SmartSeat Chair Protectors take one source of stress out of entertaining: stains from spills.

The waterproof, stain-resistant chair covers protect chair seats while still soft to the touch. They fit most dining and kitchen chairs from 18 to 25 inches wide, including chairs with arms. Adjustable straps keep the covers in place. Barrel Chair Slipcover

The protectors are made of a polyurethane-coated polyester knit and can be hand- or machine-washed on a gentle cycle and line dried. They come in blue, tan, brown and black.

SmartSeat covers can be ordered at www.smartseat

diningchaircovers.com. Prices range from $14.99 to $19.99 each, depending on the number purchased. Shipping is extra.

ON THE SHELF: Book sparks porch ideas

Better Homes and Gardens’ The Porch Book offers an escape from the winter doldrums.

The book will have you dreaming of lazy summer days in a rocking chair, and it just might nudge you into creating a design to make that dream come true. A variety of porch and home styles are featured, so just about any homeowner can find inspiration.

In addition to before-and-after photos and information on architectural styles, the book contains design help and structural information. You’ll also find style ideas for finishing and decorating a porch to make it your own.

The Porch Book is published by Wiley and sells for $21.99 in softcover.

Q: Our neighbor dumps used cooking fat in the vegetable garden we share. Is that a problem?

A: Dumping used cooking oil in household quantities — cups as opposed to barrels — shouldn’t be harmful, said Jerry Bigham, a soil scientist and emeritus professor with the School of Environment and Natural Resources at Ohio State University. Soil is a good recycler of organic matter, cooking oil included, he said.

Nevertheless, your neighbor should be careful about dumping animal fats such as bacon grease or oil that’s been used to cook meat or fish. Those fats might smell or attract animal pests if they’re not buried.

Wedding Chair Sashes Have a question about home maintenance, decorating or gardening? Mary Beth Breckenridge will find answers for the queries that are chosen to appear in the paper. To submit a question, call her at (330) 996-3756, or send e-mail to mbrecken@thebeaconjournal.com. Be sure to include your full name, your town and your phone number or e-mail address.