Such an atmosphere may help instill good table manners in children, and an awareness of their place in a family legacy. They may also develop an appreciation for a bygone era and knowledge about the history of their people. In this way, formal meals become a time machine and educational tool.

For authentic antiques, one must consult an appraiser who can verify the authenticity of  the item. However, a person on a budget can create the look of an antique with a few handy trick using stain and crackle varnish, and various other artificial aging techniques.

Antiques are often discovered as discarded items, or at thrift stores and garage sales, so keep your eyes open. You can even find antiques in your family’s attic or basement, requiring restoration, but potentially fabulous show pieces.

Antique dining room decor can be fun to create, as the process will take you on a treasure hunt, and cause you to read about the history of decor. Enjoy your journey through time, and enchant your friends with the old world charm of entertaining dinner parties in a room that rediscovers the art of fine dining and classical elegance.

With wonderful wood furniture, you’ll need a wood preserver by Howard. The Naturals collection provides everything you’ll need to keep your wood furniture looking its best for generations to come. The wood preserver shown here will bring out the luster in your favorite decor elements. The best part? The Naturals line is completely non toxic!

When you follow the Naturals Wood Cleaner and Polish with the Naturals’ Wood Preserver, your furniture will be be gorgeous and protected from the ravages of time and wear. The wood preserver  combines vegetable derived ingredients, Brazilian carnuba wax and beeswax  with essential oils. This product will enhance the beauty of all types of unfinished and finished woods.

This is great for wood doorways, window frames, paneling, cupboards, and any other wooden house hold items, as well as wood furniture.

While other people are spraying or rubbing carcinogenic chemicals on the indoor surfaces of their homes, and exposing them selves and their loved ones to dangerous emissions, you’ll be showing them a better way. With Howard Naturals line of products, you’ll breathe safely, and the only fragrance will be the lovely scent of essential oils. What better way to freshen your house for spring cleaning? Practical, safe, and pleasantly uplifting, this line is just what you need. The icing on the cake? It’s very competitively priced. There is just no excuse for exposing your family to toxins when the eco-friendly alternative is so affordable.

Packaged in 12 fl oz, these products were made in the USA.

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Do you need a place to focus on one experience at a time, to truly savor the flavor and texture and temperature of life, and help you to be fully present and in the “now”? Do you simply have great taste in decor, and hold Japanese traditional home design in high esteem ?

Harmony In Design has done it again!  They’ve brought us just the right furniture piece to complete our room design, and they’ve done it the eco friendly way. Their new Tea Table is made from the same sustainable Mango wood as the Raj meditation chair (shown in the previous post).  The petite size and shape of the traditional tea table allow it to be versatile enough for a variety of functions. When not using it for a tea ritual, it can be used as an end table, or coffee table. The traditional round Zafu cushions store neatly under the table when not in use. This is a great help in saving space and in keeping the cushions clean. The table is available in 2 non-toxic waterbase finishes (Natural and Espresso) and the cushions are available with 2 different washable covers (Cream and Mocha). For descriptions of the pillow materials, see the post below this one.

You can feel good about Mango wood products.  The mango tree stops bearing fruit after 20 years, and is then a good source of  timber. Plantation grown mango trees are a responsible alternative to damaging  rain forests. By eating the delicious and nutritious mango fruit and then building from the warm and beautiful mango wood, we do not waste any part of the tree before replanting.

The masterful craftsmanship of this elegant and understated table is truly harmonious. By choosing a round table, you also protect your shins from getting bruised and allow the room’s Chi to circulate gently. You will feel well in a room with such mindfully designed furniture; they help you to reach a state of no mind.

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This table is made from recycled plastic milk jugs that would otherwise be clogging a landfill and seeping into your groundwater. So, if you need a plastic kids table you won’t have to worry about, here is the more eco-friendly option. You can let them paint, color, work with clay, dissect pomegranates, and do anything else you wouldn’t let them do on your favorite wood furniture. It makes a good back yard picnic table too, because you can leave it outside in the elements all year long. Made to look like redwood, this won’t be an eyesore when you look out at your garden. It will blend in beautifully with your landscaping. Your kids will really appreciate this gift. Their legs won’t fall asleep dangling in the air, because this table and bench set is just their size.

This 4 foot long table will never require chemical treatments for weather proofing or insect repellent and it won’t rot, mildew or swell and crack. That’s less hassle for you, and less exposure to toxins for your kids.

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The same company brings you a better way to stash your trash:

What better way to bin your garbage and items to recycle, than a recycled plastic domed trash can with a pretty container made of the same material? It looks like wood to keep your yard and side walk looking good, and it’s made from recycled plastic to keep the planet looking good.

Another  win win item from Engineered Plastic Systems.

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Look at this handsome cabinet; what a great Decor item! Made from previously-used white oak wine barrels, this Full Barrel Cabinet on Casters features a stationary storage shelf and removable maple serving tray. The cabinet measures 38″H X 26″ in diameter, and will turn any room decor into a success. Whether your design theme is rustic country, sophisticated elegance, European wine tasting chateau, antique nostalgia, or pirate chic, this is the cabinet for you.

A great storage option that actually enhances rather than distracts from the room’s beauty, you’ll brag to all your friends about how you did the environment a favor by reusing wood rather than cutting down forests. This eco friendly alternative is also a good way to improve your room’s Feng Shui. The circular shape will guide chi effortlessly around the room without presenting sharp corners in any direction. Your shins will thank you for the consideration. Order two, and place them at intervals on opposite sides of a long hallway to cause Chi to flow like a meandering river towards the bedrooms and offices. Verry auspicious!

This design offers platforms for potted plants, and hiding places to stash your secrets. Just turn the cabinet door to the wall, and no one will know it’s there or think to check; after all, it’s clearly a wine barrel (wink). Theives and pirates will never discover your treasures without a map!

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In the dining rooms and banquet halls of exclusive Southeast Asian resorts, you’ll find hand-spun glass. The beauty of the craftsmanship makes it valuable as an elegant decor piece. Natural Home glassware utilizes 100% recycled glass incorporated in this same hand-spun technique, for an eco friendly product fit to serve royaly .  In a small artisan workshop, each hand-made piece is drafted  from100% post-consumer glass to produce a highly functional work of art, demonstrating the  talent of the craftsman.  Less waste ending up in landfills is the goal of using recycled glass, and timeless beauty is the goal of the craftsman. Put together, you gain a center piece that will bring you pride every time you see this translucent sculpture displayed. The lovely play of light and color will present any drink you serve in style. The quality of the hand spun accented finish will delight your guests.

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Your table will be an artful exhibit of graceful form when you complete the set with the Natural Home recycled glass hand spun accented bowls and serving platters, both available in different sizes.

Can you imagine how the colors of your salads,  soups, and dips will be enhanced by this hand spun glass? Food served from glass tastes better too. Bon Appetite!

Anything presented on such a platter becomes gourmet and more appetizing.

The square platters are available in both large and small. There is also a rectangular design.

Perfect for serving Japanese sushi and sashimi, French cuisine, desserts zig-zagged with melted Belgian chocolate,  or for making your child’s first attempt at cooking look better when the family pretends to eat it amidst much praise and adulation.

You’ll love the way light dances on your table and display cabinet when you combine all the pieces in this collection to form a decor set. What could be a more perfect wedding gift for a bridal registry?

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Here’s a nostalgic tribute to your childhood.  Memories of the country side, of your mother, aunts and grandmother solving all the worlds problems over a steaming pot of tea at the kitchen table. The ritual, the aroma, the bonds of kinship, hearth, and home, all come flooding back to you when you pour yourself a cup of something hot and sweet from this teapot. It is at once classically elegant and homey, a beautiful display piece for your dining room or kitchen table, and yet sturdy enough to use everyday and put in the dishwasher or microwave. Practical and decorative, this teapot makes any table look as though dressed in a bouquet of roses. Images of an English garden, or the deep south in spring time come to mind when you see this lovely hand painted stoneware teapot. The colors are cheerful without being garish, and would blend well with a variety of room decor color themes. The rosy pinks,  light sage greens and hint of amber are so romantic, you’ll want to fall in love all over again.

The teapot is FDA approved, holds 44 oz, and stands 6 and 3/4 inches high.

A great gift idea for house warming, bridal showers, birthdays, and thanking your hosts, this teapot is affordable and beautiful.

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To make this gift even more special, add Octavia Paradise Certified Organic & Fair Trade Loose Tea

The exotic flavor of passion fruit, apricot and mango is delicious hot or iced.  Octavia’s Paradise organic tea is rich in antioxidants and anti-aging properties. The loose and colorful tea stays fresh because of the designer tin that holds 4 oz  (approx. 50 servings). Only the finest hand picked teas and ingredients are good enough for Octavia, and fair trade is their halmark.

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Beautiful young horses lovingly enjoying each other’s company in the soft pastel spring sunshine –the image is so optimistic it makes you want to go out for a walk and be thankful for the world’s beauty. This cutting board is too pretty to put away when you’re done using it. You’ll want to display it on your kitchen counter or with your china in the dining room. You’ll have more motivation to chop organic vegetables for healthy meals when you’re inspired by the image of these healthy strong young herbivores.

This tempered glass cutting board is easy to keep clean,  is dishwasher safe, and has dimensions of 11.5 inches x 15 inches. The cutting board has protective clear rubber feet so that it doesn’t slide off your counter. Made in the USA, the Artworks cutting board comes with an unconditional replacement or refund guarantee.

Country decor starts with images of the country, and this one is iconic. A perfect gift idea for anyone born in the year of the horse in the Chinese zodiac. According to the principles of Feng Shui, the three horses here represent family harmony, and will encourage good family (or room mate) relationships, if displayed where you can see it from the table where you eat.

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Your child will love this safari table and four matching animal chairs. High quality Russian Birch wood painted with friendly looking African animals of the savanna (zebra, elephant, lion & giraffe) are so cute and inviting, your child will want to eat, drink, create artwork,  practice writing, and assemble puzzles here for years. This set of table and chairs  creates a fun decor theme for turning your child’s room into an imaginary land of adventure. The variety of chairs creates a love of our earth’s diversity of species. Since the four chairs are different yet harmoniously combined in a set, your child learns that differences should be celebrated, and that different types of animals are needed to make up an eco system, just as different types of people are needed to make up a team, or a society.

The set’s dimensions are:
Table: 29 in. L x 19 in. W x 17 in. H
Chairs: Approx. 20 in. H

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This beautiful Bar Cart features the famous quality and craftsmanship of Totally Bamboo brand . Perfect  for wine and cheese presentation when entertaining guests and accommodating parties, the Bar Cart boasts the following features:  The top is done in Parquet End Grain Butcher block style, with a juice channel groove. The wine rack fits up to 18 bottles. The hanging stemware rack allows for mobility with out breakage. 2 stainless steel towel racks and a utility drawer on easy glide sliders for practical frequent use make this cart more than just an eye catching center peice. Extra glasses and bar essentials fit safely into four shelves . Heavy duty locking coasters allow the bar cart to roll across the floor for convenient service.

Made out of gorgeous and eco-friendly bamboo, you can be proud that your bar cart was made from renewable resources. Classically elegant taste combined with responsible shopping ethics; you are a winner with this lovely design choice.

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This gorgeous and  versatile Kitchen Cart will will make your kitchen beautiful and ellegant.

With this lovely design you can entertain guests, host parties, and do your every day prep cooking.

Totally Bamboo brand is famous for its quality and craftsmanship and this unit boasts the following features:  The top is a  butcher block with Parquet End Grain and a  juice channel groove. The  removable cutting board  is very convenient. The handy storage cabinet with split mid-level shelf, is perfect for restocking snacks at parties and for storing bowls used in food prep. 2 stainless steel towel racks  and a utility drawer for utensils on easy glide sliders make this cart a practical tool for frequent use. 4 handy spice and condiment racks with stainless steel rails keep all of your needed ingredients where you can easily reach them without spilling anything while serving.  Heavy duty locking coasters allow the whole kitchen cart to glide across your floor for easy serving, or to reach the stove after chopping. This is very helpful in preventing accidents that waste food.

Bamboo is a very fast growing renewable resource. Its natural beauty is elegant and tasteful. The rounded corners of the cart are in keeping with the shape of bamboo, and create a stylish silhouette. Rounded corners also prevent injury to passers by, and improve the Feng Shui of any room.

The dimensions of the kitchen cart are 25.6 x 24.6 x 35.4 inches ; it weighs 50 pounds.

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This console table was inspired by the magical architecture of Morocco. It is made of quick growing rattan, which is a renewable resource.

The hand crafted frame is  made of rattan and leather bindings, and has a glass table top inset. The curved rattan poles are interlaced with leather strapping in a design that creates an open and exotic looking pattern that is gorgeous against any wall. The open base creates a spacious silhouette and keeps the piece feeling light and airy. The natural color is easy to match and combine when designing a room, and the light shade keeps the room looking larger and brighter.

The console table measures 29-3/4 inches high by 55-1/2 inches wide by 13-1/2 inches deep, and its shipping weight is 20 pounds. The table is easy to assemble.

This console is part of a Strathwood collection that includes matching coffee and end tables.  Rattan is harvested from palm trees to make sturdy wooden furniture that is lightweight and durable.  The inset glass tabletop is pretty and very easy to wipe clean.  Strathwood furniture is rigorously tested for durability, and assembly instructions are easy to follow. Strathwood furniture is easy to move when cleaning or rearanging, because it is so light weight.

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This is a lovely piece. The hue of the wood is classically elegant without being pretentious. Its airy design leaves the room feeling more spacious and uncluttered.

It fits well in hall ways and small spaces where a bigger table would protrude so as to disturb the flow of Chi (Feng Shui) or cause you to bang your legs (Shin OW!)

This is also a good piece for keeping the peace, as couples are more likely to agree on it when choosing furniture. This table is aesthetically pleasing to all, and is therefore a great gift idea.

Tie together design elements by including several of these tables on a split level or in an over-sized room. Create design symmetry by putting them on both sides of a feature such as a large ceiling to floor window, french doors, or raised bed.

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Here is a lovely and complete dinette set of simple elegance and durable and very strong construction. The lightweight lines offer a lightness to the overall look that allows the home’s other features to stand out. The gorgeous wood finishing of the top and of the seats themselves provide a natural look which is always somewhat appealing in dinettes and offer extremely easy cleaning and maintaining. The durable iron base of both chairs and table make for an incredibly sturdy set, destined for a long and enduring future.

The set comes quickly in packaging and is easily assembled, offering a nearly immediately-available and comfortable-looking setting especially effective on wood floors. The “Dirty Oak” finish, so called owing to the coloration of the lacquer, is finely grained like all Oak wood and is perhaps the most durable material imaginable for an item in this price range. Gorgeous, light and airy, this beautiful dinette set makes a splendid eating and entertaining area, casual yet still pretty.

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A cozy table for 4 can compress into an even cozier table for two by dropping one of the two “leafs” on either side. The result is a more angular, rectangular table perfect for card-playing, games of all kinds, intimate seating and taking up far less space. Constructed of rubber wood, this indoor item is a gorgeous blond wood, well-finished and lacquered and simple in the classic style. The turned legs are attractive and very sturdy, allowing for elbows and items with weight comfortably. 40″ by 40″ and 29″ high, it fits almost any room unobtrusively and comfortably.

Like any well-finished kitchen or dining room item, it wipes down with a wet rag for cleaning and stands as a perfect table for flower settings or other arrangements during larger events. Durable and trustworthy, strong and attractive, this gorgeous set makes a fabulous household addition with many possible uses. As a primary table for small apartments and homes, the drop leaf factor compresses it well and makes it a perfect adjustable item for featured entertaining or simply being out of the way.

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Simple, natural with an elegant pattern and durable 56% Cotton and 46% polyester composition, this tablecloth speaks to us of the verities of warmth and comfort as we dine in families or other groups. Gorgeous floral patterns are inlaid onto a swirling off white background providing interest as well as the always-pleasing sense of flowers and placidity. Matching the plates and settings of the other Lenox products is also a plus, if it applies. But even on its own, this pretty and very serene tablecloth ranks as a top notch addition to any table setting. Classic in design, combining all the old fashioned pluses of simplicity and stark floral relief, this tablecloth reminds one of trips to the country and a simpler era.

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Soft music, a glass of wine, a cool Summer, Spring or Fall evening out on the patio deck and a warming fire emanating from this gorgeous and very sturdy little dining table’s very entrails makes this elegant metal piece of patio furniture far more than one could even imagine. Completely versatile – the center can also be used as an ice tray – it has the gorgeous and textured appearance of fine metal. The mesh dome, congruent with the rest of the design provides a spark arrestor, keeping things safe year round and helping provide an ambiance that is awfully hard to come by. The sheer versatility of this cute item alone makes the investment in fine outdoor living worthwhile.

Made of recast aluminum and therefore holding its durable finish forever, the elegant design would sell the piece, even without its other benefits. 42 inches across, 22 inches high, it makes a fabulous leg rest as well, or so we hear. The inner tray is not small, I hasten to add. Fully 7 inches deep and 22 inches in diameter, it can hold some good size fire material and last a while.

These days when fire pits are all the rage in landscape design, something as portable and pretty as this item can serve the same purpose yet be moved around at one’s leisure. This item is geared to enhancing the outdoor room which we call our landscape or our patios. Comfort outdoors is what the glories of warmer weather are all about. With an item like this, this period of outdoor living can even extend itself into yet more weeks and months. This is a gorgeous and extremely handy piece of outdoor furniture.

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The beauty of this piece is that it also conveys a sense of simplicity, that makes it easier to incorporate as an Asian touch in almost any style of decor, particularly more formal styles. A selection of four colors (black, natural pine, honey oak or the cherry rosewood shown here) making it even more compatible with almost any bedroom. The diffused light adds warmth and softens the formality of the squared lattice.

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Practical too, made of polyester and machine washable, keeping a bunch of these runners in different colors may be a good way to have easy and quick decorative makeover from day to day. Either for a special party, or just a change of seasons, or even of your mood! They can make a great gift too, for a house warming party, or when visiting a friend.

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This model is actually quite popular, for this very reason. It fits in nicely in a smaller dining area, and is perfect for a small house. It will gladly take on some fabric, a table runner, or tablecloth, some decorative item on top, and even some decorative cushions for the chairs. Or it can stay as it is, clean, aesthetic and functional.

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While it can be used by the entire family, this set is designed with adults in mind. The size and the luxury and the classic American style can be easily matched into any contemporary decor style.

More details and how to buy right here – note the special delivery conditions

Up until a few years ago, such dinette sets were available only in second-hand thrift shops, but no more. Growing demand has lead to these sets being reproduced and you can now get them good as new. Well, you can get them brand new, like this set pictured here.

If you’re looking towards adding a retro touch to your home, or even going with a full-fledged retro dining room, this set should definitely be considered. Click here for more details or to by at Amazon.