It's a privilege to host the holidays, but let's face it - the last minute rush to dress the table and laundering - oh the laundering - make entertaining just a little less enjoyable. Here are a few tips to help make things run smoothly, so that you too can enjoy the festivities.

TABLE INSPIRATION

We are enjoying SFERRA's line of table linens for this holiday season. With just a touch of glimmer, you can kick your minimalist style into high holiday gear! 

1. SHINING DETAILS - Sferra layers their classic "Festival" linen tablecloth (66 X 106") with a "Festival" runner (15 X 72") in white on white, adding a mix of both "Perry" & "Seaver" embroidered napkins (Set of 4, 20 X 20") for the little bit of sparkle the holidays call for.

2. SUBTLE SHIMMER - A wide band of classic white linen paired with a subtle shimmer of gold or silver makes the "Reece" (66 X 106") tablecloth a fantastic choice for celebrating the holidays. Use the contrasting "Filetto" runner (15 X 90") & napkins (Set of 4, 20 X 20") as a finishing touch. 

3. GLISTENING ACCENTS - Simple doesn't have to be boring. Showcase the "Duchess" runner (15 X 72"), available in silver or gold embroidery, alone or over an understated white tablecloth. Both classic and contemporary, this runner will wow your guests and suit any style of home. 

 

HOLIDAY STAIN REMOVAL

Regardless of how careful our guests are and how well we space our table settings, stains happen. We can all agree that a sign of a great dinner party is a tablecloth full of gravy, cranberry sauce and red wine. Throw in a little coffee splatter, chocolate and candle wax and you know you've all had an absolute good time!Here are our favourite stain removal hacks of all time!

RED WINE | ACT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

FOR WASHABLE FABRICS: Soak stain with rubbing alcohol. Use white vinegar to remove any residual staining. If your fabric is sturdy enough, add a coating of salt and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Using an upside down glass or metal bowl, spread the stained fabric on the outside, securing the balance inside the bowl, underneath. Standing a safe distance from the sink, pour boiling hot water over the stained area. Launder as per usual.

FOR NON WASHABLE FABRICS: Blot the stain with rubbing alcohol, followed by white vinegar and finish by dabbing with cold water.  

GRAVY | ACT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

FOR WASHABLE FABRICS: Use a combination of dish soap and water to dissolve the grease. Follow with white vinegar until the stain disappears. Launder as per usual.

FOR NON WASHABLE FABRICS: Use a combination of dish soap and water to dissolve the grease. Rinse. Follow with white vinegar until the stain disappears and finish by dabbing with cold water.  

CHOCOLATE | ACT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

FOR WASHABLE FABRICS: Use a combination of dish soap and water to dissolve the grease. Rinse. If staining remains, try using an enzyme cleaner. Launder as per usual.

FOR NON WASHABLE FABRICS: Use a combination of dish soap and water to dissolve the grease. Rinse. Follow with white vinegar until the stain disappears and finish by dabbing with cold water.  

CANDLE WAX | WAIT UNTIL HARDENED

FOR WASHABLE FABRICS: Scrape off as much as you can. Layer stain with paper towel, on both sides and iron on low setting. Use mineral spirits to remove any remaining wax. 

FOR NON WASHABLE FABRICS: Scrape off as much as you can. Layer stain with paper towel, on both sides and iron on low setting. Use mineral spirits to remove any remaining wax.   

Wishing you and yours a lovely holiday season full of good cheer!