Stainless steel utensils

Wash them by hand if you want to avoid the small scratches that dishwashers inflict on metal objects. We're comfortable with the slight dishwasher "patina" in our house. Your choice. Ours are shinny and look great after many months of use.

Riedel wine glass care

Riedel's Web site has a wonderful presentation on caring for your stemware. Please visit their Cleaning Guide. (The Cleaning Guide is in the Information section.) They caution to never twist the base and bowl and we can verify that your glass will break if you do!

Candle care and safety

Safety issues:

• Always leave an extra margin of safety with your activities around fire. If you've been in a burning house or pulled people from one you'll get the idea. Candles do cause house fires when not used properly! People are always surprised how fast a fire will spread.
• Always place candle in a fireproof container and away from other flamable materials.
• Always keep away from children, pets, or people who have had a bit too much wine to drink. When the party is building energy, blow out the candles!
• Don't light a wick that is longer than 1/4 inch. Trim it if neccesary. It could flare out of control.
• Always have someone competent attend the candle while it is burning.
• Remove labels before use. They burn.

For increasing the life of the candle:

• After blowing out the flame and after the wax cools a bit gently push the top back to its orginal shape.
• Don't use in a draft or near a fan. This will cause the flame to lick the side of the candle and shorten its life.