READER'S ROCK LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE VOL 2 ISSUE 4 NOVEMBER 2014 VOL 2 ISSUE 3 OCTOBER 2014 | Page 39

"Vintage dinnerware continues to be one of the
trendiest design elements in the tabletop industry and
those patterns are some of our best sellers," says
Robbins. "Why buy a reproduction when the real
thing is readily available? Search your mother or
grandmother's china cabinet to find some of the great
retro patterns. Add your own point of view when you
mix and match contemporary designs to create a
modern look. It's really simple to add an accent plate,
or a stand-out charger in this season's colors to update
your table for fall entertaining."
Figural pieces, such as leaf shaped plates and serving
pieces are very popular this fall. Many manufacturers
are offering colorful accent pieces with favorites
including turkey, fall leaves and pumpkin motifs.
"You can use pumpkins as a strong design element
through Thanksgiving," Griffith suggests. "Pumpkins
made of glass, ceramic and lightweight resin are big
sellers in the store as we head into the season. Mix
with the real thing to easily create a great
centerpiece."
As the season changes, so does the way you're
entertaining. Gatherings may be more casual as
friends and family get together around the television
for the big game or by the fire pit on the patio.

Often-overlooked
back-to-school
danger: Tips to pack
safer lunches
(BPT) - You've survived the back-to-school
season, and transitioned from lazy summer
days to the familiar routine of early rising and
the roar of school buses in the neighborhood.
But before you usher your children out the
door tomorrow, you should know a few things
about that lunch you may have packed blearyeyed in the wee hours of the morning.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention estimate that every year one in six
Americans will become ill from a foodborne
illness. As you commit your child's bus and
class schedule to memory, don't forget the
four simple steps to keep your family safe
from food poisoning at home: clean, separate,
cook and chill.
"We always ask our kids to wash their hands
before every meal and the same applies to the
parent when preparing any meal," says Maria
Malagon, Food Safety Education Director with
the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA)
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
"Wash your hands with soap and warm water
for at least 20 seconds. The same holds true

"Appetizer size plates and individual dip bowls are
great for finger foods and condiments, says Robbins.
"These smaller pieces are both popular and
affordable. Plus it's fun to mix shapes, colors or
motifs. Mix and match your favorite team colors for
the big game or choose individual Thanksgiving
themed plates for celebrations tied to turkey day."
Still looking for more fall tabletop ideals? Help is just
a click away. This team is now using Facebook to
share decorating tips and solutions.
"We love partnering with our customers to solve their
design dilemmas," says Robbins. "We're thrilled when
people reach out to us and ask questions on
Replacements' Facebook page. Our team is having a
lot of fun connecting with our customers and we
encourage people to visit our page, ask questions, like
us and share us with their friends; we get so many
great design challenges this way."
Once the team receives a question, they create
multiple mix and match options, photograph these
table settings then post the images online for the
public to see and share.

for cutting boards, dishes, utensils and
countertops. Wash thoroughly with hot, 6