Perrysburg Town Money Saver | November FOM 2021

he dining space is where family and friends gather to eat and enjoy one another’s company. Here’s how to give your dining spaces awe-inspiring makeovers on a budget.

• LIGHTEN & BRIGHTEN. Dining rooms were once very formal spaces. Dark woods, large pieces of furniture, but now houses are being built with open oor plans, which have moved dining rooms to having lighter colored walls, ooring and furniture. A fresh coat of vibrant paint can work wonders and if you can’t remove a oor, cover it with a brightly colored area rug.

• ADD FLOATING SHELVING. Floating shelves provide much-needed storage or display space without the need to invest in another piece of furniture. ey can work in modern design schemes or even farmhouse dining spaces.

• CLEAR OUT THE CLUTTER. It might be time to say “so long” to that large curio cabinet and the knickknacks within

it. Curio and china cabinets used to be de rigueur, but plenty of people now prefer more open and airy dining rooms. For those who want to keep the cabinet, try decluttering inside to only include the very best display pieces and see if the cabinet can be re nished with paint or a lightly colored stain.

• IMPROVE LIGHTING. Make the chandelier the statement piece of the space. Go for a bold color or an innovative design.

• ADD BENCH SEATING. Swap out some chairs for benches, which can t a couple more guests than chairs.

• CREATE DEPTH WITH COLOR. Using various shades of the same color in a space can add depth. Coordinate drapes, walls, seat fabrics, and accessories for a cohesive design.

Renovating a dining room doesn’t require a large investment of time and money. A few simple steps can give dining spaces a whole new feel without busting homeowners’ budgets.

Tips to Simplify Thanksgiving Entertaining

then reheated on anksgiving. ese can include a baked macaroni-and-cheese casserole, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a cornbread stu ng.

Start prep w k a few days bef e Thanksgiving. Take some stress out of anksgiving by cutting all vegetables and/ or preparing some dishes a few days early. Make extra room in the fridge by removing nonessential items and placing them in a cooler with ice and cleaning out any old food or condiments. Plan your table settings and label which bowls and other serving dishes will be used for which items. is will make it much easier to set the table on anksgiving.

Preparing anksgiving dinner for a houseful of close friends and relatives can be a tad overwhelming. All eyes will will be on the dinner table. Pulling o a feast of this magnitude — multiple courses, side dishes and desserts — takes considerable e ort. ese tips, tricks and timesavers can be a anksgiving host’s saving grace.

Pick the menu early. Decide what you’ll be cooking in addition to turkey several weeks before the big day. Select two or three side dishes, preferably items that can be prepared in advance and

Serve batched cocktails. It can be challenging & expensive to have a full bar. Mulled wine, hot cider & punches are ideal ways to service a crowd looking for delicious spirited drinks.

Create simple centerpieces. Use seasonal sights for your centerpieces or place settings. ese can include small squashes, gourds, citrus fruits, nuts, or acorns. A hollowed-out pumpkin lled with fresh owers also can be eye-catching.

anksgiving is a time to celebrate bounty. Treat guests to a great experience by learning some hosting tips to make the holiday easier to manage.