Showing posts with label {Resource Guides}. Show all posts
Showing posts with label {Resource Guides}. Show all posts

1.26.2016

{Resource Guide} Choosing Drinkware


We think of drinkware as jewelry for the table.  It can be simple and elegant or it can be drama and bling.  It should express your style as well as set the mood for your dinner or soriee. Below we've put together the most frequently asked questions we get in our shop helping customers choose drinkware.




What are the kinds of drinkware available?
You need drinkware for beverages, water, and wine.  Barware is an added plus if you entertain with cocktails and beer.

Stemware.  Stemware is used for wine, champagne and water. The size and shape of the bowl (the part of the stemware above the stem) determine its functionality.  As an example, a water glass usually has the largest bowl size, with wine being smaller (or you could use the water glass for a hefty pour of wine).  Champagne is usually served in a flute and would not be served in a water glass.

Barware. Highballs, rocks glasses, shot glasses, pilsners and martini glasses are all glasses used on the drink cart and are designed specific to a type of drink.  Their need and use is determined by how you entertain.


Do I want glass or crystal?
The type of material for drinkware is purely dependent on personal preference.  Some people prefer crystal for formal and holiday functions and prefer glass or crystallin for everyday use.  Or, some people prefer glass for both formal and informal entertaining.

Glass.  Glass is a classic option for drinkware and offers the most versatility in style and a lower price point.  Most glass drinkware is dishwasher safe.  (example, Casafina Glassware)

Crystal.  Classic crystal, also known as Lead Glass, is glass that is traditionally made with potash (salts) and lead and is known for looking much better than traditional glass.  We recommend hand washing crystal.  (example, Baccarat)

Crystallin.  Also known as “Cystal Glass, is the lead free variety of crystal. Barium, potassium, and zinc are used instead of lead. Like crystal, crystallin’s appearance is favored over glass.  (example, Simon Pearce Glassware).  Most crystallin is dishwasher safe, however we recommend hand washing large pieces.


What kind of stemware do I need?
We get this question on a daily basis.  The answer is it really depends on how you dine and entertain.  We recommend at a minimum a water glass and a overall wine glass per place setting.  If you enjoy more wines and their nuances then we suggest wine glasses based on their shape to bring out the best in a specific wine.

Red wine.  The bowl shape of wine glasses usually determines its use.  A wider bowl increases the surface area of the wine that's exposed to air and encourages alcohol evaporation, which allows the wine to oxidize and create the wine's aroma. Because so much of what you taste is informed by what you smell, the aroma of a wine can alter it's taste. To promote oxidation and improve the noise (aroma) red wine glasses usually have wider bowls.

White wine.  White wines, which are lighter than red wines, are best enjoyed with only slight oxidation.  Too much oxidation can begin to mask the nuances of the varietals. A narrower, taller bowl reduces surface area, thereby preserving the delicate bouquet of white wines. Champagnes also benefit from this shape, as they lose their carbonation when exposed to oxygen.


What kind of barware do I need?
Options include beer mugs, rocks glasses (or double old fashion glasses), martini glasses, shot glasses, and brandy snifters.  For cocktail parties, you may also need pitchers, carafes and decanters for serving drinks.


How do I care for my drinkware?
Most everyday drinkware is dishwasher safe.  We recommend the low heat setting with a non-acidic, non-citrus soap.  If you've ever wondered why your glassware is getting cloudy, that is the dishwasher etching the glass.  High heat, with citrus or acidic soap creates and etching environment for glass.  And once the glass is etched and cloudy, it cannot be removed.  Fine stemware should be washed by hand and dried with a lint-free cloth. We do not recommend using the dishwasher for any crystal stemware.  Never use steel wool or abrasives on your stemware.

Searching for drinkware?  See our recommended Drinkware Collection.


5.28.2015

{Resource Guide} Choosing a Rug


The perfect rug will pull a room together, giving it a finished look.  Below are some tips we use when we assist customers with selecting a rug.


When choosing a rug, always start by thinking about how the room is used.  
  • Entryways, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and mud rooms are best suited to easy to clean rugs
  • Family rooms, offices, and closets are best suited to casual and lightweight rugs
  • Living rooms and bedrooms are best suited to thick and plush rugs
Make a floor plan. Measure your space and add all the furniture you're planning to put in the space on the floor plan.


Choosing the Right Size and Shape 
Rectangular rugs look best in rectangular rooms; square rugs look best in square or rectangular rooms; and round rugs look best in foyers or under round dinning tables.

Large area rugs will make a room feel larger. These area rugs visually embrace the space.  When sizing an area rug, allow 12" to 18" between the edges of the rug and the perimeter of the space so that the floor frames the rug.  If a large area has a space that gets a lot of traffic, block out this area and place the rug in the middle of the space that’s left over.

Small accent rugs work as a focal point drawing your eye to a specific point or function.  If you want an accent rug to draw your eye in, select a smaller rug and center it under a dining table, coffee table, or the main light fixture in the room.

Rugs typically come in the following standard sizes: 
  • 2 x 3 feet (serves as a small accent rug)
  • 3 x 5 feet (serves as a small accent rug)
  • 4 x 6 feet (serves as a small accent rug)
  • 5 x 8 feet (serves as a small accent rug or area rug)
  • 6 x 9 feet (serves as an area rug)
  • 8 x 10 feet (serves as an area rug)
  • 9 x 12 feet (serves as an area rug)
  • 10 x 14 feet (serves as an area rug)
  • 12 x 14 feet (serves as an area rug)


Choosing the Right Material

Choose the right material for the function and style of the space.  High traffic areas need a flat rug that can be cleaned easily.
  • For entryways, choose a flat-weave rug to minimize tripping. 
  • For hallways, choose a cotton or wool flat weave rug.
  • For living rooms and dining rooms, choose a cotton or wool rug
  • For kitchens, choose a flat weave synthetic or cotton rug
  • For outdoor, choose a synthetic, flat weave rug designed for outdoor use
  • For bedrooms, choose a soft texture like wool, cotton, or chenille


Choosing the Right Design

Solid rugs are more restful to the eye, and work with either solid or patterned furniture. Choose a color that complements other accessories in the room.  Look at your artwork, pillows, and decorative accesories for inspiration.

Patterned rugs will energize a space, and look stunning with solid furniture.

Use warm colors to to create a cozy and intimate mood.  Use lighter colors to open up smaller spaces and make them feel larger. 


Rugs for the Entryway or Foyer

In the entryway, choose a rug that hides dirt well and is large enough to cover the width of your door. Measure your door clearance so that the rug is not so thick that it gets in the way when you open and close your door. In the foyer, rugs can be used to anchor a console table, direct your sight lines forward, or add color. For best effect, leave at least 6-12″ of bare wood exposed on all sides.


Rugs for the Kitchen

In the kitchen, use 2′ x 3′ rugs in front of the sink. In larger spaces, a 3'x5', 4'x6', or a runner can instantly warm up a room.


Rugs for the Dining Room

In the dining room, a rugs should always be centered under the dining table. You should be able to pull out all the chairs and the chair legs remain on the area rug when seated.  To make sure that the rug is large enough to cover chairs when they are pulled, choose one that is at least 24″ larger than your dining table on all sides.


Rugs for Living Rooms

In the living room, the best rugs are ones that visually anchor seating groups.  Choose a rug that is large enough to fit all four legs of your furniture pieces. If necessary, the rear legs of your sofa can be left off the rug.  If possible, frame the rug buy leaving some of your floors exposed.  Choose a rug that leaves a 12″ to 18″ of space between the rug and the wall.

Rugs for the Bedroom

In a bedroom, place the rug completely under the bed or have it cover the bottom 2/3 of the bed. Choose a rug that is at least 24 inches wider than your bed so that you can step onto it when you get up.  If you have nightstands, size the rug to end 6-12 inches beyond the edges of the nightstands.  In a bedroom sitting area, you can use one smaller rug between two chairs or in front of a sofa or chaise lounge.


Rugs for the Bathroom

In the bathroom, a rug is essential for stepping out of the tub or shower. Choose one that’s washable and large enough to cover the size of your shower or tub area.  If you have double sinks, matching bath rugs add softness and symmetry to the room.


Rugs for the Laundry Room, Mud Room, and Outdoors

For the moist environment of a laundry room, mud room, or outdoors, an indoor/outdoor rug is perfect. You can use them to add color and texture to each area, and they are easily cleaned.  Outdoors, rugs are great for defining outside dining spaces.


Caring for your Rug

Using a rug pad will extend the life of your rug and help prevent it from slipping.  Vacuum regularly to keep clean and rotate your rug periodically to even out wear.  Trim any loose threads with scissors.  If you have a spill, clean it immediately by blotting with a clean cloth or paper towel. Always test rug cleaners on an inconspicuous area before using to clean the entire rug.  Professional cleaning is recommended on all wool rugs.




4.16.2015

{Resource Guide} Choosing Bedding


Have a hard time falling asleep?  Have you thought about your bedding?  We spend a large portion of our life in our bed. Bedding therefore needs to be comfortable to ensure a good nights sleep. In addition, surrounding ourselves with beautiful items and a beautiful bed encourages us to unwind before nodding off.

A bed is composed of many elements: sheets, pillowcases, blankets, duvets, duvet covers, pillow shams, and more. This can seem overwhelming. Below we've detailed the various components for making a beautiful and luxurious bed.

The above queen bed has the following components:
a. Euro Pillow Sham | b. Pillowcases | c. Standard Pillow Sham | d. Decorative Pillow |
e. Flat & Fitted Sheet | f. Duvet Cover | g. Throw | h. Bed Skirt


The above bed is just one of the many options available from Sferra.  This bedding ensemble is made of cotton.  However, quality bedding can be made from cotton, linen, or a cotton/linen blend because they are durable, absorbent, and become softer with use. Quality bedding should be smooth, have straight stitching, and finished seams.


What is the difference between linen and cotton?

Linen and cotton are natural fibers that are highly absorbent, durable, and become softer with use. Generally, linen has more texture, but requires pressing after laundering. Whereas, cotton can have a more substantial feel and is better for producing printed designs. Cotton is the most popular choice for bedding, so it is widely available and generally more affordable. Egyptian cotton is considered to be the finest variety of cotton in the world and is the most desirable for bedding.


Why is Egyptian Cotton the most desirable?

The humid weather and rich soil around the Nile delta produces delicate and long cotton fibers. These longer fibers allow for a finer diameter, more continuous thread. This thread can the be woven into a higher number of threads per square inch, resulting in a stronger and softer material.


What are the three different types of cotton bedding?

Cotton bedding is generally woven into one of three styles: sateen, percale, or a jacquard.

Cotton percale is a closely woven, plain weave; the warp and weft threads cross each other one at a time. Cotton percale has a tight weave with a thread count of at least 180. Cotton percales is used for sheets, cases, shams and duvet covers.

Cotton sateen is woven using a satin weave. Rather than a plain weave, the warp or weft threads pass over several filling threads, creating a fabric with a silken feel and a very smooth and lustrous surface. Cotton sateen can be produced in both light and heavy weights depending on the quality of the fiber and thread. Cotton sateen is used for sheets, cases, shams and duvet covers.

Cotton jacquard is a weave that incorporates a pattern in the weaving process. Due to the weave construction the surface of a jacquard will not feel as smooth as that of percale or sateen. As a result, cotton jacquard is usually only available in shams and duvet covers.


What is thread-count?

Thread-count refers to the number of threads in one square inch of fabric. A higher thread counts means a tighter weave, and a softer and stronger fabric. Bedding with a thread-count of 600 or more is generally considered luxurious bedding. While important, thread count should always be considered in conjunction with the quality of the fiber, workmanship and finishing process used on the bedding. Always make sure that the highest quality fiber is used because a high thread count sheet made from lower quality fibers will feel heavy and coarse instead of soft and luxurious.


How do I care for my bedding?

Always wash your bedding before putting it on your bed for the first time. Bedding is manufactured with a starch sizing to facilitate ease of production. This starch can set stains and make bedding feel stiff. Be sure to wash your sheets regularly in warm water with like colors and tumble dry on low. When laundering, do not use bleach or fabric softener because it can damage fibers and make the sheets less soft over time. For less wrinkles in your bedding, remove it promptly from the dryer and put it on the bed or fold it right away. If you do want to iron your bedding, take it out of the dryer slightly damp for easier ironing, and always press embroideries on the reverse side.


10.29.2014

{Resource Guide} Choosing Flatware


Sterling Silver?  Silver plate? 18/10 Stainless Steel? Pewter?  Today the choices for flatware can be overwhelming.  Not to mention that entertaining and dining style and trends have changed drastically in the last 10 years.  Below we've put together answers to the most frequently asked questions we get when helping customers select flatware.


What is Sterling Flatware?
Sterling silver flatware is made of at least 92.5% pure silver. Any flatware that is sterling will be stamped with the word “sterling”. Sterling silver flatware is very expensive and is considered to be the most elegant and formal of flatware. Sterling silver flatware has a warm glow and requires occasional polishing. The best way to keep sterling flatware lustrous is to use it regularly. For optimal care, wash sterling silver flatware by hand in hot water with a mild dish soap that does not contain lemon or citrus additives and dry immediately with a soft cloth.


What is Silver Plate?
Silver plate flatware is a less-expensive alternative to sterling flatware. Silver plate flatware has a layer of 100% silver coating another metal, usually nickel. The thicker the silver layer, the better the quality. Silver plate flatware has the same warm glow as sterling flatware and also requires occasional polishing. The best way to keep silver plate flatware lustrous is to use it regularly. For optimal care, wash silver plate flatware by hand in hot water with a mild dish soap that does not contain lemon or citrus additives and dry immediately with a soft cloth.


What is Pewter?
Pewter, a metal alloy, is made of at least 85% tin, with the remainder consisting of copper, antimony, bismuth. In colonial America, pewter was prized for its strength and durability. Pewter flatware has a rustic feel and beautiful patina. Pewter does not require polishing. For optimal care, wash pewter flatware by hand in hot water with a mild dish soap and dry immediately with a soft cloth.


What is Stainless Steel?
Most flatware is stainless steel. Stainless steel flatware does not rust or tarnish and does not require occasional polishing. Stainless steel is a metal alloy that contains a minimum of 10.5% chromium. To make stainless steel flatware, chromium is added to steel for strength as well as rust and stain resistance. Nickel, another metal alloy, is also added to the steel for its brilliance and lasting finish. The grades of stainless steel (18/10 or 18/8) refer to the amount of nickel added to the steel which prevents corrosion. The best grade of stainless steel is 18/10. Stainless steel flatware is dishwasher safe.


What is a 5-piece place setting?
A 5-piece place setting consists of a dinner knife, a dinner fork, a salad fork, a soup spoon and a teaspoon. Due to changes in entertaining and dining, a lot of flatware is now sold individually as well as a 5-piece place setting. People who do not tend to entertain so formally are now opting for an 'a la carte' approach to flatware and do not always purchase salad forks and teaspoons. However, the salad forks and teaspoons do double as dessert forks and dessert spoons and become part of the dessert buffet.

 When selecting flatware, think how you entertain.  Today, there are no strict rules.  And, if you need help, give us a call at 847.518.1232.  We're always here to help.




10.18.2014

{Resource Guide} Choosing Dinnerware


Porcelain? Stoneware? Earthenware? How do I choose? Today the choices for dinnerware can be daunting. Below we've put together the most frequently asked questions we get in our store helping customers select dinnerware.


What is porcelain?
Porcelain is a vitreous ceramic material made by heating kaolin to temperatures between 2,200 and 2,600 °F. Porcelain has a stark white appearance with incredible durability. Porcelain dinnerware is dishwasher and microwave safe; and, some is even broiler safe.  Hand washing is recommended for larger pieces, hand painted collections, or dinnerware with gold or platinum decoration. Items with metallic decoration are not microwave safe.  See our Caskata and Pillivuyt collections for porcelain dinnerware.


What is stoneware?
Stoneware is a vitreous or semi-vitreous ceramic made primarily from stoneware clay. Stoneware is fired at high temperatures. It is non-porous and so does not need a glaze. Stoneware is microwave, oven and freezer safe.  See our Casafina and Juliska collections for stoneware dinnerware.


What is earthenware?
Earthenware is a clay fired at relatively low temperatures and is more porous and less translucent than porcelain. Typically, earthenware is relatively thick and heavy, and, depending on the clay used, its natural color ranges from buff to red. A well-known characteristic of earthenware is that it is likely to crackle. This crackling effect is considered part of its beauty but does not affect its use. Most earthenware is dishwasher safe on low heat settings. It is generally not microwave safe.  See our Gien and Vietri Collections for earthenware dinnerware.

What is fine china?
Fine china generally tends to mean bone china which is a very fine, soft-paste clay that is made from several key ingredients, including bone ash. Considered by many to be the finest china available, it has great strength and chip-resistance. Bone china items may or may not be dishwasher and microwave safe.  Fine china is more expensive than porcelain, stoneware, or earthenware and is considered to be formal china.

What is a 5-piece place setting and do I want it?
A 5-piece place setting includes a dinner plate, a salad plate, a bread plate, a cup and saucer.  In today's fashion, must people are layering different dinnerware pieces together and the 5-piece place setting is not as popular as in the Downton Abbey era.  If you do not do a lot of formal multi-course dinners, you may not need a 5-piece place setting.  However, the bread plate doubles as an appetizer plate for cocktail parties.  The salad plate doubles as a dessert plate, and the cup and saucer become part of a dessert buffet.  Think about how you entertain to determine if you want 5-piece place settings.  Depending on how you entertain, you may even need additional bread or salad plates.

Today, casual dinnerware is more popular than ever.  People tend to be more interested in dinnerware they can use in many different settings and layer with other dinnerware selections and/or fine china pieces.  Casual dinnerware also costs less than fine china.

Searching for dinnerware?  See our recommended dinnerware collections.



10.17.2014

{Resource Guide} Choosing a Down Duvet


As light as a feather, as soft as a cloud, as enveloping as cashmere, down is the finest way to sleep. Duck feather? Goose down? Fill power? Baffles? Ticking? How do I choose? Below, we've put together the most frequently asked questions we get in our store helping customers select a down duvet.




What is down?
Down is the three-dimensional insulating fluff found under the chest feathers of waterfowls. Down clusters have a central core of fibers with no spine. These feathers are soft, nearly weightless clusters that radiate in all directions from a central point and interlock to trap air. Generally, the colder the climate and the longer the goose is allowed to mature, the larger and warmer the down clusters.


What are feathers?
Feathers are the plumage found on the outside of waterfowl. They have a two-dimensional structure with a spine running thru the middle. The shape of feathers make for great structure, which makes them appropriate for decorative pillows and feather beds. However they have no insulating ability and should not be used in duvets.


What is fill power?
The soul of every duvet is fill. Fill power indicates the number of cubic inches filled by each ounce of down. The more space an ounce of down takes up, the more warmth it offers per ounce and the fluffier the duvet will be. Duvets are generally filled with one of the following down types: White Goose Down (550 fill power), Hungarian Goose Down (650 fill power), Polish Goose Down (750 fill power), or Siberian Goose Down (800 fill power). The higher the fill power, the warmer the duvet will be.


What is ticking?
The ticking and the method used to enclose the duvet can enhance or undermine a duvets ability to loft, insulate, breathe and last. Ticking is the fabric sack that contains the fill of a duvet. Quality duvets are made with down-proof, natural fiber ticking with a high thread count, usually a 300 thread-count or higher.


What is boxed-baffled construction and why is it important?
Baffles are interior walls that keep the two layers of ticking lifted apart to allow for greater loft of the down. A boxed-baffled construction prevents the shifting of the down. Quality duvets have a boxed-baffled construction of 10" to 15". Beware of duvets sold with boxed construction but have no interior baffles. These duvets do not loft as high, are not as warm and have a tendency not to last as long. This is due to the fact that the two layers of ticking are sewn together through the down, which crushes the down and prevents loft.


How do I clean my duvet?
A duvet should always be covered and protected by a duvet cover. It is the duvet cover that gets laundered as needed and keeps the duvet free of stains and dust. As such, you should never need to clean a duvet. If cleaning becomes a necessity, the duvet should be taken to a professional cleaners that specializes in cleaning down. Down duvets should never be washed in the washing machine. This process breaks down the down fibers and the duvet loses its warmth and loft abilities. If cared for properly, quality duvets will last 10-15 years.


Searching for down duvets? See our recommended down duvet collection.

10.16.2014

{Resource Guide} Choosing a Tablecloth


When setting a table for a dinner party, cocktail hour, or your next soiree, table linens help set the tone and go a long way toward dressing your dining room.  Choosing a table cloth is easy.  Below, we've put together the most frequently asked questions we get in our store helping customers select their table linens.


What should I look for in a tablecloth?
The quality of a tablecloth is a combination of the material, construction, workmanship and design.  Most tablecloths are either cotton or linen.  These fibers are durable, absorbent, and feel good to the touch.  When looking at the construction and workmanship, the seams should be even and straight with no stray strings attached.  When evaluating the design, look to see if it is printed or woven damask.  If the tablecloth is printed, the printing should be consistent with no large gaps.  If the tablecloth is woven damask, the weaving should be tight, consistent, and free of flubs.


What is the difference between linen and cotton and which should I choose?
Both linen and cotton are natural fibers.  Both fabrics are absorbent, durable, and become softer with use.  Linen fibers are longer than cotton and make table linens feel lighter and smoother.  Linen is also highly absorbent and lint free.  Cotton fibers are shorter than linen making the table linens feel more substantial.

When purchasing tablecloths, linen tablecloths tend to be more expensive than cotton tablecloths and are considered the ultimate choice for formal occasions.


What determines the quality of cotton?
Cotton quality is based on the length of the fibers and how the thread is spun.  Longer fibers can be spun into smoother, stronger and smaller diameter yarns, which can then be woven to create fabric that is softer with more drape.  Egyptian cotton is prized because the humid weather and rich soil around the Nile delta produces longer fibers.  Egyptian cotton has fibers 2-3 times longer than Pima cotton.


What determines the quality of linen?
Linen quality is also based on the length of the fibers and how the tread is spun.  Higher quality linen fabric is made from longer fibers that produces a finer and stronger yarn with consistent thickness and few slubs.  Irish and Belgian linen is considered to be among the finest linen in the world.


What size tablecloth do I need?
We recommend that tablecloths have an minimum drop of 10" so that the tablecloths hangs properly on the table.  Elaborate occasions may require a drop up to 30" (all the way to the floor).  The longer the drop the more dramatic the table setting appears.

To calculate the size of the tablecloth you need, measure the length and width of your table and add twice the desired drop to each dimension.  For example, if your table measures 42" wide and 84" long and you want a 12" drop, the tablecloth you need should be: 42" + 12" + 12" = 66" wide; 84" + 12" + 12" = 108" long.

There are no standard tablecloth sizes among manufacturers.  However, most manufacturer will have sizes that are close once you have this calculation.  If you want to have an exact fit, you will need to have a custom cloth made.


What shape tablecloth do I need?
On square or rectangular tables, we suggest a square or rectangular tablecloth.  On round tables, either a round or square tablecloth can be used.  On oval tables, we recommend a rectangular tablecloth since there is no standard oval table size.


My table has several leaves, so what size tablecloth do I need?
If your table is extended or shortened often, you will need separate tablecloths fit each size properly.  If you budget it limited, we suggest purchasing the tablecloth that will fit the size used most often.  Another alternative, is to purchase placemats and napkins instead of multiple tablecloths.


What style of tablecloth do I need?
This is purely personal preference.  In Downtown Abbey style, white linen damask tablecloths were the fashion.  Today however, this preconceived etiquette is not as defined.  Today, colored tablecloths are just as fashionable as white linen damask.  We recommend purchasing what you like, what works with the theme or tone of your event, and what works with your dinnerware.  Table linens are an investment that is meant to be used.  You will use them more if you love them.


How do I care for my table linens?
Cotton and linen table linens can be laundered at home.  They should be washed in cool water using regular detergent; we do not recommend detergents with bleaching agents as these can weaken the fibers.  Most table linens can be dried in the dryer, but should be removed while slightly damp in order to minimize wrinkles. We also do not recommend fabric softener or dryer sheets.  These leave a waxy surface on the fiber which can hold stains permanently.  If you do get stains, treat them as soon as possible to completely remove the stain.    For ease of ironing, iron on the reverse side while still slightly damp.  Starch is not necessary, but will make a crisper tablecloth.


How do I store my table linens?
Store table linens clean and dry.  Avoid starching them prior to storage; starch is a food source for bugs that then create holes in the table linens.  Starch also yellows as it ages.  Fold table linens gently and store them in a cool, dry, and well ventilated place.  Do not store table linens in plastic bags, basements, attics or garages to prevent large fluctuations in humidity and temperature which can cause deterioration of the fibers.


Searching for table linens? See our recommended table linens collection.