On the Homefront

Pamper your guests

Your guests won't admit it, but they love to be pampered -- especially at the table. But a seven-course meal, though lovely, isn't necessary. They'll feel special and welcome if you just take the time to set the table.

Emily Chalmers' Table Inspirations: Original Ideas for Stylish Entertaining (Ryland Peters & Small; $19.95) covers selecting china, napkins, tablecloths, candles, flowers and more.

Find breakfast, lunch and dinner settings for almost every occasion imaginable. Outdoor and international settings are included, too. Remember that small efforts (personalizing boiled eggs) can yield big results (scoring points with the in-laws). Try it and maybe you, too, will receive a note saying: You didn't have to do this, but I'm so glad you did. Tattoo your tile

Too scared to get a tattoo? Try it on your tile.

Tile Tattoos by Mibo are heavy-duty, water-resistant stickers that can change the look of any tile. Dab with water to apply (no glue required, which means no sticky residue). The tats come in several designs and colors (black, red, green, blue, white or beige) on white or clear vinyl backgrounds. A crackled finish on the Ventor design creates a vintage look. Sold in sets of six, they come in three sizes and start at $16. For more details, visit http://www.2jane.com. Corner Lots

Ten tips for accessorizing your home:

1. Personalize your home with art and accessories.

2. Repeat a color at least three times in a room.

3. Relate your art to its surroundings. Art prints placed about 6 to 9 inches above a sofa will create a unified look.

4. Cover two-thirds of the space above furniture with one or more pieces of art to achieve proper proportion.

5. Position artwork at "eye level" to look at the center of it from either a sitting or standing position.

6. Vary the height of tabletop accessories for balance and interest.

7. Create a formal look with symmetrical groupings of art. Create an informal look with asymmetrical groupings.

8. Place mirrors so they reflect something beautiful. Use them to add dimension, expand space or reflect light in a room.

9. Display art on easels to create interest in corners, bookcases or on tabletops.

10. Custom frame artwork to coordinate with room decor. Select a frame that complements the decorating style. Select mat colors that enhance the art and color scheme.

To read more on accessorizing your home, visit http://www.myinteriordecorator.com. It's time to . . .

Sharpen your lawn-mower blade. With the abundance of rain this spring, lawns have been growing great and that means frequent mowing. On an average size lawn, a blade that was sharp at the beginning of the season should be sharpened again after eight to 10 weeks of regular mowing. A sharp mower blade makes clean cuts, which puts less stress on the grass and the mower. Richard Nunnally's
gardening Q&A, D3