Hello all! Today’s post is less tablescape than it is preparing for tablescapes … AUTUMN tablescapes.
Huh? It’s barely Spring …
As you know if you’re a regular visitor here at My Place, WOOD is one element I love to use in my Fall decorating.
Wooden pieces are especially beautiful when well cared for. Unfortunately, I’ve never been faithful about doing that on a regular basis, but I was recently inspired by Sandie at With All My Heart … and she oils her woodenware at least once a year (sometimes twice, depending on how much usage a piece gets). I think Spring is the perfect time to do a little woodenware care — right along with the Spring cleaning.
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| To see the original tablescape post, click HERE. |
Here’s the how-to from Sandie herself …
It is such a pleasure to see one’s wooden spoons and wooden handled tools (garden tools included!) gain a new patina and feel good to the touch~not dried out! Be sure to use FOOD GRADE mineral oil as it is easily absorbed and will not turn rancid. I find mine in the pharmacy department at most stores for a few dollars. A small bottle will do to begin with.
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Most vegetable and olive oils can turn rancid and sticky. To better care for my woodenware I never put them in the dishwasher or let them soak in dish water. The wood gets over saturated and soft from water and dish soap. Once you have your wooden spoons, etc. well cared for it doesn’t take much to clean them of food. Just give them a good rinse with your soapy dish water and then rinse with clear warm water. Be sure to let air dry before storing them away.
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Crocks work well for displaying and keeping your utensils in good shape. Good quality wood in your utensils makes a nice difference too! Cheaper soft woods are not worth having.
So there you have it … from someone who doesn’t say “WOODEN it be nice IF my woodenware were pretty” but instead puts actions to her wishes. Way to go, Sandie!
How about you, friends? When it comes to oiling your woodenware, are you a wannabe like me … or a dedicated DO-er like Sandie … or somewhere in between?
I’m curious about something else … I’ll admit that I’ve always been a lazy cheapie when it comes to wooden cooking utensils. Are you OK with buying cheap wooden spoons for cooking, throwing them in the dishwasher, and replacing them whenever they break? (Sorry, Sandie!) Or do you prefer to take the plunge and buy the good stuff — then take care of it? If that’s the case, what’s the oldest wooden cooking utensil you own?
GUILTY regarding cheap wooden spoons! However, I have some that are like 30+ years old and haven’t splintered yet! I do have a great old large wooden salad bowl, and will be giving it a coat of mineral oil very soon! Thanks for the information!
Nancy
OK First… step away from the keyboard and go sniff a baby. I’m still so excited for you and the entrance of Little Sir into the fold. Hope he is still doing well, and his mommy too.
And about the wooden stuff? I actually would love some really nice pieces, but I’m a chronic cheapo.
My husband likes to use mineral oil on what decent things we do have (including our butcher block table). And he swears by rubbing it in with the bare hands. He used to work for a store that sold it and thinks that’s how it ought to be done.
Guilty as charged … I have not considered the more expensive wooden spoons .. but may take a second look next time one requires replacement. I do love the look of teak …but thinking about caring for it sends me running. Hubby is very particular about cutting boards and takes great care of his “baby”.
Great post! xo HHL
Can’t speak to wooden spoons, but we’ve used our giant Dansk teak salad bowls and meat wells for 33 years….when we were owners of a store that sold Dansk and other cool things. I don’t use soap on my good woods; I clean them with scalding hot water. They still look lovely, but I’ve never oiled them. I might give it a try on some pieces. Thanks for the information. Cherry Kay
I have a great product that I know I purchased at Sur La Table.. but cannot find on their website to preserve my wooden cutting boards, bowls, etc. I will have to go home tonight and look.. Love the pretty table with all the wooden items. I had a teak salad set for 20+ years and would wash it out in soapy water and rinse immediately. It never faded in color. I did find that oily salad dressings would darken the wood over time. Great post.. xo marlis
I used to oil my spoons regularly, but somewhere along the way it went by the wayside. Gorgeous pieces…those candlesticks are amazing!
Lovely wooden pieces. I use cheap wood spoons, but wash them by hand. They have lasted for years!
Thanks for linking to Let’s Dish!
I have almost nothing wood, and I admire Sandie for investing the considerable amount of time it must take to properly care for it. The usage and care seems akin to that of silver which I don’t mind cleaning and polishing. I applaud you for jumping in there and making the effort. Your wood will love you for it!
I don’t think I’ve ever oiled my wooden utensils. Guess it’s time I did! ~ Maureen
I love wooden pieces too. Anything natural makes a beautiful statement. Pretty table.
I don’t own wooden pieces but my parents do and these remind me of some of theirs…my Dad loves woods….yours are beautiful
As an Asian, I grew up with wooden gadgets by then. I adore them. Bamboo, wooden, coconut shells and everything natural.
You done a great job.
Happy w/end.
/CC
So lovey! Invitingly beautiful!
Your woodenware is beautiful! What a good tip!