KEEP YOUR LINENS SOFT AND GLOSSY
Add two tablespoons of white vinegar to the rinsing water, adding a few drops of essential oil of lavender, rosemary or another scent of your choice.
This is a good substitute for industrial softener, and the vinegar will brighten and renew the color of your linen.
COLORED STAINS, RED FRUITS, LIPSTICK OR POLLEN
Rinse the stain with cold water and pat with a white cloth soaked in industrial alcohol to remove as much of the color as possible. Then rub the stain with dishwashing liquid and rinse in cold water before finally washing in the machine.
REMOVING RED WINE STAINS
Soak up the spilled wine as quickly as possible with white kitchen paper or a white cloth. Moisten the stain with white wine or 60°C spirits or even industrial alcohol and wash your tablecloth as soon as possible after the meal. If you cannot wash it immediately, soak it in cold water in the meantime.
HOW TO REMOVE CHEWING GUM
Put a few ice cubes into a plastic bag and place it on the chewing gum. Wait for about an hour until the chewing gum is very hard. Once it has hardened, it will crack and can easily be removed from the fabric.
HOW TO REMOVE A CANDLE STAIN FROM A TABLECLOTH
Scratch off as much as possible of the wax that has run on to the tablecloth. Roll the material between your fingers to force out the wax in the material, and then hold the material taut under a very hot tap. The hot water will make the wax melt and drip through the material. Wash the tablecloth at 80°C and no trace of the candle will remain.
SETTING ATTRACTIVE TABLES
Whether your table decoration is classic or trendy, it should be personal. Like your clothes, your table reflects your personality.
First of all, try to give your meal a theme. This will make your decoration easier. Details make all the difference. If possible, choose your tablecloth to suit your theme or else go with the color scheme of your room. Make the most of the color of your plates, glasses and cutlery.
Don’t be afraid of mixing colors - today nearly all colors can be put together. For example, use plain napkins of various colors. Why not fold the napkin in a special way, use attractive napkin rings or tie a bow of raffia, for example, around the napkins?
Don’t forget candles. If you have no candlesticks, use candles that stand directly on the table, or put floating candles into a bowl of water. Another idea is to put small candles in glasses to make lanterns.
Flowers are important too. The bouquet must not be so high that guests cannot see each other. Instead put flowers into tumblers or use glasses as little vases.
If you are seating your guests, write their names in gold or silver felt-tip pen on a small card. If you don’t have cardholders, you can slip the card under the raffia tie or simply place it on the napkin.
A SCENTED WARDROBE
Lavender is perfect for bed linens and clothes, but not so suitable for table linens. Try sticking cloves into an orange or lemon, or make a potpourri sachet with a tied handkerchief, and tuck it in the middle of your pile of tablecloths and napkins.
Here are some ideas for potpourri:
- A mixture of mint and citronella leaves
- An orange peel and a stick of cinammon
- A lemon peel and a vanilla pod