The theme this month is about being grateful and then going deeper. It’s about appreciating what you already have and making it more meaningful; more beautiful; more YOU!

One lesson I learned during the past few years is to be grateful for what was already interesting to me. I am a discoverer, an observer who is always on the hunt for more – more info, more ideas, more creativity, more ….

I learned a lot while in lockdown while spending so much time at home without the usual stimulation or distractions. I realized how full my life already was. The hunt has always been fun but it really is kind of superficial. I wasn’t necessarily going deep into the million interesting design books I’ve bought nor using all of the beautiful linen napkins I had to have, to name a few. I just kept wanting the next one.

It took the quiet of the pandemic to teach me that I just needed to be aware of and appreciate the things I’ve already deemed worthy of being in my home and in my life. What a fantastic LESSON!

This lesson has bled into other areas of my life and I think it might be an interesting and more sustainable approach from now on. Below, I have some various ideas of ways to go deeper in your life this beautiful month of MAY.

As far as LIFESTYLE is concerned, what comes flooding to me when May arrives is everything AL FRESCO. I think we all nearly perfected our outdoor spaces over the past year during the pandemic but what I am finding this year is that I want to go deeper. To go one more step. I not only want to make my outdoor space even more beautiful but I also want HOW we use the space to be elevated. Unlike last summer, this summer I am going to be entertaining my friends and family and I want them to feel MISSED and SPECIAL but above all else, I want them to feel WELCOMED! Here are some ideas on how I am going to do this…

(photos : PINTEREST)

MY 5 FAVORITE LIFESTYLE TIPS

COCKTAIL COURSE 101

I have been upping my cocktail game. I have been dog earring the hell out of my cocktail books like DRINKING FRENCH by David Lebovitz and APERITIF by Rebekah Peppler. Basically, I have had a pretty fun time in my self imposed Cocktail 101 course 😉

What’s a fabulous cocktail without that special glass?

I have been buying vintage glasses from my local flea market shop alongside my course and I have to say my cocktail repertoire and glassware collection is expanding. Do you have a local flea market where you can go on the hunt?

AMUSE BOUCHE

I took a cooking class right before the pandemic from The Cook’s Atelier in Beaune, France. I love to cook. I love France and I absolutely loved this course. I think about that experience daily not to mention how often I use my new skills. We learned all about the amuse-bouche which translates to a mouth amuser which in essence is a little finger food that both prepares the guest for the meal as well as offers a glimpse of what’s to come. Think sautéed mushrooms on garlic rubbed petit points or canapés with salmon and caviar.

What’s a better way to say…

I’ve missed you, I want to know how you have been, I am thrilled to be in your presence than to include your guests in your meal preparation. I find giving everyone a small task makes the night more inclusive and much more meaningful. Think chopping vegetables, opening the wine or champagne, passing the food, pouring the water glasses…

CHILLY EVENINGS

Our evenings can get chilly around here so I have gathered all of my beautiful shawls that I haven’t been wearing in some time and am going to keep them in a basket near the dining table so to drape over my guests chairs when setting the table. It’s also a nice way to bring in other colors and patterns to the tablescape. Just make sure everything coordinates somewhat.

Playlist, playlists, playlists.

Just the right music can set the tone. Have a look at A Year In Style monthly playlists on Spotify. There is also A YEAR IN STYLE – Breakfast, Cocktail Hour, and Dinner Party.

♡xo

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MAY LIFESTYLE

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(photos : PINTEREST)