StephinMidtownATL's Profile

Great suggestions, all!

When I have guests, it's not the meal times that wear me out--it's constantly dispensing drinks to everyone who wants water, coffee, soda, juice, wine--and keeping glasses and cups clean! I get mini cans and bottles of beverages ahead of time so everyone can help themselves without dirtying glassware--and I put someone else in charge of the coffeemaker.

And one thing that helps everyone's mood (especially toward the end of a long visit), is to plan a walk every day, weather permitting. If the weather is lousy, get out the board games!

I applaud the family's patriotism, but you're not supposed to use the American flag as/for decoration. From USFlag.org:

* The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes.

I LOVE this idea...creative AND inexpensive--a winner!

Would also add a 5-in-1 tool to the list.

I keep coming back to this entry--it's just so elegant and different. And I love the fact that the cabinets are one color on top, another on the bottom. Makes it look like furniture versus regular old kitchen cabinets. Really terrific!!!! Plus this room is so TINY! Good grief, you've worked miracles!

All great tips. Sharing mine: I put a "color" catcher sheet in my washer, then add dirty clothes until it's full and run it (no hamper needed!). Put wet dish sponge/rag in the microwave for 1 min to disinfect; the "steam" helps to make the microwave easy to wipe down, too. My plants are a mix of real and artificial for less overall upkeep--no one even knows! When I sew, I create a sticky surface for loose threads, etc. by turning a piece of packing tape onto itself and sticking it on the front or side of the machine. And for hands-free mopping, I wear dust mop slippers when I'm brushing my teeth or I'm on the phone (it's good exercise, too!).

Really love the chairs and couch arrangement in the living room--does the dark-colored table in between fold out?

I love the artwork too! I did some digging; you can find the artwork @ jamiebondart site.