Pull Out All The Drops To Entertain Pals

Jul 6 2008 John Amabile

Q I have downsized and am looking for a drop leaf table which is still big enough for me to entertain friends.

A The Norden table from IKEA is not only a well-sized gateleg table but has built-in central drawers - great for extra storage. At £135 it comes in good quality solid birch and easily sits six. See www.ikea.co.uk or visit your nearest store.

Q My kitchen dishcloth always looks ugly hanging over the tap.

What else can I do with it?

A Eva Solo has created a gadget just for this purpose. Their cylindrical dishcloth, which is made of microfibre with an absorbent foam core, comes with an elegant stand in matt polished stainless steel. It costs £22 from www.ezstyle.co.uk, 08456 520 525.

Q Where can I buy a wicker shelf unit for my lounge? I've been looking around for ages.

Awww.thepier.co.uk sells the altay unit at £249 (check out their summer sale) with three shelves and four wicker drawers.

Q I am looking for a company that sells small rugs. Can you help?

A Try The Rug Rooms on Otago Street in Glasgow, tel O141 337 2845, www.therugrooms.com. They specialise in rugs of all shapes, sizes and styles and will be able to help you find the right thing.

Q I want a large white footstool in a traditional style - preferably with curved legs - to finish off my living room. Any ideas?

A The LARA white ottoman stool in off-white cotton is well made with traditional styling.

From OKA, order line 0844-815-7380, www.okadirect.com or OKA, 94 Commercial Street, Edinburgh, tel 0131 555 6463.

Q I want a slimline freezer to sit under my worktop.

A Whirlpool AFB 910 Slimline Undercounter should do the trick. The recommended retail price is £170 but it pays to shop around.

Available from all good electrical stores.

Q I am looking for a black wooden oriental-style mirror to fit in with my black and gold room. Any ideas?

A Check out www.templetrading .co.uk. This London-based company sell a beautiful black wooden orientalstyle mirror at £109.99 plus p&p. This should fit in perfectly with your other oriental pieces. Telephone Temple Trading for more information on 0208 571 9603.

Q My husband is going to replace my dining room window with sliding doors. Where can we buy the doors you see in design magazines?

A If tackling this job yourself, it is best to check with your local council. As As long as you don't move a supporting beam or joist, this should not be too difficult although I would always get the advice of a builder. Wickes have a new range of sliding and folding door kits from £1299 (for three folding doors). Contact www.wickes.co.uk or 0845 279 9898.

Q Where can I find a huge magnetic board for my kitchen?

A Check our these Magnetic Photo Boards, £39.99, from www.drinkstuff.com. They are great if your fridge is running out of room and you need another magnetic surface for all your holiday snaps. Simply stand it up on any surface or use the supplied screws and rawlplugs to attach it to your wall.

Q I have just bought a studio flat and am looking for multi-function furniture. Is there such a thing as a coffee table that can be converted into a dining table?

A Yes. Dwell sell the Convertible Coffee Table - a wooden coffee table with feature chrome legs which pulls up to a lovely dining table. It costs £375, looks great and is a fantastic space-saving device for small flats and studios. Check out www.dwell.co.uk or pop into their store at Princes Square, Glasgow.