QUESTION: What is the best technique to clean dusty old Christmas ornaments? They are very precious to me because they were collected over the years by my mother and father. Julia, Carberry
ANSWER: Carefully remove any stuck-on debris with a dry, soft, microfibre cloth and then dust it lightly with a feather duster. Avoid water or cleaners under any circumstances or you will wipe away hand paint and colour.
QUESTION: I am a grandmother of 13 grandchildren and I am getting ready to pull my tree out for this season. I don't sew but I would like to finish the bottom of my Christmas tree with a tree skirt. Do you know of anything I can use without spending money on an actual tree skirt? Birdie, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Cut a hole in the centre of an old tablecloth. From the centre hole cut to the outer edge in a straight line. It does not have to be perfectly straight. Leave plain or decorate with paint. You can even have your grandchildren dip their hands in paint and press them onto the skirt to make the tree skirt extra special. Make sure to use fabric paint so you are able to wash the tree skirt.
QUESTION: I recently purchased a black purse that is made of microfibre. I wonder if you could tell me the best way to clean the surface of it, if and when it gets dirty or stains? Thanks so much, Carol, Winnipeg
ANSWER: You should be able to locate a care label on the inside of the bag. This label will tell you if it's safe to use water on your specific microfibre handbag. If it is, wash it by hand in the sink according to the directions. If water is not recommended, pour baking soda onto any dirty areas and swipe it back and forth with a stiff brush dampened in water. Allow purse to air dry.
QUESTION: Every Monday my boss puts a hot coffee on the desk of everyone in the office (she is a wonderful boss). This week we want to surprise her by putting a hot drink on her desk. Can you give me a recipe for Candy Cane Hot Chocolate? Much appreciated, Tess, Winnipeg
ANSWER: In a saucepan, heat 4 cups of milk until hot (divide the recipe in half if desired). Whisk in three ounces of chopped semisweet chocolate squares as well as four crushed candy canes. Stir until melted and smooth. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate. Slide candy cane into mug for a stir stick.
QUESTION: I have a set of stoneware dishes from PTS International Interiors (pattern Fantasia), which are dishwasher and microwave safe. I love the pattern but the dinner plates have a white centre and, unfortunately, over the years, have become unattractive with cutlery marks. I have tried gently using a cleanser but because I don't want to destroy the finish, I have not applied a lot of pressure and this certainly did not remove the marks.
Do you know of any product or action that would remove these unsightly marks? Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Marilea, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Begin by trying to "erase" the marks with a pencil eraser when the dishes are dry. As well, there is a product called Zud that has had encouraging results at removing such marks. Or make a paste of baking soda and water and rub the marks out of all dishes. If marks remain, they are likely permanent.
Fabulous tips of the week:
To tell if your holiday fruitcake is done, touch the top of the cake; if done, it should spring back readily.
If time is limited, and if you're on a budget, consider making your gingerbread house using graham crackers. Use a can of white icing, stiffened with confectioner's sugar, to make the mortar for your graham cracker walls and roof, and then as glue for the candy decorations.
Whether you are young, or old or in-between, take the time to make a gingerbread house to use as a table centrepiece. When company arrives, place a round gingerbread cookie on each person's table setting. Use a stencil and icing sugar to monogram everyone's cookie.
Making meatballs can be time-consuming, here is an easy solution. Purchase pre-formed frozen meatballs. Place them in a crock pot. Pour a can of chilli sauce over top of the meatballs. Add a jar of cranberry sauce and cook on low for six to eight hours. Serve.
Reena Nerbas is the author of the national bestselling Household Solutions series. Her website is www.householdsolutions.org. You can contact her at Box 429, Blumenort, Man., R0A 0C0.
