New Uses for Things in the Dining Room

Chalk as Tarnish Prevention

Slow the tarnish on your good silver by tying up a few moisture-absorbing pieces in cheesecloth and store them with your cutlery for shinier flatware that reflects well on you in no time flat.

Quilt as Tablecloth

Give your table a cozy vibe by covering it with an extra quilt. Just make sure it is machine washable, so a spill won't ruin an heirloom.

Shells as Salt Cellars

Enhance flavors—and your table setting—with a salt pinch pot made from a shell.

Soup Tureen as Centerpiece

Arrange an easy centerpiece. Fill with a little water and float flowers on the surface, or stack citrus fruits inside.

Mirror as Centerpiece

Place an inexpensive full-length mirror (the kind you attach to a closet door) atop the dining-room table. Set vases or candles of various heights on the mirror. It's an easy and elegant way to adorn your table.

Place Mats as Coasters

Prevent water rings by cutting mismatched or damaged plastic placemats into smaller squares with pinking shears, discarding parts that are torn or stained.

Salt and Pepper Shakers as Bud Vases

Screw off the caps of spare salt and pepper shakers (or empty jam jars or perfume bottles) and use the receptacles to display flowers on a bedroom night table or a guest-bathroom sink. You can also put potpourri inside.

Storybook Pages as Placemats

Add some character(s) to a table setting by sandwiching favorite storybook pages between lamination sheets (available at office-supply stores). Catchy text and colorful pictures (think Dr. Seuss and nursery rhymes) are especially attention-grabbing.