Wooden Christmas Basket

I've had the wooden basket

for a couple of years, and usually,

it stays outside.

But this year, I brought it in

and added pine cones and table utensils

and a little greenery.

The flea market silverplate forks

were terribly tarnished so I

searched for an easy way to clean them,

as I certainly didn't want the messy method

I've always used before.  

This method is wonderful.

Fast, easy, and practically effortless.

Unfortunately,

 the cup had little 
silver plate left,

but the little salt shaker

came out all nice and shiny. 

(Also found this great 
Pinterest site for tips
on home cleaning
and DIY.)

 The little red leather book

was a gift from a student

years ago and makes frequent appearances

in various vignettes

 because I love it so.

Some of our favorite Christmas books

in a sewing machine drawer

on top of small vintage suitcase.

------

And on household tips,

I discovered my own useful one

the other day when changing the bedding

in B.E.'s room.

I left the sheets in the dryer too long,

so they were really wrinkled,

and they are cotton-- a pain to get looking crisp.

Hmmm.

What would be a quick and easy way

to accomplish this?

I filled up my steam iron,

got an extension cord,

Put the fitted sheet on the bed,

and ironed it on the bed!

Then the top sheet

and pillow cases.

Took no time at all

and worked a treat!

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