What Can I Do With My Coat of Arms? Part 19 - In the Dining Room

Today we're going to finish up our suggestions for ways to use your coat of arm in the dining room with a few final ideas for the dinner table, and then end with a few recommendations for those of you whose budgets are perhaps a little more limited (and I often include myself in this category).

But for now, place settings!

We've done the plates, bowls, silverware, glasses, even a napkin ring. Still, we might be yet missing something that serves a useful function at the table and displays your armory at the same time.

Have you considered heraldic coasters? These slate coasters help protect the table top and tablecloth, while at the same time displaying the owner's laser-carved crest. They are also large enough to have room for a coat of arms, and possibly even a full achievement, with shield, helm, crest, and mantling if done carefully.

But, moving on, how will your guests know which seat at the table is supposed to be theirs? One way to let them know is to use something like these armorial place card holders.

Each of these useful little items not only can display your heraldry, but hold a card with the guest's name on it indicating their place at the table.

Of course, if your friends are like mine, many of them have their own coat of arms, and thus may have their own table banner ...

... or table shield ...

... which might also include helm, mantling, and crest, as here:

As you can see, such table banners and shields can be made in several different forms using different media, at least some of which can fit just about any budget.

Speaking of budgets, there are some less expensive ways to display your heraldry on items useful both in the dining room and elsewhere. For example, the humble coffee cup:

and the ubiquitous travel mug:

as well as the personal water bottle. At least with your coat of arms on it, it is less likely to be purloined by a co-worker or gym buddy:

There are any number of businesses on-line who will sell you such a cup, mug, or bottle with just about any design you submit to them printed on it at quite reasonable prices. Just go on-line and do a quick search for "personalized coffee mugs" and/or "personalized water bottles" and you will find a plethora of places who for just a few dollars -- less than $20, and many items for less than $10 -- will create something that will be uniquely your own.

But wait! There's more. We still have a few other rooms in the house to check to see how your coat of arms might be used. Find even more ideas here next time.