Question: How can I keep a tablecloth fastened to my patio table?
Answer: Many of us will enjoy the long holiday weekend by dining and entertaining outside. While a cool breeze is always welcome on a summer day, it can also cause an outdoor table covering to billow or even blow away. You can make your own windproof tablecloth by attaching grommets to a sheet of oilcloth and then anchoring the cloth to your table with bungee cords. Here's how:
TOOLS AND MATERIALS
oilcloth
scissors
pinking shears
1-inch grommet kit (including six grommets, a cutting block, a hole cutter and an insert punch), available at hardware and crafts stores
hammer
three 12-inch bungee cords
1. Begin by cutting a piece of oilcloth to the length of a rectangular table (or 4 to 6 inches shorter to leave a border on either side of the table) and to the width plus 16 inches. Pink or hem the short edges.
2. Fold over tablecloth 2 inches on one long side. Place one end on cutting block, and hammer hole cutter into cloth.
3. Follow grommet kit's instructions to attach the grommet. Make another hole midway along the long folded edge, and attach grommet; repeat at far end. Repeat with three evenly spaced grommets on the other long side.
4. Place cloth on table; hook each bungee cord into a grommet, stretch cord under the table, and hook into opposite grommet. Repeat with other sets of holes.
Question:We collected various large shells during our family vacation. I would like to turn them into something special and even give them as gifts. Any suggestions?
Answer: Fitted with moistened floral foam, a large seashell makes a lovely natural "vase" for an arrangement of flowers.
Begin by choosing a sizable shell that sits securely — without rocking or falling over — when its aperture, or opening, faces upward. Then soak a block of floral foam in water until saturated, usually a few minutes. (The moist foam will keep your arrangement fresh for three to four days.)
With a sharp knife, cut the foam to fit inside the shell's opening, trimming it as necessary. Press and pack the piece of foam into the shell; it should fill the opening to just below the lip.
Use a pencil or a stick to make holes an inch or so deep in the foam for plants with pliant stems, such as hostas and ferns. Sturdy or woody stems can be pushed directly into the foam. Combine flowers and greenery as you wish to create a pleasing arrangement.
Margaret Roach is editor in chief of Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Questions should be addressed to Living, care of The New York Times Syndication Sales Corp., 609 Greenwich St., 6th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10014-3610. Please include your name and daytime telephone number. Questions can also be sent via e-mail to: living@nytimes.com. © 2005 MSLO LLC. All rights reserved. Distributed by New York Times Special Features