Dos and don'ts
DO dine in a room you don't normally eat in. Breakfast in the garden? Of course. A picnic in front of the fireplace? What better way to enjoy a rainy day? And while you're feasting, improvise with tablecloths: use a matelassé bedspread for Sunday brunch; a flat-weave carpet suits afternoon tea (an idea that's centuries old and still favoured in Morocco).
DO keep a tempting selection of bubble bath on hand. Jo Malone makes two of my favourites: Verbenas of Provence for relaxation and Grapefruit for energy. Dim the lights, tune out the world and enjoy a long soak.
DO send handwritten notes. A faxed love letter may be cute, an e-mail from a friend may be thoughtful, but neither compares in quality or spirit to a handwritten letter. A well-appointed writing desk includes a selection of beautiful paper, an assortment of pens, stamps and envelopes, and a comfortable chair.
DON'T save the good stuff; use it every day. Enjoy your morning coffee or evening tea in your best china, entertain in the living room, and use the silver. (Bonus: Silver that's frequently used doesn't tarnish.)
DON'T forget candles, candles, candles. Historically, beeswax candles were an expensive luxury. Today they're plentiful and more affordable. Fill an empty hearth with fat cylinder candles and enjoy a blazing display. Line a mantel with a collection of candlesticks, varying the heights for interest.
DON'T deprive yourself of an occasional splurge. Purchase that beribboned guest towel that caught your eye -- then use it. Buy a dozen perfumed guest soaps and display them in an apothecary jar. Yes, you really do need linen sheets, as well as the lavender water that will make ironing them less of a chore.
Read more in Decorating & Design and Design Lesson
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