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How to set the proper table

In today's society, properly setting a table probably isn't at the top of most families' agendas, but there likely will come a time when you'll want to impress some dinner guests. Below you will find information on what to do, and remember - a beautiful set-up is mostly about arrangement and creativity, not expensive tableware.
Top row from left to right
• Bread plate with butter
knife
(top left of dinner plate)
• Coffee cup (top right of
dinner plate)
• Water glass
• Wine glass
• Liqueur glass
Bottom row from left to
right
• Salad fork
• Dinner fork
• Dessert fork
• Dinner plate with salad or
soup bowl on it
• Knife
• Small spoon
• Soup spoon

Napkin placement depends on your preference, and there are many folding variations. As a default, it can be placed in the water glass, folded on the dinner plate or beside the flatware on the left. Some tableware pieces may of course be optional. - About.com

A Tip for the ladies

Scent your lingerie drawer with partially burned seasonal candles that might be a chore to store otherwise. Simply slip them in a plastic resealable bag that has holes punched in it to let the aroma escape (try a hole punch for this). The bag will keep dyes off your clothes. - HGTV.com

Those white marks

Q. How can I remove white marks from furniture? These marks are the ones most often found on the legs of furniture. I believe these scuff marks are caused by being banged by other objects, shoes, etc.

A. I have had success using a pencil eraser to remove white marks. The vacuum cleaner is often the major culprit of marks on furniture legs. If furniture has lacquer finish, mineral spirits can also be used.

Check first in an inconspicuous place for ill effects on the finish.

- Doityourself.com

Declutter pantry

Take 30 minutes to reassess your food storage, whether it's a pantry, your kitchen cabinets or a freestanding cupboard. Start with the obvious: Purge all expired foods. Next, sweep through your canned goods for extras you can donate to a local food pantry or a neighbor.

You may want to use a lazy Susan for spices and sauces or an over the door shelf to increase storage. Load up your pantry by grouping food by category or by time of day (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks). - HGTV.com

Going Green

A tip from Treehugger.com on how to go green in your home: Choose carpeting, rugs, window treatments and other textiles made from natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, which are untreated and free of toxins, such as pesticides or chemical cleaners.