What's Your Favorite Garden Accessory?

Starting to get the garden itch? You know, that desire to get outside and dig in the dirt, maybe relax on a deck or patio and scan the yard for the first signs of the verdant splendor to come.

Well, if spring is only teasing you — with winter acting like an obnoxious guest who’s halfway out the door but won’t completely leave — then you may have to wait a little longer to scratch that itch. Still, it never hurts to plan ahead.

To get in the proper frame of mind, I’ve started perusing seed catalogs and spring–themed magazines to get inspired with planting ideas and to think luscious green not gloomy gray. I’ve gone online to look at garden products and outdoor accessories, any one of which would certainly dress up my back yard.

While I can’t indulge my desires to have all things new on my plot of earth, I did stumble on several items that may require spending a few dollars — just to assure myself that spring is re–borning and winter is not far from flat–lining.

Here are some of my favorites:

*An Uwharrie Arbor and swing that will gently rock two of us on warm spring nights
*An Old Adirondack potting bench for storing my gardening accessories and displaying my wife’s floral prizes
*Florentine Bracket Torches for outdoor candlelight that doesn’t diminish the beauty of the nighttime sky
*A portable greenhouse, with doors and vents, to protect young plants from frost and pests

If you have a favorite backyard or garden accessory, let me know. I’d like to jazz up my outdoor space this year, and I’m looking for some creative ideas. If I use your idea, I’ll plant a sunflower — or raise a cold glass of lemonade — in your honor this summer.

Here’s to spring weather!

Voila! It's a Coffee Table

Coffee tables should be practical yet stylish, downplayed yet an interconnecting part of a room. In our home, we have two coffee tables: one in the family room and one in the living room. Well, actually the two were once one — joined at the hip, so to speak — until my brother–in–law got his hands on it.

It all started when my wife decided that our coffee table — a lid–and–drawers box on a metal frame — was too tall. The furnishing complemented our décor, sitting right in front of the couch in our country–style family room, but it was just tall enough that if you rested your feet on it, you’d think you were ready for a pelvic examination. Not comfortable.

Knowing that our brother–in–law was craftsman with wood, we asked him what we could do to shorten the table. He turned it upside down, thoroughly examined it, hemmed and hawed, and then offered his expert diagnosis: “I can put some shorter legs on it,” he said. Days later, my wife found some wooden bun feet on the Internet, ordered four and handed them off, along with the coffee table’s box, to the woodworker wunderkind.

Six weeks later, we took delivery of a beautifully refinished coffee table with four matching bun feet. Now the only question was: What do we do with the metal frame? My creative wife purchased some foam padding from a crafts shop, covered it with a chocolate–colored vinyl, placed it in the cavity of the frame and, Voila! — or “Viola!” as my brother–in–law likes to say — a coffee table for the living room.

Only it’s time for another change in decor, and we need to start with the living room. I began checking out the shapes, styles and finishes of coffee tables online. Boy, what a selection!

There are modern glass tables, combinations of different–size tables, trunks, mission and rattan styles, retro ’50s types, French and Spanish designs, and classic European looks. I came across Asian–inspired furnishings, vintage styles, and funky geometric tables. Looking at all the choices and the settings in which they’re displayed, I realized what a difference a coffee table can make in a room.

So, if you’re having trouble getting a sense of cohesion to a room, especially a living room, sitting room or family room, or need to freshen up a room for spring, I suggest that you consider buying a coffee table. And if you already own one, you might want to rethink whether the style truly unites the furnishings and serves as a punctuation mark to the overall statement of the room.

We’re doing some rethinking and are considering a more unifying style of coffee table for our living room. I figure if we mess up and get something that doesn’t quite work, we always have backup: Our brother–in–law is only a phone call away. Viola!

Buying a Kids Bed: An Open Letter

Dear Son and Daughter–in–law,

I was thinking of my granddaughter’s first birthday coming up this month and wondered whether you thought about her and her sister’s sleeping arrangements.

Becoming a 1–year–old is kind of a milestone. Before you know it, she'll be walking and into the next stage of growing up. The crib passed on to her from her 3–year–old sister will soon seem out of place, like training wheels on a LeMond racing bike. A new bed would be a stepping stone from infancy to childhood, don’t you think?

Being the furniture lover that I am, I decided to hunt around for a bed for my second, and soon–to–be–1–year–old granddaughter. Of course, it’s your decision whether to buy a bed. After all, you’re the parents. I’m only the Grandpa … the wise, raised–two–great–kids Grandpa!

So in thinking about my two precious granddaughters, I’ve come up with these bed arrangements and suggestions for your consideration:

If the girls keep their separate rooms, then consider giving the older sister’s toddler bed to her younger sister and replacing it with a Daydream Sleigh Bed by Harden Furniture. It has a beautiful lavender and white wash finish, and a contemporary scalloped headboard and footboard with custom butterfly overlays. And you can get it in a Twin or Full size.

I’m also partial to Harden’s Hermosa Pine Mates Bed. It features a bookcase headboard, three drawers of storage space underneath, and a Spanish style with a pine finish. Definitely a more rustic look.

Oh, and one other to consider: The Emily Metal Canopy Bed by Hillsdale Furniture. Such a pretty little girl’s bed with a white powder–coat finish, a canopy frame and headboard and footboard grills. You at least have to see this one.

If you ever think about putting the two girls together in the same room, then check out these attractive choices:

The Summer Breeze Bunk Bed by Legacy Classic Furniture has a white Twin–over–Twin bed design with an optional under–bed storage unit. It has sturdy guard rails and solid hardwood construction. Truly a classic.

The Cape Cod Satin White 3–In–1 Twin⁄Twin Bunk Bed by the Powell Company features a country design with a soft glossy finish and optional under–bed storage drawers. This bed allows you to separate the beds into two Twin size beds or stack them to make bunk beds. Great versatility.

And one more to consider: The Newton Loft Bed by SouthShore Furniture. It has a natural maple finish with two Twin beds, plus a desk with three drawers for storage and a light. Perfect for those school days that are coming.

As I said, these are just some suggestions, one more attempt by Grandpa to influence his children! You can find all these beds online — and at some great prices.

That leaves only one question unanswered: What to do with the crib? Grandpa suggests that you hang on to it. You never know: Grandchild No. 3 could show up!

Love,

Grandpa

A Valentine’s Day Romance

She arrived after 9 p.m. at the Valentine’s Day dance, a last–minute decision to join a party that attracted more of the country club crowd than folks like her. Guests were dressed in their finest, women in haute couture dresses and men sleeked up in smartly tailored suits. She felt so plain, an ugly duckling amid the swans. She was invited because she was a newcomer to town. Still, she wanted to see the festivities that marked the night of romance and love.

At the entrance, she spotted a Kilarney fruitwood accent chair in a corner of the ballroom. Its S–curved scroll back, upholstered arm caps, and artfully designed legs drew her like a magnet. She sat to watch the evening unfold. How comfortable, she thought as she settled in. A three–piece combo played “My Funny Valentine” as couples slow–danced in tight embrace. Roses and white carnations shared tables with flickering candles. Near a trompe l’oeil mural was a beautiful Accentrics Crete credenza with hand–painted detail and curved drawer fronts. What a beautiful furnishing, she thought. Perfect for storing dinnerware and providing a centerpiece in a room. Two white–gloved waiters gracefully maneuvered through the crowd carrying trays of Noka chocolates and fresh strawberries. Two others offered fluted glasses of sparkling champagne. She waved them away, too embarrassed to be noticed by even those who served.

An hour after she arrived, she was ready to leave. As the combo finished its number, she stood to walk across the room. But her foot stepped on the hem of her full–length dress and she tumbled forward in a heap. A simultaneous gasp came from the guests. In the silence, a few could be heard snickering. Only one gentleman rushed to her aid. He stooped down and asked whether she was hurt. “No, I’m fine,” she replied. “Please, I’ll just go.” But he insisted she sit for a few minutes. Reluctantly she took his arm and followed him to the adjoining library. They sat together on a Victoria tri–tone leather loveseat with a button tufted back and decorative accents. How luxurious, she thought, ideal for a family or formal living room.

He asked who she was, where she lived, what she did for a living. Her short answers were always followed by more questions. He wasn’t prying, she thought, just politely interested. She thanked him for helping her. Would she return to the ballroom to dance with him, he asked. She really needed to be going, she said. How about one dance here in the library, he asked. She nodded. As the combo began to play “At Last,” he took her hand and slid his other hand around her waist. They danced cheek–to–cheek without saying a word. With the last note still hanging in the air, she thanked him and said good night. Could he call on her, he asked. If you’d like, she replied.

On her way home, she recounted the night: the richly decorated ballroom, the well–dressed guests, the trays of sweet treats and champagne, the handsome Kilarney fruitwood accent chair, the elegant Accentrics Crete credenza, the romantic music, the soft and warm Victoria leather loveseat, and the kind gentleman who came to her rescue. She would remember them all.

Well, all except the gentleman. For the life of her, she couldn’t recall his name.

Finding Buried Treasures in Closeout Sales

I'll often stop at an estate sale to see if there are any household treasures or must-have items that I can buy for a bargain. I like the thrill of the hunt and the possibility of stumbling on to something that's inexpensive yet invaluable to me.

Searching on the Internet for closeout sales is akin to going to an estate sale. I look for businesses large and small that are going out of business or cleaning out inventory. Their loss could be my gain.

Among my recent finds have been CompUSA, going out of business, and CKB Products, clearing out inventory in camping gear, outerwear and other odds and ends. I've also spotted great bargains in O'Sullivan furniture, closeouts on computer carts, kitchen buffets and hutches, TV stands and audio towers, and home office sets. Many of the products include rebates, a great plus for saving money on a purchase.

If you're looking for closeout sales, just be sure to stay on your toes. These sales usually last for a specified period of time or until the inventory is gone, and that can be fairly fast. So, if you're online shopping for closeout sales, keep these tips in mind:

1. Check the closeout price against the retail price for the same product from another merchant. (Is it really a bargain?)

2. Read carefully the instructions for guarantees, warranties and/or return policies. (Oftentimes when you buy an item, there's no guarantee and no returning it.)

3. See how much shipping costs, to calculate your savings. (Free shipping can make an item even more of a bargain.)

4. Note the conditions for obtaining any rebate. (Are packing slips, receipts or other items required to receive your rebate? Don't lose any of them!)

Explore cyberspace for closeout sales. After all, half the fun is the search. And who knows: You may find a buried treasure that others have overlooked!

Five Favorite Furniture Web Sites

As a lover of furniture, I've found scores of Web sites that provide lots of valuable information on styles, trends, and overall useful tips about home furnishings. I've picked out five of my favorite sites and thought I'd share them with you. If you have a favorite or two, let me know. Here are my five and a brief overview about what each has to offer:

1. www.furniturelibrary.com
It bills itself as "devoted to the advancement of knowledge of furniture." Based in High Point, N.C., the Furniture Library sells a treasure trove of books on furniture-related topics ranging from antiques & collecting to the art, architecture and design of Burma. You must register to place an order. This non-profit educational foundation, established in 1970, will also answer questions you have about furniture. A portion of donations to the foundation and a percentage of book sales are used to help Furniture Design students at various colleges across the United States.

2. http://www.seemydesign.com/
This free, interactive site helps you actually see an interior design for your home by offering visualization tools, theory and resources. An award-winning Web site, www.seemydesign.com will help you avoid making bad choices in designing, remodeling or refurbishing a home or room. With its interactive capabilities, you can design a room to your liking right on your computer. Choose colors, flooring, lighting, and more. And if you need more help, SeeMyDesign™ will point you in the right direction for professional assistance.

3. www.freenet.buffalo.edu/bah/index.html
This free site is maintained by Chuck LaChiusa, an architectural historian in Buffalo, N.Y. Although his site is focused on Buffalo and the surrounding area, he provides in-depth information about architectural styles in America and worldwide. His illustrated furniture glossary (do you know what a "cartouch" or a "patera" is?) is invaluable for anyone wanting to appreciate the various furniture styles and designs of the past and present. LaChiusa also seeks feedback from consumers.

4. www.homeportfolio.com
HomePortfolio focuses on home design. It claims that it can "speed your design, research, and decision-making process ... to help you understand your options and find exactly what you want." It does not sell products and is not a portal or search engine. You can search for products by category (e.g., appliances, furniture, architectural elements, tile & stone), by brand, or by room. It also has such features as "Product of the Day," "What's New," "Books," and "Interviews" with designers and decorators. HomePortfolio is supported by home design manufacturers, retailers and design professionals.

5. http://www.hgtv.com
Knowledge about furniture and home design wouldn't be complete without HGTV.com. Those familiar with Home & Garden Television know that its programs offer a wealth of information about home- and garden-related topics. Online it offers instructions on countless home and garden projects, video tips, an interactive program guide and more. Topics include decorating, remodeling, and crafts, to name a few. On the Web site's home page are a "What's New" feature, Most Watched Videos, Most Searched, Video Makeovers and Products. You'll want to bookmark this site, especially if you don't -- and even if you do -- get Home & Garden Television from your cable or satellite TV company.

Spending My Holiday Money in the Happy New Year

If you're not sure how to spend your Christmas money -- and there's no Aunt Pearl insisting that you use the hefty check she gave you to buy a Sunday-go-to-church outfit -- then let me suggest some great gifts to consider. Actually, I searched the Web to see what might be a fun addition to my home. Using the acrostic HAPPY NEW YEAR, I came up with a dozen furnishings I'd love to have; maybe one will tickle your fancy, if you're financially ticklish.

H - Heritage Flip Top Wine Cabinet. No more wire racks. This cabinet has a classic brown finish that's enhanced with vanilla inlay and hand-painted accents. The top flips open revealing neatly carved spaces for 12 bottles, glasses and bar accessories. A cabernet sauvignon, if you would, my dear.
A - Alegro Media Cabinet. I'm tired of trying to find a decent place to store my collection of CDs. This wood cabinet has a striking black finish and features a glass door with four adjustable shelves inside. The cabinet can hold up to 250 CDs or 102 DVDs. Safe, secure and easy to get to. And now for a little jazz by Wynton Marsalis.
P - Pecan Finish Desk. I would love to have a small writing desk for everyday business: paying bills, crafting hand-written notes to friends and family, figuring my finances, etc. This is one of the prettiest writing desks I've seen. It has an old world carved designs with an attractive pecan finish. A desktop folds down revealing paper slots and cubbies. Finally, I can write the great American novel.
P - Pulaski's Terracina Sienna Armoire. Ah, what a gorgeous piece of furniture. It can hold a TV and has large and small drawers that provide plenty of room for clothing.
The decorative treatments and rich finish would be perfect for our bedroom. Did I mention that it can hold a TV?
Y - Year-round Kingston Game Table. No more setting up a card table for games of pitch or poker. This table will provide great seating for daily meals. Flip the tabletop and you're ready for some competition on the brown-felt surface that has drink and chip holders. Whose deal is it?


N - Northampton 50 Inch Television Console, which will sit nicely in our family room, after I get a new 50-inch TV. (Are you listening, my love?)
E - Enchantment Sleigh Bed. In our many married years, we've never owned a complete bed, just a frame, mattress and a make-do headboard. In looking at all the styles of beds, I've decided that the sleigh bed is my favorite, especially the Enchantment model by Accent Furniture. The rich cherry finish and classic design features hand-carved crown on the headboard and bead molding all around. Hop on board to dreamland!
W - Wheel Clock by Catalina. OK. It's a strange request, but I love clocks. I'm captivated by Infinity Instrument's wheel clock design that's accented with rope twists at the base and has a beautiful walnut finish. The clock dial features a map motif with a compass and roman numerals. Avast, ye maties, you're late for work!


Y - YMCA-type exercise machine. The holidays always take a toll on my waistline. A treadmill or elliptical trainer might help me stay ahead of the Grim Reaper.
E - Eight Foot Taper Leg Pool Table. This has been a fantasy of mine since puberty. (OK. I had strange fantasies.) What I wouldn't give for a full-size pool table. Of course it would mean knocking out a wall, but after that, watch out Minnesota Fats!
A - Adirondack Rocker. I've loved these since I saw them as a kid on a beach along the Atlantic Ocean. The sloped back and seat were first made in the early 1900s. The simple wood style is surprisingly comfortable. I can see myself sitting on it in the back yard as the steaks are grilling and the beer is chilling.
R - Resin Tissue Butler. Everyone needs a gag gift. And if this toilet paper holder doesn't make you gag . . . The small butler figure holds one roll of toilet paper while concealing another under his hat. His other hand is holding his nose. Quite ungentlemanly of him, I must say.

I'll have to add up my Christmas "winnings" to see which gift I can afford. And if you don't know what to do with your pile of cash, and still have the spirit of giving in this post-Christmas season, well, I'd be happy to apply your donation to one of my HAPPY NEW YEAR gifts . . .