Memorable Wedding Table Ideas

Every bride wants her wedding to be memorable - for herself and the groom, but also for their guests. A big part of making her wedding memorable is to select carefully from the myriad of memorable wedding table ideas. That selection begins with a dream, but it involves more than that.

Four Considerations

When searching for the most memorable wedding table ideas, you should keep four things in mind.

1. Significance: Whatever idea you use should have significance for you and your guests. This does not mean everyone attending your reception would have chosen the same wedding table ideas you chose, but there should be a meaningful reason for your selection. If you choose from among the many Irish wedding table ideas, and you are Asian American, there would seem to be no significance. If, however, you are getting married on St. Patrick's Day, and your color scheme is green and white, Irish wedding table ideas are fine.

If you are having a themed wedding, you should select from among wedding table ideas that will carry out that theme.

2. Color Scheme: Most memorable wedding table ideas carefully adhere to the color scheme of the wedding. If you will be dressed in white and your bridesmaids will be in soft summer yellows, look at wedding table ideas that can naturally accommodate soft yellows and white. In this case, the Irish wedding table ideas mentioned above would be out of place.

3. Budgetary Concerns: No matter how many beautiful wedding table ideas you find, you will be able to use only those that fit within your budget - and you should have a budget for your wedding. Plan how much you will allow for the centerpiece on each table, and how much each guest's wedding favor will be. Give yourself a firm budget before you begin looking, and stick to it.

4. Commemorative Favors: You will want wedding table ideas that incorporate wedding favors, and mark the favors in such a way that they will commemorate your wedding day. The marking may be as simple as a small paper tag imprinted with your names and the date - or the same information might be inscribed on glass or metal. If the favor is candy, cookies, or other edibles, have the rappers imprinted.

Flower Baskets

Brides who use flower baskets for weddings can carry the theme into wedding table ideas for receptions. One clever idea is to construct centerpieces of flower baskets, each filled with miniature bouquets. Use flowers similar to those carried by the wedding party, and tuck them into tiny silver or glass vases inscribed with your names and the date. Set a tent card on each table instructing guests that each may take one of the mini bouquets at the end of the reception as a wedding favor, thereby dismantling the arrangement.

Flower basket wedding table ideas go another direction when you place regular flower basket centerpieces, and echo them in miniature flower basket favors. Again, consider your colors and theme. Small folded cards attached with a bit of ribbon will give a place for your commemorative note.

Floating Candle Centerpiece and Favors

Most people enjoy candlelight, and if your wedding is in the evening, you might want to consider wedding table ideas that make use of candles. Arrange a large floating candle on a slightly raised stand in the center of each table. Surround it with small candles, each floating in a pretty container engraved with your names and date. Twine flowers or ivy among the candles, and advise guests that each of them may take one of the smaller candles as their wedding favor at the end of the reception.

Hurricane Lamp Centerpiece and Favors

Nostalgic wedding table ideas are always in vogue, since weddings are romantic occasions. Set the mood for nostalgia by placing on each table a tall hurricane lamp chimney mounted on a candle holder. Place a tall candle inside, matching your colors, and surround the candle holder with real or artificial flowers. Do not use thin tapers, as you want your candle to burn throughout the reception. Prepare a miniature edition of this for each guest's place, and light them also. Use very small hurricane lamp chimneys and shallow glass candle holders for guests' candle favors. Place short white candles in the candle holders, set the hurricane lamp chimney in place, and surround the bottom with delicate artificial flowers and ribbon to match your colors. If you wish, the candle holder or lamp chimney can be engraved.

Oriental Wedding Table Ideas

If your wedding is to follow an Oriental theme, you will want to consider wedding table ideas to continue the theme. Bright red tablecloths are a good place to begin, as red is traditionally used in many Oriental weddings. Gold or silver favors will stand out against the red. Center each table with a floral arrangement of red and green, with white, silver, or gold touches.

For a distinctly Chinese theme, use white or off-white tablecloths, and make your centerpiece of wedding favors. Arrange bare branches in a bamboo or black lacquer container. From the branches, hang miniature red Chinese lantern favors. To each, attach a commemorative tag. If your budget will allow, use silver or gold colored fortune cookie place card holders as additional favors.

Your Own Wedding Table Ideas

The best wedding table ideas are those each bride creates after doing her homework. There are many galleries of ideas on the Internet. Look until you find something you like, and then tailor that idea to be your own.

Lamps Are Decorative And Functional Too

Many people don't think twice about the lamps and lights in their home. When you're trying to spruce up your decor though, or creating a brand new decorating theme, one of the best places to start is with lamps... because they can be both beautiful and functional at the same time.

Here are several popular types of lamps to consider when decorating a room in your home:

Table Lamps - Table lamps are wonderful for both decorating and functionality. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, and can really accent specialty decor pieces you might already have. Small table lamps are quite decorative when sat upon a stack of hardback books, and large table lamps make great centerpieces for greenery, knick knack arrangements, or keepsakes.

You'll want to be careful not to overwhelm small, dainty tables with large, bulky, overbearing lamps though. A solid rustic wood table would easily carry a large wood table lamp, but a small victorian-style side table would do better with a delicate-looking tiffany or hurricane table lamp.

Floor Lamps - Floor lamps are excellent for adding both additional light and style to various areas of your home. I particularly like them in reading areas. Place a nice comfortable chair or divan in the corner for instance, away from the walls a bit, then place a decorative floor lamp in the corner space behind it. This will create a cozy, inviting feel to the space while also providing extra light for reading, writing, or knitting.

Wall Lamps & Lights - Lighting used on the wall varies in style. There's recessed lights which are helpful and decorative in kitchen areas or bathrooms for instance, and there are wall sconces which are wonderful for adding warmth and ambiance.

For a unique and different look, try creating a wall arrangement using wall sconces instead of candelabras or candle sconces.

Picture Lights - Picture lights are used primarily to highlight pictures and artwork in your home. These work similar to spotlights by focusing the majority of their light on the artwork. Most are very decorative, and they come in a variety of styles to match whatever your decorating theme might be.

Oil Lamps - Oil lamps can still be bought in many places today. Some are replicas, meaning they don't actual burn oil to create light, they simply look like the oil lamps of old. Others actually do have a wick and can burn oil. Most people use the actual oil burning lamps for decoration only, and you can even buy colored oil to fill the lamps for an additional decorative touch.

Light the Way

Courtesy of Jo-Ann Stores

Elegantly frosted glass hurricane lanterns make an enchanting wedding centerpiece. Group several of varying sizes together.

Materials

• Glass hurricane lanterns
• Lace-patterned tights
• Frosted Glass Finish by Krylon®
• Scissors
  

Directions

Clean hurricane with soap and water. Dry thoroughly.

Cut leg off the pair of tights and stretch over the hurricane. Make a knot at each end.

Place on a covered work surface and, following manufacturer's instructions, spray evenly with Frosted Glass Finish. Once dry, cut away tights.

Just a note: For Christmas Decor - try using stockings/tights with a Christmas or Winter theme like snowflakes.

Tropical Storm & Hurricane Lamps

Hanna, Ike, and Josephine: three names that we don’t want to hear anymore and three severe weather conditions that are beginning to threaten the Eastern seaboard of the United States. According to CNN.com, Tropical Storm Hanna is scheduled to travel to North and South Carolina in the early hours of Saturday morning and we New Englanders are sure to feel the heavy rain throughout the entire weekend.

The Today Show just reported that Hurricane Ike is following behind Hanna and has been labeled as a category 3 storm yet many Southern Floridians aren’t taking this mid-level hurricane lightly. Although small, Hurricane Ike has proved to be a strong and compact storm that is sure to threaten the southern coastal city of Miami among others the following Tuesday.

Lastly, Josephine is swirling at winds of 50mph in the Atlantic and has yet to be scheduled to reach the U.S. As a side note, my mother has been driving from Connecticut to Tampa, Florida over the past two days to get back to her golfing paradise before these storms reach the coast. She just checked out of a South Carolina hotel this morning, about 20 hours before Hanna is expected to arrive! What a daredevil!

In the modern world, the word ‘hurricane’ refers to chic and decorative hurricane lamps and lanterns. Hurricane lamps were designed as a tall, slender light fixture in order to keep a candle’s flame from blowing out. Today, they have developed into an elegant lighting accessory that serves as the perfect accent for a bedroom, foyer, or living room.

Hurricane Tips

Here are some helpful tips to get you ready this hurricane season.

Before a Hurricane threatens

• Look over your insurance policy to insure it provides adequate coverage.
• Check the storm surge history and elevation of your area.
• Make an inventory of possessions.
• Photograph your house and all the rooms inside for insurance purposes.
• Make sure your roofing is properly fastened and secure. make all necessary repairs.
• Obtain lumber, plywood, and concrete nails for battening up.
• Know your evacuation route.
• Organize a place to meet with your family should you become separated during the storm.
• Clear your yard and drains of debris.
• Prune trees limbs that are close to your house. They can cause damage to your home or utility wires during a storm.
• Find a place to move your boat in an emergency
• If your home is at risk, plan in advanced where you will stay. Call the ODPEM Disaster Co-ordinator for the location of the nearest shelter.
• If you need transportation to a public shelter due to special needs -- such as age, physical disability, or mental disorders; register in advance with the nearest Parish Council Office and the Office of Disaster Preparedness.

When a hurricane threatens

• Turn refrigerator and freezer to the coldest level. Freeze water in plastic containers.
• Sanitize bath tubs and fill with water.
• Tie down or bring in all outdoor objects (such as awnings, patio furniture, garbage cans).
• Secure or remove satellite dishes, TV or radio antennae from roofs.
• Pick fruits such as coconuts, mangoes etc., from trees. Clear your yard and drains of debris.
• Remove all pictures, clocks, books, figurines, tools, office equipment, appliances and important papers (passports, birth certificates etc.); wrap them in plastic or in waterproof containers; and store in a safe room.
• Turn off electricity at the main switch and remove TV and radio antennae from roofs.
• Stock up on water and non-perishable foods. Refill prescriptions needed.
• Fill your car with gas to avoid long lines after the hurricane. Also fill containers for portable generators.
• Park your car in a place that is safest from falling trees and utility poles.
• If you are in a high-rise, know the location of the nearest stairways. Don't use the elevator.
• Batten down windows and doors with shutters or lumber. Wedge sliding glass doors with a bar.
• Turn off electricity from main switch 24 hours before the storm is expected to hit.
• Unplug major appliances.

During the hurricane

• Be calm! Your ability to act logically is very important.
• Stay inside. Do not go outside unless it is absolutely necessary
• Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered. A windowless or interior room or hallway is usually the safest.
  Listen to the radio for information
• If you are in a two-storey house, stay on the first floor.
• If you are in a multiple-storey building, take refuge on the first or second floors. Interior stairwells and areas around elevator shafts are usually the strongest part of a building.
• If your house shows signs of breaking up, stay under a table or stand under a door frame.
• Do not go outside during the calm when the eye of the hurricane is passing.

After the storm

• Wait until you hear on the radio or television that the dangerous winds are definitely out of your area.
• Do not go sight-seeing
• Do not go outside barefooted. Avoid wearing open shoes and watch out for sharp debris
• Do not use phones or CB radios unless vital. Keep lines clear for emergency calls.
• Bury all dead animals as soon as possible.
• Beware of downed power lines, weakened bridges and washed-out roads, and weakened trees.
• Purify drinking water by boiling or by adding bleach, 2 drops of bleach per litre of water, 4 drops if the water is cloudy. Do not purify all your water at once.
• After adding bleach, let water stand for 30 minutes before drinking
• Use perishable food first , then non- perishable foods and staples after.
• Do not cook more than is needed for one meal
• Be alert to prevent fires
• Report broken sewer or water mains to local authorities
• Be sure to check your house for structural damage before moving back in.

Emergency Supply Basic List

• Water, enough to last 2 weeks
• Foods that do not require cooking:
• Canned or salted fish and meat
• Packaged oats
• Biscuits and crackers
• Condensed or powdered milk
• Canned soups and vegetables
• Juices
• Cereals
• Coffee, Tea.
• Flour, Rice, Cornmeal, Sugar and Salt
• Infant formula
• Bread

Emergency Supply Extended List

• Battery-operated radio
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Matches and candles, Hurricane lamps
• Bleach and other cleaners
• First Aid Kit: petroleum jelly, aspirin, eye wash, bandages, cotton, diarrhoea medication, antacid , laxative
• Tissue, soap, sanitary napkins
• Disposable cups, plates, utensils
• Can opener
• Large plastic trash bags
• Containers for water and fuel storage
• Coal or oil stove, barbeque grill
• Cooking utensils
• Portable cooler
• 100 feet of rope, Tape
• Needle and thread, scissors
• Blankets and towels
• Mosquito repellent
• Tarpailin (canvas or plastic)

Storage tips for water and food

• Store enough water to last 2 weeks for each person in your household. A normal active person requires a minimum of 1 litre of water per day for drinking and food preparation.
• Water should be stored in clean, well covered containers.
• Label the containers with the current date and renew your drinking supply each month.
• Store emergency food in waterproof containers.
• Arrange items so that those stored first will be used first.
• Observe expiration dates on packaged foods.
• Wrap bread, cookies and crackers, dry good in plastic bags and keep in tight containers.
• Your storage area should be dry, cool and free from contamination by insects, poisons and other chemicals.
• Several utility poles were uprooted and their wires and equipment left dangling on the roads after Hurricane Gilbert.

Evacuation and shelters

A shelter provides temporary housing for persons unable to continue their living arrangements in separate family units, as a result of an emergency incident such as flood, earthquake or hurricane.

It is advised to evacuate your home if:

• In an area that continually floods, near the coastline or a stream likely to overflow, in a low-lying area,
• you feel that your home will not offer adequate protection
• advised by authorities
• Take your own supplies to the shelter including food, change of clothes, medicine, sanitary need, battery-operated radio and flashlight important papers.
  Do not take alcoholic beverages, weapons or pets to shelters.

Antique tips: where to find hurricane lamp parts

Advice on locating new or replacement parts for hurricane lamps.

The beauty and ambiance of hurricane lighting takes us back to a simpler time. Decorative and functional, hurricane lamps were once a primary source of lighting in homes and businesses. Today, however, with the advent of electricity, they are often relegated to the “decorative” category. However, they can still perform their intended job quite admirably and there is nothing wrong with using them, as long as you do so safely. Even those really great old ones passed down in the family can be used. They are definitely handy in the event of a power outage, and cast a warm, soothing glow over a room, as opposed to electric lighting, which can sometimes be a little harsh.

It is fairly easy to locate replacement parts for most hurricane lamps, which is good news—considering how easy it is to crack the chimney, not to mention wicks need periodic replacement.

The most important part of any hurricane lamp is the base of the lamp, the part that holds the lamp oil. This is where most, if not all, of the design and decoration is located. Frankly, if this portion is ruined, it may be simpler just to go find a replacement for the entire lamp. If you are trying to make your own hurricane lamp, sometimes craft and hobby stores will carry the bases, in glass or ceramic, for you to decorate as you wish. With the prevalence of the Internet, parts can even be located online and ordered for delivery to your home

What are Brass Hurricane Lamps?

A hurricane lamp is a light source fueled by a candle, various kinds of oil, or in more modern times, electricity. The base of the lamp can be made from a variety of materials such as brass, bronze, tin, steel, glass or ceramics. The original hurricane lamps, which used either a candle or wicked oil to generate light, were designed with a glass chimney to protect the source of the flame. While the modern electric versions no longer need the protection of the chimney, manufacturers still include them in order to retain the hurricane lamp's original design.

Today, brass seems to be the preferred type of base on hurricane lamps because of the metal's durability. Brass will not split or break should the lamp be dropped and it holds up for years without any seeping or leaking. The advantage over lamps with steel-painted bases is that brass never rusts.

People continue to purchase brass hurricane lamps for a wide range of reasons. Some like to collect antique brass hurricane lamps that were a part of our country's early history. For more than a century, this type of lamp lighted the homes of Americans before the invention of gas-powered or electric lights; many antique lamps were used aboard sailing ships to light the cabins or to hail the attention of those on shore. Other people buy brass hurricane lamps for practical reasons, as an alternative light source when the power goes out due to inclement weather or electrical problems. Still others continue to buy brass hurricane lamps simply because they love the look and use them as decorative pieces to evoke a bygone era.

Modern brass hurricane lamps can be fueled by a number of sources: kerosene, lamp oil, liquid paraffin, and citronella oil. Most oil hurricane lamps are constructed with a knob with which to control the level of light. They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and styles. Related to the hurricane lamp is the lantern. The difference between a hurricane lamp and a lantern is that a lantern is enclosed, with side and top portions to add strength and safety should the lamp tip over. Many lanterns are also made with a loop at the top for hanging from a hook.

While lighting sources have changed in modern times, brass hurricane lamps will continue to grace our homes into the future - both for their beauty and their usefulness.