Ideas & Tips — Home

Whether you decide to go with the more traditional stainless steel cookware or more unusual stainless steel items such as cups or candleholders, stainless steel housewares add refinement and modern sheen to a home without sacrificing practicality. Supply your house with stainless steel to take advantage of these benefits: Durability: Stainless steel has a longer lifespan than most other materials and is highly resistant to damage such as scratches and dents. It also maintains the same appearance over time, never becoming discolored or (obviously) stained.  Easy cleaning: Stainless steel owes much of its popularity in the kitchen to the fact that it can be cleaned...

Depending on whom you listen, you either believe that Champagne is only for special occasions or can be consumed whenever the mood strikes. Wherever you stand on the issue, what can be agreed upon is that Champagne is a beverage that usually commands more attention and formality than others.  Originally hailing from the northeast region of France, the country has held onto the name Champagne as legally theirs for more than 100 years through the 1891 Treaty of Madrid. Eventually all of Europe joined protecting the name. Legally speaking, even American companies are only able to use the generic term,...

Stainless steel is king in the kitchen and has been for decades, according to the Wall Street Journal. A recent article explored stainless steel's dominance when it comes to kitchen appliances, noting shoppers' unending devotion to the sleek, clean metal.  "The appliance industry has tried to promote new looks before," the article said. "In recent years, manufacturers have pitched 'oiled bronze,' 'antique copper' and a gray hue called 'meteorite,' as well as aluminum and other look-alikes, but none has been able to unseat stainless steel." No appliance finish resonates with consumers like stainless steel because none is so reliably attractive,...

The new year is the perfect time to get started on home improvement projects you've been putting off, and what better part of the home to improve than your kitchen? If you're a fan of cooking, you probably spend a lot of your time in this room, so here are some tips to help you upgrade it to be the best it can be without expensive remodeling: Replace cabinet knobs: If the knobs on your drawers and cabinets are tarnished or loose, now is a good time to replace them. You would be surprised what a new set of gleaming knobs...

Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying, "Fish and visitors smell after three days." If you're heading out-of-town this summer and staying with a family member or friend, follow these simple tips to avoid being a stinky guest: Clean up after yourself Remember to make your bed in the morning, do your dishes and offer to help with chores. Don't treat your host like your maid, or you're unlikely to get another invitation!  Don't invite yourself Never invite yourself to stay at someone else's home! If a vague invitation has been extended in the past, don't assume it still stands. Instead,...