By MARGI SHRUM, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pickle, or relish, trays have a place at holiday dinner tables that's as central as the turkey's, in their own way. They are the calling card for the meal to come, and a welcome for your guests.

A few months ago, feeling strung out by the 9 to 5, I began to think of things that would free me from my ergonomically correct chair. Homemaking has always been one of my passions (yes, I like to clean) and, I decided, why not hang the clothes out to dry, as many people still do, as I used to?

Here are my own experiences. (Remember to check with your town or homeowners association to see if line drying is prohibited or limited.)

-- Once I made the mistake of leaving my clothespin bag out on consecutive high-humidity days. The wooden pins got moldy. I ran them through the washer with bleach. While a bit stained, they are fine.