12-17-16 At Home

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Holiday Tables

Tips for a pretty place setting

Prepare for presents Make room for boxes and presents this Christmas

A special publication of the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer

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Saturday, December 17, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer

Table of Contents LETTER from the

EDITOR We are officially eight days from Christmas. By now, the lights have been hung, the tree has been decorated and the plans have (hopefully) been made for the holidays.

With all the hustle and bustle, sometimes the mundane house chores get left behind.

That’s why we’re here to help.

In this issue of At Home, you will find ways to conserve water at home, how to prep your lawn for winter and easy ways to make your holidays tablescape pop — all the little things your not thinking about in between the baking, wrapping and traveling.

I am still looking for homeowners who have tackled some big DIY or home renovation projects.

If you would like your story told, please contact me at mrichardson@messengerinquirer.com or 270-691-7233.

— Meghann Richardson Special Publications Editor

SOAPSTONE page 4

CONSERVE WATER

DODGE DAMAGE

page 5

page 11

on the cover

Mix and match heirlooms with designer pieces to create a gorgeous table setup | PAGES 6-7

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Saturday, December 17, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer

Clean up those pesky pine needles Despite how well you may tend to Christmas trees and wreaths, you can expect some pine needles to find their way onto your floors during the holiday season.

Such needles can become imbedded in carpeting or stuck in socks and furniture, proving to be quite a nuisance.

Attempting to vacuum them all up can be frustrating, as some vacuums simply do not have the suction power to handle all of those heavy needles. Plus, they can become lodged in the inner cavities of the vacuum and clog it.

To lessen the mess, wrap a tree bag around the base of the Christmas tree when you are setting it up and hide it under the tree skirt. This bag will catch many of the needles that fall off during the season. Each day, sweep any needles that make it to the floor so they are not tracked around the house throughout the month of December.

Think about making a homemade sticky needle catcher. Wrap duct tape around your hands or a broom with the sticky side facing out, then pat areas of the floor where needles have accumulated, and the needles will likely stick to the tape.

If you want the evergreen aroma to last a little longer in your home, place collected pine needles in a cloth satchel and make a potpourri bag for an inexpensive air freshener.

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3 ways THAT SOAPSTONE

ENHANCES HOME DESIGN

BY FAMILY FEATURES

Move over, marble and granite.

There’s a new, old stone that’s coming back into vogue. After first coming into use 5,000 years ago, soapstone is once again becoming a “go-to” material for kitchen and bath designs, indoor and outdoor living spaces and more.

There are three primar y reasons for the revived interest in soapstone, according to Steven Schrenk, digital media director and design consultant at Polycor, who has been working with natural stone for 22 years.

Aesthetics: One major factor driving soapstone’s appeal is shifting aesthetic trends. While designers and homeowners have been fascinated by the bright, wide range of colors and bold patterns that could be discovered in natural stone, people are coming back to a tonal, more muted palette, according to Schrenk.

Schrenk sees more designers working with textures within a similar palette of color and playing up the tactile qualities of materials and patterns within that limited palette.

“This is where soapstone plays well in pairing with these different finishes,” he said. “It tends to blend into its space and become more integrated in the whole design instead of being a separate, individual entity.”

Another aesthetic benefit of soapstone is that multiple tonalities can be achieved depending on the finishing techniques.

“It may be a cool, blue-gray color when left in its natural honed state or a deep, sultr y black when waxed or enhanced,” Schrenk said. “You can go from a highly figured, dramatic statement piece to a minimal and moody silky surface in the slabs that are neutral without veining.”

Function: When it comes to home design, there’s no doubt that appearance is key, but so is a material’s ability to stand up to its task. Soapstone is nonporous, so it doesn’t stain. It’s softer than granite

and marble, dense and heavy, but not brittle. It doesn’t chip easily, but if it does chip, it can be repaired with sandpaper. Those high-performance features make soapstone well-suited to ser ve numerous functions.

Versatility: “No matter how you slice it, there are 101 ways to style soapstone; whereas with some other materials, there are more limitations,” Schrenk said.

Because of the stone’s ability to absorb and radiate heat, it can be used for unique items, such as pizza ovens and foot warmers, says Glenn Bowman, owner of Vermont Soapstone. He has also seen soapstone used in a variety of ever yday applications, both indoors and outdoors, including tiles, flooring, backsplashes, sinks and a variety of custom stonework.

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Saturday, December 17, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer

CONSERVE WATER AT HOME

Conservation is an essential component of an eco-friendly lifestyle. Conserving the planet’s natural resources can have a profound impact on the planet, and conserving at home is a great way for men and women to get the ball rolling on their conservation efforts.

One of the most effective ways to conserve at home is to reduce water consumption. Few people give much thought to how much water they consume at home, as water bills tend to be considerably lower than other utilities like energy and phone.

But even if efforts to conserve water at home may not make a dramatic impact on monthly utility bills, the following measures can go a long way toward preserving one of the planet’s most precious resources.

consumes just nine to 15 gallons of water per wash. That’s a considerable savings compared to washing at home, as the State of Mar yland’s Department of the Environment estimates that 100 gallons of water are consumed during a single 10-minute car wash at home using a garden hose.

INSTALL SHOWER HEADS THAT EARNED THE WATERSENSE LABEL

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that showering accounts for nearly 17 percent of home water consumption. For the average family, that translates to almost 1.2 trillion gallons of water each year. Shower heads that have earned the EPA’s WaterSense label have met various conser vation criteria established by the EPA. Such FIX LEAKY FAUCETS Leaky faucets in a home might shower heads are 20 percent more efficient than the average not seem like they waste much product that does not have the water each day. However, the U.S. Geological Survey estimates label. According to the EPA, the average family can save that a single home with three 2,900 gallons of water per year leaky faucets that each produce by installing shower heads that one drip per minute will waste have earned the WaterSense 104 gallons of water per year label. from these faucets alone. This waste is easily prevented by USE A DISHWASHER simply fixing leaky faucets the This particular effort to moment drips are noticed. conser ve water is one that ever yone can embrace.

WASH YOUR CAR AT A According to the GRACE COMMERCIAL CAR WASH Communications Foundation, Some vehicle owners may an organization devoted to enjoy washing their cars at developing innovating strategies home in their driveways. to increase public awareness But getting a car washed at about the issues facing our a professional car wash can environment, using an energyconser ve substantial amounts efficient dishwasher instead of of water. That’s because many hand-washing dishes can save as new car wash facilities employ much as 15.5 gallons per wash. water reclamation systems that Conser ving water at home reuse water. According to San can have a profound impact on Diego Car Care, a professional the environment. And efforts at car wash that employs water conser vation are often simpler reclamation technology, each than many people may think. car washed at their facility

D

azzling

TABLE DECOR

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‘TIS THE SEASON FOR SERVING UP TRADITION

BY BPT

Laughter, joy, happiness — ‘tis the season for family and friends to come together around the table, celebrating all the warmth of the holidays. Really want to wow your guests at your next gathering? It’s as easy as mixing Christmas past with Christmas present.

“The holidays are the best time to use the patterns you love, whether that’s your ever yday pattern, a family heirloom, a Christmas favorite or all of the above,” says Keith Winkler, product marketing manager for dinner ware retailer Replacements, Ltd. “Take time to pull out the platter you inherited from your grandmother, or look for a way to blend in Aunt Rose’s vintage teapot. It really doesn’t matter whether you’re planning a casual dinner or a glitzy party, using heirloom patterns is more than a great conversation starter with your guests — these pieces bring tradition and family to your table.”

THE FESTIVE ART OF MIXING AND MATCHING

Perhaps you’ve read the buzz about the hot tabletop trend designers refer to as “mixing and matching.” Turns out, it goes beyond trendy. It’s pretty much an art.

“Mixing and matching is a way to bring all your favorites together to create a gorgeous table,” says designer Julie Robbins. “If you’re going to create a beautiful, festive look, be brave and bold; step away from using all the same colors and patterns and dare to blend all types of designs to create sparkle and magic. One of the easiest ways to start is by taking one of your favorite patterns and giving it holiday flair.”

We asked Robbins to share her inspiration in creating one of Replacements’ main displays for the holiday season.

“I really wanted to capture the spirit of the season by building on an ever yday pattern I really love,

so I started with Constance by Bernardaud,” Robbins says. “It’s a beautiful green, yet it’s also a cool, neutral pattern that refreshes ever ything you mix with it. I paired it with Grenadiers, a holiday favorite also by Bernardaud, which is a crisp, clean Christmas pattern but at the same time ver y festive and whimsical with toy soldiers around the edge. And to tie it all together, I mixed in a gold-trimmed ruby charger as the base to anchor the setting in traditional seasonal colors.”

If you’re still uncertain how to create the look you want for holidays, Robbins suggests starting with a neutral colored dinner plate, then layering a Christmas-themed salad plate in a floral, plaid or graphic motif. You can even ser ve a different course with each pattern.

And don’t feel like you have to stick with traditional holiday colors — pairing cool blues with silver creates a lovely icy effect you can use throughout winter.

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ADDING A DASH OF SPARKLE ADDS BURST OF MAGIC

While mixing and matching patterns captures seasonal spirit, sparkle adds a burst of magic and elegance. Robbins suggests incorporating metallic finishes, whether that means using platinum or gold trimmed cr ystal, or perhaps ornate flatware and ser ving pieces.

“Using both silver and gold pieces on your table not only evokes the traditional spirit of holidays, these metals reflect light, creating a glamorous twist,” adds Robbins. “Vintage silver is ver y popular this year, but rather than polishing it shiny bright, leave some patina to keep the heirloom quality of the pattern.”

Another way to create sparkle: consider an eclectic mix of candles on your table. By combining cr ystal and silver votives, candlesticks or an odd candelabra, you can create a centerpiece that looks beautiful during the day and adds a warm glow to a winter night.

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Saturday, December 17, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer

PREP

YOUR HOME FOR WINTER

BY STATEPOINT

This winter, stay ahead of frost and freezing temperatures by taking some easy steps to get your home ready for the cold months ahead.

If you’re not sure where to start, there are some quick step-by-step directions to get you in the DIY spirit.

HOW TO SEAL OFF DRAFTS

HOW TO INSULATE YOUR WATER HEATER

Wrapping your water heater with an insulated blanket reduces heat loss and saves energy. It’s simple: just measure the circumference of your water heater and cut the

HOW TO PROTECT OUTDOOR ITEMS

High-wind gusts and cool temperatures can wreak havoc.

Be sure to store or protect outdoor furniture and accessories. Smaller items, such as cushions, umbrellas and drained hoses, should be stored in sheds or basements. Protect larger patio furniture and grills with tarps or custom-fit covers. A roll of strong, all-weather tape, like T-Rex Tape, can fix any rips or holes you may find along the way. Unlike other tapes, it is designed to withstand harsh temperatures to hold stronger and longer, ensuring your items will be in great shape for spring

grilling season.

Thanks to a plethora of online resources, weatherizing doesn’t have to seem daunting. By watching a few short videos and following some easy instructions, you can have your home ready for whatever weather winter brings.

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Ever y winter there are billions of dollars in insured losses due to burst pipes and other winter-related damage, according to the Insurance Information Institute. To prevent frozen pipes, it’s imperative to drain water from outdoor faucets and garden hoses. Plus, have in-ground sprinkler systems winterized, as well.

Frozen gutters are another prime source of snow and ice damage. Ice can accumulate on the edge of the roof and prevent melting snow from draining. That’s why it’s important to clean debris from gutters several times a year. Keep the ladder on a level surface with another person as a spotter. Wear gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself, and drop debris onto a tarp or bucket below.

Flush the gutter with a hose to check for proper flow, and finally check down spouts for anything that might be lodged.

blanket to size. Products such like Duck brand’s Water Heater Insulation Blanket come with tape for easy installation and it’s made of non-irritating recycled cotton, not fiberglass.

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HOW TO PREVENT FREEZING PIPES

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS

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Windows and doors are the biggest culprits of drafts in your home, but there are products that make sealing them simple. While product packaging often provides instruction, online videos may be a better resource. For instance, Duck brand provides a step-by-step tutorial for how to seal window drafts with its roll-on window kit and heavy duty weatherstrip seals, which provide tight barriers to keep warm air in and cold air out. Or, for drafty doors with thick gaps, the Double Draft Seal easily slides onto the bottom of doors to block unwanted chill.

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PREP YOUR HOME FOR NEW GIFTS

Are you ready for the boxes and packages that are set to arrive under the tree? If your home annually bursts with ever ything from children’s toys to electronics to clothing, it may be time to take inventor y and prepare for the gifts that have yet to find their way into your home.

Before the first strand of garland goes up and before you begin thinking about holiday wish lists, set a plan in motion to reduce what you already have in the house. This project can include the entire family and tie into holiday volunteerism that highlights this season of giving.

There’s a ver y good chance that your closets are brimming with items that are collecting dust or haven’t seen the light of day in some time. Make these the fist things to go. If something hasn’t been used in a year or more, add it to the donation pile.

Kids’ rooms and play areas may be some of the areas most overrun with belongings. Children are likely to get many new toys and other gifts throughout the year, so

focus most of your energy on these spaces, cutting kids some slack if they don’t want to part with certain items.

If children are reluctant to part with some of their belongings, stress the point that donating helps others who are less fortunate.

Involve kids in the donation process, letting them see where their unused clothes and other supplies will go. This can make giving away older toys less traumatic and more personal.

Adults also should pay attention to any belongings they can spare. Take advantage of holiday donation trucks in the area to clear your home of bulky sweaters, linens, older furniture, or kitchen supplies. These trucks ser vice some well-known charities and associations, and items will be appreciated and put to great use.

Use the weeks prior to the holiday rush to create space for any gifts that might be arriving under your tree before Christmas Day. A little cleaning and decluttering can go a long way toward helping the less fortunate in your community.

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DODGE WINTER LAWN DAMAGE

BY FAMILY FEATURES

Winter conditions can present a wide range of challenges to your lawn and landscape, but there are precautions you can take to protect your lawn, as well as your trees and shrubs, from seasonal harm.

Preventive steps from the lawncare experts at TruGreen can help your lawn sur vive the winter season’s harsh elements.

SNOW PLOW DAMAGE

Install brightly-colored boundar y markers along the edges of paved areas to help protect lawn and shrubs from snow plow and snow thrower blades. Lightweight wooden stakes, at least four feet tall with bright reflective tape and brightly covered fiberglass rods, ser ve as good markers. Avoid heavy metal, fence

posts and other large objects, as they can pose a hazard to snow plow operators.

COLD TEMPERATURE STRESS

More so than any other season, trees and shrubs are vulnerable to changing weather conditions during the winter. Wide temperature fluctuation and extremely low temperatures are the biggest factors of tree stress, meaning your trees are more susceptible to things like frost cracks, sunscald and winter burn.

Keep twigs and limbs from breaking under the weight of ice by carefully brushing away, whenever possible, any snow load from plants, which will reduce the weight on the limbs and decrease the damage.

Placing a burlap cover around shrubs such as boxwood and yews will help reduce winter desiccation.

Proper fertilization can help keep your trees and shrubs healthy well into spring, and allow them to better tolerate winter. A ser vice like TruGreen can help with tree and shrub ser vices customized to meet your landscape’s ever y need, including applications to control over wintering insects, pests and mites.

FWINTER DEHYDRATION

During the colder months of winter, plants cannot replace moisture lost from leaves and needles. This leads to “dehydration” — technically known as desiccation.

To help avoid this problem, maintain proper watering late into the fall, or water during periods of winter thaw.

TruGreen offers an anti-desiccation ser vice that helps reduce moisture loss caused by cold winter winds for

broadleaf evergreens that are most susceptible to winter desiccation.

REEZING TEMPERATURES

Damage to plants, shrubs and trees as a result of sustained low temperatures can typically go undetected until spring or early summer, when plants fail to produce new growth. To help prevent damage, maintain a two- to three-inch layer of mulch to help protect the crown and roots from weather extremes.

ICE MELT

Ice-melting agents, such as rock salt and products containing calcium and magnesium chloride, may accumulate in the soil and cause damage to plants. Use extreme care when applying ice-melting agents to prevent damage to your plants or concrete surfaces.

Saturday, December 17, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer

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