Easy, Practical Household Tips (courtesy of Martha Stewart Living)

HOW TO WHITEN LINENS WITH LEMONS 

Napkins, linens, even white socks can be whitened on the stove.  Fill a pot with water and a few slices of fresh lemon, and bring to a boil.  Turn off heat, add linens and let soak for up to an hour.  Wash as usual.  For extra brightening, spread them out in the sunlight to dry.

HOW  TO STORE CANDLES

Candles shold be kept in a dark, coool, dry place. Why? Light can cause the colors to fade, heat can cause the candles to warp, and moisture can make the wicks difficult to light.

HOW TO KEEP CUT FLOWERS ALIVE!

For cut flowers to survive, give them sugar for nourishment and an acidic ingredient like lemon-lime soda or aspirin, which allows the plant to absorb water more easily.  A drop of bleach prevents bacteria and also lengthens their life!

HOW TO REMOVE MELTED WAX

Candlelight is romantic, but there's nothing lovely about prying or scraping melted voties out of their holders.  Instead, place the glass holders in the freezer for a few hours; the wax should shrink just enough to pop right out.

HOW TO STEADY A WOBBLY CHAIR

Once they've done their duty as wine-bottle stoppers, corks can come in handly elsewhere in the house.  In the kitchen or dining room, they are a simple solution to an exasperating problem: a wobbly chair.  Simply cut a slice of cork horizontally and slip it under the troublesome leg.

HOW TO STORE TOMATOES

Unlike many other fruits and vegetables, tomatoes should always be kept at room temperature.  In a large, shallow ceramic bowl, they look beautiful on the kitchen counter or even as a centerpiece.  Place underripe tomatoes in a sunny spot or in a brown paper bag for about 2 to 4 days to ripen.  Check them every day to catch them at thei right time.

HOW TO REMOVE RED WINE STAINS

Fear of red wine stains probably keeps moe fine linens on the shelf than on the table.  Here's a sure, easy way to get rid of red wine stains.  Wet the stain with lukewarm water, then add a layer of table salt.  Rub, and let it sit for 5 minutes.  Pull fabric taut across a heat-proof bowl, and secure with a rubber band.  Place in the sink, and carefully pour boiling water on the stain from a height of 3 feet.  The combined pressure and heat of the water will eliminate the stain.