How to Make a Baby Changing Table Out of a Dresser

A changing table is an important part of your baby's nursery. Baby-changing tables can be quite expensive, but you can create a functional place to change your baby's diaper that does not cost you a lot of money. Simply use a existing dresser as your baby's changing table. Besides its simplicity and cost, the best part about using a dresser is that you can use it for years to come, as a dresser, after you no longer need it for your child.

Instructions

1

Find a dresser suitable to converting into a baby-changing table. Ideally you will already own one; if not, you should be able to find a good deal on a plain dresser at a consignment store or yard sale. You can buy a dresser that will match other furnishings in your nursery or furniture your child will use when she gets older. The dresser should be waist high or just slightly higher. Anything taller will make it difficult for you to change your baby's diapers.

2

Measure the length and width of the top of the dresser. Buy a baby-changing-table pad and pad covers. These can be found in most baby stores and in general-merchandise . Make sure the pad will fit properly on top of your dresser.

3

Fill the drawers of your baby changing table with diapers, wipes, lotions, powder and any other supplies you might need to change your baby. Keep extra clothes in the dresser drawers for those little accidents that happen when you change your baby's diaper. One of the advantages to using a dresser for your baby-changing table is that all of the supplies are handy and hidden, making it is less likely that your baby will get into them when he reaches the age where he can pull himself up on things.

Proper Banquet Table Setup

Dinner guests, especially in business and chic social settings, expect to be entertained comfortably, be it in your home or in a larger banquet setting. Proper banquet table setups may be used in both settings to heighten the experience and indulge your guests. Set out your best china, buy a fresh seasonal bouquet and let your guests relax. Does this Spark an idea?

Consider the Event

Each event requires a different table layout plan. A wedding reception, for example, may consist of a head table and several other rectangular or round tables facing the front. An event with a speaker may be similar, but with the head table in the center. While considering the event itself, think about necessary table cloths and centerpieces; its best to measure the tables before ordering such items.

Choose a Shape

Long tables may be aligned in a U shape or a square, allowing you to customize the space, but round tables fit into smaller areas and may better facilitate conversation. A herringbone, slanted arrangement of rectangle tables allows all guests to face a speaker.

An Informal Setting

Set the plate in the center of the setting with a napkin on top. On the left of the plate, set the dinner fork and the salad fork on the very left. On the right of the plate, set the dinner knife, teaspoon and soup spoon. Silverware should be set so that the first used is on the outside of the setting; work your way in through the silver. The water glass should go directly above the tip of the knife, and the wine glass, if used, slightly southeast of the water glass.

A Formal Setting

Set the service plate or charger in the middle of the setting; a salad plate, when the course arrives, is placed atop the charger. To the left of the charger, place a dinner fork, salad fork and napkin. To the right, place a dinner knife, teaspoon, soup spoon and teacup atop a saucer. To the top left of the charger goes the bread plate and knife. Directly above the charger, place the cake fork and dessert spoon, if desired. Above this goes the name card. Rounding out the top right of the charger goes the water glass, red wine glass and white wine glass. Items not being used will be removed as needed, such as the white wine glass if the guest chooses a red.

Folding Chair & Table Storage

Folding chairs and tables are convenient furniture to maintain in a household. The arrival of unannounced dinner company, craft projects or family game night can benefit from the ease of setting up a folding table and chairs. When the need for the folding furniture has passed, the tables and chairs fold almost flat for storage. Does this Spark an idea?

Attic Storage

In regions of the country that see extreme temperature shifts, the materials that comprise the folding table and chairs should be considered. Vinyl and other plastics used in attached cushions or protective tabletops can crack and split in hot and cold climates. Items with plastic, rubber or vinyl parts should be stored between 41 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The hotter the temperature, the faster the materials deteriorate. Mice and other small creatures can burrow into or chew on fabric chair cushions.

Garage Storage

Garages have some of the same storage problems that attics have as far as potential critter invasion and drastic temperature changes, but if the folding table and chairs are properly stored in a zip or hook and loop tape closure storage bag, the likelihood of damage is reduced. Garages see more traffic than do attic spaces, so rodent and bird activity is less plausible than in dark, isolated attics. Large folding banquet tables store well in garages and usually have to be stored where there is ample space due to the table size.

Closet Storage

Store a folding table and folding chairs in a storage bag at the back of a closet to maximize the use of your closet space. The flat back wall is a good place to position a folding table. Chairs can be arranged to one side of the closet against the wall or stacked on top of each other on the closet floor if space is available. Because the closet is located inside the home, fabric and plastic materials used in the construction of attached cushions on folding chairs or padded tabletops on folding tables won't be affected by changing temperatures or rodents looking for a snack. You can store furniture without a storage bag in a closet without sustaining damage to the table or chairs.

Behind or Beneath Large Furniture

Slide a folded table and chairs beneath a bed to utilize out of the way storage space. Place the table onto the floor with the tabletop facing down and the folded legs facing up. Place a towel or blanket over the folded legs. If your bed is high enough, stack two or more folding chairs on top of the towel or blanket and slide the stack beneath the bed. Folded tables and chairs can be slid between a wall and the backs of armoires, dressers, couches, china cupboards and other furniture wide and tall enough to conceal them.

The Best Changing Tables

Although a baby can be changed almost anywhere, many parents opt to purchase a changing table for storage purposes and also to avoid too much back strain. Consumers have several choices to match any space and budget situation. The perfect changing table will vary from consumer to consumer, so search for one that fits your situation.

Traditional Changing Tables

If you choose a traditional changing table, you can expect to spend anywhere from $70 to $130, although some changing tables with extra features can cost over $1,000. When it comes to traditional changing tables, search for one that has barriers on all four sides to keep the baby safe while changing. The pad should also have a buckle.

The best changing tables will be sturdy in structure, and made of solid wood. For convenience sake, find a changing table that has drawers or shelves to hold baby supplies. Avoid changing tables that have a flimsy pad, as it could crack after much use.

Space and Budget Saving Idea

To save space and money, many parents simply purchase a contoured pad that can be placed on a dresser. Once the baby outgrows a need for a changing table, the dresser top can be used for room decorations or other storage. Consumer Reports notes to look for one that has two contoured sides and a strap to keep baby in place.

Changing on the Go

Some mobile play yards also have changing table attachments. These play yards are mobile and work well for small spaces, as newborns can also sleep in them. If you travel a lot, you might find that you will appreciate having the changing space. The downside, however, is that once your baby grows a bit, he will likely need more room to sleep or play in the play yard, so you will no longer be able to use the changing pad attachment. Also, assembling the diaper changing attachment multiple times for travel purposes could be cumbersome for some parents.

Considerations

While many new parents assume that they will need a changing table for their new baby, Consumer Reports notes that an actual table is not necessary. As long as the baby is safe from falling, you can change him anywhere, even on the floor. Consider purchasing a decorative basket to hold changing supplies. Because a basket is mobile, you will be able to change a baby on any flat surface. Just put a receiving blanket down to keep messes off of furniture.

How to do a Banquet setup

This article will show you how to set up your tables for a banquet. Think of it as a large dinner party. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

We will assume you already have your location. Places that rent banquet space will provide tables and table clothes if asked. These things are usually included in the price of the rental. But if not there are banquet or party rental stores that will rent you everything you need right down to the candle sticks.

2

Now let's put those dishes on the table. It is easier sometimes to start with the silver ware. Just imagine yourself sitting down for dinner. Place the dinner fork on the left and the salad fork next to it on the left of it. Place the knife on the right of the dinner plate or at least where it will be and the spoon on the right of it. Be sure you have the teeth of the knife turned to the left or toward the dinner plate. Now for the glasses place the water glass over the knife and the iced tea or beverage glass over the spoon. The glasses will appear to be steps.

3

Next we will begin to place the cups and saucers. The saucers will be placed right of the spoon and knife the cup handle will be turned at a 5:00 angle for easy access. If it is more formal where you will have a B&B or bread and butter plate just place it directly in front of the forks. Your napkins can be to you liking. They may be places in the glass as a fluff or places in some other imaginative fashion. Have some fun with it.

Banquet Table Centerpiece Ideas

Banquets are planned and held for any number of reasons. They are often celebrations of events or holidays. A banquet may have other purposes, such as to present awards or to fund-raise for a charity. Banquets often feature seating groups of people around tables, and an appropriate centerpiece on each table can add a touch of class to any event.

Shining Candles

Candle arrangements add a touch of elegance and class. Use old or unused CDs to create a reflective base. Make sure they have at least one side without a label. Use five CDs per centerpiece. Set one CD in the center, with the other four around it in a circle, with the blank sides facing up. Add a thick round candle to the center of each CD, large enough to cover the holes in the middle. Use unscented candles to avoid competing with the aromas of the food being served. The color of the candles should reflect the theme of the banquet. Intertwine greenery around and between the candles. Tuck items into the greenery that reflect the theme of the event, such as candy canes for Christmas, or miniature footballs for a football award banquet.

Themed Banquet

For a holiday-themed centerpiece, start with a shoe box. Cut it down to half the size and wrap it in decorative paper that suits the colors or theme of the event. Tuck the wrapping around and inside the edges of the box. Add greenery, tucking in symbols of the holiday or celebration. Flank this centerpiece with two tall candles in holders.

For a sports-themed banquet, spread a small-sized jersey or team T-shirt in the center of the table. Add candles in team colors, and miniature versions of athletic equipment.

For character, movie or mythical themes, place either a plain place mat or a mat with the theme of the evening in the center of the table. Add an assortment of books, hats, key chains, jewelry, etc. pertaining to the theme. Use the items as prizes throughout the evening.

Go Green

Make the centerpieces environmentally friendly with real flowers and greenery. Start with a basket. Fill with greenery such as ivy and flowers reflective of the season. Avoid heavily scented flowers. Add in symbols of the reason for the banquet, such as sports items for a sports banquet, or holiday items such has a small pumpkin for Halloween or Thanksgiving. You can also fill the basket with fresh fruit, or use potted plants in decorated containers that can be replanted later.

Design Tips for Banquet Tables

Decorations can be used to transform a simple space into an elegant event. Banquet table dcor has a large part in the overall decoration of the room. Each table should be similar in decoration to keep the design of the room uniform. Before you begin designing the tables, it is important to figure out the placement of each table in the room. Make sure everyone will be able to see the speaker or event from where they are seated. Does this Spark an idea?

Colors

Selecting a color to begin the design process is important to hold the banquet design together. Make sure each element of design for the table incorporates or compliments the color palate selected. Select colors that reflect the type of event you are planning. For example, a wedding banquet should be decorated with colors from the wedding. If the event does not have colors selected, begin by pulling a color palate from seasonal flowers. Colors do not have to be incorporated into every design element in the room, just used as accents. White table linens are the perfect compliment to any color and keep the room feeling light and open even with a large number of tables.

Linens

Table linens can reflect the color scheme chosen. You can use a large tablecloth with a neutral color such as white to color the whole table. Layer a smaller tablecloth over the base tablecloth to add color without overpowering the room. If you want your napkins in the same color as the tablecloth select a different shade of the same color to add visual interest. Using the same shade of the color through the room will create a flat design.

Flowers

Flowers arrangements on the tables can also be used to pull in colors from the overall design. Do not limit yourself to one color for the flowers as long as you incorporate the event colors into the arrangements. Make sure each banquet table has a similar flower arrangement to unify the design. The flower arrangements should be small enough that people can see each other across the table. Look for flowers that are seasonal for the arrangements to keep the costs of your arrangements down.

Other Considerations

You can cover the banquet chair for the table with fabric slip covers and tie a bow around the back of the table with ribbon the same color as the event colors. This will make the table design look fancier and will add more color to the room. Add small details such as name cards that also match the design of the tables by using the same colors. Silverware is also important to select. If the flower arrangements are very simple in design, make sure your silverware is also. The entire design should be reflected in all the elements selected.