Thank you both! Good to know that the RH table has stood the test of time. However, I recall reading that they've shifted manufacturing overseas so I don't know if there has been any change in quality. I think we could spring for a walnut table if justifiable. I do know what you mean about the family table and memories. As for the finish, do you think I should be concerned if my floor is stained 3/4 walnut and 1/4 jaco that a finished walnut table would be too similar in tone? I don't want to go darker because the island is Jet Black. By the way, I might be defining "finish" incorrectly. When I say it, I mean a stain and a final protective coat (not sure if it is just meant to be the final clear coat). But at any rate, I think if it is finished with poly?, the furniture maker said we had to be more careful with it (as it is easier to get a ring left from say, a hot mug). With young kids, they put wear and tear on everything. With a wax finish, he said we could just sand it and rewax each year and it would look good as new. So it's not just the money, it's the functionality. Do you think pine chairs stained to match would go with a walnut table? Or do I then need to find walnut chairs? I looked at some online companies that sell unfinished chairs and saw the same types of styles appear in pine. It's not that they were bad but they were a little traditional/generic. The local shop that sold chairs said they just buy them from the online guys and finish them. They don't actually make them. I did look at Pottery Barn quickly but found their tables a little too traditional or they didn't have the right extensions/sizes/or color. Crate & Barrel didn't have the right size with extension for the style I wanted. I also thought I had read in an article that RH had better quality, though my friend's PB table looks good to me and really can handle a large buffet. Do you think these specialty furniture makers will deliver better quality? The one I talked to at least talked the talk about materials used, thickness of the table vs. 1", etc. I put in a feeler to someone who is going to ask her furniture maker but she thought he might not be able to meet the RH price. I have bought a bunch of PB Kids furniture but I am troubled with buying MDF/veneer vs. "real solid wood". On the other hand, even fancy dining room tables that I've seen at Safavieh for $8K-$10K+ are veneers. Is this just robbery or are veneers worth that much? Thanks again for the suggestions/comments.

Thanks for your input! Dh can mix a stain that matches the top exactly. The actual grey color will be in the same hue as Requisite Gray. DH is only mixing black and grey lacquers that he has. After reading Pal's post and then yours Les I started thinking about the chandelier in the DR. I'm re-using the one that was in the house when we bought it. It's brass and sinilar to this new one pictured below, but I've wanted to spray paint it a different finish for quite some time. Maybe silver is something to consider then for both the feet of the table and the finish of my chandelier? I just finished the black chalkboard wall this evening so that's done! Hoping to have this done by Thanksgiving!

I agree with Rina on leaving them to nature. It is unbelievable how hardy Sempervivums are. I do not plan on covering them, or otherwise protecting them during the winter. They will however, more than likely remain under the porch. They may get some snow being up against the edge but I don't foresee much accumulation. As you know Neil, SE PA winters are always different. I have lived here all my life, with the exception of the few years I spent in the Army, and no two winters were alike! It is always really cold though. As for the colors being affected differently; I do not believe so. I have seen a lot of colorful Semps turn more green in their dormant months and then regain their wonderful colors with the sun of the warmer months. I left some out last winter and aside from some dried up leaves, they bounced back better than ever. I also brought some inside and I really think the ones that were outside did better. They use so much energy during the warmer months that they really need some dormant time to rest. I do have some planted in the ground as well that are out in the open but just planted them this year. -Erica

thanks tibbrix, the copper one is only 7lbs, so i don't think it will support the weight of glass, but the twig one is 45lbs, so perfect, but its only 22" high, too short...ugh!!! i might just order that copper one, as i need an end table and love that one!! search continues..... thanks again! how's the B/S going?? it is so awesome that u are doing it yourself!!!! Kudos to you, pat urself on the back from me!! keep us posted!! r u getting snow, snowing here, boohoo!!!