Thanksgiving may be over, but the lavish feasts of Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year's still beckon. These holidays can be burdensome if one leaves preparation for the last minute.
Here are some tips for preparing a pretty holiday table.
* Use small brushes with silk or nylon bristles for cleaning fine ornamentation.
* Avoid prolonged contact between silverware and foods such as eggs, mayonnaise, vinaigrette dressing and shellfish. It is not oxygen that tarnishes silver, but sulfur, either in the air or in certain foods and materials.
* Hand wash silver with a mild detergent in hot water, followed by a hot rinse. Towel dry with soft cotton cloths. Most professionals do not recommend machine washing. If you must, VTC use the minimum amount of detergent called for in your dishwasher, then stop the cycle before drying begins. Remove the silver and dry with soft cotton. This eliminates spotting and prevents buildup of chemical residues.
Sparkling crystal makes a holiday table shine. Here is some advice from Swarovski, an Austrian crystal manufacturer.
* Crystal must be handled carefully. Do not rush when handling or cleaning crystal, as it is easily chipped. Wearing rubber gloves allows for better gripping.
* When handling a piece of crystal, always use both hands and support the base of the piece for security.
* It is important to keep crystal objects in a stable environment. Beware of heat; even ordinary cabinet lighting can be detrimental. Low-voltage tungsten lights provide adequate illumination with minimum heat buildup.
* When storing crystal glasses, do not turn them upside down. The base is sturdier than the top. This prevents the rim of the drinking glass from chipping.
* Antique and valuable crystal should be kept in a cabinet with doors. This will protect items from dust and damage.
* Never place fine or antique crystal in hot water or in the dishwasher. The rapid increase in temperature may cause it to crack.
* Gently wash crystal objects in warm, soapy water. Rinse in clear water and dry with a soft cloth. Add white distilled vinegar during the rinse to give crystal a spotless shine.
* Before washing items, line the sink with towels or a plastic dish pan to prevent breaking.
* Persistent stains can be removed by soaking the object in water with a denture tablet. This will remove stains, spots and discoloration.
