Thursday, December 21, 2006

How to Properly Set a Table and Where do the Glasses Go?

As I try to teach the children to set the table, they are often confused by what goes where. So, when I found this table setting picture in a some junk mail I received, I decided it was perfect for teaching everyone how to properly set the table. It has also gone a long way toward helping them know what flatware to use when we are eating out.

Growing up, we always set the table this way for every meal. My mother's dinner table always looked beautiful. I am trying to pass this along to my children, but it is not without it's problems. Whether I plan on using each piece of flatware or not, I still insist on the table being set properly. Unless we are just having a quick meal of hotdogs and potato chips, that is!
This basic table setting is appropriate for most every occasion.


A. Salad plate
B. Napkin
C. Salad fork
D. Dinner fork
E. Dinner plate F. Knife
G. Teaspoon
H. Soup spoon
I. Water glass
J. Cup and saucer

The flatware is arranged around the plate in the order in which it will be used. If a salad is to be served, the salad fork is placed to the left of the dinner fork. The salad fork can be eliminated if no salad is server or placed to the right of the dinner fork and used as a dessert fork if appropriate. (The dessert fork can also be brought to the table when dessert is served.) If desired, a wine glass can be added between the water glass and the coffee cup.

http://www.wecosoft.com/geniescorner/kitchen/settable.asp

How to Set the Table
Whether your dinner is very formal or not so formal, there are a few basic guidelines to setting a table.

Instructions:
• STEP 1: Figure out how many guests will be attending. If several children will be in attendance, consider having a children's table. If you would like the children at the main table, consider booster chairs if the children are small.
• STEP 2: Determine where everyone should sit. For convenience, the cook may want to sit near the kitchen door. Parents should sit next to their children. If there is a male guest, he is traditionally seated on the hostess's right. A female guest is traditionally seated on the host's right. For large parties, determine who would interact best with each other. Some people like to alternate between men and women, but this isn't necessary. You may want to use name cards to avoid everyone rushing for a seat at the last minute.
• STEP 3: Decide if you will use a tablecloth. If the tablecloth is white damask, you will need a pad under it to prevent it from slipping. Also, the middle crease should be arranged so that it runs in a straight and unwavering line down the center of the table from head to foot. When the tablecloth is on, it should hang down about a foot and a half if it is a seated dinner. If it is a buffet dinner, it should hang down to the floor.
• STEP 4: Set the table once you've adjusted the tablecloth. Begin by folding napkins and placing them in the center of each diner's place.
• STEP 5: Place the large dinner fork to the left of the napkin and the smaller salad fork to the left of the dinner fork.
• STEP 6: Place a salad plate to the left of the forks. The dinner plate should not be on the table when guests sit down.
• STEP 7: Place a knife to the right of the napkin, with the cutting edge toward the plate. For chicken or a game bird, you might want to use a steak knife.
• STEP 8: Put out two spoons if you're serving both soup and dessert. The small dessert spoon should be placed to the right of the knife. Place the soup spoon to the right of the dessert spoon. (You can also wait and bring the dessert spoons out just before dessert.)
• STEP 9: Place a bread plate with a butter knife (if you have them) about 2 inches above the forks.
• STEP 10: Place a water goblet about 2 inches above the knife. To the right of the goblet and slightly closer to the dinner guest, place a wine glass.
• STEP 11: Place a cup and saucer, if you're serving coffee or tea, to the right of the setting, with a coffee spoon on the right side of the saucer.
http://www.ehow.com/how_8380_set-table.html

What Goes Where on the Table and Which Glasses go With What Drinks?
Real easy, the etiquette experts tell us. The general rule with utensils is to start from the outside of your place setting, and work your way toward the service plate (the main meal plate): soup spoon first, then fish knife and fork, then service knife and fork.



A. Serviette (napkin)
B. Service plate
C. Soup bowl on plate
D. Bread and butter plate with butter knife
E. Water glass
F. White wine
G. Red wine
H. Fish fork
I. Dinner Fork
J. Salad fork
K. Service knife
L. Fish knife
M. Soup spoon
N. Dessert spoon and cake fork.

Note that it is often recommended that the salad fork (J) is placed to the left of the dinner fork (I). However, in this formal setting the dinner fork is placed to be used before the salad fork because it is suggested that the guest awaits the main meal before helping him/herself to the salad.

What to do When
When to start eating:
Despite what mother told you, culinary experts say you do not always have to wait for everyone to begin - start eating hot food when it is served. For cold foods or buffets, wait for the host to announce dinner, and wait until the head guest starts dishing.

Foods you can get by hand:
1. Bread: break slices of bread, rolls and muffins in half or into small pieces by hand before buttering.
2. Bacon: if there's fat on it, eat it with a knife and fork. If it is crisp, crumble it with a fork and eat with your fingers.
3. Finger meals: Follow the cue of your host. If finger meals are offered on a platter, place them on your plate before putting them into your mouth.
4. Foods meant to be eaten by hand: corn on the cob, spareribs, lobster, clams and oysters on the half shell, chicken wings and bones (in informal situations), sandwiches, certain fruits, olives, celery, dry cakes and cookies.

Removing inedible items from your mouth:
1. Olive pits: drop delicately into your palm before putting them onto your plate.
2. Chicken bone: use your fork to return it to the plate.
3. Fish bones: remove with your fingers.
4. Bigger pieces: bigger bones or food you don't appreciate you should surreptitiously spit into your serviette (napkin), so that you can keep it out of sight.

Which Glasses go With What Drinks
Wine connoisseurs agree that each type of wine needs a particular type of glass to bring out the distinctive bouquet. Using a narrow glass for a rich Burgundy, for example, won't allow enough room to swirl it around in, and it's the swirl that brings out its bouquet. The glass also needs to taper properly toward the top so that it captures the bouquet yet allows for sipping. In general, the stem of a glass should be long enough to keep hands from touching the bowl, which can affect the wine's temperature, and therefor its bouquet.


From left to right the glasses are: Water, Brandy, White wine, Pinor Noir Burgundy, Sparkling wine, Red wine

a. Water: full body glass with short stem. Hold the glass by the stem to preserve its chill.
b. Brandy: brandy snifter. Roll the snifter between both hands and then cup it in one hand - warming the glass brings out the bouquet in brandy.
c. White wine: slightly smaller glass with wider bowl to capture the bouquet. Hold the glass by the stem to preserve its chill.
d. Burgundy Reds and Pinot Noirs: a wide bowl to bring out their complexity. The glass is slightly taller than the white wine glass.
e. Champagne: a narrow fluted glass, which reduces the wine's surface area and keep the bubbles from dissipating.
f. Red wine: the bigger of the wine glasses. Hold the glass at the bottom of the bowl where it meets the stem.

Now that you have the correct table setting and the proper wine glasses, see which wines go best with what food, and then make sure you get the right person to share it with!

http://www.didyouknow.cd/info/tablesettings.htm

You will notice that there are two different ways to set the table. Use the one you feel most comfortable with.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Caring for Your Holiday Poinsettia

Poinsettias are not difficult plants to keep healthy during the Holidays, but they do require specific lighting and are sensitive to temperature changes.

 Poinsettias thrive on at least six hours of indirect, natural daylight. Avoid placing in direct sunlight, as it may fade the color. If direct sun cannot be avoided, diffuse the light with a shade or sheer curtain.

 To prolong the vibrant color, keep plant out of cold drafts and away from excessive heat. Ideal temperatures are 67 to 70 degrees during the day and 60 to 62 degrees at night.

 Keep the soil moderately moist. Check the soil daily and water whenever the soil fees dry to the touch. Plants in clay pots require more water, while those in plastic pots are easily over watered.

 Apply water until water runs out the drainage hole, but do not allow plant to set in standing water. Discard collected water.

 A Poinsettia does not require fertilizer while it is in bloom. To maintain green foliage and promote new growth indoors after the holidays, apply an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer once a month.

Courtesy of Cost-Co
December 2006

And just a reminder, everything in our Christmas catalog is on sale for 50% to 80% off. Of course, you will not receive it for this year's Christmas but you can always start on next year's gifts at a great savings. We have some beautiful items and at half price or more off you just can't go wrong. How about the Supreme Nativity, Item # 510, originally $170, 50% off! The nativity is acrylic with a mirrored and wood base. It includes a three-sided backdrop and eight figurines. It requires four AA batteries (not included) and lights. It is 12" x 16.25."



Go to my web site to check out this item and many more. There are also sale items in the Cooking line.

If you use lots of ink, or just a little, you will want to check out our discounted and wholesale ink prices.

Go to my web site at http://www.richmont.net/sandyfatovich to check out these great savings.

If you know someone looking for income while working at home, have them call me at 800-254-2289 for a free, no-obligation information packet.

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Shopping from your Seat, Coupons, Rebates and Comparison Shopping

Hi, everyone, how is your gift shopping coming along? I am doing a lot of it right on my seat at my computer! And, the packages come right to me. I just hate the crowds, traffic, and worrying about my packages once they are purchased. No worries when you do it from home!

I wanted to give you a few web sites to help you out if that's what you are doing also. For coupons and rebates check out:
www.DealCatcher.com, www.CouponMountain.com, www.CoolSavings.com

You can check them out before you find what you are looking for or before you place the order! I got free shipping worth over $8.00 on one order.

To comparison shop go to www.PriceGrabbers.com, www.BizRate.com, and www.MySimon.com

Check out www.ask.com and just type in a question, i.e. where can I find " ." Up will pop several places.

And don't forget we have everything in our Christmas catalog at 20% off and the following sales have also been added:

GREAT JEWELRY SALE!!
Looking for gift ideas? Want the perfect stocking stuffer?

Great news! We have just added several great jewelry items to our December sale -- along with cooking items that your friends and family will love.

Look below to see the deals that are offered ONLY through on the Personal Web Page!

Make sure that you check back often, because we are going to add more sale items!


And if you order by December 14, your merchandise will arrive in time for Christmas!


GREAT JEWELRY ON SALE FOR CHRISTMAS!

#532 Two Bells Brooch: just $10 (regular price $30)
#533 Santa Brooch: just $10 (regular price $19)
#534 Patriotic Santa Brooch: just $12 (regular price $25)
#535 Snowman Brooch: just $10 (regular price $20)
#536 Silver Christmas Tree: just $10 (regular price $20)
#537 Poinsettia Scarf Clip: just $7 (regular price $13)
#538 Red Angel with Trumpet Brooch: just $8 (regular price $15)
#539 Lantern Brooch: just $10 (regular price $35)
#540 Two Bells Brooch: just $10 (regular price $30)
#541 Candle Brooch: just $10 (regular price $30)
#139 Black Jeweled Cufflink: just $10 (regular price $24)
#192 Silver Jeweled Cross Necklace: just $7 (regular price $24)
#193 Gold Cross Necklace with CZ corners: just $8 (regular price $17)
#194 Gold Cross Necklace with CZ face: just $10 (regular price $25)

LOOK AT THESE GREAT GIFTS IDEAS!

#315 Potluck Serving Set: just $50 (regular price $95)
#213 Professional Corkscrew: just $25 (regular price $50)
#270 Salad Spinner: just $12.50 (regular price $25)
#238 Food Chopper: just $10 (regular price $18)
#318 Ladle Rest: just $7.50 (regular price $10)

CHECK OUT THESE STOCKING STUFFERS FOR $5 OR LESS!

#216 Egg Separator: just $5 (regular price $12)
#269 Potato Masher: just $5 (regular price $11)
#229 Multi-slicer: just $5 (regular price $19)
#256 Lemon Juicer: just $5 (regular price $10)
#327 Tongs: just $5 (regular price $15)
#268 Baster: just $5 (regular price $6)
#263 Refrigerator Thermometer: just $5 (regular price $9)
#262 Instant Read Thermometer: just $5 (regular price $12)
#252 Strawberry Huller: just 5 (regular price $6)
#260 Spaghetti Measurer: just $5 (regular price $8)
#228 Bench Knife: just $4 (regular price $8)
#261 Shaker Bottle: just $3 (regular price $4)

HOLIDAY BAKING COMING UP? HERE ARE GREAT DEALS ON BAKING ITEMS!

#257 Oval Measuring Cups: just $15 (regular price $25)
#344 Alphabet Cookie Cutters: just $12 (regular price $20)
#346 Cake Decorating Set: just $7.50 (regular price $15)
#345 Cooling Rack: just $7.50 (regular price $11)
#258 Oval Measuring Spoons: just $6 (regular price $12)
#259 Smidgen Spoons: just $3 (regular price $6)
#343 Hand Cookie Cutters: just $5 (regular price $7)
#336 Teapot Cookie Cutters: just $5 (regular price $7)
#349 Butterfly And Living Creatures Cookie Cutters: just $6 (regular price $11)

I hope you find this Blog interesting and helpful. If you are looking for part-time or full-time work from home, give me a call. We are a NEW company and are recruiting in all 50 states, Mexico and Canada.

Sincerely,
Sandra Fatovich
800-254-2289
sandslf@aol.com
www.richmont.net/sandyfatovich
www.giftsbyrichmonthouse.com

Friday, December 01, 2006

Holiday Safety

A security officer at a shopping mall gave Dear Abby the following advise during this hectic time of year.

When shopping with your children:
> Parents should make sure to designate a central location in case they are separated.
> Make sure that the child knows the first and last name of their parent.
> Know pertinent information about your child(ren) such as height, weight, what clothes they were wearing and the last place you saw them.
> Have a recent picture in your wallet.

These same rules apply to anyone that may have cognitive problems.

Find out more very important information at www.missingkids.com the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

We have the Amber Alert on our web site at www.giftsbyrichmontdirect.com. This site is proud to have been designated a "Family Friendly" site. You will find lots of things for everyone in the family at this site. I hope you go there often.

I offer a refund on shipping to anyone that orders over my on line store at www.richmont.net/sandyfatovich. With the refund you will receive one of my famous booklets on many subjects, i.e. Cooking with Children, Hints by Heloise, Recipes from our own Chief, Recipes for Man's Best Friend (dog bones et cetera), Crafts for Children, and so on. Get a different one each time your order. We currently have a 20% discount on everything in the Christmas line and up to 70% off items from the Cooking line. You will find the great savings on my web site at www.richmont.net/sandyfatovich.

Sandra Fatovich
Your Richmont Direct Consultant
P.S. Find out how you can order your ink for printers, copiers and fax machines at discount or wholesale prices and receive great credit for returning empty cartridges.

Our INKbrary line is fantastic for fundraising. You are buying ink anyway and now you can make sure your favorite charity gets a bonus on your purchases as well as your returned empty ink cartridges.

Call me at 800-254-2289 for more information.