Friday, September 28, 2012

Fun and Easy Party Recipes for Office Events


After having our annual 'End of Summer' office party this past Friday, we wanted to take a break from our normal business office furniture and seating reviews to share some of our favorite recipes from the event. While some of these are staff originals, others are long time favorites we hope you will love enough to share with friends and family!

Recipe 1: Pasta Salad w/ Roast Beef

We made this light summer salad for the first time and it was a big hit. Introducing a recipe that nobody has had seems to spike immediate interest.

Party Food

Ingredients:

Kosher salt
8 ounces orecchiette pasta
1 cup bocconcini (small mozzarella balls), halved
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, quartered
8 small sweet marinated peppers (such as Peppadew), quartered
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint or basil
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Freshly ground pepper
4 cups baby arugula
6 ounces deli-sliced roast beef, cut into strips

Directions:

1.) Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs; drain but don't rinse.

2.) Meanwhile, combine the bocconcini, artichokes, marinated peppers and mint in a serving bowl. Add the olive oil, lemon zest and juice, and salt and pepper to taste and toss. Add the pasta and toss again.

3.) Just before serving, stir in the arugula and roast beef. Season the salad with pepper.

Recipe 2: 7 Layer Mexican Dip

A staple at all our office events! We make this dip and NEVER have leftovers. It's definitely one of my personal favorites. I often sneak a small amount off to my new executive desk to enjoy in private j/k!

Easy Dip Recipe

Ingredients:

1 9 - ounce can bean dip
1/4 cup picante or taco sauce
1 8 - ounce container refrigerated guacamole
1 8 - ounce carton dairy sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar or taco cheese (4 ounces)
1/4 cup sliced green onion (2)
2 tablespoons sliced pitted ripe olives
2/3 cup chopped, seeded tomato (1 medium)
8 cups tortilla chips or crackers

Directions:

1.) Combine bean dip and picante sauce; spread into a rectangle about 9-by 5-inches on a serving platter making a layer about 1/4-inch thick. Next carefully layer avocado dip and sour cream. Top with cheese, green onion, and olives. Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours.

2.)Before serving, sprinkle with chopped tomato. Serve with tortilla chips. Makes 16 appetizer servings (1/4 cup dip and 1/2 cup chips).

Recipe 3: Hot Artichoke and Asiago Cheese Dip

This is one we wanted to make really bad! While sitting around our modular office desks and discussing which recipes to share for this post, we had to add this awesome recipe!

Office Party Food


Ingredients:

1 8 - ounce package cream cheese, softened
4 ounces Asiago or Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (1 cup)
2 cloves garlic
1 13 - 14 - ounce can artichoke hearts, drained
1 cup bottled roasted red sweet peppers, drained
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup sliced green onions
Thinly sliced French bread, toasted or toasted pita wedges
Chopped roasted red sweet peppers (optional)
Parsley leaves (optional)

Directions:
  
1.) In a food processor bowl, combine cream cheese, Asiago cheese, and garlic. Cover and process until mixture is well combined. Add drained artichoke hearts, drained sweet red peppers, mushrooms, and green onions. Cover and process with on/off turns until finely chopped. 

2.) Transfer mixture to an 8-inch quiche dish or 9-inch pie plate, spreading evenly. Bake, covered, in a 350 degree F oven for 25 minutes or until heated through. Or, micro cook, uncovered, on 70 percent power (medium-high) for 6 to 8 minutes or until heated through, stirring the dip and turning the dish halfway through cooking time. Serve warm with thinly sliced French bread or pita wedges. Garnish with additional red pepper and parsley, if you like. Makes about 3-3/4 cups (12 servings).

Recipe 4: Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms

We found this one online the day before the party and made it in the break room! It just looked too good to pass up. In fact, we used this recipe to the companies advantage. In order to increase our staffs product knowledge, we placed our platter of bacon stuffed mushrooms on our new line of ergonomic desks to get people talking about them. Before we knew it, the subliminal trick had worked. Unfortunately the mushrooms did not survive!

Fun Party Food

Ingredients:





6 slices Nueske's Smoked Bacon or other bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces 
10 large fresh mushrooms (about 12 oz.) 
1 3 - ounce package cream cheese, softened 
1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar or smoked Gouda cheese (1 oz.) 
1/2-1 teaspoon minced garlic (optional)

Directions:

1.) Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan; set aside. In a 12-inch skillet, cook bacon until almost crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon from skillet; discard fat. Drain bacon on paper towels. Set aside.
 
2.) Clean mushrooms. Remove stems from mushrooms; discard. Set tops aside. 

3.) In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese and cheddar cheese, stirring until well mixed. Stir in reserved bacon and, if you like, garlic. Spoon cheese mixture into mushroom tops.

4.) Place stuffed mushroom tops in the prepared baking pan. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until mushrooms are tender. Let stand for 5 minutes. Makes 10 appetizers.

Overall the party was a huge success and we are looking very much forward to providing you will discount office furniture solutions and informative furniture blog posts throughout the remainder of 2012. As always, our goal is to inform our readers of all the latest office chairs, desks, tables on the market and empower your business to make the right buying decision to meet your individual needs.... and in today's case, eat good while doing it!

Monday, September 24, 2012

Office Cubicles vs. Modular Workstations

With advances in technology and office furniture manufacturing, the ergonomic attributes, cost, and value of panel system furniture has never been greater. In today's post we will compare the features and benefits of traditional office cubicles to the modern modular workstations of today.

First and foremost we will compare the cost of these two unique furniture styles. While at surface level these two seem relatively similar in terms of cost, several factors come into play that may point you towards finding value in one style versus the other. For example, buying used office cubicles is an excellent way to save money. Since cubicle furniture has been around forever, there are ample sources online and in your town that provide used panel furniture solutions. This is an excellent way to save money! The only downfalls of purchasing used is that the life span of your furniture will be shorter and the style will typically be dated. That's not to say their aren't some fantastic deals out there! In this economy several businesses have been forced to close their doors and for that reason finding used furniture deals has never been easier. In terms of modular workstations, the upfront cost will be greater. However, you will be buying industry leading furniture with the latest ergonomic features and benefits. New multi user workstations will provide your business with the highest level of working efficiency possible. The decision between these two styles is typically made after setting a budget, meeting with a furniture specialists, and determining what you need out of your furniture. For the sake of today's post we will give a slight edge in cost to office cubicles.

If you haven't heard the term ergonomics at your place of business, then you must have been taking a ton of sick days! That being said ergonomic is quite possibly the most important factor in determining the needs of your workplace. In our current furniture match up, both styles offer value in this arena. Office cubicles can be outfitted with ergonomic monitor arms, and several cool ergonomic add-on type products to keep you functioning properly. However, with the advances in modern manufacturing and the importance of employee health, modular workstations are typically the more ergo friendly choice. Some of the latest styles feature built-in ergonomic technology and workstations allow users to reconfigure spaces to meet their individual needs. Quite frankly if you haven't had the chance to see new modular office furniture collections like Zira casegoods, Mayline e5 furniture, and several others, do yourself a favor and visit a showroom. You will be thoroughly impressed. That being said the ergonomic gold medal goes to modular workstations leaving our battle of these two great furniture styles all tied up!

Now that we have covered cost, and ergonomics, we come to round 3. Our topic... Value! Obtaining value from office furniture can be accomplished by following simple cost vs. reward principles. Knowing your industry and what you need to be effective to succeed is essential. Testing both of these furniture solutions before purchasing and requesting feedback from your coworkers is priceless. You will find that adding every bell and whistle possible to your furniture configuration is unwise and quite frankly, unnecessary! It's said that value is in the eye of the beholder. This principle holds true with office furniture too, and seeing as value is a perception this round must be a tie. Ask this question before purchasing ANY type of office furniture. What will my business gain from this acquisition? If the perceived value is high than you are a winner. If you've answered professionalism, ergonomic efficiency, sustainability, and cost effectiveness, than you are a champion.

In our final round we will cover style! As previously stated, if you have a chance visit a showroom or furniture expo like NeoCon. You will be shocked at the advancements in modern furniture manufacturing and craftsmanship. If you are looking for modern style and unique layout capabilities both of these furniture styles have something to offer. Office cubicles are typically designed with privacy in mind. High walls dictate the look and style of this popular furniture choice. Cubicle furniture typically takes the "as many as we can fit" approach and can look a bit overcrowded if not designed properly. Contemporary modular workstations on the other hand are the complete opposite. They offer an open and distinguished look. This form of furniture promotes the size of your workspace. In the simplest terms, modular workstations make your space look much larger and have a much better "wow" factor. Based on your individual needs this round can go either way. However, all benefits considered modular workstations get the win!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Impress Visitors with Contemporary Reception Seating

The use of contemporary furniture has grown throughout the home and workplace significantly throughout the past 5 years. This spark in growth is Perhaps noticeable in reception and lounge areas above all. In today's post we will share some of the top contemporary reception seating solutions available throughout the industry and provide insight as to why we feel this style of modern seating will impress your guest.


Lounge chairs are a common part of most all reception and waiting room spaces. In older workplaces these chairs typically go unnoticed. However, with some of the latest trends to hit the lounge seating industry, your lounge chairs can transform your space while making a professional statement. Utilizing contemporary lounge chairs from manufacturers like Flash Furniture, Mayline, and Global Total Office is always an excellent value and these industry leaders should definitely be considered by any business in need of a decor facelift. Take the white leather lounge chair pictured above. This unique seating solution is such a value at $249.99 that it's rapidly become one of the hottest design styles on the market.


In addition to contemporary lounge seating, sofas are a close second in terms of the most popular item to appear in lounge and waiting room areas. Commonly, lounge areas with sofas are designed to look homey and quaint. If this is the look you currently have and are striving to step into the modern age than your in the right place. Using value priced modern style reception sofas like the $908.99 Global Total Office Lux sofa above will allow you to blend the best of both worlds. Retro modern sofas like this one provide an excellent balance between contemporary and traditional styles. They pair well with most any wall art and room decor. Most importantly, they provide a professional appearance and leave a positive impression on guests.


Recliners are a luxury item that most guests crave but seldom get to experience when visiting a waiting room. Finding a quality recliner with modern style can also be a daunting task. However with manufacturers like Flash Furniture, quality and style are never an issue. Their line of high end contemporary recliners are top notch. From Italian influenced designs to affordable leather and metal variations, Flash has you covered. Kick back and watch the smiles on your visitors faces when they see your modern reception, lounge or waiting room area outfitted with a stylish reclining chair.

Monday, September 17, 2012

5 Value Priced Big and Tall Office Chairs for Home and Business Use

For many individuals a big and tall office chair is essential in the workplace. High end support and ergonomic features typically drive the price of these chairs up and finding value priced big and tall chairs can be difficult. In today's post we will share our 5 favorite discount big and tall chairs along with an educational overview of each model.


The first chair on our list is an incredible value at $194.99. This Flash Furniture chair features black fabric upholstery and contemporary executive style. The GO-1235-BK-FAB-GG chair offers quality ergonomic features including pneumatic seat height adjustment, built in lumbar support, and a versatile spring tilt mechanism.


Our second favorite value priced big and tall chair is also from Flash Furniture. The WL-735SYG-BK-LEA-A-GG chair supports up to 500 lbs. and offers dual wheel carpet casters, height adjustable arms, and a heavy duty black metal base, all for $279.99.


Third on our list is the Boss B990 Big and Tall Executive Chair. This professional business seating solution supports up to 350 lbs. and offers excellent ergonomic features. The B990 features a 2 paddle spring tilt mechanism which can be locked in any position throughout the tilt range along with pneumatic gas lift seat height adjustment, 27" brushed metal five star base, and 3" double wheel casters. This excellent big and tall chair is priced to sell at $236.99.



Coming in at number 4, the OFM 700-AA6 chair is a truly excellent choice for any office seating need. These versatile business chairs support 400 lbs. and is available in 4 colors. Designed for comfort and durability, this chair is tailor made for people of almost any size or height! The extra thick foam seat is made with comfort in mind, and the heavy-duty construction is safe and stable. The arms also add extra comfort. With a price tag of only $385.99, the 700-AA6 chair is hard to beat.



Last but not least, the 2512-3 Saxon chair makes our list at number 5. These ergonomic big and tall chairs are our most expensive at $591.99, however it is our most versatile. The 2512-3 offers a contoured ultracel® foam seat and heavily padded back to provide exceptional comfort. One favorite ergo benefit of the Saxon chair are fold up arms that accommodate users that wear equipment belts, ie. Policemen and 911 Operators. Saxon seating is standard with a balystic nylon outer back and inside back insets that is resistant to impact damage. This model is rated for users up to 350lbs and comes standard with a multi-depth seat slider.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

5 Cool Conference Tables You Need To See!

Much has been made about enhancing boardrooms and providing guests with the best experience possible while visiting your place of business for meetings. Knowing where to find the best wood, laminate, and modern conference tables to accompany your space is key. That being said, today we will share 5 cool conference table solutions you'll love and won't break your budget!



This contemporary boardroom table is produced by the well renowned Cherryman Industries corporation. Priced at $1083.99 it's a definite winner! The VL-871 model shown is 120"W x 48"D and features a two piece top with white glass painted leg inserts, for a truly modern look. The stylish conference room seating shown is also available.



The Global Total Office Alba series laminate conference table is an excellent value at $749.99. This affordable boardroom table offers unique metal base and is available in a variety of sizes. Alba elliptical conference table offers a look and quality that is sure to impress. No matter the size of the space or style of the office, Global Total Office laminate office tables will work in any setting. 

Mystic Conference Table




The newest product on our list, the S1896K4 Mystic series conference table by Lesro Industries has taken the boardroom tables industry by storm. This attractive modern table is available in 6 popular finishes and is priced right at only $739.99. Matching Lesro Mystic Furniture includes a variety of contemporary bench seating, sofas, and reception tables you'll love!

The OFM 55518 model modular conference table is available with free shipping for $647.99. This affordable modular table is 96"W x 48"D and weighs 177 lbs. At first glance you will notice the contemporary leg design and stylish laminate table surface. The 55518 is available in 3 finishes and features a scratch-resistant powder coated paint finish. The thermofused melamine tabletop finish and Durable steel frame make this table a viable solution for any boardroom application.

Mayline TransAction Table


Last but not least, the Mayline TAC8BB TrasAction series conference table solution. Priced at $1377.99, the TAC8BB table is a bit more price than our other models. However, the features and benefits gained with this unique product are well worth the extra money. TransAction's great style and smart design make it the perfect conference table for multi media conference furniture applications. In addition to a virtually unlimited selection of paint and laminate finishes, TransAction conference tables are available in a choice of Witchcraft and Biltmore Cherry high pressure laminates. When combined with the extensive offering of storage accessories from Mayline's office furniture collections, TransAction tables create state-of-the art conference rooms.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Modular Office Table Configurations 101


For most businesses, space is at a premium. That being said there is an ever increasing need to utilize rooms for more than one purpose. Conference and training room spaces are typically the most common of these areas. Commonly, multi purpose areas are accompanied by professional boardroom tables. However, a new and exciting space saving solution has recently been made available. Modular office table configurations have taken the business world by storm and in today's post we will educate you on the features and benefits of this revolutionary business furniture solution.


Modular office furniture has been around for years. The most common type of modular furniture is cubicle configurations that we are all too familiar with! Several top manufacturers offer a variety of executive desk and panel furniture solutions to meet these needs. Due to the popularity and versatility of these products, it made sense to produce other modular office products. Modular beam seating configurations started to hit the market along with office table configurations. They were an instant hit.


The value of a modular office table configuration can be summed up in one word. Versatility. Popular solutions like the Global Total Office Bungee table line combine the simplicity and ease of modern ergonomics with the quality and durability businesses require to be efficient. Utilizing modular capabilities, tables like these allow users to reconfigure a space in minutes.


In most cases tables are typically connected via ganging brackets underneath work surfaces to form modular conference tables. By simply disconnecting the brackets, both mobile and fixed leg tables can be setup to form a variety of effective learning environments and meeting room designs. Most top tables offer the ability to be nested and stored for added versatility. Rooms can be easily cleaned and additional tables can be added on to make larger configurations when necessary. Essentially, modular office tables are the convertible of the office furniture world!


Modular office tables are commonly purchased in sets for added value. Several sizes, shapes, and finishes are available to meet the needs of your office decor. The wow factor gained from these popular products is invaluable. Guests commonly remark about how inventive and incredible modular table configurations can be.


When used properly, modular office table configurations offer seemingly limitless capabilities. These revolutionary products offer the ability to transform any space, and for that reason are an extremely valuable asset to any business. Hopefully, we have shared with you the essentials and key features needed to make an educated decision on whether or not a modular office table configuration is the right choice for your business. Top lines like Bungee tables and Global ConnecTABLES are staff favorites an excellent place to start your search. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

5 Quality Reception Desk Solutions That Won't Break Your Budget

Marque Reception Station

Outfitting a reception space is one of the most difficult tasks a business will face when decorating. This area is typically the most expensive to furnish and finding quality products on a budget can seem daunting. Today, we decided to ease that burden by sharing 5 discount reception desks that won't break your budget!

Verde L Shaped Reception Desk

First on our list of affordable reception desk solutions is the VL-644 Verde Reception Desk by Cherryman Industries. The VL-644 is a contemporary styled reception station that really pulls a space together. This unique product is available in both cherry and espresso finishes. The VL-644 is also available with a choice of right or left return. This quality reception desk can be yours for only $1,462.99. Matching Verde contemporary reception furniture and executive suites are also available.

Curved Reception Desk

Secondly, we decided to highlight the OFM 55310 Marque Single Reception Station. Another contemporary reception furniture solution, the 55310 station from OFM is available in 3 attractive finishes and requires no tools for installation. Users will enjoy quality features including wire management cutouts, thermofused melamine finished self edge, and stylish silver frame. This professional reception desk is priced right at $1,131.99.

Brighton Reception Furniture

Our third solution is the Mayline BT30 Brighton reception typical. This unique reception furniture solution offers much more than most, and for only $1,700.99, it's an excellent value! The BT30 reception station is 72"W x 36"D and includes 3 free standing lateral file organizing cabinets along with a laminate rear storage hutch.

L Shaped Reception Desk

Up next is this New Offices To Go reception desk. For years OTG has manufactured affordable office chairs, as well as casegoods furniture for executive offices and conference rooms. Now, they have decided to try their hand at reception furniture and I have to say, we are impressed! This quality laminate reception station is an unmistakable value at $699.99. Enjoy this unit in your choice of 3 popular finishes.

Boss Reception Desk

Last but not least, this new Discount Boss Reception Desk. Much like Offices To Go, Boss is very well known for their quality office chairs. Recently they too decided to make a statement in the reception furniture world with the addition of products like this awesome station. Available in two laminate finishes, this modern reception solution is a sure winner. Priced at $799.99, you will be hard pressed to find a better option.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Product Review: Via Seating Swopper Chairs


Recently we had the privilege to review and test the Via Seating Special Edition Swopper Chair. To say the least we were extremely impressed. In fact, if we had to describe this incredible seating solution in one word it would be revolutionary!

 Even at first glance it's hard to miss the contemporary style details of the Swopper. The uniquely shaped seat shape and modern base are making this versatile work stool a style icon in the seating industry. From the moment we saw this product we were in love!


Several Swopper chair models are available including a mobile version that is fantastic for all day use. A dynamic polyurethane back support is available and adds even more benefits to both the style and comfort columns. However, our favorite version from Via Seating is the Special Edition. This unique Swopper chair is available in 5 cool color combinations that really stand out.


Here's some great info on the Special Edition Model:

The chair features multidimensional movement with German engineering and was developed by an osteopath for people with low-back pain. The 1-SWUS models are commonly utilized as both a task chair and ergonomic office stools. To say the least, it’s fun and comfortable!


Weight Capacity: 290 lbs.
Overall Unit Weight: 23 lbs.

Health Benefits:

Improves posture and stabilization of the spine
Provides relief for back pain
Strengthens and conditions muscles of the back and abdomen
Improves nourishment to the inter-vertebral disc
Improves circulation to the lower extremities
Assists lymphatic flow
Provides a fun, energized experience while seated

Awards:

NeoCon - Most Innovative Product
NeoCon - Gold Award / Workstation Task Seating
ADEX - Platinum Winner

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