Tables

Horseshoe-shaped folding tables are often used for trade shows and in situations where one person is demonstrating or teaching a technique. They are also used for playing cards where the dealer stands in the cutout of the table. They are available in 48-inch by 72-inch as well as 48-inch by 96-inch and 60-inch by 66-inch sizes.

Octagon Tables

Octagon folding tables are readily found measuring 48 inches and are a good use of space when other shapes will take up too much room.

Vanity Dressing Table Ideas

A vanity dressing table is a place to do hair and apply makeup. The table can be an added element to a guest room or a master bedrrom or bathroom. A dressing table allows you to find the best lighting in your room to apply makeup while freeing up space in a small bathroom. Does this Spark an idea?

Placement

You can choose from built-in vanities or free-standing pieces of furniture. You may want a dressing table in a bathroom or as part of your bedroom furniture. Look for nooks in your bedroom where you can fit a small vanity. Place the vanity next to an electrical outlet for maximum function. A vanity can also double as a desk. Cover your computer with a fabric cover when not in use so your vanity has a sleek appearance.

Vanity Style

Dressing tables were in use as early as the 18th century but can also work with a modern style. Look for smaller console tables in a contemporary design, painted in a graphic white or black.

For an elegant or Hollywood look, install sconces on either side of the mirror. For a shabby-chic room, paint the vanity with a distressed cream finish. If your room is art deco, look for a vintage vanity with inlaid wood and subtle curved lines.

Vanity seating is traditionally a small stool that tucks underneath the dressing table. Use a painted dining room chair for added back support.

Using a vanity in a teen's room can make the morning routine go faster if she shares a bathroom. Paint a traditional vanity a funky color like hot pink or daring black for an inexpensive, hip makeover. Cover the chair cushion with a faux fur or animal print to give the vanity a youthful air.

Vanity Accessories

Accessorize the dressing table so it's functional as well as beautiful. Lean a mirror against the wall instead of hanging it for a more casual look. You can collect several mirrors to use on the vanity table to make more of a statement. Give the vanity new life by skirting it. A floral fabric adds a shabby chic or vintage feeling to the furniture while allowing for added storage underneath the table. Hang the curtain with upholstery tacks. Upholster the stool or chair cushion with matching fabric. The top of the table should house useful items that are also beautiful, like a vintage cosmetics case or a hat box to hide toiletries.

Types of Wood Tables

Wood tables are available in a variety of styles and designs, all depending on where you want to place the wood table. Does this Spark an idea?

Coffee

Coffee tables are typically rectangular in shape, but they can also be square, round and oval shaped. They are low to the ground and can have glass tops or solid wood.

Occasional

Occasional tables are made for entryways, or next to chairs or couches. They usually have three to four legs, and there might be a shelf in the middle of the legs or at the bottom.

Console

Console tables might be rectangular shaped or a half-moon shape. They are to be placed against a wall or in an alcove. There are four legs and typically have drawers along the front. There might also be a shelf in the middle or bottom of the table.

Center

A center table can be used in a small sitting area or on the end of a couch. The table top is round and much larger than the base. The base might be small and round or there can be four legs.

Dining

Dining tables come in numerous shapes such as square, round, oval or rectangle. They are higher off the ground and the base can vary as well.

What Finish Coating Would You Put on a Picnic Table?

Wooden picnic tables are normally constructed of redwood, cedar, treated lumber, pine or teak. There are five main categories of finishes that are commonly used: exterior varnish, clear waterproofing sealant, transparent or semi-transparent colored stains, solid colored stains and paint. The best finish varies by wood type. Does this Spark an idea?

Redwood

Redwood is occasionally used to construct wooden picnic tables because of its natural color and its ability to endure harsh weather. Because of its natural color, redwood is difficult to finish with a transparent or semi-transparent colored stain. If you do use one of these, first apply a small test spot to the underside to see what the color will look like once finished. Paints and solid colored stains are not recommended for redwood. While they will protect the wood, they will hide the natural beauty of the wood. Thus redwood is best finished with exterior varnish or clear waterproofing sealant.

Cedar

Cedar is often used to construct picnic tables because of its durability and beauty. The preferable finishes for a cedar picnic table are exterior vanish or clear waterproofing sealant, both of which will bring out the natural color and beauty of the cedar while protecting it from the elements. Transparent or semi-transparent colored stain may also be used. If you use one of these, apply a small test spot on the underside to see what the color will be once it is finished. Paints and solid colored stains are not recommended for cedar. While they will protect the wood, they will hide the natural beauty of the wood.

Treated Lumber

Treated lumber is a common material for picnic tables because of its ability to withstand weather extremes and its relatively inexpensive cost. Because of the coloring of the chemical treatment, exterior varnish, clear waterproofing sealant and transparent or semi-transparent colored stains are not recommended. Solid colored stains or paint come in a wide range of colors and work well on treated lumber. These finishes are primarily for decorative purposes only because the chemical treatment will keep the wood from rotting.

Pine

Pine is very common material for picnic tables, but one which must be finished in order to protect the wood. All types of finishes work well on pine. Choosing a finish is a matter of personal preference and the desired look of the completed project.

Teak

Teak is occasionally used to construct picnic tables. It is the most beautiful material option but also by far the most expensive. Because of this, only exterior varnish or clear waterproofing sealant should be used on teak.

How to Make Kitchen Furniture for a Diorama

Decorating magazines and home makeover television shows can provide the inspiration for creative diorama kitchen furniture. Making the basic kitchen furniture can be a building block for some of the newest custom kitchen designs with a modern or themed dcor. A rustic Italian or French kitchen would give a diorama a big wow factor and is a popular choice with modern home-builders. The furniture design, finishes and fabric will add greatly to the completed diorama. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place the bottom of a gift box on a table with the opening facing down. Cut a piece of poster board 1-inch longer and wider than the gift box. Glue the poster board on the gift box to create a kitchen table.

2

Cut a juice box in half length-wise. Cut it in half again width-wise. Hot glue four small twigs cut to 2 inches to the bottom flat sides of the box sections for chair legs. Glue fabric scraps on the chair back and seat.

3

Repeat all steps, with longer twig chair legs, for four bar stools.

4

Cut a 3-inch-by-2-inch section of poster board and hot glue it to a juice box for a kitchen island. Dab the poster board with several colors of poster paint to make it resemble a granite counter.

5

Paint two juice boxes white. Let them dry thoroughly. Paint black lines on the long wide sides of the boxes to look like cupboards. Glue them to the sides of the diorama.

6

Repeat above steps for kitchen counters.

7

Paint two juice boxes grey. Let them dry thoroughly. Position one box upright and paint lines on it to look like a refrigerator. Position the other box sideways and paint lines on it to look like a stove.

How to Create an Excel Table

Excel is a software program used for creating spreadsheets. These spreadsheets can be used to organize data and perform calculations. Excel includes a feature that allows you to create tables within your worksheet. These tables can be used to modify, format or perform calculations that will effect only the cells you have included in your table. The following steps will show you how to easily create your own tables in Excel.

Instructions

1

Turn on your computer and open the "Excel" program.

2

Open the workbook that you'd like to use. You can create your table in an existing workbook or you can create a new workbook. If you want to create a new workbook, simply click on "File" then "New" in the menu along the top of your screen.

3

Select the cells you wish to include in your table. You can select these cells by holding down your left mouse button and moving your mouse over the cells you want to include.

4

Create your table by clicking "Insert" then "Table." Your table is now complete, and you can sort or calculate data in the table separately from data that is not in the table.

5

Format your table. Once you have created your table, you can click on "Table Tools" to format or edit your table the same way you would format a typical spreadsheet.

How to Fill Grooves & Refinish a Wooden Kitchen Table

Your kitchen table is the place your family meets to share a meal and talk about the day. You use it to read the paper, do homework and host your friends for meals. Your wooden table is bound to get some nicks and scratches. Don't let a worn-out kitchen table bother you for another day. You can easily fill in the scratches while refinishing the table. You will have a table that looks brand new in no time. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Put on a mask and gloves. Apply a thick coat of chemical paint stripper to the surface of the wooden table. Allow the stripper to sit on the surface of the table for 20 to 30 minutes.

2

Hold a paint scraper an arm's length from your body. Apply the scraper to the wood and pull towards you. The paint or varnish will lift from the table. Continue until you have removed most of the paint or varnish.

3

Mix a small amount of dish washing soap and warm water in a small bucket. Dip a sponge into the mixture and wring it out to remove most of the water. Wipe the table to remove the chemicals. Rinse the sponge often as you clean. Let the table dry completely.

4

Sand the table with fine-grit sandpaper. Sanding will remove any remaining paint or varnish and soften the wood. Sand until the surface is soft and smooth. Wipe off the sanding dust with a damp cloth.

5

Dip a putty knife into wood filler. Fill grooves and gouges in the table with the putty. Choose a stainable wood filler. Slightly overfill the groove and then allow the putty to dry according to package directions.

6

Sand the wood putty with fine-grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth and even with the rest of the table.

7

Submerge a clean, soft rag into the stain and wipe it on the furniture. Rub firmly to work the stain into the wood grain. Wipe away any excess stain with a clean rag. Let the stain dry. Apply more coats of stain until you like the depth of the color.

8

Dip a clean, soft cloth into paste wax. Rub the paste wax into the table. Apply three coats of paste wax to fully protect the finish.

How to Read Federal Tax Tables

The federal income tax is a progressive tax, meaning that higher amounts of income are subject to higher income tax rates. Each year, the Internal Revenue Service adjusts the income tax tables for inflation. In order to read the federal income taxes, you need to know your filing status and total taxable income after any deductions you will claim. Understanding how the federal income tax tables work can help you to determine the true cost of tax-deductible expenses.

Instructions

1

Determine your filing status by consulting IRS Publication 501. The IRS offers five tax filing status: single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household and qualifying widow(er) with dependent child. Your filing status will affect the tax rates you pay.

2

Use the table of contents to find the federal tax tables in the most recent version of IRS Publication 17.

3

Locate the range that includes your total taxable income in the right hand column of the tables. For example, if your total taxable income equals $60,000, you would use the row ranging from $60,000 to $60,050.

4

Locate your filing status from the columns across the top of the table. If you are a qualifying widow or widower, use the married filing jointly column.

5

Find the intersection of your total taxable income row and your filing status column to find how much tax you owe.

How to Finish a Pine Table Top in a Kitchen

Pine is a common choice of wood for kitchen tables. Pine tables tend to be durable, but they are susceptible to surface damage in the kitchen, often due to regular contact with liquids. When surface stains cannot be washed away, perhaps the best option is to completely refinish the table top. The steps needed to refinish a pine table top are generally easy, but the entire process can be time consuming, sometimes over the course of two or more days. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Remove the original finish with sandpaper. If it has a thick finish, you must use a thick-grit sandpaper, somewhere between 60 and 100 grit. If the finish is thin, a 200-grit sandpaper may be enough to remove it. The table top will have a dull appearance once the finish is removed.

2

Smooth the entire surface of the table with 200-grit sandpaper. An electric belt sander can speed up the process for this, but it isn't necessary.

3

Brush the dust off the surface of the table with a broom. Wipe the surface with a moist washcloth to pick up any residual dust.

4

Brush on a coat of wood varnish with a paintbrush or paint roller. Brush in one row at a time to ensure the varnish is even on the entire surface. Let the varnish dry for the recommended amount of time for your particular varnish, usually between four and eight hours.

5

Apply a second coat of varnish after the first coat dries. Let the second coat dry for the recommended amount of time. Continue to apply varnish one coat at a time until you are pleased with the appearance.

How to Make an Inexpensive Coffee Table

If you've shopped for a coffee table lately, you're aware that the price can go off the charts. Here are some ideas for a less-expensive stand-in while you wait for your ship to come in. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Build a platform of glass blocks; two blocks high (about 16 inches) is about right. Top the blocks with a sheet of thick, ground-edge glass for a slick modern look. Join the blocks with silicone caulk.

2

Cover any type of sturdy base - a footlocker or two same-size broken stereo speakers, for example - with a rich-looking wallpaper such as faux leather, faux marble or faux granite; you might want to paint any exposed hardware a coordinated color or special metallic. Top off your creation with a glass top or a wood top from a home center (apply stain and a clear-coat to the wood or paint it).

3

Put clay flowerpots (can be inverted), sturdy wooden trash cans (inverted), cement urns, porcelain fish pots or a chicken coop to work as a table base. Use the bases singly or in pairs, and top them off with glass or wood.

4

Cut down the wooden legs or pedestal of an old - but not valuable - table to suitable coffee-table height.

5

Purchase an unfinished coffee table and finish it yourself. Unfinished-furniture stores and home centers may offer classes or easy finishing products such as spray-on or sponge-on faux finishes.

6

Purchase furniture legs (sold at home centers) and screw them in to a wooden table top. Finish as desired.

7

Put a couple of stacks of coffee-table books to work as a table base that you can top with glass.

8

Haunt thrift shops and tag sales for a secondhand piece that will work. It doesn't have to be a coffee table per se; consider a cedar chest, rustic toolchest or a flat-top steamer trunk.

Decorating Ideas for Entry Tables

The foyer is the entrance to your home and presents a first impression to your guests. A typical foyer element is an entry table. There are countless ways to decorate an entry table, depending upon your taste and the purpose of the table. Factors included are specific themes you may want to incorporate, space you have available and whether or not you want your entry table to be functional. Does this Spark an idea?

Entry Table Choices

The type of decor dictates the type of material you choose for your table. Mahogany or cherry wood is appropriate for an antique approach, chrome and glass fit a modern theme and painted or unpainted pine or cedar tables work well for a rustic theme. The size of the table is dictated by the space of your foyer. Long, narrow tables that run the length of the wall without extending more than a foot are ideal for displaying pictures, while shorter square or rectangular tables work well for placing items like car keys or a purse that you generally take with you when you leave the house.

Mail Center

Set up a mail center on your entry table. Include a small table lamp, a letter holder and a letter opener. Place a notepad and a decorative container full of ink pens on the table, along with a book of stamps. This will provide an ideal place for you to manage your incoming and outgoing mail as you come and go. Place a small wastebasket beneath the table where it will be out of the way but useful.

Seasonal Decor

Place a table against one wall in front of a large mirror that acts as a backdrop to highlight objects on the table from every every angle. Change the items on the table to complement the change of the seasons. Spring flowers in an assortment of vases during spring months, autumn flowers or even holiday items during the fall and winter months and items that reflect the relaxing days of summer are all easy to get your hands on and change out.

Themes

Common themes for entry tables include antique, rustic and modern. Each of these themes dictate specific types of decorative pieces. An old jewelry or trinket box will not only fit well for an antique-themed entry table, it can be used to hold car keys, stamps or even mail. A rustic-themed table lends itself to cedar or pine boxes and candles. An abstract metal sculpture could be used on a modern entry table, with the added benefit of providing a place to hang your car keys. Arrange the items for aesthetic benefit, but leave space on your table to allow room to place items as you enter the house with your hands full.

Kitchen Table Science Experiments

Kitchen science experiments provide an interesting and exciting way to study scientific principles using a few common items found in most kitchens. The experiments entertain while teaching students basic scientific concepts in ways that engage them and make them want to participate. Children can perform most kitchen table science experiments themselves, but adult supervision is advised.

Ice Cube Lift

Take a glass of cold water with several medium ice cubes floating in the water. Get the end of a sturdy piece of string wet so it will sink rather than float on the top of the water. Drop the string onto one or more of the ice cubes and drop a little salt on top of the string and ice. Wait about 15 seconds and lift the string. The string should be frozen onto the ice cube and allow you to remove the ice from the glass.

This works because salt lowers the freezing point of the water in the ice and causes it to thaw. However, as the string sits on the ice in the cold water, the ice will cause the melted section to refreeze and imprison the string onto the ice.

Acids and Bases

Take a head of red cabbage chop it into small pieces. Add it to a pan of hot water and boil it for about 15 minutes. Strain the cabbage out and allow the liquid to cool. You have created a liquid that will react to acids and bases.

Pour about 1/3 cup of the liquid into each of two clear cups. Set the cups on piece of white paper inside a larger container with sides. Add one teaspoon of baking soda to the first cup and swish it around. Now add a teaspoon of vinegar to the second cup and swish it around. Note the color change in your liquids.

The baking soda is a base and turns the liquid one color. The vinegar is an acid and turns it a different color. Mix the two liquids together and observe the reaction when a base and an acid are mixed.

Swirled Milk

Pour enough whole milk into a container to cover the bottom. Add two drops of different colors of food coloring to your milk, placing the drops in various spots in your container. In a separate container, mix a teaspoon of dishwashing soap with 1/2 cup of water. Dip a cotton swab into the soapy water and touch it to the milk. The soapy water makes the milk and coloring swirl.

The soap breaks the surface tension of the milk, swirling it with the coloring. When new milk comes to surface, surface tension reforms until you add more soapy water.

Growing Crystals

Heat one cup of water to boiling. Add a small amount of salt, baking soda, Epsom salts or sugar. Stir until no more solids will dissolve. Strain the liquid into a jar and suspend in it a string tied to a craft stick. Cover the jar with a lid or paper. As the water evaporates, crystals will grow along the surface of the string much as they grow in a cave.

Occasional Tables for Cabins

Living without occasional tables would mean setting your coffee cups, books, glasses and lamps on the floor. Fortunately, occasional tables are common furniture pieces found in almost every traditional home, vacation cabin or modern condo. Cabin decor often encompasses occasional tables incorporating wildlife themes, natural resource themes and custom design. A checkerboard game table, a snowshoe coffee table and a Native American drum table are well suited for cabin decor. Does this Spark an idea?

Types

Occasional tables accommodating cabin environments are available in a variety of types that are suited for assorted tasks. Coffee tables set in front of a sofa provide a convenient place to set your coffee cup or newspaper. End tables hold lamps, providing task lighting for reading or soft mood lighting. Entryway console tables supply a handy area to deposit keys, wallets, papers and books upon entering your cabin. Flip-top game tables provide a flat, multipurpose surface on one side and a printed game surface for playing checkers or backgammon on the reverse side.

Construction Materials

Frequently constructed of natural elements, occasional tables used in cabins reflect the outdoors. Aspen logs, pine planks and natural hickory wood are often used in creating occasional tables for cabins. Tabletops crafted from leather, copper, glass or slate incorporate resources found in or associated with nature. Metal embellishments and forged iron table legs add an additional texture to the occasional cabin table. Sleigh coffee tables, antler-leg end tables, wagon-wheel console tables and grizzly bear-sculpted coffee tables represent specialty occasional tables designed exclusively for cabin decor.

Styles

Occasional tables with a rustic style are often selected to accommodate cabin decor. Distressed and roughly finished wood, hammered and twisted metal, and a theme integrating wildlife or fishing are common in the rustic style. Western-style occasional tables for cabins may incorporate leather tabletops, metal star embellishments and recycled barn woods. Southwestern and Native American-style cabin tables may incorporate authentic ceremonial drums, tabletop sand paintings and colorful tile patterns.

Versatility

A few occasional tables that can be used for a variety of functions, such as nesting tables, are space-saving and easily mobile. Nesting tables are commonly composed of a set of three stacking tables that compactly store underneath each other when not in use. They provide three mobile tables that provide additional places to set drinks and snacks for guests, game and coloring surfaces for children, or extra work space for favorite hobbies.

How to Fix Kitchen Table Legs

For a table that wobbles, often a simple repair will solve the problem. A good table is worth keeping, and a do-it-yourself table repair project may be all that is needed. Necessary materials will depend on the table's construction. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Turn the table over on a padded surface. Check how the legs are attached to the table top. Bear in mind this definition by Original Woodworks Repair, Restoration and Conservation service: "Repair is a term used to indicate an essential task necessary to bring a component or joint up to a standard making it strong enough to enjoy its original function. ... An improper repair would yield a leg which would be prone to immediate breakage if the leg is stressed." A poor repair may require a more costly repair to correct it.

2

For table legs that screw in, grasp the leg near the top and turn clockwise to tighten. Avoid twisting too hard to reduce the risk of splitting the wood.

3

If the corner has a brace with a bolt and fly nut going through the top of the leg, tighten the fly nut by turning it clockwise. Wiggle the leg to make sure it is firm. If there is a gap between the leg and the brace and it's still loose, insert a wedge of wood angled to fit. This will prevent the leg from wiggling.

4

If the leg is glued in place, add wood glue, push the leg into place and clamp the leg overnight. Make sure the leg is straight.

5

If the top of the leg is rotted or too damaged to glue, remove it and take it to a home improvement store to price a replacement. If the table leg is worth replacing, get new hardware to match what the old leg had. Get some wood finish or paint to match the old leg. When the new leg is dry, attach it to the table.

How to Make a Tent for a Folding Card Table

When a formal table with a long tablecloth is set, a child will tend to crawl underneath to hide away and play. Children love small, secret "cubby" spaces in which to tuck away, play and pretend. Cover a card table in playfully-patterned fabric and provide children with a fun hideout. Personalize the tent with accessories that suit their personality. When play is done, simply fold up the tent to store away for the next rainy day.

Instructions

1

Set up a card table to be used as the tent framework for a child. Measure up one side of the table, across the top and down the other side with a tape measure. Measure up the front of the table, across the top and down the back with a tape measure. Lay an old, clean sheet or fabric piece on a flat surface. Draw and cut a large rectangle using the measured dimensions from the card table.

2

Draw a square with a fabric crayon at each corner of the sheet using the height of the table leg for the length of the square's sides. Cut out each square at the four corners. Cut small squares out of the fabric to make windows in the fort.

3

Lay the right sides together of the fabric along each square corner. Sew the edges together, creating a fabric box the size of the card table. Hem the window edges. Cut a line up the middle of one fort side to create a tent-like opening. Alternatively, cut a half-circle in the fort for a mouse-hole opening.

4

Stitch accessories on the card table tent. Add satin ribbons to tie back the tent flap openings. Sew rectangles in contrasting colors to the inside walls to create pockets and cubby spaces for storage. Place the fabric tent over the card table and allow your child's imagination to take over.

How to Decorate & Accessorize Coffee Tables

Make the coffee table the focal point of your living room by decorating and accessorizing it. Take advantage of the table space by using it to display your favorite decor items, such as vases and picture frames. In addition to being decorative, coffee tables are also convenient when used to hold drinks, reading materials and remote controls. Decorate your coffee table in a manner that doesn't take up too much valuable space. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Decorate the coffee table in groups of three to create balance and provide an aesthetically appealing look. Choose items featuring a variety of heights, such as books, a vase of flowers and candles.

2

Choose decor items that coordinate with the rest of the room. Display flowers, bowls or candles featuring the same color as the couch pillows or an accent wall, for example.

3

Place the tallest item, such as a crystal vase filled with fresh flowers, in the center of the coffee table. Ensure that the item isn't so tall that it blocks the television or guests' faces when entertaining.

4

Set smaller items to the sides of the vase. Stack three or four glossy, hardcover books featuring topics of interest, such as travel or cooking, on one side of the vase. Place a small tray topped with two or three pillar candles on the opposite side.

5

Include one small, conversation-starting object on the table. Choose an item, such as a brightly colored glass candy dish or a pair of vintage reading glasses, that you found during a vacation.

The Techniques for Folding Napkins

From a fan to a swan, folded napkins add a touch of elegance to any place setting. With the introduction of the napkin to mealtime, the nobility began employing folding techniques to impress their guests. While you might not be serving any royalty at your table, folding napkins either at a party, wedding or any other event is fun and simple, and lends a bit of class to any gathering. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Napkins

Select napkins for folding that have firmly woven threads. Linen and cotton are the most commonly used, seen in restaurants and at banquets. They will hold their form better than most other materials when folded.

Starching

Lightly starching napkins before ironing them makes them easier to fold. Always iron and starch the napkins to both make them slightly stiffer and to remove any creases that may detract from the overall appearance of the napkin as well as throw off any folds.

Folding

Folding is the most important part of creating elegant napkins. Take time with each fold to make it perfect and even. Press down firmly and run your fingers along the crease to ensure the fibers in the napkin do not attempt to go back to their original shape. Do this with each fold. While it may be time consuming, it pays off in the end with a napkin that keeps its shape and its elegance.

Ironing

While ironing the napkin right out of the dryer may be one thing, some napkin folds require ironing a second time to accentuate their folds and keep them in place. The classic example of this is the fan napkin, which graces the tables at many restaurants and is popular for wedding settings. The pleats, or accordion folds, made in the napkin should have a quick press on top when folded, to ensure they maintain their shape when spread out into a fan.

Quick Folds

When in a rush, choose a quick fold for a fancy napkin. The table edge form, where the two sides are drawn towards the middle and placed on the table setting, is the fastest. However, gathering the napkin together and inserting it in a goblet produces both a finished look to the table setting and a slightly more casual one due to the arrangement of the napkin. The lovers knot is also another quick and easy fold that adds a look of elegance to a place setting due to its elongated shape.

Decorating a Sofa Table

Ideas and themes

Though decorating a sofa table may not seem like a big deal, there are a few things to take into consideration when deciding to decorate anything in your home. What do you want your decor to say about you? Do you want a romantic decor, in which the furniture is vintage-looking and painted white, with soft pastel floral patterns on the curtains and rugs? Do you want a contemporary theme? Or maybe a rustic theme? There is also the exotic, African theme and the Asian theme. There are many different themes to choose from, and depending on how your living room is decorated, you will most likely want to decorate your sofa table in much the same manner, to keep with the decor of the room.

Getting started

Depending on your decor style, there are a lot of ways in which you can decorate your sofa table. If you or your guests are prone to drinking beverages in your living room, then coasters on the sofa table are essential in avoiding unsightly rings.

If you have a vintage theme going on in your living room, you might consider decorating your table simply and using a doily. Doilies will give your table an old-fashioned look. You can also add a small knick-knack or two, placed on top of the doily. If you have a rustic theme in your living room, a small, old fashioned kerosene lamp can add to the decor of the table.

African-themed sofa tables can feature a metal giraffe or elephant in the center of the table and an African-pattern table runner down the center of the table to give it some color and keep it from looking too plain.

If you are looking to use an Asian theme, use a piece of silk as a table runner. If your sofa table is too small for a runner, then you can use a small Buddha figurine, a bonsai tree or a fan to decorate the table.

Candles are always a good way to decorate a table. A couple of hurricanes on either side with scented candles can make a living room warm and inviting to guests. Also, you can use a simple flower centerpiece to decorate the table. This is especially useful if you have a romantic-themed living room. Vases, pottery and clocks can also be other items you might consider decorating with, if you are looking for a more contemporary look.

Resources

If you want scented candles that will last a while, then purchasing Yankee brand candles is something you might want to consider. While they are expensive, they will fill your home with a wonderful aroma and they will also last quite a while.

Cultural knick-knacks and decor can be found at places like Cost Plus World Market. Vintage and rustic decor can usually be found in thrift stores or flea markets. There are online resources that also sell this type of decor, if you are uncomfortable with shopping at a flea market or thrift store.

What Is Sofa Table?

A sofa table is a long, narrow, tall table that backs up to a sofa. Originating in the late 1700s, it was a staple piece of furniture used in most affluent homes and was placed behind the sofa to maximize floor space. Made of heavy wood, it was constructed with drop-leaf extensions on both ends and drawers in the middle to allow for multifunctional use; it was often used for writing, eating and to hold lantern lamps and candlesticks. Today, the sofa table still has diverse uses, but it is no longer held to rigid placement within the dcor. Does this Spark an idea?

Function

In today's eclectic home dcor, function is defined by the user's intent. Twenty-first century dcor defines the sofa table as an elective accessory to the home furnishings, not as a staple piece of furniture. It's typically used as a place to display decorator items such as pictures, flowers and decorating accessories. Like its ancestor, it's still used to accommodate lamps, but rarely used as a dining table. It often functions as a console table in the entryway or foyer with a large mirror hung above it. Depending upon the type, style and individual needs, it may be used as decorative storage.

Types

There are two basic types of sofa tables: closed design, which has drawers on both top and bottom for extra storage, and open design, a simple table with four legs and a top. From these two designs, the individual styles evolve.

Styles

Sofa tables are divided into three style designs. Traditional designs are usually made of wood, presenting clean simple lines that will complement any traditional dcor. Contemporary sofa tables are made of metals, glass, chrome, concrete, iron or a combination of materials, and casual tables are painted or stained wood, often referred to as chic country.

Size

There is no absolute size for a sofa table, but most are typically 48 to 60 inches in length, 32 to 36 inches in height, and 18 to 20 inches deep. When used behind the sofa, the table should be no more than five inches below the back of the sofa, and it should cover at least half the length.

Cost

Like any piece of furniture, the price depends upon the quality. Finely crafted wood from upscale furniture manufacturers can be costly, up to $1,000 or more; typically, however, the majority of sofa tables are affordable and cost in the $100 to $300 range.

Considerations

Evaluate your space before you add a sofa table. Look at your overall design, decide which style and type would best fit your dcor, and determine what function you want it to serve. Once you have these answers, you'll know which table to select.

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.