At Benjamin’s Windows we’re able to quote, measure, specify, problem solve, and install all your window treatment needs.
Today’s drapery is truly an art form, providing beauty and style that enhances the design of any room. In addition to countless colors, styles, and fabrics, drapery offers the option of automated controls (motorization), along with sun protection and insulation for furniture (sheerweave sunshades). Living in an age of great competition, we at Benjamin’s know that creating the best for you in service and product will serve your needs and keep us above and beyond the ordinary businesses.
Did you know Benjamin’s offers Custom Linens! Benjamin’s is fully committed to making your home decor fashionable. Stop in for your custom order today!
At a formal dinner the tablecloth overhang is luxurious and deep, approximately 10 to 15 inches, a drop that rests in the diner’s lap and is tucked under the table before the napkin is lifted.
When a formal dinner is served at a number of tables, usually folding tables with metal legs are rented, covered with tablecloths that extend to the floor.
Because the menu at a formal luncheon is lighter than a formal dinner, the overhang of the tablecloth is shorter.
At a formal tea, most of the guests stand, and the overhang of the tablecloth can be up to 18 inches deep.
In a hotel or private club, when tea is served from a folding table, the tablecloth hangs to the floor to conceal the metal legs.
Recently, we had the pleasure of working with The Makerista on her home improvement project.
We are so happy that we could create such beautiful drapes for her beautiful space!
She chose a Pinched Pleat Belgian Linen in the color Oyster with a lining. Not to toot our own horn but, they came out outstanding! Against the wood panels, the drapes really help to soften the room! Check it out!
You’ve exhausted the time and effort to prepare a lovely affair – the clock is ticking, and guests will arrive today. Tis’ time to set the table – the silver is polished…the china is out…the crystal is flawless….now, what napkin would the Queen use? – need you even ask this question?! Paper is never appropriate at a fine occasion….in fact – paper is only appropriate at a backyard picnic and even in that instance I can make the argument for the cloth napkin.
1) Cloth napkins dress up the event – beautiful napkins act as dressing to your table – just as you’ve invested in the perfect frock – think through your napkin choice – crisp, white linen – preferably monogrammed sets the tone.
2) Cloth napkins are green – talk about an au courant way to be eco-friendly – because this fine piece of tableware is not commonplace you can find exquisite – yet affordable ones at antique stores.
3) Looking for a craft – you can make your own. I learned this little trick from my mother-in-love – so simple, and this endeavor truly gives you the freedom to customize your look! Visit your local fabric store and ask for approximately 1 ½ yards of cotton fabric – make sure to prewash/preshrink – then you can measure out and cut four squares – find the fringe and pull around the edge until you have the width fringe you want around the edge. Incidentally – these make great housewarming gifts along with a wooden spoon and homemade cookies.
4) Napkin folding is a relatively simple art – employ the internet and a little practice and you’ll be making French pleats with the best of them. If the concept of a fold makes you panic – give yourself a break and whip out those napkin rings you never use – they’re fun and just taking up space in your sideboard!
Relax and welcome your guests to your charming soiree – be it casual backyard supper or a formal dinner party – the extra effort will not go unnoticed
“No matter how much you say or believe you dress to please yourself, your appearance and the clothes you wear tell the world a lot about you. In fact, your appearance is what makes the first impression when you walk into a room. What counts more than the clothes you wear, which in this day and age can be more a matter of personal rather than dictated style, is how well groomed you appear. If you are neat, clean, and pleasant smelling it reflects not only your own sense of self-worth and self-esteem but your awareness of those around you.”
Let’s face it, guys don’t tend to go to underwear shops for themselves – generally because standalone, men-only underwear shops don’t exist. Enter La Perla.
Having cut just-the-right-side-of-revealing undergarments for women since 1954, last season La Perla launched its first-ever men’s offering with a catwalk show at Pitti Uomo.
However up until now the brand hasn’t had a dedicated space to showcase it here in Britain. Now, after opening it’s first dedicated men’s shop in Milan, the brand has opened one in London’s Burlington Arcade.
It’s a modest space, but it’s just as luxurious as you’d expect, with marble columns thick blue rugs and leather seats.
The underwear itself is superb.
While the boxed briefs are great for the more entry-level guy, the smoking jacket-inspired dressing gowns or silk lounge trousers are the real way to impress in the bedroom.
RSVP – it’s party time and you’re excited to get the nod…then you examine that invite closely – festive attire, dressy casual, informal, casual – ugh what do they mean!?! If you’re considering shorts for your gathering – take heed there are some guidelines.
1) Garden party – most may appear in their sundress finery but good for you for going rogue – just make sure you’re keeping with the theme and eschew the cutoffs. Make a splash in a bright color and be aware of your top – if you are sporting a three inch yellow and white polka dot pair – wear that elbow length, round neck lemon applique sweater you’ve hung unto for just this occasion.
2) Cocktails – Shorts are showing up on the runway in all configurations – opt for the billowy silk, sassy sequin style or flirty lace style and pair with a great heel – bam, you’ve highlighted your gams just the same as if you were sporting a short skirt.
3) Company picnic – don’t stray from the conservative – you may have the best stems in the business but this is not the venue to risk a booty shot – stick with your khaki shorts and go for at least a five inch length pairing with flats or tennis shoes depending on the outdoor activity options.
4) GNO – this is the outing where the hot pants make an appearance – if you’re feeling brave parade those leather shorts with some rockin’ heels – you worked for those legs show them off. Feeling a little self-conscious…that’s okay you can garner a similar style with bold wool shorts, tights and booties.
Without a doubt designers have shown that shorts can be a spectacular substitute for the mini. Embrace the trend and know that this piece can come off the jogging trail – it is no longer just a match for the task at hand
All that glitters is not golden…
I’m all for a little well-placed dazzle but there are times that you need to step away from the sparkle, dangle and shine. Believe me – I get the saying, she who leaves a trail of glitter is never forgotten. But there are times you need to dull your light – figuratively of course – never spiritually!
1) On the job – save those stunning, flashy heels for another time of day. The office environment – regardless of the casual, funky nature is really not the venue for shimmer – save it.
2) First dates – okay – this one is dicey – he asked you out because he likes who you are…but head to toe sparkle is a little much. You can throw in a piece here and there – maybe pair the sequin skirt with a more casual top or dial in the flashy heels – but keep your ensemble neutral and muted.
3) Meeting the in-laws….you may think – hey, they should get to know the real me – why try to hide my light….well, I get the thought process – but consider things from their perspective and tone it down.
4) A funeral – leave the dangly earrings at home – this is a somber occasion and not the time to insist on drawing attention to yourself. Unless you are celebrating the zeitgeist and style of the deceased because they believed that there can never be enough glitz and glamour….just don’t.
I know, I know – every girl was born with glitter in her veins and we should never, ever let anyone dull our sparkle.
Colorful, patterned – with personality is the new black. Thanks to new sock companies like Stance and Happy Socks – men are winning at the sock game. No longer are the fellas exiled to the boring section of men’s furnishings – sorting through black, gray and navy ribbed socks.
1) If you are going for a very formal look – wear black socks with a black suit or navy with navy.
2) For every day wear – you can match your socks to your slacks – but stay away from matching your socks to your shoes – it will look like you have on booties…then again – if you are sporting your desert boots – your sock choice is not a huge concern.
3) Socks can go rogue – I know a guy who matches his socks to the event – for example heart socks for weddings, holiday socks, etc. – this is where you can make a personal statement. As long as the sock is in the same color family as the rest of your suiting. You might choose to pick up the spectrum from your tie – or you can go for another color altogether – just make sure it’s in line with your overall tone.
4) This goes without saying – but make sure the socks you’ve selected match each other and have no visible holes.
5) Dress socks for men should go to the knee. This may seem old fashioned but have you ever been at a meeting across from the guy whose socks are too short – resulting in a flash of hairy white skin between the sock and the suit? Distracting. Not recommended.
Socks are not necessarily the furnishing most men thing of first – but they can really elevate a boring suit. Kick up your heels and try something new.
