How to Set a Fancy Table Without Breaking the Bank

Fine table settings are becoming more and more popular, especially for dinner parties. However, setting a table can be very expensive, especially if you want to make it look elegant and stylish. And if you ever want to change your dining this holiday season, you might want to visit B2C Furniture’s dining sets. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 8 ways to set a fancy table without breaking the bank!

1. Start with a tablecloth or placemats

Tablecloths and placemats are great ways to add color, style, and class to your dining room. They can also be used to hide stains or protect your tables from scratches, which is especially important if you have kids visiting often.

If you don’t already own tablecloths or placemats it’s easy enough to find them at any store that sells houseware.

2. Keep it simple, but don’t be afraid to mix and match

You don’t need to be afraid to mix and match. You can use different materials, colors, and styles for the tabletop, but make sure that you stick with a similar theme throughout the table. If you have a classic-style dining room table then it would be a good idea to keep the same color scheme on all 4 pieces of furniture in your home.

3. Flowers

Flowers are an inexpensive way to add color and texture to your table. They can be used as a centerpiece or in vases, so you can use them in many different ways.

There are many DIYs out there on how to make flower arrangements yourself, but if you don’t have time for that, then consider buying flowers! You can find them at most grocery stores or big box retailers like Target, Walmart, and Walgreens.

4. Napkins

The napkin is a crucial part of setting a fancy table. There are many different ways to use them, depending on the occasion and the person you’re seating. For example:

  • You can create an elegant look with one solid color napkin at each place setting. If you want to add some extra flair, consider using bright colors like red or yellow instead of just white or beige. They’ll make it easier for guests to see what they’re eating without having to strain themselves too much!
  • You could also choose different patterns for each guest’s place setting so that everyone feels special when they get their food onto their plate. This will help ensure that no one has any confusion about who should take which bite first!

5. Centerpieces

Centerpieces are the finishing touch to any table. They’re not just for weddings and formal dinners, though they’re also great for home parties or even casual get-togethers with friends.

Whether you want to use real flowers or fake ones, there are plenty of options out there that will make your centerpiece look fancy without breaking the bank. Here are some tips on how to make sure your centerpiece looks good:

  • Choose something unique and interesting. You don’t want something boring; instead, go with something fun like a glass container filled with sand or sea shells!
  • Think about the color scheme when choosing decorations. If your theme is red roses and white tablecloths, then go ahead and use those two colors together because they’ll match perfectly!

But if it’s black-and-white cookies instead? Don’t worry about matching everything perfectly, just stick them all around the perimeter of each plate so guests get an idea of what kind of food they’ll be eating before digging into their entrees.

6. Layering

Using plates, bowls, and cups of different sizes and colors can create a rustic look. You can also use plates to create patterns on your table, or you can use them to add color by placing them in contrasting colors. This will give you a very beautiful look that is both elegant and classy.

When setting up your table for dinner time, consider layering different materials such as wood veneer pieces, porcelain pieces, and glassware so that one item doesn’t overpower another item at the same time as well as providing contrast within themselves making sure there are no gaps between these materials which would distract from what’s going on with either one another or even just overall visual appeal overall

7. Candles

Candles are a great way to add ambiance and create a romantic atmosphere. The flickering of the flame will make your dining table look more inviting, especially if you have candles lit in multiple areas of your home at the same time. A few warm colors can also help set the mood for dinner!

Candles can also be used as a centerpiece on top of or around your dinnerware, which is especially nice when serving appetizers or desserts.

If you want something more affordable than candles but still want some color on your table, consider using colored stones instead! These types of decorations won’t call attention away from everyone else at every meal but they’ll make sure that everyone knows that it’s a special occasion too.

8. Flatware

Remember the golden rule of etiquette: “Use silverware for eating.” If you’re having a fancy dinner, it’s recommended that you use flatware made of silver. This allows for a more elegant and streamlined look when compared to plastic or stainless steel forks and knives.

The fork is the main utensil for most meals, so it’s important to make sure your guests feel comfortable using this piece of equipment during their mealtime experience. While many people may not realize this fact, certain foods require special attention when served with certain utensils, for example: if there’s soup involved in your meal, then use one.

Conclusion

The key to setting a fancy table is to start small. You don’t need a whole lot, but the best ideas are often found in the more unexpected places. We hope these eight tips have given you some great inspiration for your next dinner party or special event and don’t forget to check out B2C Furniture’s dining sets!

Author’s bio:

Mari Salome Malagar is a professional English teacher in the Philippines who is also a freelance content writer and social media content creator.  She loves to write and edit content for businesses and social media platforms. She has over 3 years of experience in teaching as well as digital media management.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marimalagar

Home Decorating Ideas

How To Transport Your Electric Bike Ideas and Tips To Enjoy

Your electric bike is an excellent way to commute around your neighborhood. Once you’re ready to venture out and try out bike trails further from home, you need a convenient way to transport your bike. Find out how to properly travel with electric bikes for men and women. Follow these steps to avoid any accidents on the way and to keep your investment safe.

Pick Up a Car Rack

First, you’re going to need a car rack. Check the weight rating of your rack, as electric bikes are heavier than traditional ones. You may not be able to transport multiple electric bicycles without a specialized bike rack. While convenient to ride, these bikes are typically 20 to 40 pounds heavier than a standard bicycle.

Consider ordering a rack online from your electric bicycle manufacturer to be sure it will work with your two-wheeled ride. Car racks come in three basic types:

  • Roof rack
  • Trunk rack
  • Hitch rack

A roof rack isn’t recommended due to the weight of your electric bike. Most of these bicycles weigh over 50 pounds, making it strenuous or even dangerous to attempt to lift over your head. As long as you verify the weight rating, both trunk and hitch racks can work well with your bicycle.

Even if you can safely lift a bicycle on your roof rack, your rack may not support the weight of your electric bicycle. A trailer is another option for transporting your bike, but this can be larger than necessary. The right trunk or hitch track gives you the convenience you need to find a trailhead in a new city or state for an unforgettable adventure.

Remove Your Electric Bike Battery

Once you find the right rack, it’s time to store your bike. Most electric bicycles have removable batteries, so consider removing yours before placing it on the rack. This will save you several pounds and help reduce the load on your rack. Place your battery safely inside your vehicle before lifting and placing your bike on the rack.

Before you store your battery, be sure it’s fully charged. Check the temperature of your vehicle. Extreme hot and cold temperatures may affect your battery, so keep it inside your home until you’re ready to hit the road.

Double-check all the straps and other restraints on your rack. There’s nothing worse than a loose electric bicycle falling out of your car rack as you cruise to the next trailhead. Proper security features help you enjoy a hassle-free ride to your destination. A bike lock gives you peace of mind as you travel on a road trip to a backcountry trail or new city bicycle path with your electric bike.

Prepare for Your Next Electric Bike Adventure

A modern electric bicycle gives you the freedom to cruise confidently on long trails all across the country. Prepare to adventure down a new trail or city path with your favorite mens or womens electric bike. Prepare to transport it safely using these steps and don’t forget to charge up your battery for hours of exploration and adventure.

Positive Words Research – How To Transport Your Electric Bike

How Being Grateful Can Change You Into A Positive Person

We all want to become more positive people. Being more positive equals feeling happier, and who doesn’t want to be a happier person? Happiness is one thing you cannot buy with money but can be acquired easily by shifting your mindset and focus, thereby literally changing your life.

Naturally, people tend to focus on what they are lacking and what they wished they would have in their life. By shifting your focus on what you actually do have, you will come to realize that you are one of the luckiest people in the world.

Sounds amazing, right? Well, it is really not that difficult to change your outlook and take notice of all the good that you have in your life. At first, it may take some extra effort, but once you make it a routine it will become second nature to you.

So how do you accomplish this?

Create a Gratitude Journal

Start by creating a gratitude journal, recording 5 things that you are grateful for each day. Don’t duplicate things, think of 5 new things that you feel thankful for each and every day. It may sound like a lot, but once you start noticing how much good you have your list will grow quickly. These things don’t need to be major, they can be small things that you are grateful that you have in our life. For example: 1) I have a house to live in (not everyone can say that) 2) I had a good night sleep 3) I have clean scrubs to wear to work4) my boiler is working so I was able to take a hot shower 5) I have an appetite to eat my breakfast.

That was easy, 5 things that we often take for granted. Not everyone can say that they have these things; and if we did not have one of them we would feel like we are lacking, so appreciate that you have them!

Once you train your mind to look for the good in every situation, you will automatically be more tuned in to see the positive. When you pull in to a full parking lot and find a parking spot easily, you will feel grateful. When you get to your destination safely, you will feel grateful. You will learn not to take anything for granted, and feel extremely fortunate and lucky for all the good that you have. And you will feel happy. Happy that you have such a rich life full of goodness and blessings.

And when you feel happy, you will become a more positive and well liked person, a person that people will enjoy spending time with and being in your company. We all know that no one wants to be around a negative person.

So, start your gratitude journal today, and start recognizing all the good that you have in your life, and you will start living a more positive, happier life!

Bio: Carol Kalat lives in New Jersey with her husband and three children. She works as the marketing director for Medical Scrubs Collection, an online nursing uniform store. She enjoys staying on top of the latest nursing news and loves blogging about nurses and healthy lifestyle related topics.

Positive Words Research – How Being Grateful Can Change You Into A Positive Person

How Being Grateful Can Change You Into A Positive Person

What Is The Secret Behind Positive Thinking Techniques

I use the tag line “Secret”, first, to get your attention and second because there really is a secret to achieving it, especially for those of us who are not naturally happy-go-lucky persons! There are an optimist and a pessimist living inside of everyone. While you read this remember that I am speaking to your pessimist, that voice inside you who tends to see the glass as half empty, but who really wants to see it as half full. Generally when we speak about positive thinking, images of happy people frolicking off into the distance come to mind, or we’ll think of them with thought bubbles filled with smiley faces above their heads. We might even imagine that positive thinkers are in denial of what “real” life is all about and we wish they would come down to earth. I believe all of us know of, or have a friend or acquaintance who always looks on the bright side of life. So when our pessimist comes into contact with that person they may want to slap them back into reality, and with good reason.

The Secret to Positive Thinking Techniques Life experience isn’t always about happy endings or riding off into the distant sunset arm in arm with someone you love. But life is about experiences that can be viewed one of two ways. Let’s choose an example of a life event that is considered “negative”, a situation in which most people would be left feeling hurt, angry, vengeful or afraid, such as loss of employment or loss of a relationship.

Most people would respond to either of these situations by asking themselves or those around them, “Why me?” Or, “Which custom essay service I need to choose” Or, “Why does this always happen to me?” After which they would spend significant time muddling through scenarios in their minds that they believe may have caused the experiences to happen.

Many of those scenarios would revolve around self doubt, self dislike or blaming others. Engaging in these thoughts, while comforting, will never change what has happened and can create more experiences of the same ilk to occur. Negativity draws more unto itself. This might seem like Latin, but once you understand it you will understand that positivity does the exact same thing.

So what’s the secret? The truth is, it’s a secret formula that begins one step at a time, which, after practice becomes second nature. Once it sticks you will have evolved into someone who achieves their goals, embraces all of their experiences and who feels certain in a world filled with endless possibilities.

What follows are some simple steps to begin:

Start noticing the words and phrases you use on a daily basis and write down the most common terminology you use when speaking about yourself or others. Do you refer to yourself as dumb, ugly, insignificant, or stupid? Do you speak to or about others the same way? Notice and eradicate defeating vocabulary from you self talk immediately!

Start noticing the questions you ask about yourself, your life and your experiences. Do you use questions that include the words, “always”, “never” or “should”? Do you ask questions like, “I can’t believe this is happening”? Or do you make pronouncements like, “I can’t do that!”? Begin right now, to ask questions of yourself that provide solutions instead of blame or wonder. Stop asking the question, “Why?”!

Do the people you associate with most often fret, complain and generally talk bad about their circumstances without ever taking action to change them? If so you might want to seek out people who you admire. Then pay attention to what they talk about and how they have achieved their goals.

In every circumstance you face that seems negative, do a future projection in your mind to visualize what good may have come from it or more important, ask yourself what you learned from it. Then be grateful for the future experience in advance! If you can’t seem to do a future projection then think like a child and make pretend you can!

For the love of Pete be grateful! Find any little thing you can be Thankful for and do it. Feel it, even if it’s just the color of a flower or feeling the wind on your face. When you begin to notice everything around you that costs nothing to enjoy you will begin slowly to see the world in a new light of day, in a positive way.

Notice that what you focus on does affect your experience and what you focus on the most you will always receive. Think about this and you will realize its true, but really understanding it takes the skill and teaching of an experienced guide, like a life coach who can notice and assist you in re-directing your thought habits. Make a determined effort to find and hire a coach to take you much further than you can go by reading, it will make a huge difference in time and money.

That’s the secret and there’s more, a lot more to learn. When you begin here you will start to notice small changes in your attitude. Make a note of these changes and congratulate yourself for being willing to self reflect, evolve and change. When you are ready, seriously consider finding a mentor, your cheerleader and someone who knocks on the door of your mind to wake you up to those behaviors you cannot see for yourself. Inevitably, you will find the Secret to unlocking your potential and move far beyond the limits you imagined were holding you back.

Author Bio: Lasandra Bourque is a student. She grew up in Arlington, Virginia. She studies at University of Virginia and works at Essayag.org as freelance writer. She has black belt in Judo. Also she is a professional musician.

Positive Words Research – The Secret Behind Positive Thinking Techniques

Students Depression: 5 Ways to Encourage Positive Thinking

Nearly every person on the planet experiences a depressing episode at least once in their lives. Sadly, in many cases, this happens exactly during one’s student years. Many factors contribute to this, from the hormonal cocktail of puberty to outright unrealistic expectations the world seems to heap upon one’s shoulders. It really is no wonder that suicide is the second leading cause of death among students (ADAA) or that 1in 5 college students suffer from anxiety or depression (TheConversation). In fact, real numbers can be higher, and we’ll never know because the majority of those suffering do not seek help.

It’s overwhelming to be so stressed with assignments, removed from home and support, and anxious about social and financial issues. That’s how many students are these days, and they have no one but themselves to rely on for getting through this.

Of course, it would be best to seek help, guidance, and counseling. But let’s be real, few people have the means and willpower to do this, especially when they are already struggling with a depressive episode. Thus, you have to use self-healing methods to fight theworst of it off. Positive thinking is one of those methods, and there’s research toprove its efficiency. The trick is to learn how to use and reinforce it whendefault thoughts in your head are far from positive.

5 Ideas on How to Nurture Positive Thinking within Yourself

1.     Assume the best. Forcibly if you have to

One of the greatest dangers of depression is how one absolutely innocent thing can drag you down a devolving spiral of dark negative thoughts. For example, you get a new assignment and five minutes later you become a trembling ball of anxiety and the only thought in your head is that you don’t have it in you to succeed.

Does that sound familiar?

Forcing you to assume the worst is what depression does, so you have to intentionally redirect those thoughts. Every time you get that kind of feeling, you need to stop yourself and play a game of positives. Go like this, you get a new complex assignment and next, you tell yourself ‘I can do it, I know which books I need, I have done similar things before, I have the power to succeed’. And even if you don’t really believe it yet in your heart of hearts, repeating those affirmations to yourself will help you get there.

2.     Provide yourself with positive visuals

As a student, you should know that images have a great power. In fact, it will be a part of your program to learn ways to visualize your data. That’s necessary for making your academic papers more comprehensible and authoritative. And you can apply the same methods of visualization in your quest of encouraging your brain to think positive.

Of course, you can simply stare at some specific images when repeating positive affirmations to yourself. Accompanying information with a picture makes the human brain memorize it better, as proves research. However, to beat depression, you need something more powerful. Instead, you should create charts, diagrams, and videos that will commemorate positive moments in your life and show your progress toward your goals.

Making these visuals personal will help you remember the good times and enhance your inner optimist, who is sleeping due to the depression. And working on them will take your mind off negative thoughts as you’ll be focused on a task. Visualization tools you use for your academic work will ensure that you create those ‘positive thinking aids’ fast, so your study schedule won’t be affected.

3.     Make an effort to surround yourself with positivity

Do you know what doesn’t help fighting depression? Toxic environment and people, both of which contribute to this mental disorder. There are studies to prove it. But what you need to take from them is that your environment has the power to affect your mental health. Therefore, you can use it to achieve the opposite effect.

Surrounding yourself with positive people and hanging out in places with a good and welcoming atmosphere will do this. Start with your favorite café and then look at various clubs and societies they have on campus.

4.      Become a philanthropist

A great way to promote positive thinking within yourself is seeing the happiness on other people’s faces and knowing you put it there. So, when you feel depressed, go out to your local shelter and volunteer to help out. Or participate in some community programs. Or find some other way to give to other people.

At the very least, you should go to the nearest support group and share your story. Not only will that help you, but seeing that you are making progress in battling your demons will inspire others in the same position.

5.      Turn bad situations into learning experiences

Positive thinking cannot prevent you from making mistakes or experiencing something bad. However, that’s when you need to apply logic.

Yes, something went wrong, but here you are. You survived, and now you can look back, learn from the experience, and be stronger for it!

Positive Words Research – Students vs. Depression: 5 Ways to Encourage Positive Thinking

Students vs. Depression 5 Ways to Encourage Positive Thinking

Best 18 Rules of Positive Living By The 14th Dalai Lama

Among so many heritages, many of inestimable value, the 14th Dalai Lama also gave to the entire humanity 18 rules for managing to achieve living life in a happy and fulfilling way. The rules for positive living are by far superficial, instead, they are actually harsh. The 14th Dalai Lama proves as he has done his entire life, a keen and profound sense of deep awareness of the present reality.

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three Rs: 1. Respect for self 2. Respect for others 3. Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

Source: Awakening Path

Positive Words Research – 18 Rules of Positive Living By The 14th Dalai Lama

My favorite is number 17: “Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other“. Which one is your favorite? Share below.

Dalai Lama

30 Keywords to Research for Happiness and Positive Living

The below terminologies are used mainly among people interested about happiness and positive living skills. Researching these keywords will give your more knowledge about how to develop abilities to enhance your well-being. To do that, search in google more information about the below 30 keywords and phrases.

Find here a list of 30 keywords to research for happiness and positive living. There is an amazing kind world out there for you to discover.

  1. System for living or life systems
  2. Happiness and positive living
  3. The science of happiness
  4. Positive thinking
  5. The science of bliss or blisscipline
  6. How to be extraordinary
  7. How to be happy
  8. The theory of awesomeness
  9. Positive words
  10. Loving kindness
  11. Love or above
  12. Life hacks
  13. Mindset
  14. Alternative healing
  15. Energizing meditations
  16. Manifesting skills
  17. Spiritual growth
  18. Lifestyle
  19. Wealth and abundance
  20. Life skills
  21. Kindness and compassion
  22. The power of gratitude
  23. Positive psychology
  24. The art of well-being
  25. Daily meditation
  26. Transformational life coach
  27. Transformational education
  28. Mindfulness
  29. Reinventing work
  30. Happiness and productivity

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Happiness and Positive Living