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TRUST ME…YOU’LL LOVE THIS: elevate the everyday
I live on a lake in the north Georgia mountains, and while the shelter-in-place mandate has wreaked more than a little havoc in our lives, a silver lining of this past month has been “living on a lake in the north GA mountains.” I am a homebody at heart, and despite all the troubling repercussions of COVID-19, this quiet time away from the madding crowd has been an unexpected delight in more ways than I could have imagined.
Given our town’s limited resources and the inability to stream Netflix in the wilderness, we decided we would focus on “elevating the everyday” – my husband in the kitchen and I around the house – and our creative juices have been recharged! I learned a lot about this “art form” from a favorite Aunt and Uncle who found it necessary to cancel all travel plans and stick close to home due to family circumstances one year, and to keep their spirits lifted amidst the stress, they would venture out to the front porch of their garden shed (affectionately referred to as “the resort”) for a low-key “themed” cocktail hour every evening complete with music, small plates and a beverage suited to the “destination” of the evening….St Barths, London, the South of France….wherever their imagination wished to take them for a brief respite. This made such a lasting impression on me in terms of improvising, adapting and overcoming….creative genius that would serve me well for so many years to come.
This past month, meals and cocktail hours have become highlights of our day, and with the weather beginning to warm up here, al fresco dining has become a welcomed option. Take stock of your linen closet or drawer for placemats, tablecloths and pretty napkins that you’ve not used in awhile….you won’t believe how a pretty table can elevate a takeout meal! My penchant for dishes and unusual glassware has resulted in an eclectic mix of odds and ends that I have enjoyed pairing with my husband’s creations in the kitchen this month. For those of you with young families now gathered at home for mealtime (a rarity!) , take this opportunity to “sit down” at a table together…..your children will think it’s a party! I have asked the shop to post some of my favorites in case you want add a few things to your arsenal: tablecloths and napkins, beautiful paper table options (so pretty and perfect for an outdoor picnic), charming serve-ware, vases and interesting handmade objet d’arts that can make a tablescape come alive! The goal is not about perfection or “matched sets,” but an end result that sparks joy.
“Elevating the Everyday” applies to apparel as well. Slip into a pretty cotton skirt and tee shirt and see how much better you feel! Pen (don’t type) a note to a grandchild or someone you’ve not connected with in a long time (mail in the mailbox is exciting again!!!) Fresh arrangements add life to any room, and this time of year there are most likely a world of options right out your backdoor…even herbs and shrub clippings make pretty studies in textures of green. I especially love interesting pitchers that double as flower vases and have selected some of my favorites for your perusal below.
Since it appears we are not going anywhere for a while to come, trust me…..these suggestions may be simple, but they are sure to elevate a lackluster day! (And don’t forget we offer curbside pick-up if you are looking for a Mother’s Day surprise!)