The Wheel Blog
The Advantages of Owning a Quality Dinnerware Set
Dinnerware is more than mere crockery; it is the pièce de résistance of every dinner table. High quality dinnerware can transform your dining experience and add a sense of opulence to any occasion. Your dinnerware can express your taste, add character and set the mood; dinnerware can be a showstopper for every dinner party. A memorable dinnerware set is bound to be noticed and will leave a long-lasting impression on your guests. The key to choosing the right set is understanding the different types available so you pick what best suits your needs. Quality dinnerware comes first. Whether it’s a casual or formal setting, quality dinnerware will take things to the next level. Here are a few reasons why you should have a quality dinnerware set on hand. Sets the right mood When trying to set the mood for your meal, the presentation of the meal is what matters most. We eat with our eyes before taking the first bite, and this is why high-end restaurants and food critics care about the visual aspects when plating their meals. With the proper dinnerware set, you can complement the food you are serving, which in turn can enhance your dining experience. Makes a great first impression We can pretend to deny it, but first impressions matter. When inviting guests over for a dinner party, their first impression will be the general ambience of your space. Beautiful dinnerware can elevate not only the food you are serving, but also your dining table and dining room. Complement your house décor with a beautiful dinnerware set from Wheel&Barrow. We stock a wide range of dinnerware sets in various colours, textures, and materials. Allows you to show your style A quality dinnerware set is a great way to incorporate your style while enhancing your meal. Dinnerware sets from Wheel&Barrow are available in various designs from formal to casual, and everything in between. You can choose between hand-painted pieces, patterned, or solid-coloured pieces for your dining table. A set made of bone china, stoneware, or porcelain is ideal if you are looking for more formal dinnerware. Try pairing these materials with another dinnerware set that has a nice border or rim detail, to add some contrast and an extra pop of colour. Earthenware and melamine are great for everyday use, especially with youngsters and when dining outdoors, due to their sturdier nature. Choosing these materials can also allow you to play with different designs, colours, and patterns. Functional Another significant advantage of owning quality dinnerware is you are assured of its functionality. When plating up a meal, you’ll have better control over the portions of food you’re serving as each piece will be identical in size and shape. If you opt for a more durable material for your dinnerware set, you may choose to use them every day, instead of just for special occasions. If made of materials such as melamine, you can be assured that your tableware will last with heavy use, and will be microwave and dishwasher-safe. Cost-effective Last but certainly not least, purchasing quality dinnerware sets will prove to be more cost-effective in the long run. With quality tableware, you don’t have to compromise on durability as many dinnerware materials are made to be strong and resistant to wear and tear. Some dinnerware materials are even chip and break resistant, so you won’t need to change your plates as often. Picking the right dinnerware for your needs. Selecting the right dinnerware set is about finding a balance between how you need to practically use it, and what qualities the set needs for entertaining. The perfect set will showcase your table, be practical for your household, and match your kitchen and cooking style. Here are a few pointers on what to consider when selecting a dinner set. The configuration The first thing to ask yourself is what size dinner set do you need? How many people will you be entertaining? Wheel&Barrow’s dinnerware range is offered in a variety of sizes and has flexibility for you to purchase a 12-piece set, or individual dinnerware pieces. If opting for the latter, you can choose exactly how many plates and bowls you’ll need. You may even want to mix and match your pieces to add some character to your dining table. We also stock a range of mugs that match our dinnerware range, allowing you to add continuity to your dinnerware set. Shape and style After figuring out what size dinner set you want, the next step is selecting something that matches your personal taste. Dinnerware sets come in a variety of designs, from elaborate pieces to classic designs. You can also select the shape you want, from the classic circular plates to square, oblong or oval plates. You can even stand-out and go for an edgier look, by picking a set that has a some textural elements. Tone Lastly, decide what tone you want your set to have. Are you going for a formal look or something more casual? If you select a formal theme, go for solid colours and classic plate shapes. A white bone china set can work well here. However, if you want something more casual, you can experiment with different colours, designs and shapes. No matter what tone you want, be flexible in your choices. A contemporary approach to formal dinnerware could be a real hit with your family and guests! Dinnertime has always been a meaningful ritual; particularly when celebrating holidays and other traditional occasions. It creates an opportunity to bring family and friends together in one place, making the dining experience an occasion we value greatly. Quality dinnerware can help to enhance your dining experience, and set the right mood by complementing both the food and theme of your dinner. For more information on our dinnerware range, browse our website or contact the team our Wheel&Barrow team.
Learn more
How to Find Best Cocktail Shaker Sets to Complete Your Home Bar
Making and mixing drinks involves more than adding layers of liquor until the cocktail tastes delicious. If you want to wow your guests with delicious cocktails every time, you will need to improve your skills. Practice makes perfect, and one thing that can help you perfect your skills is a cocktail shaker. Not only does it mix the drinks perfectly, but you can make several cocktails at the same time. And, with several shaker sets, you can spend less time mixing and more time enjoying your favourite drinks with friends. Here are some ideas to help you find the best cocktail shaker sets to complete your home bar. Plan Your Cocktail Menu If you are planning to make more than one type of cocktail, or have a big guest list, having more than one cocktail shaker allows you to create more drinks. You'll need to have your shakers ready for whenever you and your guests want another round of delicious drinks. Knowing how many guests you will be serving, and how many cocktails will be on your menu, makes it easier to choose which cocktail shaker sets should be on your shopping list. Know Your Options Now you know your menu, find out what style of shaker will suit your needs. Are you shopping for a classic two-piece Boston shaker? This style is the most common, however, they are a little tricky to use since you must ensure a tight seal between the tins. If you're not careful enough, some of the liquid might spill through the gap. If you are just starting out, you may want to opt for a cobbler shaker instead. Cobbler shakers have three parts: the cap, metal lid, and metal shaking tin. They seal properly, so less chance of spillage. Finally, there is the French shaker, which is the more popular style these days. It looks more like the cobbler shaker but has two parts like the Boston. A Parisian shaker will add style and charm to your mixology sessions. Choose Your Style Cocktail shakers are available in so many colours and designs. From practical clear acrylic shakers, that come with measurements on the side, to stainless steel, gold or copper shakers sets. You can choose a colour and style that suits both your mixing prowess and your bar style. Investing in proper mixing tools will also help you succeed in drawing out the amazing flavours in your cocktails. Think About Your Usage How often will you use your shakers? If you will be mixing and creating cocktails for a one off party, think about shakers that are cheaper and easier to use and clean. Some shakers, like an acrylic shaker are more suitable for beginners, so you'll want to check those options. If cocktail making is your new hobby, or you will be hosting regular cocktail parties, you should look at investing in shakers that not only look great but will help to develop your mixology skills. Don’t Forget To Pair With The Right Snacks Pair your cocktails with snacks, meals, or dishes that will complement the tastes and theme of your party. Find out which food items work with them, so when you serve those cocktails, your friends and family can also enjoy them with their meals. Maintain Your Shaker Always clean your cocktail shakers thoroughly after every use. You don't have to wash every part by hand, though. Many shakers are dishwasher safe, so you can focus on creating and mixing drinks without stressing about the clean-up. You can put many of the shakers you'll find in the dishwasher. However, some types—like cobbler shakers—have a built-in strainer, which should be cleaned it by hand.
Learn more
The Most Stylish Round Placemats (and How to Use Them)
There was a time when every Australian family had placemats beneath their plates at the dinner table. While those times may have past, it does not mean there isn’t place for a charming placemat at the modern table. The trick in making sure your placements don’t look out of date, is all in the styling. To find a stylish way to set your table that will work for everyday meals and festive feasts you must first research styling trends, and materials. But since you’re here, the Wheel&Barrow style team have done all that work for you… Round is Always in Fashion While square or rectangular placemats can come and go in fashion with the changing seasons and fads, round placemats never seem out of style. These circular styles suit any table shape, plates of every size, and the place settings most commonly used by everyday Australians. Here are some of the most popular materials for round placemats and tips for styling them beautifully. Jute Jute has become incredibly popular. Many people love its natural look, carefree casualness, and simple styling. It works well for applications like placemats since it holds up well to regular use and adds a gorgeous natural touch to your table. Think jute is just for outdoor or country chic styles? Think again! It can be dressed up or down and works perfectly for almost any event. Pair it with plaid for a simple and sweet style, or with pearlescent and gold accents for something truly special. Rattan Like jute, rattan table accessories are a great way to add a natural touch to any setting. This woven material is usually hand-made and offers a lovely primitive element to styles of all kinds. And can make any table look like the picnic spread of your dreams. There are several washes to choose from when shopping for rattan accessories for your table. Look for darker washes or more natural finishes when you want something with a more standard wood look. Choose white wash for a more upscale style or to match various colours and patterns. Cotton or Linen Round placemats made from beautifully woven fabric can create soft and aesthetically pleasing space. These placemats are a perfect addition to everything from upscale indoor dining to family-friendly picnic tables. Their weight is light, but the sturdiness they bring to the table is not. Fringes are a pretty way to add boldness to an understated placemat. Look for a solid colour to show detailed weaving and bring together décor for any meal or event. Mirrored Nothing shows off beautiful lighting, tableware, and glasses like a mirror placemat. This style is especially beautiful in round placemats since the rounded shape adds to the reflective nature and combines the table setting beautifully. Pair these flashy placemats with a few bold pops of colour. Or, use them to highlight the exterior colour and pattern of bowls, large plates, and more. This way, your guests can enjoy every facet of the place setting – and you can dress up your table for whatever eventful meal you might be serving. Wood and Faux Wood Wood and wood-look are popular choices for placemats for a variety of reasons. First, they can be matched well with nearly any decorating scheme. Whether you are setting a formal table or looking for something to bring together your everyday setting, you will love browsing the various shades of wood-like materials in-stores today. Sometimes, the look you want is not the texture or level of upkeep you desire. When that is the case, consider a faux wood grain or a shade of brown printed on versatile, affordable PVC or other materials. PVC As mentioned previously, there is little that cannot be done with PVC placemats. Versatile, easy to clean, and affordable, these plastic placemats can elevate a space without elevating the cost. Choose PVC for families with messy eaters or large groups where spills are more likely. Use bright, whimsically-patterned PVC to hide scuffs and stains on a table, or use solid or wood-coloured mats to bring together a more elegant dinner spread. Regardless of what you choose, PVC is a perfect addition to almost any table at a fraction of the cost of some other options. Visit Wheel and Barrow for more ideas and a range of beautiful round placemats to incorporate into your dinner décor. You’ll find excellent options for every style and budget – and new ideas for bringing some beauty into every space of your home!
Learn more
Exciting New Wheel&Barrow Store at Westfield Warringah
Located in Sydney's Northern Beaches, we are excited to announce our new Wheel & barrow store at Westfield Warringah. As Wheel&Barrow continues to grow and expand across Australia, we strive to share our widest range of quality homewares to as many of our loyal customers as possible. Our Warringah store is fully stocked with the latest Wheel&Barrow style so come in if you're in the area and meet our friendly staff. Wheel&Barrow Warringah Shop 1517/18 Westfield Warringah Cnr Condamine St & Old Pittwater Rd Brookvale NSW 2100 Phone 02 9063 1775
Learn more
5 Tips to Style Your Bar Cart
Often viewed as an item of luxury, bar carts have recently made a resurgence since the height of their popularity in the mid-1950’s. The perfect addition to home entertaining, a beautifully styled bar cart will bring a touch of glamour and nostalgia to your home. Whether it is going to be always on show (why wouldn’t it be??) or tucked in a corner to be pulled out for special occasions, there is no doubting that bar cart adds a certain appeal to a room, while also being functional and more than just a bit of fun. Usually on wheels, bar trolleys and carts come in a range of sizes, colours and styles. It is important to consider the space you will be putting your cart in when choosing a style – too big and your room will look cluttered and too small and you will not be able to fit all your favourite drinks. Once you have selected your bar cart, here are a few tips to help you create a style that will leave your guests wowed: Throw in a few elements for visual appeal: Understandably, a bar cart is supposed to house your favourite bottles and glasses. However, adding a few seemingly random, but aesthetically pleasing features does add to its visual appeal. Simple research can make you realise how even the smallest of things can make your bar cart look better than before. For instance, add artificial plants (potted or unpotted, your choice), a mini bowl containing citrus fruits, and dry snacks to add to the crunch. Can you visualise the difference? Your bar cart carrying bottles has now started to look more than that. Understand the importance of contrast: Ensure that your bar cart does not look monotonous. If you have a black bar cart, try adding elements that contrast it. For example, you can add white bowls and decorative items for contrast or add a splash of decadence with a gold cocktail shaker. Upgrade your regular glassware: Elegant glassware is synonymous with a stylish bar, so if you want to ramp up the style factor to your bar cart, do not use standard glassware. Whether you love a martini or a mojito, Wheel&Barrow’s wide range of cocktail glasses includes styles for every cocktail on your drinks menu. Read Up: While the best cocktail makers know their recipes by heart, we at home might need a little help. Before you invite your friends around to show off your newly styles bar cart and cocktail making skills, read up so you can wow them with a few recipes that you can whip up off the top of your head. Make sure your drinks are the centre of attraction: You have to ensure that your bar cart's primary purpose is fulfilled. Do not overdo and, at the same time, do not leave the bar cart untouched. Aim for a balance of decorative items, accessories, bottles, and glassware. Adding many accessories or presenting only one bottle will be sure to leave the wrong impression on your guests. Now that you know how to style your bar cart, give these ideas a try – then all that remains is to send out the invites to your next cocktail party!
Learn more
How To Choose The Right Dinnerware Set For Your Dining Table
As the main feature of your dining table your dinnerware set can help set the tone of your dinner table, show your persona and showcase the meal you are serving. With this in mind it is important to choose the right dinner set to fit your personality, home décor style and most importantly the functionality you wish to use it for – lets your purchase sit in the cupboard collecting dust. Here are a few tips to consider when choosing the right dinnerware set for your dining table. Types of dinnerware materials Dinnerware sets come in various type of material. Bone China, Earthenware, Porcelain, Melamine, and Stoneware are the most popular materials. When choosing the best material you should consider the benefits of each material, as well as your own personal preferences of the individual look of each type. Bone China The most common material for dinnerware, bone china is lightweight, classy, and incredibly strong. These thin dinnerware sets come in appealing designs and also have a high degree of heat resistance. Due to its resistance to chips, bone china is a sturdy, portable, and stylish solution for regular and special occasion dinnerware. Melamine If ceramic or porcelain is not for you, you can always try melamine. Not only does melamine look similar to ceramic and porcelain, but on top of this, it is also shatter proof and smash resistant – perfect for families with children and outdoor entertaining. Easy to clean, melamine is usually dishwasher safe, but is not suitable for putting in the oven or microwave. Bamboo More common for outdoor entertaining or picnicware, bamboo is incredibly lightweight and eco-friendly. Safe to use in dishwashers, bamboo material is easy to clean and does not require high maintenance. Porcelain Porcelain dinner sets must be handled with extreme care because they are very fragile and delicate and can easily break if subjected to pressure. Although it can withstand high temperatures, it is recommended not to use it inside a microwave oven because the temperatures inside it might make cause it to crack. Being porous in nature, porcelain should be cleaned straight after use to avoid staining. Owing to its delicate nature, porcelain cannot be cleaned in the dishwasher. Earthenware Earthenware exudes a sense of worth, durability, and informal charm. Stemming from the oldest of crockery materials, it also gives your dinnerware a substantial weight. While sturdy and durable, it is important to avoid sudden changes in temperature, which could cause cracking. Colour and style The colour and style of your dinner set says a lot about your own style and personality. A lover of simplicity might select a pre-packaged dinnerware set, while someone with an outgoing personality and a flair for style might mix and match from a collection of separates. Whatever you choose, keep in mind that certain colours and styles can date quicky as fashions change – if you are choose a dinner set based on the current fashion and colours, you may need upgrade more frequently. Selecting the right dinnerware set Once you have an idea of the material, colour and style of your dinnerware set, there are also a few other considerations before you rush out and make a purchase: Number of place settings Consider the size of your family, as well as extended family and guests (if you are going to be using the setting for entertaining). Most packaged dinner sets come in settings for 4 people, so you may need to budget for more that one pack. Most experts recommend having 8-12 five-piece settings to cater for parties of up to 12 people. Use Are you looking for a dinner set for everyday meals or for formal dinner parties? Many homes will have an everyday setting, which is sturdier and easy to wash, reheat and care for, while also keeping a more decorative and often less durable set for more formal occasions and entertaining. Storage space If you are considering a larger set or even multiple sets for different occasions, you will also need to consider if you have enough storage space. If the only extra storage space you have is in an attic or garage, you may want to think about whether a dinner set being stored in these locations will get the use it deserves. Care: If, like many, you are just not in to hand washing dishes, then this choosing the right material for your dinner set becomes essential. Avoid delicate materials like porcelain and earthenware and tend towards hardier and more durable materials such as bone china or melamine. Once you have selected your dinnerware set, then you can have some fun decorating your table to reflect your mood and personality. You may also wish to consider complementing your dinner set with new cutlery, or placements.
Learn more
Kitchenware Products to Improve Your Culinary Experience
In this increasingly fast-paced world, people are always looking for ways to increase their out-put, both at work and at home. With their busy schedules, people hardly find the time to cook even the simplest of meals for themselves, let alone gourmet feasts for family and friends. Without the right tools, meal preparation and cooking can become a chore that people want to avoid, so we’ve curated a list of innovative and easy-to-use Kitchenware products which allow you to prepare and cook your meals to perfection and in no time. Mortar and pestle You can add so much flavour to your stocks, stews, and soups by adding fresh herbs. Like a pepper grinder, a mortar and pestle enables you to grind fresh herbs like dill, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. There is nothing like using fresh, aromatic herbs and spices in your food - making a herb mortar a kitchen essential. Your mortar and pestle will also be great for grinding nuts and spices …. A Collection of Mixing Bowls Your food preparation can be made less stressful by using the right size bowls and measuring cups. These bowls are very helpful whether you are kneading flour or measuring ingredients. Even if your kitchen is small, you can save room by choosing a set of bowls that fit inside one another. Champagne/Wine Bottle Stopper A straightforward customised champagne stopper is all that is required to preserve a bottle of prosecco or any other sparkling wine. Jimmy Bruton says, "Specially designed to grasp the bottle's neck, and there is no possibility of it popping off due to the accumulation of CO2." The famous "silver spoon trick" that your mother or grandmother may have told you about pales compared to this easy-to-use equipment. Rolling Pins A crucial piece of kitchenware, rolling pins are essential to evenly flatten doughs, including those for cookies, pasta, pizza and pie. You can also use your rolling pin to crush cookies and breadcrumbs or tenderise meat. Despite the tool's seeming simplicity it is important to choose a quality rolling pin that is smooth and weighted correctly for the best results. Cookie Cutter A cookie-cutter is a handy kitchenware appliance. Its most frequent use is in baking cookies in various sizes and forms for school snacks, parties and during the Christmas holiday season. Just lay out a piece of flattened dough and press down the cutter. It guarantees the uniform cooking of each cookie. Ravioli Cutter Although challenging to prepare, ravioli is an incredibly gratifying food. It is a thorough process from the dough's preparation, rolling, and flattening to the proper thickness. A ravioli cutter comes in handy to cut the dough into sections of the same size. Each ravioli receives roughly the same quantity of filling when a piece is of identical length. Additionally, the cutter allows you to make more portions of ravioli from your pasta sheets, wasting less dough and improving the pasta-to-filling ratio. Storage jars and containers Storage jars are a gorgeous yet practical addition to your house that is excellent for holding anything from cotton balls in the bathroom to rice, almonds, and other dried foods in the kitchen, as well as a variety of other tiny objects in need of a new home. Lemon squeezer A lemon squeezer is a small kitchenware tool used to squeeze the juice out of lemons or other citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, or limes. It is made to separate and smash the fruit's pulp in a simple-to-use manner. Potato ricer Everyone loves mashed potato that is light, fluffy and smooth and the best tool for this is a potato ricer. A typical potato ricer looks like a giant garlic press. It has two long handles, one of which ends in a perforated basket and the other of which is flat and fits into the basket. When pressed together, the handles push the flat surface of the basket downward, forcing the food through the perforations. A potato ricer is also essential in the making of gnocchi and can be used to rice other vegetables, not just potatoes. Everyone has to eat, and with the right tools in your kitchen, cooking can be an enjoyable experience shared with family and friends, not a dreaded chore.
Learn more
Tips to style your home this winter
We can all feel disheartened seeing the seasons change and knowing that cold weather is coming. What can bring comfort is knowing how cosy winter can be, and there’s nothing quite like curling up to a crackling fire with a mug of hot chocolate as the rain pours down outside. As we say goodbye to summer’s warmth outdoors, bring the warmth indoors with interior styling. Here are a few home décor ideas to make your home the best place to spend the colder months this year. Use variations of texture, colour, and pattern Knowing how to combine patterns, colours, and textural aspects is key to designing a comfortable and cosy living space. The secret to a successful winter living room is striking the perfect balance between pattern and colour. According to interior designer Kit Kemp, only then will each pattern be able to breathe and not struggle against its environment. Layering textures benefits by adding depth to your space. The layering of materials, colours, and shapes all add up to give your interiors an overall texture that can help to characterise the look and feel of your place. Set up furnishings around a fireplace The ideal focal point of a winter living room is the fireplace. The hub beckons us with its comforting warmth and light throughout the cooler months. Family and friends will naturally gather for an evening of conversation and relaxation. According to interior designer, Monique Tollgard, a living room fireplace is more than just an architectural choice. "Adding a fire to your home and your life is a ritual." As winter approaches, reconsider your living room setup—place seats in a social configuration with the fireplace as the centre point. For added warmth and comfort, throw a layer of blankets and cushions on top of sofas and armchairs. Consider living room lighting A winter living room will considerably benefit from a well-executed decorative living room lighting plan. When deciding where to place lights to make the biggest impression, consider how the light varies throughout the day, advises interior decorator Nicola Harding. Consider flexible lighting options for various settings, such as a floor light with a swivel arm as a night-time reading lamp behind a sofa or chair in the living room. To create more ambience, use darker tones that will feel moodier and cosier. Keep in mind that shade colours can impact the mood of a place. Incorporating pillar candles and tealights into your space can also help to bring brightness whilst also maintaining a cosy feel. Make the most of natural light in a dark area One of the oldest tactics to increase the amount of light in a dim living room is to utilise mirrors A room may have enough light but may lack depth. The mirrors enhance the sensation of space by reflecting the winter sun across the area. When working on this scale, try using an antiqued finish. In addition to softening the light's radiance, smoother surfaces risk veering into hair salon territory. Decorative lighting creates drama and pulls together the old and new with the rustic home décor items. Install a beautiful mural in a dull living room The hottest trend in decorating this season is scenic landscape paintings, which are incredibly dramatic and expressive. Choose stunning patterns to alter a dim living space and catch the imagination. Add blankets, throws and cushions in wintery hues A cold, gloomy living room can be transformed by the colours you use to decorate, the furniture you select, and the lighting you choose, especially if you want a tranquil place to unwind in after a long day. Consider dressing your seasonal living room in rich navy blues, smoky greys, stunning greens and earthy taupes for a profoundly calm and cocooning area. Alternatively, consider warm chestnut browns, burnt orange and mustard hues for a more welcoming and homier vibe. Adding cushions, blankets and throws is the easiest way to change a summery sanctuary into a comfortable winter hideaway. Since the living room is the most often utilised area, warm and inviting home decor items are now at the top of most people's lists. These are some tried-and-tested methods for enhancing the cosiness of your living area and making it more inviting. With a few simple interior touches, winter can be a magical and cosy time inside your home. Don’t dread the cold season this year, embrace it! Shop our home décor items online at Wheel & Barrow.
Learn more