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Tips For Tackling Dirty Dishes This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time for joy, peace on Earth, and chaos in the kitchen. Unfortunately, dream kitchens don’t include a mess of dirty plates, glasses, utensils, and cooking implements. From baking up a storm to preparing grand holiday feasts, here are some helpful tips for tackling those dirty dishes that are an inevitable part of the celebration.

Don’t Let Dirty Dishes Pile Up

Kitchen sink sizes vary, but even extra deep, double bowl kitchen sinks are no match for a 24-pound turkey dinner with all the fixings. Instead of letting mountains of dirty dishes sit on kitchen island countertops, or leaving pots and pans to soak overnight in kitchen sinks, everyone in the family should pitch in and clean up immediately as you go. That also includes emptying the dishwasher after each cycle, as well as towel drying and putting away anything that is washed by hand.

Hand Washing Tips

Dishcloths are preferable to sponges, because they tend to harbor less bacteria (when changed frequently), and they can be easily washed in the laundry room. WebMD recommends using hot water and drying dishcloths on high heat.
For efficiency and to conserve water, fill clean kitchen sinks halfway with hot tap water and add a few drops of your favorite dish soap. Drain and repeat when the water gets cold or too dirty.
Don a good pair of dishwashing gloves to help protect hands and prevent them from becoming dry and cracked. Nobody wants dishpan hands for the holidays.
Start with glassware, plates and utensils, and leave greasy pots and pans for last. Don’t skip scrubbing high-touch areas like pot and knife handles and the outside of glasses.

Dishwasher Dos and Don’ts

Group forks, spoons, and knives separately in the utensil basket sections of your dishwasher for easy unloading.
Place dishwasher-safe plastic and delicate items like mugs and glassware on the top rack only.
If you want truly clean dishes, avoid overcrowding the dishwasher with too many items and use the correct amount of detergent as directed.
Place a sign on the dishwasher that can be flipped between “washed” and “unwashed” to let family members know the status of its contents.

In most cases, prewashing is not necessary with newer dishwashers. Instead of hand washing and running through a cycle, choose one or the other. If you stay on top of washing dishes and follow these tips throughout the holiday season, you can keep your kitchen clean and tidy just like the dream kitchens in your favorite home magazine or HGTV shows.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, home bar, laundry room, closet, TV room or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer all wood cabinetry, fully assembled and delivered for free, plus all the accessories needed to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!

A Brief History Of Subway Tile

You may have noticed that subway tile is becoming more and more prominent these days. From kitchen backsplashes to bathroom floors, this 3-inch by 6-inch rectangle has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Originating in the early 1900s, subway tile was first seen in New York City’s subways. Can you believe it? Subway tile quite literally means subway tile. More than 100 years later and it’s now a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms all over. But where did subway tile come from and how is it used today? Keep reading to learn a little more of the history of subway tile and why it has remained such a force in home design.

Classic Design

When George C. Heins and Christopher Grant La Farge first designed subway tile, we doubt they imagined the longevity of their creation. But because of its rectangular shape, white glossy finish and thin grout lines, subway tile has become a classic choice in the 20th century. Some might even dare to call it America’s favorite tile. Either way, it has certainly become a mainstay and a go-to tile choice in both kitchens and bathrooms alike. And its popularity is still on the rise.

Goes Great With All Types of Cabinets

Subway tile is certainly versatile. Its classic style allows it to gel well with all types of cabinets from traditional to more modern. Subway tile has even evolved to include different colors and materials giving it even more range.

While you’ll still see subway tile in its original form, it’s now also available in a variety of colors, materials and finishes. With all of the options to choose from, homeowners can now have the best of both worlds. Are you dreaming of both a subway tile and natural stone backsplash? No need to pick one. You can now have the classic charm of subway tile and the old school beauty of natural stone in the same backsplash.

Easy To Clean

Because of its sleek surface, subway tile has a reputation for being low maintenance. It’s relatively easy to clean, which is definitely another reason for its popularity in kitchens and bathrooms. Whether used as flooring, countertops, walls or backsplashes, subway tile provides an easy surface to maintain. It was first tested in the New York subways after all. At that time, it was chosen because it was hygienic, stain resistant, and offered a bright white reflection that lightened up the underground station. Although subway tile is often found in many different forms today, the original version still holds true to many of these benefits. White subway tile is also used in small spaces to make them feel larger and more open.

Now that you know a little more about subway tile, are you ready to bring this piece of history into your home? Whether for a shower wall in the master bath or a natural stone backsplash in your kitchen, there are so many ways to incorporate this classic favorite into your room design.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, home bar, laundry room, TV room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer solid wood cabinetry, fully assembled and delivered for free. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!

6 Creative Halloween Party Cocktail Concoctions

Your trick-or-treating days may be over but you’re never too old for Halloween! Plan an adults-only costume party and celebrate this spellbinding holiday in style.

In addition to some scary-good décor and frightful finger foods, you’ll also want a drink menu that is both creepy and classy. Stock your bar cabinets and achieve bewitching balance with these cocktail concoctions.

Are you read to host a Halloween party that is sure to be spooktacular? Keep scrolling for a few of our favorite Halloween drink recipes and all of the ingredients you’ll want to keep in your bar room and kitchen before the big event.

Spooky Sangria

Take your favorite recipe for red sangria and just add blood oranges. The rich color of this citrus fruit will make a glass of wine fit for a ghoul.

From your bar cabinets:

Brandy
Dry Spanish Red Wine
Club Soda (optional)

From the kitchen:

Fruit (blood oranges, apples, and anything else you’d like)
Orange and Lemon Juice
Sugar

Black Magic

We’re all about Halloween hocus pocus, so we had to include this shimmering, spooky libation from Elle Talk. Made with boo-zy black vodka and pearl dust, your guests will be wondering about this mysterious and magical Halloween cocktail all night long.

From your bar cabinets:

Black Vodka (not always available but known to pop up on shelves in October)
Simple Syrup
Lime Juice

From the craft store:

White Edible Pearl Dust

Hard Cider Pumpkin Float

Treat your guests to something sweet with this fall-inspired dessert drink from Dine & Delish. Made with two simple ingredients, this is an easy cocktail to whip up after dinner that will also satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth (and pumpkin spice cravings).

From your bar cabinets:

Hard Pumpkin Cider or Ale (recipe recommends Woodchuck Reserve Pumpkin Cider)

From your kitchen:

Ice Cream (recipe recommends Talenti Pumpkin Pie Gelato)

Pirate Punch

You might find an eyeball or two in your cup of pirate punch—but don’t be afraid to take a bite. This spiked fruit punch contains lychees stuffed with berries for a spooky sight. Follow this punch recipe from Food and Wine (or whip up your favorite fruity punch) and then add one or two berry-stuffed lychees per serving.

From your bar cabinets:

Rum
Lime Juice
Simple Syrup

From your kitchen:

Lychees
Lychee Syrup
Berries

Candy Corn Jell-O Shots

These Jell-O shots from That’s So Michelle taste like a Creamsicle and looks like your favorite Halloween candy. Fair warning: assembly takes a little patience, so be ready to put on your craft hat when preparing this menu item.

From your bar cabinets:

Vodka (recipe recommends Pinnacle whipped cream flavored vodka)

From the kitchen:

Orange Jell-O
Oranges
Coconut Milk
Gelatin
Sugar

Glowing Gin Cocktail

If your party doesn’t glow in the dark, is it even a Halloween party? We decided to ditch the stick-on wall art for this Delish drink instead. Get out the black light and reveal the ghostly white glow of this classic gin cocktail.

From your bar cabinets:

Gin
Lemon Juice
Grenadine
Tonic Water

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, bar room, laundry room, TV room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer all wood, semi-custom cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!

3 Cabinet Details That Will Totally Transform Your Kitchen

Have you ever gasped at the sight of a gorgeous kitchen on the cover of a home magazine, been in awe of an open concept kitchen TV makeover, or felt envious of a neighbor’s kitchen remodel? Some cabinet details add an element of unmatched distinction in the home that would make anyone weak in the knees. Here are some cabinet details that have the potential to totally transform your kitchen, and get you that magazine quality, gasp-inducing, awe-inspiring, envious look you desire.

Glass Front Doors

There is no better way to add a touch of airiness and elegance in the kitchen than through the addition of glass front doors. Whether it’s aluminum-frosted glass, mullion glass, beveled or clear, a few well-placed glass front doors can take your solid wood cabinetry up a notch. Simple wow-factor aside, glass front doors also allow homeowners to beautifully showcase a treasured collection of pottery, fine china, or crystal stemware.

Built-In Storage

Built-in features are a must in any custom kitchen. Whether you opt for a built-in wine rack, built-in stemware, built-in plate storage, or all of the above, these cabinet details are sure to impress. Why? Because they are the perfect blend of style and function, of course! Add more smart storage solutions behind closed doors, and you get a perfectly organized and perfectly tidy kitchen, as seen on TV.

Solid Surface / Natural Stone Countertops

Consider countertops the icing on your cabinet cake. Just like cabinetry, countertops are an essential detail in a kitchen remodel — so make sure you choose wisely. This is not the place to cut corners. Professionally installed options like granite, quartz, quartzite, and acrylic solid surface countertops offer beauty and durability, and are most desired by homeowners (and potential buyers down the road).

Beauty is in the details, like solid wood cabinetry with a full overlay design, dovetailed drawer boxes, soft close doors and drawers with concealed hinges and full extension glides, cabinet hardware, and a fabulous finish. If you dream of a magazine quality kitchen remodel, browse Willow Lane Cabinetry’s huge selection of premium, made-to-order cabinetry and accessories, and let our designers help transform your kitchen with free layout designs, photo realistic renderings, and more.

How To Stock Your Bar Room Cabinetry For Summer

We love kitchen trends that extend outside of the kitchen, like portable carts and wet bars. Everyone knows the kitchen is the heart of the home, and with these little additions, the entire home suddenly feels more welcoming.

When summer comes along, there’s no better time to enjoy these kitchen trends and entertain guests at your home bar. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbeque with all of your neighbors or a simple summer soiree with just a few friends, you want to be sure your bar cabinets are fully stocked. Here are a few selections to choose when the days get longer and the temperature rises.

Gin

A Gin and Tonic is a refreshing cocktail all year long but it is particularly popular during the summer months. Prep for this warm weather winner by stocking your bar with a good gin, and tonic water. Make sure your G&T’s never lose their fizz by skipping the two-liter plastic bottle and opting for tonic that comes in single serve cans or mini glass bottles. Before your event, pick up some fresh limes or grapefruit for the finishing touch.

Rum

Depending on your drink of choice, you could go for a light or dark rum. Even better, stock your bar cabinets with both. Rum is a staple in the summer, as it is the foundation for Daiquiris, Dark and Stormies, Pina Coladas, and Mojitos. To whip these up in a flash, keep cans of coconut milk and pineapple juice in your cabinets, as well as club soda, lime juice, ginger ale and sugar. With just a few simple ingredients and rum, you can put together a handful of delicious and diverse cocktails for your next summer bash.

Tequila

Some like it with salt, some without — but everyone loves good tequila. Mix it with pineapple juice for a two-step hit, or put together a classic margarita. You could keep a margarita mix on hand, but all you really need to make your own is orange liqueur and lime juice. For a sweeter version, you can also mix in 1 ounce of simple syrup for every 3 ounces of tequila, or a blend in a handful of fresh fruit like strawberries or mango. Just don’t forget the limes!

Sparkling White Wine

Whether you like Prosecco or Champagne, make sure you have a bottle of sparkling white wine chilling in your bar refrigerator. When the weather is warm, the last thing you want to sip on is a glass of cabernet or merlot — and what sounds like celebration more than popping a bottle of bubbly? When it comes to wine in summer, keep it carbonated with a light, sparkling white wine.

Better Bitters

If your guests like it on the rocks, keep a bottle of Aperol or Apertivo Select in your cabinets. This bitter, red-colored beverage goes down easy on its own and also blends well with other ingredients. Want to serve up something simple yet unexpected? Add a splash to your sparkling white wine for a slightly sweet and sophisticated summer cocktail.

How To Entertain With Ease By Adding A Wet Bar To Your Kitchen

One of our favorite kitchen trends is an open concept design. It makes the home feel brighter and more welcoming — and creates a seamless flow of space to entertain.

If hosting friends and family is one of your most adored pastimes, you will love an open concept design and all of the great add-ons you can incorporate. One of our personal favorites is a wet bar. Having a designated space for mixing cocktails and pouring drinks will radically change the way you entertain.

Depending on the design of your home, you can install a wet bar in the kitchen, living room or dining room. But “where” is not the only question that needs to be answered. From logistics to choosing cabinets, here are a few things to consider so that you can entertain with ease with your new wet bar:

Plumbing: You will want your wet bar to have a sink, so be sure to check with a plumber before starting your wet bar installation.

Electricity: If you’re considering adding a wine cooler, ice maker or mini fridge to your wet bar, make sure you can run electricity to the installation area.

Cabinets: When choosing cabinets for your wet bar, make sure you are selecting a design that complements those in your kitchen. While mixing and matching cabinets is one of our favorite kitchen trends, you don’t want to choose a style that clashes with what’s in your kitchen. Choose a similar style in a different finish, or a different style that falls within the same design theme (for example, modern or traditional).

Noise: Try to avoid installing your wet bar right next to another high traffic area. People tend to congregate around the bar, so if yours is right next to the television, breakfast bar, or anywhere else guests gather, you’re likely to have a noise issue. Try to spread out these party “hot spots,” so your guests can enjoy each other’s company (or the TV, if it’s game day) without too much shouting.

Size: Your wet bar can be restricted to a small corner in your kitchen or an expansive space in your living room. The size is completely dependent on your preferences, and how much of your home you can dedicate to a bar.

If you are going with a larger design, you might want to add an island or other dividing element. This will help maintain cohesiveness in the room while also creating clear distinction between the bar and the adhering room.

Storage: From traditional cabinets, to glass doors and open shelves, there are many different ways to store your barware. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box so that your final design is as interesting and eye-catching as the rest of your home.

Inclusiveness: While a kitchen island helps to create clear lines around your wet bar, it can also encourage conversations and create inclusiveness. Making guests feel comfortable is key to throwing a successful event. But not all wet bars will have space for an island. As an alternative, install mirrors along the back wall of your wet bar (for example, where a kitchen backsplash traditionally goes). The mirrors will make the bar area feel more inclusive, even if it is in a lonely corner.

5 Terms To Know When Shopping For A New Kitchen Sink

You’d think buying a new sink would be a simple step in your kitchen renovation, but you’d be surprised. With a lot of unfamiliar terms and measurements you never knew existed, navigating kitchen sinks can be quite the conundrum. Here we share five things that will help clarify your kitchen sink confusion.

#1. Installation Type

There are a few different installations you can do when it comes to kitchen sinks.

Apron front sinks (also known as farmhouse style) require a wider sink cabinet and one that can accommodate its exposed front.

Topmount is a drop in style sink that is installed over the countertop. The edges of the sink will be fully visible, and there will be a clear divide between the sink and countertop.

Undermount refers to installing the sink beneath the countertop to create a straight drop from the countertop to the sink. This is a sleek choice, with little to no reveal.

#2. Single Bowl or Double Bowl

There are pros and cons to both single and double bowl kitchen sinks, so it really comes down to the size of your sink base cabinet and your personal preferences.

Single bowl sinks can accommodate larger items like pots and pans. You will have more options when it comes to sizes and faucet placement, and they are typically less expensive.

Double bowl sinks offer more versatility when it comes to food preparation, and washing and drying dishes — think rinsing veggies in one side and dirty dishes in the other. But it may be more difficult to find the perfect size for your kitchen, and you will have limited options in regards to installing your faucet.

#3. Sink Material

Choose a sink material based on the look you love and the durability you seek.

Stainless steel is a popular choice because it easy to clean and maintain, and provides a durable material for kitchen sinks at an affordable price point. It keeps a consistent look over time, and a brushed satin finish will help hide any scratches. Stainless steel works with any style kitchen, and is especially in sync with contemporary kitchen designs.

Granite composite is another excellent contemporary option with style and durability. Astragranite from Willow Lane Cabinetry is comprised of 80% Quartzite and 20% Acrylic. Silver ions are added to the sink during the manufacturing process and kill 99% of bacteria on contact. It comes in a variety of sizes, styles and colors, is scratch resistant and can resist heat up to 550 degrees.

With copper, you get a unique look that changes over time and nicely complements country, rustic and transitional kitchen designs. It has antibacterial properties, so it provides an ideal environment for washing food and dishes. Copper takes a little more care than other options, but it’s well worth it for that gorgeous natural patina.

#4. Sink Thickness

If shopping for a stainless steel sink, another number you will want to be familiar with is the thickness. You will find 16, 18 and 20-gauge stainless steel sinks. The lower the gauge, the better the stainless steel is — in other words, a 16-gauge sink is thicker than a 20-gauge sink. The most popular thickness is an 18-gauge sink, which is easy to find and considered a good thickness for kitchen use.

#5. Number Of Faucet Holes

If you’re replacing an existing kitchen sink, you can simply look under the sink to see how many holes your mounting plate covers. If it has three, get a new faucet with three holes as well. This will be the easiest option. If you are building new or completely remodeling your kitchen, the choice is yours!

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, bar room, laundry room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer all wood, semi-custom cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!