Why Does My Dripless Taper Candle Drip?
Elegant taper candles are perfect for providing a romantic ambiance for your restaurant or next catered event. However, there are many times when taper candles end up burning unevenly and dripping wax all over your candelabra or cloth table covers, leaving you wondering why you purchased the candles in the first place. If your dripless candles are making a mess, keep reading to learn why this problem occurs and how to solve it.
Shop All Taper CandlesWhat is a "Dripless" Candle?
Referring to taper candles as "dripless" is a misnomer, as wax will inevitably run down any candle. However, dripless candles are designed to allow wax to smoothly run down their sides and quickly harden before reaching your candelabras or table covers. Consequently, these candles are very different than larger dripless candles where the wax pools in the center by the wick.
Why Are My Taper Candles Dripping?
If you find wax on your candle holders or furniture, one of two things is probably happening:
- The candle might not be completely vertical. If your candle isn't sitting straight, it will burn unevenly, which can lead to wax running too far down the candle before it hardens.
- There could be a draft, which can also cause the candle to burn unevenly and lead to excess wax.
How Do You Remove Dripped Wax?
Wondering what to do when wax drips onto your cloth table covers, cloth napkins, or other fabrics? Here are a few tips:
- Let the wax fully harden and then scrape it off with a knife.
- While you should always follow laundering instructions, you can also try pouring boiling water through affected fabrics where appropriate.
- If this doesn't work, your best bet is to have the item cleaned professionally.
- Final traces of wax can often be removed with dry cleaning fluid after the cloth is totally dry.
To remove wax from furniture, follow these steps:
- Let the wax harden completely and then scrape most of it off with a dull knife.
- As you get closer to the surface of your furniture, switch to something more gentle, like a wooden Popsicle stick.
- Use a piece of cheesecloth and a drop or two of lighter fluid to remove any final traces of wax.
- Finish up by buffing it with furniture polish.
When used properly, dripless taper candles are an elegant and refined lighting choice. By following the tips and steps above, you can prevent your candles from dripping or remove wax if they do.
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What Is Cheesecloth?
Cheesecloth is a lightweight, cotton gauze fabric with an open texture, and it is primarily used for food preparation. As its name suggests, cheesecloth was originally used to drain and wrap curds during the cheese-making process. Over time, it has grown to be used for a variety of food preparation tasks and has become one of the most useful tools you can keep in your kitchen! Shop All Cheesecloth What Is Cheesecloth Made Of? Cheesecloth is made from a woven cotton gauze fabric, giving it a light and airy texture. While it is always made from the same material, cheesecloth comes in a variety of durability ratings and thicknesses. Its thickness is measured by grade, which is determined by the number of threads per inch in each direction. Cheesecloth grades are depicted in units of 10, with each unit signifying a sturdier and more durable cloth. A cheesecloth with a grade of 10 or 20 features a more open weave, allowing more material to pass through at the expense of durability. Likewise, a cheesecloth with a grade of 90 would be the most durable, but harder for liquids to pass through. Cheesecloth Uses Besides making different types of cheese, cheesecloth can be used for a variety of tasks. Its woven fabric design and breathable texture make it a versatile tool to keep on hand. Below, we’ve compiled a list of functions that cheesecloth can serve in your kitchen. Straining water Capturing solids in various recipes Bundling herbs and spices Dusting baked goods Thickening yogurt Making tofu and ghee Wrapping citrus fruits Cheesecloth Substitute If you don’t have access to cheesecloth or have chosen to search for an alternative, there are several materials you can use in its place. A good cheesecloth replacement should be lightweight and able to filter solids from liquid. If you're looking to find a suitable alternative for cheesecloth, consider the following materials: Muslin: Muslin is a lightweight cotton fabric that is commonly used in articles of clothing and culinary settings. It is lighter than cotton, but also less durable. Cotton Fabric: Cotton is one of the most commonly accessible pieces of fabric in the world. While it may not be woven quite like cheesecloth and isn't available in different grades, its light, breathable texture makes it a suitable replacement in the right situation. Coffee Filter: Coffee filters are one of the more common cheesecloth substitutes and can be found in most kitchens. The main difference between the two is that a coffee filter is made of paper, while cheesecloth is made of cotton. Because of this, coffee filters may be less durable than cheesecloth. Medical Gauze: Medical gauze is thinner and less sturdy than cheesecloth. Despite this, they are made from similar materials, making medical gauze a suitable substitute if you use multiple layers. Paper Towels: Similar to a coffee filter, paper towels are more prone to breakage than cheesecloth. However, if you plan on straining light foods or looking for a breathable material to cover your food with, paper towels will work perfectly. A Clean Sock: While using a sock in the kitchen may seem unusual, it’s possible to use one as an effective cheesecloth alternative. Most common socks are made from a blend of cotton, wool, nylon, or polyester. Their woven design makes them breathable, yet durable, allowing them to serve a similar function as a cheesecloth as you cook. Can You Reuse Cheesecloth? Depending on what you’ve used it for, it is possible to reuse cheesecloth. However, it’s essential to clean your cheesecloth if you plan on using it again. Using it to strain, cover, or wrap uncooked or perishable foods can cause your cheesecloth to accumulate bacteria, as well as stains. For food safety reasons, you must clean your cheesecloth thoroughly before reusing it in your kitchen. How to Clean Cheesecloth There are many different methods you can use to clean your cheesecloth. Using it in the kitchen can leave your cheesecloth with stains or leftover bacteria, so for food safety reasons, it's important to keep them clean. Consider using the following methods to effectively clean your cheesecloth: Cleaning Cheesecloth by Hand Prepare hot water and rinse your cheesecloth in it immediately after use. If your cheesecloth has food stains, rinse it immediately for the best chance of getting rid of them. If your cheesecloth has leftover bits of food or stronger stains, soak it in a solution of baking soda and hot water. Let it stand for up to 30 minutes before removing it from the solution. Rinse your cloth thoroughly afterward. To make sure no germs or bacteria remain on your cheesecloth after use, boil it for up to 5 minutes. It’s best to boil your cheesecloth after every use to eliminate the risk of transmitting pathogens and bacteria. Cleaning Cheesecloth in the Washing Machine Rinse your cheesecloth under hot water before running it through the washing machine. Use delicate detergent and wash your cloth along with other cloths to prevent damage inside the washing machine. If you’re using a cheesecloth alternative such as muslin, it can easily be washed in the washing machine. How to Dry Cheesecloth Once you’ve washed your cheesecloth, consider drying it in either a dryer or in the sun. Fold and store your cheesecloth in a plastic bag. Cheesecloth is a useful material that can be used to complete a variety of tasks in the kitchen. Additionally, its properties make it easy to replace or substitute for if you don't have access to it. The next time you're looking for a lightweight, breathable fabric to help complete a recipe, consider using cheesecloth.
7 Easy Ways to Update Your Restaurant's Decor
The restaurant industry has changed drastically over the past few decades, and there are new trends and styles that are constantly changing and evolving. Many restaurants find themselves with outdated decor because they're unable to keep up with changing tastes. Restaurant owners may also be overwhelmed or intimidated by costly, time-consuming, and large renovation projects. Fortunately, updating your decor doesn't have to be difficult, and making a few small changes can radically change how customers perceive your restaurant and its overall look. Here are 7 easy things you can do to update your restaurant's decor: 1. Implement a New Color Scheme Painting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to change the look of your dining area. And changing the colors on your walls can give your customers an entirely different dining experience. Painting is also a quick DIY project, so you can cut down on your renovation time. But, before you start painting, you should first choose a color scheme that complements your concept or brand. Additionally, rather than painting your entire dining space, you can use an accent wall to enhance one particular wall and create contrast with the other neutral colored walls. An accent wall is when you paint one wall with a bright color or pattern that stands out from the others to draw attention, and it gives your restaurant a more modern look. 2. Add Plants to Your Dining Space If used correctly, adding plants to your dining space can bring life and a splash of color to your front-of-house area. But, you shouldn't use real plants because they are costly to maintain, can trigger customers' allergies, and create smells that can clash with the aromas of your food. If you want to use real plants, cacti and succulents are excellent options because they are easy to care for and don't give off any odor. Additionally, there are plenty of realistic-looking fake plants that you can use to decorate your space. 3. Hang Artwork on Your Walls If you're going for an artsy and contemporary look, hanging artwork in your dining space is an excellent idea. The artwork you use can be anything, ranging from photographs, to paintings, to 3D art and sculptures. Additionally, you can put up local artists' work in your establishment and give customers the option to buy it. That way, you get beautiful art to hang in your restaurant, and you also help the local art community. For restaurants that offer ethnic cuisine, displaying photographs and paintings of famous landscapes and landmarks in that region is a great way to give your restaurant a sense of authenticity. 4. Skip the Tablecloths In years past, tablecloths gave customers the impression of fine dining and elegance. Nowadays though, many restaurants are trading in their tablecloths for bare wooden tables, which fits with the minimalist aesthetic that has become popular on social media. Tablecloths are also costly to upkeep because they need to be constantly washed and replaced. If you want to give your customers a similar feeling of elegance, you can use cloth napkins. Additionally, table mats can help protect the surface of your tables from scratches and stains caused by dinnerware or flatware. 5. Use Light Creatively Changing the lighting and amount of light in your restaurant can have a huge impact on the ambience. More light gives your establishment a bright and welcoming atmosphere, and a dimmer dining space creates a more intimate and romantic feel. There are different ways that you can change the amount of light in your establishment. Mood lighting, recessed lights, and pendant lamps create a soft and diffused light, and candles help accentuate the romantic atmosphere. You can also adjust the natural light coming to your dining area with curtains and blinds. Not only can curtains change the amount of light coming into your restaurant, but they can also provide a splash of color and decorative flair that you can use to match with your color scheme and concept. 6. Re-Design Your Menu Your menu may be one of the last things that you consider when updating your restaurant's decor, but it can have a huge impact on how your customers perceive your establishment. Old-fashioned menus with fraying menu covers can give the impression that your operation is shabby and cheap. So, rather than print your menu on pre-designed menu paper, you can create your own unique design on the computer using free design software. If you want a more professional-looking menu that reflects your restaurant's concept, you can also hire a local graphic designer to create one for you. Then, pair your new and improved menu with a stylish menu cover to complete the look and protect the paper from spills and stains. 7. Update Your Servingware and Tableware The pieces that you serve your food on can also affect the customers' perception of your restaurant. For example, if you're using old porcelain plates that have scratches and chips on the surface, it's going to reflect poorly on your operation. Many restaurants may be reluctant to change out their dinnerware and servingware because they think it's expensive, but there are affordable options. Melamine is durable and cost effective, and it can mimic more upscale types of dinnerware, which makes it an excellent option for casual establishments that want to maintain a sophisticated look. Many restaurant owners put off updating their decor because they think that it involves difficult and costly renovations, but by simply changing a few small things in your restaurant, you can drastically change how customers see your restaurant. For example, painting your walls with a brighter color or adding new curtains can bring in more light and vibrancy to your dining room, which influences your customers and how they feel. Or, new servingware and menus can give your establishment a fresh look. So, if you keep these seven tips in mind, you can drastically improve the look and design of your restaurant.
Bar Decorating and Bar Design Ideas
Preparing to decorate and design a bar can be a very exciting and overwhelming process. With a million ideas and thoughts running through your head, it can be tough to narrow down the bar design that you want to accomplish. Whether you are opening a bar for the first time or simply redesigning your bar, we have outlined some bar design ideas and tips that you should take into consideration. Restaurant Bar Design If you are designing a bar for a restaurant, the first thing you want to take into consideration is your environment and customer base. For example, an upscale restaurant and bar might not perform well in an environment where there is no customer interest or guests are not willing to spend a large amount of money at a bar. The best way to find out what people are interested in is to survey the neighborhood. Once you understand your customers, you can begin designing your bar. Here are some things to take into consideration when designing a commercial bar: Stay on brand. You want to design a bar that connects well with your restaurant atmosphere and ambiance. Make sure that you have a cohesive restaurant and bar area so that you create a memorable spot that your customers will enjoy. Consider your kitchen area. If you are planning on serving bar food, it is important to consider where your bar will be located in correspondence to your kitchen. You will want to have your kitchen close enough to serve food hot and fast to your bar and tables. Be cautious of your space. Confirm the amount of space you have to work with. You will also have to choose furniture that fits at your bar. Consider that you will probably want to install foot rails and service bar rails as well. Ensure you have the proper bar height. The standard bar height is 42” and should be paired with a bar stool that is about 30” high. This will ensure your customers are comfortable with the seating at your bar. Bar Decor When choosing bar decor, select a theme that you want to achieve. You also want to make sure your decor matches your brand and food and beverages you are going to serve. Here are some tips for bar decorating: Choose comfortable lighting. Lighting is very important in your bar area. Experiment with different lighting styles and dimmers. Bars are usually dimly lit, but if you are going to have a seating area you might want to install overhead lighting over tables. Research music and bands to feature. Depending on whether you want to make a playlist for your bar or feature live music, you will want to consider what music genre will fit best with your theme and customer base. Pick out wall art. Whether you are trying to achieve a sports theme, fun night club, or high-end bar, your decor will help to achieve your bar’s theme. Install fixtures and aesthetic decor. Aesthetic decor paired with wall art can help you establish a well-designed bar. More customers will be likely to take pictures and share them on social media with their friends if you have a visually appealing environment. Decide on bar glassware. The type of glassware you buy will depend on the types of cocktails you are planning to serve. Moscow mules are usually served in a copper cup and beer and ciders are served in beer drinking glasses. Select furniture and tabletops. If you have the budget you should invest in stain-resistant table tops and chairs for the inevitable spills that will happen in your bar area. Ensure that your furniture matches your bar’s theme and will fit in the space that you have. Sports Bar Design Decorating and designing for a sports bar should take into consideration all of the tips we listed above for restaurant bar design; but, it should include some additional activities and of course lots of flat screen TVs to watch the big game. Sports Bar Activities While friends and families are sure to gather at your sports bar to watch the game, it is also important to add some activities for those nights without a game or event. Below are some great activities to add to your sports bar: Add some game room equipment such as air hockey, darts, or pool Host a trivia or karaoke night Invite live bands to perform at your bar Additionally, decorate your bar with sports themed furniture and decor. This will help you show your pride for your town’s favorite sports team and also attract fans to watch the game at your bar. Once you pick a team, you can create drink specials and appetizers based off of your team’s mascot or name. Try offering specials during big games or during happy hour and advertise these specials on social media. Another great marketing tactic is to invest in pay per view games that may not be offered at any other bar in your area. This will give you a competitive advantage over other bars in your area. Outdoor Bar Ideas Depending on the location, outdoor bars will gain the majority of their profit in the summer so it's important to maximize on this time. If you have enough space and room in your budget, you might want to invest in a roof for your bar area so in the event of rain, customers won’t leave. Here are some tips for your outdoor bar: If your outdoor bar has an indoor section, you want to ensure that you stay on brand throughout Invest in outdoor chairs, tables, and umbrellas Include outdoor bar activities such as cornhole or washers Poolside Bar Design Poolside bars are most common in hotels and beaches. Depending on if the pool is for adults only, you may include a swim-up bar. Swim-up bars usually include seating from the pool and allow guests to swim while sipping on their drinks. You can still offer a bar area beside the pool that allows customers to grab a drink. Here are some tips for your poolside bar: Purchase outdoor bar furniture and water resistant chairs Obtain plastic barware and cups Offer tropical cocktails and non-alcoholic options for kids Whether you are redecorating or opening a new bar, it is important to remember to create a brand for your bar and carry out the brand throughout the entire location. Create a design that is going to attract the customers in your area. Restaurant, sports, and outdoor bars all appeal to a different audience that depends substantially on your location. Creating a bar design that is best for you and your customer base will you help you run a successful bar.