Advice: Ask the Experts

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Solutions to homeowner quandaries from top trade professionals

Q: I hear a lot about “eating local.” What exactly does this mean and how do I do it?

A: “Eating local supports our economy by sustaining independent farmers and businesses,” says food editor Heather Garvin. “Enjoying food when and where it is available translates to fresher fare for the consumer and a lesser impact on the environment.”

One of the most direct ways to eat local is through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, says Garvin. “A CSA membership is like a weekly subscription to the season’s harvest. Members receive their goods via delivery to a communal spot or by picking them up at the farm.” Local produce farms that participate in CSA programs include Rita’s Roots, Ambrose Family Farm, and Legare Farms. Cordray Farms sells shares of beef.

When it comes to seafood, choose in-season species from local markets and restaurants. “For example, soft-shell crab, shad, shad roe, swordfish, yellowfin tuna, wreckfish, mahi mahi, oysters, and shrimp are available at various times in the spring.”

Dining out? Head for places that participate in the statewide Fresh on the Menu program. “These restaurants have committed to source at least 25 percent of their menu from South Carolina growers and producers,” explains Garvin. Find a list of participants at http://agriculture.sc.gov.

Q: Is it necessary to hand-wash my crystal and fine china?

A: We strongly recommend hand-washing crystal, as both the heat of the dishwasher and the abrasiveness of detergents can damage its brilliance and integrity. However, if you must wash crystal in the dishwasher, follow these guidelines: space stemware on the rack so that none of the pieces touch. Add half the recommended amount of a gentle detergent, then turn on the “fine crystal and china” setting. If your machine doesn’t have this setting, use an “air-dry only” cycle. After washing, open the dishwasher door so that the crystal can dry.

Luckily, the hard glazes on fine china make it relatively durable, and most pieces can be cleaned in the dishwasher as long as you follow the same guidelines we gave for cleaning crystal. The exceptions are pieces with metallic rims or patterns. These should be hand-washed. After china air dries, wipe it with a soft cloth and store carefully.

Q: I’d like to start an art collection but am intimidated by the process—what’s the best way to begin?

A: “Starting a collection should begin with education, even if your budget is small,” says Helena Fox, owner of Helena Fox Fine Art and former president of the Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association. “In your budget, $500 might be as significant as $5,000,000 is in someone else’s, so making an informed purchase is important.”

Fox recommends joining an art museum. “You’ll educate your eye as you view works that have been proven by time and experience to be quality,” she explains. “An educated eye can recognize the value and level of achievement in any work.”

She also suggests touring local galleries and, when you see something that you like, asking for more information about the artist. “Before you buy a piece, you should be able to put a face to the artist. Learn about his history, artistic process, and exhibition record. The money you spend should be reflective of his pedigree,” says Fox.

Q: How can I make sure my Easter eggs come out evenly dyed?

A: “The trick is careful preparation,” advises our crafts consultant, Jülide Obuz Dengel. Begin by washing your hands, as any oils on them can prevent dye from penetrating the eggshell completely. Next, use a solution of vinegar and water to wash off any grease spots that may be on the eggs.

As for the dye, Dengel says she’s had success with both store-bought kits and homemade versions made from three drops of food coloring and four tablespoons of vinegar per cup of water. “To get the most evenly colored eggs, be sure to use a boiled dye rather than a cold one,” she says. Give eggs a pale wash of color by letting them soak in cups of dye for five minutes or less. For a darker shade, leave them in up to 10 minutes, using tongs to rotate each egg every couple minutes to ensure that color is distributed evenly. “Just be careful that you don’t grip them in the same place every time, as this could cause smudges,” says Dengel.

To dry, she recommends resting the eggs in holes cut from a lightweight cardboard box. You can also arrange pushpins in a sheet of foam so that eggs can rest on top of them.