How to Make a Shuffleboard Game on a Table

Table shuffleboard is an entertaining indoor game in which a puck is slid across a table in an effort to make it land in one of several scoring zones. Players can also attempt to knock their opponents' pucks out of the scoring zone and into the gutter. Shuffleboard tables are expensive, however, and not everybody is handy enough to create a regulation table from scratch. If you aren't concerned with the table being exactly the right size and you have an old table you aren't using, you can make a table shuffleboard game.

Instructions

1

Clean off the table thoroughly to prepare the table for sanding. If there are any gouges or cracks in the table that might interfere with shuffleboard, you may have to fill them with wood filler to make sure you are playing on a level surface.

2

Use the power sander or the sandpaper to sand the entire table to make it smooth. Use the pressurized air to get all of the sawdust off of the table. Slide the shuffleboard pucks down the table to see if they travel smoothly. If not, determine areas that are not smooth and use the sander again.

3

Varnish the table to give it an attractive look with two extremely thin coats. Make sure to coat the table as evenly as possible to allow the pucks to move freely. After the varnish dries, test the surface with the pucks one more time and fix any problem areas.

4

Measure the table using the tape measure. Since all tables are different sizes, determine how far from the end you wish to place the scoring lines. The simplest scoring system has four straight lines that create four sections. Use the tape measure and the tape to mark off four equal-size sections at the end of the table.

5

Paint four straight lines using the paintbrush and the long piece of wood to create a straight and even line. In the first section (the closest section to the thrower) use the stencil to paint a 1. Paint a 2 in the second section and a 3 in the third section. The last section will count as the gutter and you can add a symbol there if you wish.

6

Attach the rubber shuffleboard alley around all edges of the table. This alley prevents the shuffleboard pucks from going off of the table and it saves you having to build a gutter from scratch. A rubber alley can be purchased from any shuffleboard table retailer (they are usually sold as replacements). Since your table may be a different size than a regulation table, you may need to cut down the alley to fit your table.

Math Table Games

Games are an effective way of teaching because games make learning fun. While students are focused on playing the game, their brains are incorporating the important information in the lesson. Online and offline math games give students practice and make math fun.

Online Multiplication Puzzle

The UK website wmnet.org has a well-thought out and clever online multiplication game. The game is played on a grid, and users choose their level of difficulty via grid size. By using the multiplication tables and deductive reasoning, players fill in correct numbers on the grid. This is a safe website to use in classrooms with Internet access.

Smath Board Game

Smath is a board game very similar to scrabble, only instead of building words players are challenged to build true math equations. The game is suitable for two to four players. As no Internet access is required, Smath is a low-cost and highly effective way of practicing math suitable for use in classrooms, after-school programs and homes.

Flash Cards

Flash cards are a fun way to learn math equations, especially multiplication tables. Students work in pairs showing each other flash cards, one at a time. Teachers, at their discretion, may include additional challenges, such as using a timer. Students are challenged to get through the math problems faster each time.

Dominoes

Dominoes are a useful tool for teaching math. Have students sit around a table and pull dominoes out of a hat. They must either add the two values, subtract the smaller from the larger or multiply the two together.

Playing Cards

A regular deck of playing cards make a great toy for math learning. First, remove the aces, kings, queens and jacks to play a game similar to War. Divide the deck between two players. One player chants, "One, two, three, flip!" They each flip one card over. For example, they flip a 7 and 2. The first one to call out, "7 + 2 = 9," gathers the two cards and they go again. This game works equally well with subtraction and multiplication.

About Kitchen Tables

The kitchen table is often the center of the home. It is where the family comes together to eat meals and do homework and craft projects. Many people's first lessons and family histories were told at the kitchen table. Does this Spark an idea?

History

The history of the kitchen table is not well-documented. It is said that the Egyptians created the first kitchen tables as platforms to keep food off the floor. Kitchen tables often pop up in the middle ages as a place where servants could take their meals.

The most common information about the history of the kitchen table revolves around not the history of the table itself, but around the history made at the table. Generations of families have made important decisions around the kitchen table.

Function

Kitchen tables are typically where families gather for meals. Kitchen tables are usually reserved for day-to-day, informal gatherings. Children may also use the kitchen table to complete homework and art projects.
These tables are usually a central gathering place within the home because of their location in the kitchen. Most families will have most of their meals at the kitchen table, rather than the dining room table, which is often reserved for formal meals.

Types

Kitchen tables come in a variety of shapes and sizes. From small dinettes, to large farmhouse tables, there is a kitchen table that fits every home. The typical shapes for kitchen tables include round, rectangular and oval.
A typical table can seat from four people to eight people, depending on its size. Wood is by far the most popular material for kitchen tables. However, glass-top tables and even stainless steel tables are popular. Tables with "drop leafs" or removable leafs are also popular because they allow you to add space to the table for large gatherings, while keeping the table small the rest of the time.

Features

Some tables have leafs that allow it to expand when you are expecting company. Drop leafs work through a mechanism that holds the section of the table up when you need extra space. When you no longer need that space, the section drops down.
Removable leafs are added to the table when you need more space. The table is typically pulled apart at the center to allow the leaf to fit inside. The leaf can then be removed when the extra space is no longer needed. Leafs are especially helpful in small kitchens where space is at a premium.

Size

Kitchen tables come in a variety of sizes. It is essential to measure the space in your kitchen before you purchase a table. When measuring, also account for chairs. Tables that include drop leafs allow the table to take up a minimum amount of space when they are not in use. The tables then expand for guests.

Kitchen tables are typically 30 inches high. They range in length from 40 to 92-plus inches. Widths are typically from 36 to 42 inches.

How to Remove Candle Wax From a Coffee Table

A coffee table is often a show piece in the living room. At the very least, it is a well-used piece of furniture, holding reading material, a drink or two and sometimes a candle. Candle wax can seem more difficult to remove than it really is. No matter what the surface--wood, glass or otherwise--wax can generally be removed and your table restored. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place a piece of newspaper or brown paper bag over the wax. Take a heated iron and run the iron over the paper and wax. The paper will absorb the wax as the iron melts it.

2

Use a hair dryer to soften the wax. Hold the hair dryer about 3 to 4 inches above the wax until the wax is pliable. Use a credit card or plastic spatula to scrape up the softened wax.

3

Clean any residue left behind with a solution of 2 tbsp. of white vinegar in 1 cup of warm water. Vinegar is safe for both glass and wood. If there is any staining left behind from the dye in the candle, use straight vinegar to pick it up, but then rinse and thoroughly dry the area quickly.

4

Place a cold pack or bag filled with ice on the wax if you are unable to warm it. This will harden the wax enough so that it can be scraped off. Scrape gently or you can damage the table. Again, use the vinegar mixture to wipe any remaining residue off.

Multiplication Table Math Games

Learning the multiplication tables fundamentally improves your ability to do math. Most of us need to do a lot of repetition to get better at the multiplication tables. Some games will help you get started, giving you plenty of time to remember. Others need a more advanced mathematician who knows a few tricks of the trade to get the best scores.

Woodlands Number Skills

One online game that helps you memorize the times tables is at the Woodlands Junior School website. There are several series available. You select how high the answer values can go and how long you want the game to last. You can see your time ticking down, which is useful if you're trying to beat your last score. Some of the pages have a few glitches but nothing that a page refresh won't fix.

Drag and Drop Multiplication Games

The drag and drop game consists of cards with multiplication formulas on them that the player needs to grab with the mouse and drag over to the correct answer. It feels a bit like a form of solitaire. If you want a low-stress way to learn your times tables, this game is for you. No timers, no buzzers, no bells. You just finish filling the table with the right answers and then move on to another table.

Targeting Math

The approach in Targeting The Answer feels completely different from the first two games. In this game, you have a gun sight and targets with answers to a multiplication problem that appears at the top of the screen. When you shoot, you hear a loud boom. If you shoot the correct answer, the target drops to a chorus of cheers. If you shoot the wrong target, a turkey squawks and the targets stay in place. At the end of two minutes, you'll receive your score.

Making Sum Sense

The most challenging of the four games, Sum Sense requires you to not only do the math, but construct the equations. This game presents you with three to four numbered cards. To move on to the next challenge you must move the cards into place to form a mathematically correct formula and answer. This game makes you think, even if you know your multiplication tables well. You have two minutes to figure out all the equations and stop the clock. You'll have to remember some of the tricks of your multiplication tables, like anything times a five ends in zero or five, to get under a minute.

Plans for a Simple Table

You are in the middle of your wedding planning and you are trying to think of ideas on how to set up your guest tables. You don't want your tables to be over-the-top or too plain. Several items will already be on the table such as your stemware, china and flatware, not to mention the guests' favors, napkins and food, so you do not want to overcrowd the space or make your guests feel uncomfortable. With even just one of the suggestions below, you can create a lovely wedding table that entices the eye while allowing space for your guests' comfort.

Instructions

1

Stretch a white table skirt around the table corners, similar to how you would put a fitted sheet on your mattress. Pull the skirt down so that it covers all the table legs and reaches to the floor. Spread a white tablecloth over the table top. Place one to three tablecloths of your wedding color on the same table in a pattern that allows you to see both the white tablecloth and the colored cloth.

2

Decorate your chairs. Place chair covers over them for a cohesive look. Tie a decorative sash in your wedding color to each chair.

3

Place a bouquet in a bouquet clamp, which can be found at your local craft or wedding store. Position the clamp in the middle of the table and secure in place by tightening the clamp down like you would a C clam. Add more clamps to the sides of the table if desired.

4

Place your centerpiece in the middle of the table. Use one large, dramatic centerpiece such as a lush floral display or a basket full of long, willow branches. As an alternative, use two smaller centerpieces on the ends of the table and one centerpiece in the middle. This works well for rectangular tables.

5

Place a series of votive candles in candle holders across the center of the table, stretching from one end of the table to the other. Sprinkle flower petals in a coordinating color around the votive holders. Wrap tulle fabric around the display or place under the votive holders.

6

Place one to three round, clear glass bowls on your table. Fill each bowl about three quarters of the way full with water. Place several floating candles in each bowl for a simple, yet elegant look.

7

Place an edible arrangement on your table for a simple and practical look. Use a clear bowl of fruit, a fruit topiary or a bowl of tomatoes for an Italian wedding in the center of your table. Cut up lemon and lime slices and stack them on the bottom of a square vase. Top the arrangement with a small floral bouquet for a simple elegant and artistic look.

8

Use terra-cotta pots for a garden-themed wedding. Place three on your table and plant a flower such as a daffodil or daisy in the center. Mix a couple of colors and sizes of flowers together for a garden feel.

9

Place pictures of the bride and groom across the table. Place a few frames of varying heights in the middle or stretch a series of pictures from one end to another. Have the pictures tell a story by placing childhood pictures on the left and progressively move up to the most current pictures of the couple on the right end of the table.

DIY Drum Table Plans

Drum tables are an eye-catching style of coffee or end table in which an old drum becomes a completely functional piece of furniture. Depending on the way you build your drum table, it may or may not still also function as a musical instrument -- in addition to being a beverage and food holder. Designing your own drum table plans is an excellent way to create a piece that reflects you and your space, and uses the materials you have available to their best advantage. There are a few different main attachment methods you can use to get your supports on the drum. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Design the drum table with basic legs attached to the sides of the drum and the drum head facing upwards for the most straightforward and simple type of design. Various types of legs can be used, providing they are at least 1-inch by 1-inch by the desired height. Use at least three legs but there is no upper limit to the number of legs. Mount the legs on either the inside of the drum or the outside of the drum, depending on the attractiveness of the legs. Predrill the holes before attaching the screws, and keep the legs at even heights. Bolts running through the legs and the thin drum shell and secured with washers and nuts can keep the legs in place.

2

Include a circular support for a more complicated design. Measure the circumference of the interior of the drum, then cut out a plywood board that has the same circumference. Position the board near the bottom of the inside of the drum to be the support board and drill through the outside of the drum into the edge of the support board. Attach the support board in place by screwing 1 1/2-inch wood screws through the shell of the drum. Drill out large holes in the top support board to allow sound to exit the drum. With this design you could attach turned legs to the support board with table-leg plate hardware for a more professional look that doesn't seriously compromise the drum.

3

Stack multiple small drums with four legs on the exteriors of the drums. Allow a space between each drum to increase the amount and type of storage your table can hold. Small drums could be used to make a tabletop-sized tiered server for parties.

4

Join several drums of the same size in a row, or in a cluster made from three drums from the same kit. for a cluster, the drum heads could be at different heights, as long as the bottoms of the shells lined up. Use extra support blocks behind the shells of each drum when attaching the drums together side by side, using screws with washers and nuts to join the drums inside the shells. Use either style of leg with this style.

How to Build a Noguchi Coffee Table

In truth, you can't build a Noguchi coffee table. The iconic table was designed in 1944 by Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi for the president of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. It has been produced under exclusive license since 1948 by the Herman Miller company. The original design along with sculpture, stage designs and other works for gardens and public projects by Noguchi can be found in the Noguchi Museum on Long Island. You can buy an imitation piece for as little as $600, which is probably less that it would cost to assemble materials to make your own. If you're a woodworker who's eager to attempt it, though, you can try to capture the spirit of the original using similar materials to create your own piece of art. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Assemble your materials. You'll need a piece of heavy plate glass, shaped in a sort of bulbous triangle with one side of about fifty inches, one about forty and one about thirty-six inches, with finished edges. For the base, you'll need two pieces of wood, each about an inch and three-quarters thick. Each of them should be about thirty-six inches long and sixteen inches tall. To join the base, find a hardwood dowel and a matching (very sharp) drill bit for the pivot pin assembly.

2




Shape your wood. The original Herman Miller production line included birch, walnut and cherry. Today the tables are manufactured in lacquered, walnut and cherry finishes. The two "biomorphic" table bases are identical, inverted canoe-shaped pieces with tall, pointed "sterns" about fifteen inches tall when finished. The seven and a half inch tall "bows" are notched on the museum piece just at the breaks on the outer curves. The beauty of the piece depends in large part on the attractiveness and skill of finish on these pieces.

3

Connect your finished base. Drill dowel holes just where the top of the curve breaks and turns down on the shorter ends and connect your pieces by inserting a two-to-three-inch piece of dowel to fit the pieces, one long edge down and the other inverted, with the flat side up. The manufacturer sells replacement pins and dowels, so you might be wise to make several to keep on hand in case your table should need a replacement.

4

Dry fit your table. Open the bases almost a seventy to to eighty degree angle so that the base supports the glass firmly. Check the top to be sure that the table top is level. If not, your two bases are not identical. Take the wood pieces apart and sand down the points where the two pieces meet or the points on the "stern" so that the joined end and the two "stern" ends are all the same height. Dry fit again and check the top with a carpenter's level.

5

Do a final fine sanding and finish your wood with a good ebony lacquer or clear varnish. Reassemble. You can't have a Noguchi but you've got something in the abstract spirit of the piece.

Cool Furniture Ideas

Furniture can be created with items found around your house. Look around for simple items to frame as pieces of art for your home. Make a dining room table using reclaimed timber with tripods for legs. For small spaces, place an old farm table in the middle of the kitchen to use for eating as well as for prepping dinner. Store colorful baskets underneath for extra storage. Does this Spark an idea?

Kitchen Island

Instead of installing an island in your kitchen, use an old farm table for extra space for eating, all in the heart of your home. To save space, add chairs just at the end of one side of the table. This way, the other side can be used for moving around the kitchen and preparing meals. For extra storage, use baskets under the table to stash items. Friends and family can sit and enjoy a glass of wine while watching the cook prepare dinner.

Coffee Table

For an affordable coffee table idea, use items found outside. An old piece of reclaimed timber situated on top of two urns or flower pots creates a durable and simple coffee table. Use paint to spruce up the urns or pots with designs and patterns. Spray paint the wood, or for a more natural design, apply two coats of sealant to protect it from water marks and stains. If you have any old wooden boxes around your house, use those for a coffee table. Cover the box with your favorite tapestry or curtain, and you have a beautiful coffee table.

Message Center

Choose a space in your home to create a message center. Paint one wall with chalkboard and magnetic paint so family and friends can leave parting messages. Place comfortable chairs under the board for seating while writing or drawing. Use old milk crates for seating, which often can be found at grocery stores for free. Place a colorful striped pillow on top for an attractive seating area.

Art

Art can be expensive, unless you make your own. Look around your home for cherished items. For a baby's room, use socks and baby shirts framed in simple white frames. Laundry rooms, a space where you spend a lot of time, are a space to hang art work. Frame a clothespin or argyle sock for an unexpected piece of art. Old forks and knives, placed behind a simple frame and hung in the kitchen, can create affordable and cool decorations.

Dining Table

Use camera tripods to make a dining table. For the top of the table, consider using an old door or any large piece of wood. For a colorful fabric, use vinyl, which is very durable and easy to clean. As an extra design touch, trim around the table with large nail heads.

How to Make Game Table Covers

A game table is a great piece of furniture to include in a family room or basement. To keep the table dust and dirt free, a game table cover can be fashioned from sturdy oilcloth. Oilcloth is available by the yard in a variety of patterns and colors at fabric stores. The oilcloth will not unravel, which eliminates hemming. A sewing machine's heavy duty needle will slide through the oilcloth during the game table cover seaming. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the width and length of the game table top. Add 8 inches to each measurement to determine the yardage needed.

2

Cut the oilcloth to fit the size of the top of the game table plus 2 inches widthwise and lengthwise. Cut two 6-inch-wide strips with the same width as the table and two 6-inch-wide strips that are the same length as the table.

3

Pin one 6-inch strip to one edge of the large piece of fabric, right sides together and sew a 1/2-inch straight seam. Repeat, using 6-inch-wide strips on each edge of the large piece of fabric.

4

Pin two strip edges together at one game table cover corner, right sides together, and sew a 1/2-inch seam to connect. Repeat on all corners to complete the game table cover.

How to Build a Breakfast Table

A breakfast table lets you savor the morning meal in the kitchen's cozy atmosphere. It can fit easily in a smaller area, turning it into a great alternative to the traditionally large dining table. A little experience in crafting and cutting wood can be quite helpful.

Instructions

1

Measure the available area in the kitchen or room where the breakfast table is to be installed. Design the table with dimensions fitting the space.

2

Calculate the dimensions of a comfortable chair at home to determine the table's required depth and height.

3

Make frames from wood strips for the outer dimensions of the table. Create a list that shows the size of each piece of wood required.

4

Cut wooden pieces into the required shapes and sizes to assemble the sides of the frame. Use wood glue at the joining surfaces. Drill long screws at junctions.

5

Cover the frames with inch, medium-density fiberboard. Make perfectly straight cuts on the fiberboard so that it matches the table correctly.

6

Use construction adhesive to clamp and attach all separate pieces into one unit. Secure the panels and remaining items using a pneumatic nail gun.

7

Finish by installing the remaining screws to the table and paint the surface with varnish.

Local and Sustainable Restaurants in New Jersey

Local and organic food is better for you. It's also better for the planet, because it reduces carbon emissions and the use of harmful pesticides. As Americans become more interested in eating healthier food and reducing our carbon footprint, sustainable restaurants that use local or organic ingredients are cropping up everywhere, including New Jersey.

Ninety Acres

The British billionaire Sir Richard Branson has been a strong proponent of greener living. He has created a carbon-friendly fleet of commercial jets, and eco-friendly resorts like Virgin Spa at Natirar, which is home to Ninety Acres Restaurant. Situated on a 500-acre estate in the rolling hills of Somerset County, Virgin Spa also features a 76-room restored retreat known as the Ladd Mansion, a 10-acre organic farm, a 50-seat wine cellar, and a cooking school.

Ninety Acres is a "farm-to-table" restaurant that offers a contemporary American menu based on fresh seasonal ingredients, many of which come from the restaurant's own farm. Ninety Acres serves dinner from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Sunday brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Ninety Acres Restaurant

2 Main St.

Peapack, NJ 07977

908-901-9500

ninetyacres.com

Silver Diner

Don't expect any greasy spoons at this diner; it's part of a burgeoning "diner chain" that uses sustainable local and regional farm foods. The Silver Diner provides a nostalgic "neighborhood diner" atmosphere, and a menu that emphasizes organic local milk, eggs, chicken, coffee and other sustainable, seasonal ingredients. It also offers an innovative "healthy dining" concept called "Meals Under 600 Calories." Free Wi-Fi and curbside carryout are available.

Silver Diner is open Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Silver Diner

2131 Route 38

Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

856-910-1240

silverdiner.com

Stage Left

Stage Left began introducing sustainable dining to the New Brunswick area in the early 1990s, and is one of the originators of the sustainable concept in New Jersey. Its visionary owners, Mark Pascal and Francis Schott, create inspired American cuisine with organic and local ingredients. Stage Left's wine list has won multiple awards from "The Wine Spectator," and includes bottles priced from $30 to $3,000.

Stage Left serves lunch from noon to 2:30 p.m. Dinner is served from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday, until 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Stage Left

5 Livingston Avenue

New Brunswick, NJ 08901

732-828-4444

stageleft.com

The Uses of the Periodic Table

The periodic table of elements was developed by Dmitri Mendeleev, a Russian chemist, and presented by him in 1869. At the time, it contained 65 elements arranged in grid. The elements were, and still are, classified according to certain properties and their atomic weights. For example, the elements to the left of the table have higher atomic weights than those on the right. As of today, the periodic table contains 112 elements.

Basic Facts

The periodic table is the most important reference in chemistry. Elements on it are arranged left to right in the order of increasing atomic number (which usually corresponds to increasing atomic mass). The rows of the table are called periods. The more electrons there are in an element, the lower the period in which it is found. Furthermore, elements with similar chemical properties to other elements are arranged in the same column of the periodic table.

Function

Mendeleev developed the table such that it allowed for elements that were yet to be discovered. For example, he noted gaps where elements that were not yet known should be placed, based on their chemical properties and atomic weights. Places are still open today, and the table continues to be filled with new elements. For example, five radioactive elements are in the process of being approved.

Use

Chemists use the periodic table to organize and study elements found in the world. The table gives them basic information regarding each known element, in blocks. Each block of the periodic table consists of specific information pertaining to an element. There is the element's atomic symbol (such as B for boron). There is its atomic number above the symbol (in boron's case, 5) and its atomic mass below the symbol (in boron's case, 10.81). The atomic symbol is one or two letters that represent the element. That atomic number is the number of protons in one atom of the element, which in turn characterizes the element's chemical behavior. An element's atomic mass is the total mass of protons, neutrons and electrons in a single atom of the element.

Features

An important feature of the periodic table is how it relates to different elements' electron configurations. For example, the table's Group 18 consists of the noble gases and is made up of the column at the farthest right of the table. Noble gases are known for their lack of reactivity and thus have a very stable electron configuration. This configuration consists of a full outer shell of electrons. On the other hand, elements in the table's Group 1 are called alkali metals and are on the farthest left side of the table. They are known to be highly reactive because they are able to lose and gain electrons easily.

Other Features

There is a progression from metals to nonmetals across the table's periods. Elements in Groups 3 through 12 contain transition metals, which are similar to one another. Their similarities include variable valency, the ability to catalyze and the ability to produce color compounds.

How to Build a Drop Leaf

A drop-leaf section of a table or desk folds down against the wall or the table legs when it is not in use. It is an excellent surface for small spaces, or for occasional use. Drop-leaf tables often have a center support from which the leaf or leaves hang, but they also can be built with only one leaf hanging from the wall. A hinged leaf section can be attached directly to a wall or to an existing table, as long as there is sufficient support for the weight of the leaf. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut a piece of wood to the desired size of the leaf, and prepare it for hanging by sanding and painting, oiling or varnishing it as you like.

2

Cut a wall support that is the same length as the side of the table leaf that will be flush with the wall.

3

Trim a section of the drop leaf surface from the main section that is the same width as the combined depth of the wall support wood, the leaf, and a support triangle which will be the same depth as the wall support. For example, if your wall support is 1 inch deep, and your tabletop surface is 3/4 of an inch, this section should measure 2 3/4 inches wide.

4

Attach this trimmed section to the wall support with screws so that it overhangs the support enough to attach the leaf with hinges. The hinges should be attached on the bottom side of the leaf surface so that they aren't visible when the table is open.

5

Attach the upper support to the wall if you are not attaching it to an existing table. Screw the support into the wall studs, which are usually 16 inches apart on center.

6

Build a support triangle below the wall support that can swing out to hold the table up when in use, and swing shut below the table when it is not. Attach the triangle with hinges to a piece of wood that is the same depth as the upper wall support, screwed into a stud, so that the support triangle lies flat against the wall support when in use.

7

Attach the leaf section to the hinges on the wall support. Make sure to use screws that are no longer than the depth of the leaf, so that they don't poke through the tabletop surface.

Restaurant Games to Play

Sitting still at restaurants can be a challenge for young and rambunctious children. The longer the wait before and after their meal, the more fidgety some kids can become. The best way to handle the situation is to nip the problem in the bud. When you sit down in a restaurant with your children, entertain them with a few games to make the wait easier.

Menu Seek-a-Word

Bring some pencils and a small pad of paper with you to restaurants. Pass out a sheet of paper and pencil to each child.

Have them write the name of the menu item they order at the top of the paper.

Instruct the children to find as many words as they can made from the letters in the food that they ordered. For example, if they ordered chicken nuggets, they might find chick, gun, get, stun and neck.

See who can find the most words before the food arrives at the table.

Straw Worms

Ask the waiter or waitress for an empty plate and a few straws when you sit down.

Upwrap your straws by pushing the paper down, starting at one end, so it comes off the other end as a tightly crinkled tube.

Lay the straw paper on the empty plate.

Put your straw into a water glass and cover the top end with your finger. Pull the straw out of the water, keeping the top end covered, so that the straw is full of water.

Hold the straw over the piece of straw paper. Lift your finger to release the water onto the paper. The crinkled paper will begin to expand and writhe, like a worm coming to life and growing before their eyes.

The Colors of Food

Start the game by selecting a color to start with, such as red.

Have the person next to you come up with a food that is red, such as strawberries. The next person names another red food, such as tomatoes.

Continue around the table, naming red foods. Each person has five seconds to name a food. Once a food is named, it cannot be used again. Keep going until you run out of guesses.

Start with another color and go around again.

What's Missing

Occupy children after the meal as you wait for dessert or your check. Have the children close their eyes.

Remove something from the table, such as your napkin, a salt shaker or fork.

Have the children open their eyes and try to guess what is missing from the table. Whoever guesses correctly gets to hide the next object.

Ideas for a Country Table Centerpiece

Keep it simple and fresh when designing a country table centerpiece. Incorporate fresh-picked flowers from your garden or a country field into the arrangement. Pull out your favorite antique pieces and use them to create charming table designs. Country table centerpieces should appear as if they were casually thrown-together, not labored over. Create a coordinating look using complementary colors and patterns, such as fabrics featuring green stripes with pink floral designs. Does this Spark an idea?

Jar of Wildflowers

Incorporate just-picked wildflowers into a simple country-inspired centerpiece. Fill a vintage glass mason jar with water and a handful of vibrantly colored wildflowers such as daisies, snapdragons, black-eyed susans, coneflowers, poppies and zinnias. Place a bandanna or a square of gingham-patterned fabric under the jar.

Dried Corn Decor

Create a farm-inspired centerpiece using dried corn. Fill round or square clear glass vessel halfway with dried corn. You can also use coffee beans or dried fruit, depending on the party theme and color scheme. Nestle a pillar candle into the decor for a charming centerpiece that provides soft lighting.

Country Christmas Centerpiece

Design a festive country centerpiece to enhance a holiday dinner table. Fill a galvanized metal tub or large bucket with small live miniature pine trees. Surround the tub with twigs of red berries and small votive holders filled with green and white candles.

Harvest Centerpiece

Celebrate autumn in the country with vibrant harvest-inspired decor. Fill large glass apothecary jars with assorted fall items, such as pine cones, mini pumpkins, green and gold gourds or colorful Indian corn. Sprinkle real or faux autumn leaves around the arrangement. Place a tall taper candle in a pine cone-shaped votive holder on each side of the apothecary jar.

Pitcher of Flowers

Make a charming spring centerpiece using a vintage farmhouse pitcher. Decorate a porch or garden soiree with a white ceramic pitcher filled with colorful fresh flowers. Use pink sweetheart roses, yellow and orange tulips, purple hyacinth, and accents of eucalyptus and baby's breath for a country chic look.

DIY Octagonal Drum Table

Give yourself more storage and give any room a decorative look with a homemade octagonal drum table. Octagonal panels on the top and bottom form the shape of the piece, while the side panels create the height. Small hinges turn one of the side panels into a door, which lets you use the inside of the table for storage. A DIY octagonal drum table works nicely as a nightstand or end table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Set a 2-foot-by-2-foot-by-2-inch board on top of a second board the same size. Sketch the octagon shape on the top board using a measuring tape as your guide. An octagon has eight sides; when you draw the design, make sure that each point on the octagon is an equal distance apart.

2

Cut the octagon shape from the board using a circular saw. Use the cutting blade to go through both pieces of wood at the same time. Lightly sand the edges of the wood, removing any splinters or uneven spots and leaving behind a smooth edge.

3

Measure 24 inches down a board that is 4 feet by 2 inches by 2 inches. Cut the board across this line and repeat with the remaining boards. These boards serve as the side panels of the drum table. Sand the edges of each board.

4

Drill a series of 1-inch holes around one of the octagon shapes. Place the holes every two inches along the piece. Repeat with the second octagon piece. Drill two holes 1-inch deep onto the ends of each side panel. Leave one of the sides of the octagon and one side panel free of holes.

5

Place a dollop of wood glue in each hole on the octagon pieces. Set a wood dowel on top of the glue and tap into place with a hammer. Repeat this step with each hole, placing glue and a dowel in each hole on the octagon pieces.

6

Apply a coat of wood stain to each piece of wood. Paint the stain on the wood with a foam paintbrush. Wait 30 to 60 seconds and wipe off any remaining stain with an old rag, which absorbs any stain the wood did not absorb.

7

Turn one of the side panels upside down and coat the inside of the holes with wood glue. Carefully place the panel on top of the octagonal piece, lining up the dowels with the holes. Tap the top of the wood with a hammer until the panel sits flush with the octagonal piece. Repeat this step with each panel, working your way around the table until you only have the nondrilled piece remaining.

8

Press a small amount of glue into the top holes of the side panels. Center the remaining octagonal piece on top and line up the dowels with the holes. Carefully wiggle the piece onto the dowels, using a hammer if needed. Let the wood glue dry overnight.

9

Attach two metal hinges to the edge of your remaining board. The hinges should sit two inches from the top and bottom of the piece. Set the panel on the empty spot in the drum table and screw the hinge to the table with 2-inch wood screws.

How to Make a Simple End Table

An end table is a useful and decorative piece of furniture. It can range from being simple to elaborate, but it still serves the same purpose. Purchasing an end table can be expensive. Save money by building your own simple end table out of inexpensive materials. An end table with clean lines will match almost any dcor. Choose a paint color that coordinates with the room for a customized look.

Instructions

1

Cut two pieces measuring 2-by-3-feet from a 4-by-8 sheet of 3/4-inch plywood with a handsaw. Cut a 45-degree mitered angle on both ends of the pieces, facing opposite directions. These are the table supports.

2

Cut two sections measuring 24-by-26-inches from a 4-by-8 sheet of 3/4-inch plywood. These boards will be the top and bottom of the table.

3

Measure 1 1/2 feet from the end of a table support with a tape measure and mark with a pencil. Place the tape measure on the mark and measure 1 foot from the side of the board. Mark with a pencil. This is the center of the board. Cut a 1-foot-long slit, 3/4 inch wide, across the center of the board with a jigsaw. Repeat on the remaining table support.

4

Sand the boards with 150-grit sandpaper.

5

Slide the table supports together at the slits to form an "X." Place the bottom of the table over the ends of the supports and attach with wood glue. Turn the table over and place the top of the table over the ends of the table supports and attach with wood glue. Allow the glue to dry.

6

Apply primer with a paintbrush and allow it to dry. Paint the table the desired color with spray paint. Apply two coats of polyurethane and allow it to dry completely before using the table.

How to Make a Rock Coffee Table

In many ways, a coffee table is just as important as a couch. The coffee table sits parallel to the couch in the exact center and reflects, complements or contrasts with the stylistic choice of the sofa. A badly chosen coffee table will make the entire room look poorly decorated, regardless of the other pieces of furniture. If you're a very earthy person or enjoy having organic pieces of furniture in your home, making your own coffee table out of a piece of rock may prove appealing. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Visit a home landscaping or garden supply store. Look for a rock that meets the average dimensions of a coffee table: 18 to 28 inches wide and 16 to 19 inches high.

2

Look at the sides of the rock. Lay a level on top of the top and bottom. You need a rock that has a smooth, level upper surface for putting drinks and other items on.

3

Combine 1/4 cup all-purpose cleanser with 1 gallon water in a bucket. Dip a scrub brush in the mixture and scrub down the exterior of the rock. Rinse with clean water. Allow the rock to dry for 24 hours.

4

Apply a coat of sealer specially designed for rocks with a 3-inch nylon brush. Cover the entire surface area of the rock with sealer to give it a glossy finish. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

5

Cut a piece of foam that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the rock. Cut a heavy piece of fabric or rug the same dimensions as the foam. Place the fabric or rug on top of the foam where you want the coffee table to be. Roll the rock on top of it.

Do It Yourself Granite Table

Granite tables can add elegance and flair to any dining room. They're durable and longer lasting than standard wooden tables. Granite can also be used to create smaller tables such as side tables, foyer tables and even cocktail or coffee tables. But building a granite table is not a beginner project and requires time, effort and knowledge of the materials. Does this Spark an idea?

Planning

Granite comes in a variety of colors and patterns, so each slab of granite will be unique. Keep this in mind if you are trying to create matching side tables or various pieces of furniture within a room. While the furniture itself may have an overall matching appearance, the grain of each piece of granite can vary greatly.

Granite can also be an expensive material, so set a budget for all of the necessary materials. Designate a portion of your budget to hardware for assembling the table, table legs and, of course, the largest portion of your budget, the granite slab.

Before purchasing any materials, design a concept for your table. Popular ideas include using a solid piece of granite or using smaller pieces of granite in a tile pattern.

Assembly

Granite is a heavy material, so use adequate support. Otherwise, you run the risk of having your table collapse beneath the weight of the granite and potentially injuring someone.

To begin, you will need to order the granite. Many companies that sell custom granite counters also accommodate special orders, such as a specific size or shape for a granite table. However, special orders can take up to eight weeks or more before they are delivered.

Once the granite has arrived, you can begin assembly. If you've purchased a granite table kit through a local contractor, then your kit will include all instructions and materials to assemble the table.

The frame of the table should be built to be sturdy and supportive of large amounts of weight. Aim to provide support to the center of the granite table. For example, a hexagonal shaped table base will provide support to the center of a round granite table, but also allow you to be seated comfortably. By supporting the center of the granite slab, you can prevent issues such as cracks or other damage, or in extreme cases, completely snapping in half.

Large-scale granite tables are an extremely difficult project and should be left to a professional. Large granite tables are often created by adhering the granite to other materials to strengthen the slab, which also adds weight and the table can become difficult to work with.

Country Barnyard Breakfast Table Decoration Tips

Give your breakfast table a barnyard look with stencilled animals on napkins and tablecloths. Make farm buildings from cardboard to decorate your serving dishes. Sculpt barnyard creatures from clay or paint heavy white crockery with animals and cheerful barnyard sayings. Does this Spark an idea?

Farm Buildings

Make a barn-shaped basket for toast, muffins or rolls. Use a rectangular basket with a handle. Cut out cardboard walls to fit around the basket and glue them together. Cut doors in one side. Add a roof by folding a long piece of cardboard in the middle to form an upside-down V and gluing it to the top of the walls. Paint the barn red, the roof gray or black, and add white windows and white X shapes on the doors.

Make smaller sheds and a chicken coop in the same manner and place them over the sugar bowl, butter dish and jam server. Add stickers or paint on small details to identify the buildings.

Napkins and Tablecloth

Make or buy a barn-red tablecloth and napkins. Stencil whimsical barnyard animals onto one folded side of each napkin and the center of the tablecloth. Add a different animal to each corner of the tablecloth. Stencil or paint rectangular "troughs" on the tablecloth where you will have place settings. Add a short saying such as "Feeding Time" in the center of each trough.

Stencil chickens, roosters, cows and pigs onto a white cloth and napkins. At each place setting, stencil chicken tracks or hoof prints leading to chickens, cows or pigs. Beside each animal, stencil the name of a breakfast item, such as "Freshly Laid Eggs" or "Farm-Raised Bacon." Use animal-shaped salt-and-pepper shakers, sugar bowl and creamer.

Dishes

Paint a Lazy Susan white, then add red checks. Buy or make red-checked napkins and a tablecloth. Make barnyard animal figures from sculpting clay. Using the point of a toothpick, carve a greeting on the front of some of the figures such as "Good Morning" or "Breakfast's Served." Print the names of breakfast items on other figures, such as "French Toast" and "Scrambled Eggs." Paint the figures and bake them according to the manufacturer's directions. Place one figure at each place setting and one beside each breakfast item. Stencil animals onto heavy, old-fashioned crockery using glass paint. Stencil greetings onto the breakfast plates and cups, and breakfast item names onto serving dishes. Bake the dishes according to the paint manufacturer's directions to set the paint.

How to Make a Hard-Topped Cover for a Coffee Table

Once rare, ottoman-style coffee tables have become a ubiquitous part of the suburban-contemporary living room. Whether it's a casual overstuffed microfiber or a formal tufted leather, these pieces make it OK to put your feet on the coffee table. The only problem that arises is caused by the unsteady cushioned surface -- drinks fall over and plates wobble and leak. For everyday use, a small tray usually provides enough surface area to avoid this -- but when you entertain, you need room for hors doeuvres and glasses. In these situations, a hard cover can come in handy. They temporarily turn your ottoman table into a hard-top, protect the upholstery from spills and are small enough to store under the couch when not in use. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the length and width of the top of your coffee table, and add an extra inch to each dimension. This will give you a topper that extends a half-inch beyond all sides of the table top so spills will run to the floor instead of seeping underneath to the upholstery.

2

Cut the plywood to your dimensions. Sand the edges with coarse sandpaper to knock off splinters and ragged bits. It doesn't have to be smooth, just even and clean.

3

Lay down a drop cloth outside, and set up four bricks or cinder blocks to elevate the plywood above the ground.

4

Mix fiberglass resin with included hardener according to the directions on the can. Pour the mixed resin into the center of the plywood and spread to the edges with a plastic scraper. Aim for a thin, even layer, and allow the resin to run over the edges to coat. Allow it to dry and then flip the wood over and do the same to the other side.

5

Sand the plywood with and orbital sander and fine-grit sandpaper until the resin is smooth. Wipe it down with a tack cloth.

6

Mix body filler and hardener as directed on the can, and apply to the wood with a plastic scraper. Work quickly, spreading as smooth as possible. Allow to dry, flip the wood and do the other side.

7

Sand the piece with the orbital sander and fine-grit sandpaper until the body filler is smooth. Apply another coat of body filler, but make it a bit thicker. Allow to dry, and do the other side.

8

Sand the piece until smooth again, but this time use a carpenter's level to avoid sanding dips and valleys into the surface. Do both sides, and wipe down with a tack cloth.

9

Apply a coat of primer to all sides and edges and allow it to dry.

10

Apply paint to all sides and edges and allow it to dry. Repeat if necessary.

11

Apply a coat of clear polyurethane to all sides and edges for protection. Allow it to dry. Place atop your coffee table when a large hard surface is required.

How to Build an End Table

If there is one thing in a house that there never seems to be enough of, it is flat surfaces upon which to place our everyday items. End tables rank at the top of this list. Many homeowners are building their own because they want to be sure to get exactly what they want. Anybody with a little knowledge of woodworking and power tools should be able to put together any type of the end table they desire. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure and cut enough 1-by-6-inch lumber to create the desired length and width of the end tabletop. Set these aside.

2

Measure and cut two pieces of 1-by-6-inch.lumber 4-inches.shorter than the length of the tabletop. Apply wood glue to the top of a table leg and secure it to one of these pieces with the 1 -inch drywall screws aligning it in a corner. Repeat this process on the other end of this piece and then repeat the whole process with the other 1-by-6-inch lumber that you just cut.

3

Measure and cut two pieces of the 1-by-4 inch lumber the same length as the 1-by-6 that you cut in Step 2. Next, Measure and cut two pieces of the 1-by-4-inch lumber that is 4 inches narrower than the table's width.

4

Apply glue to the outside edge of the 1-by-6 that is attached to the legs. Secure the 1-by-4 that is the same length with the 1 - inch drywall screws. Repeat this for the other piece that has legs attached to it.

5

Apply glue to the top of two of the legs so that you can secure one of the 1-by-4s that is 4-inches narrower than the table's width. Secure these with the 1 -inch drywall screws. This will result in creating a base upon which to install your top pieces.

6

Lay the 1-by-6-inch tabletop pieces next to each other with the top facing down. Place the base of your table on top of the pieces that were cut for the tabletop. Space the tabletop pieces as you desire and draw a line around the perimeter of the base on the bottom side of the top pieces.

7

Remove the base from the tabletop pieces and run a bead of glue on the inside of the line. Place the base back onto the tabletop pieces aligning it with the lines that you drew. Secure the base to the tabletop pieces with the 1 -inch drywall screws.

How to Compare Combination Game Tables

Combination game tables have a lot of benefits in the home. They are space efficient, since you can play a lot of different games in one area instead of having multiple game areas around the house. They provide diversity in entertainment, since each table has different games available. They are also useful when entertaining guests or throwing a party.

Instructions

1

Determine the size that you need. Use a tape measure to figure out how much space you have available to fit a table and include a buffer of space around it so people can navigate the area easily. If you have a limited amount of space, a larger table will not be an option.

2

Compare the games. Combination tables can have a wide variety of games available and some are more adjustable than others. Look at the roster of games that each table can accommodate and see which ones you would actually want to play. It doesn't benefit you to buy a 15-game table if only three of the games are appealing to you.

3

Examine the construction. Some tables can be made of plastic, while others are built of higher quality wood. See what the tables are made of and what suits you and your home the best.

4

Look at the price. Of the tables that fit your size needs and have the games you want to play, which one is most affordable or offers the best value? A game table is an investment that will hopefully last you for years, so take your time deciding to make sure you get the most value for your money.

DIY Table Base

You can create a table base from almost anything. When considering whether an object would make an appropriate table base, it is important to think about how you plan to use the table. If you're creating a coffee table, the combined height of the base and table top should be 16 to 18 inches. A dining room table should be 28 to 29 inches tall. It is also important that the base is strong enough to safely withstand normal use. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Create a dining room table base using threaded steel plumbing pipe available at most home improvement stores. The pipe comes in various sizes, with a wide range of connectors that allow you to configure the pipe in multiple ways. Use the connectors to attach smaller pieces of pipe to create legs. Attach flanges to leg ends for feet. You also can use flanges to provide support to hold the table base, or for screwing into a wood table base.

2

Stack two sets of four concrete blocks vertically to create a simple dining table base. Add a glass or wood table top. Use a shorter stack of cinder blocks to create the base for a coffee or side table. Use concrete stain if you want to change the color of the blocks.

3

Collect large coffee-table books and stack them to create a simple table base for a side table. Top with a tray or a piece of tempered glass.

4

Build a rustic dining table by topping two saw horses with a door. Purchase the sawhorses at a hardware or home improvement store.

5

Top a large urn-shaped planter with glass to create a classic side table. Create a formal dining table using two large porcelain oriental floor vases and a thick piece of rectangular-shaped beveled glass.

Farmhouse Kitchen Design Ideas

Nothing says friendly and inviting like the warmth of a farmhouse kitchen. Farmhouse kitchen design ideas center around cozy nooks and small details such as beadboard, shapes and color revealed through glass or wire cabinet doors or the use of pottery and cooking utensils as a decorative focus. Whether opting for an Italian, French, Mediterranean or American farmhouse style, three basics combine to contain the warmth of a farmhouse kitchen---walls, floors and furniture. Does this Spark an idea?

Finding a Wall Finish

The greatest impact in any room can be delivered via wall finish. If traveling to France or Italy is not in the budget, then movies, magazines and books about a region can reveal a lot of great ideas. American farmhouse kitchen styles span the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, changing according to state and city and the influences available during a particular era. Wall finishes are generally soft muted colors, often washed with a light sepia or off-white to give an older, worn appearance. Books such as "The Farmhouse" by Jean Rehkamp Larson, "Farmhouses"by Marie Proeller Hueston and "50 Ways To Paint A Wall" By Gail McCauley can inspire lots of great wall finish ideas.

Creating Farmhouse Floors

Think farmhouse and wood floors often come to mind---not a bad choice, but there may be more practical options. Today's flooring products offer the convenience of easy maintenance and the look of wood or stone in a ceramic, vinyl or laminate surface. Locate flooring ideas from interior design magazines, books or visits to flooring manufacturers and retailers. Take a "green" approach and locate a reclaimed, remilled flooring supplier. Add charm with the use of throw rugs or specially designed, hand-painted rugs or painted floors. Contact local artisans to design and paint the floors and walls of a farmhouse kitchen.

Locating Farmhouse Furniture

Old farmhouses were not filled with built-in cabinets and storage. Work surfaces and storage of utensils and food utilized separate furniture pieces---pie safes, work tables and buffets. Return to the place you found original inspiration and notice the details of the furniture used. Farmhouse kitchen furniture often has simple edges and lathe-turned details. Adding a few antique or vintage furniture pieces alongside modern interpretations adds a further layer of personality. Whether purchasing an antique or not, checking out the local auction house or antique store will reveal more possibilities for a farmhouse kitchen design. Don't forget to take a camera.