*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. All posts and products promoted are done so in good faith. Read my full disclaimer here. Implement any of these rituals into your life for a home experience that feels special and beautiful. 1. Look at an Art Book When You’re Feeling Down Keep a book of uplifting art around to “rejuvenate yourself through the beauty of the pictures” in the words of Alexandra Stoddard. What a wonderful idea to have a go-to fix for a bad mood, as opposed to indulging in our moodiness when it comes around. As much as I love art I think it would also be fantastic to keep a book of exquisite gardens or flowers in your library for boosting your mood, too. 2. Put a Small Vase of Flowers in Your Fridge Who would have thought? But as Alexandra Stoddard pointed out flowers do last longer when they’re refrigerated. Furthermore, wouldn’t it be lovely to open your fridge to such a charming surprise? 3. Put On a Pretty Apron to Tidy the House It’s the act of donning a pretty apron, one that excites you, that can make tidying the house a more pleasurable task. I love the idea of prettifying a job that, with the wrong mindset, can seem unpleasant and daunting. So, why not try it? 4. Dress for Dinner So, it isn’t just the glamorous and high-class characters who live at Downton Abbey that believe one should dress in appropriate attire for dinner. I’m not saying you need to wear a sequined ball gown to a hectic weeknight dinner at home with your rambunctious kids, but feeling comfy and looking nice is easy with these tips. We usually dine with better manners when we are dressed well, too. 5. Make Bill Paying an Enjoyable Ritual Paying bills can be a depressing task if you let it be. But I say choose to make it enjoyable! Alexandra Stoddard said that her friend takes one day to pay all of her bills for the month and “puts on Brahms on her stereo, she places an arrangement of flowers on her desk, she dresses in a fresh blouse and skirt so she is actually ready.” Sounds nice, doesn’t it? Feeling good while we’re paying our bills helps us to be in a state of gratitude as well, which helps us create a life that’s filled with joy. 6. Frame an Artsy Postcard for Your Bedside Such a great idea to wake up looking at something exquisite. Alexandra Stoddard suggests changing it out every so often to suit your mood. The Met collection is a fabulous place to get free fine art from the public domain. Let me say that again, free fine art! 7. Wear Caswell-Massey Perfume Caswell-Massey has been making fine fragrances in America for nearly three centuries. Alexandra Stoddard recommended having them create a perfume especially for you, however, this company no longer performs that service (aw, darn). As disappointing as that is, their fragrances and bath and body products are still entirely luxurious and pretty affordable. 8. Offer Your Guests an “Orange Special” Alexandra Stoddard credited a friend for this impressive, yet simple drink. Use a glass citrus juicer to hand squeeze two oranges. Pour over ice with a splash of dark rum. Wow! That really is special. 9. Make Cold Strawberry Soup Alexandra Stoddard recommends serving this unique dish in a silver bowl. Doesn’t it sound enticing? Just picture the bright red colored mixture smoothly pooled in an elegant, shiny silver bowl… yum! Now, envision that bowl on a bright, floral tablecloth al fresco in the early summer months ready for you and a friend to enjoy! 10. Have a Writing Desk You deserve a special place to inspire more letter writing and display some of your favorite keepsakes. Writing desks can be inexpensive and can be set up almost anywhere in your home. Keep thank you notes in plain sight, a small vase of silk flowers, and a stash of chocolate on your desk. Then let yourself slow down a little to experience a more artful way of life. Alexandra Stoddard believes that “a short, timely letter can enhance moments of your day: it can be a gem given or received.” So true. 11. Use a Letter Opener These sophisticated little tools make opening mail oh-so much better. They bring such relief from impatiently and roughly digging into important messages. A fun one that shows off your personality will look great on your writing desk, what a nice touch. These also make really classic and special gifts for coworkers, friends, and housewarming. 12. Keep Water Color Pencils on Your Desk They’re perfect for writing in a datebook or drawing a cute little picture in a thank you card. I love them because they serve as regular colored pencils or you can run a wet paintbrush over them to achieve a watercolor effect. Find a stylish pencil holder to keep them in. You never know, you may feel inspired to be artistic when you see your supplies charmingly placed in your space. 13. Mail Magazine Clippings to Friends This may seem a little…old-fashioned, but I adore this idea. I love reading magazines and I also love sending things in the mail. Imagine the delight you could bring a friend or family member when they open a hand addressed envelope from you. In it, a magazine article, something uplifting or to suit their tastes, and a note that reads something like, “I saw this in Better Homes and Gardens and it made me think of you. How is your new herb garden coming along?” It doesn’t need to be long. Wouldn’t that simple thing make you feel special, though? I also like the idea of giving our magazines a little bit of extra life before we recycle them. I get some wonderful (and free!) magazine subscriptions from Recyclebank just for learning about recycling. 14. Send a Letter to Your Spouse or Child Through the Mail I love moments like these where I slow down and remember the important things. This is an easy and thoughtful way to show your loved ones your appreciation, admiration, and love. Not to mention, your kids will be thrilled to receive something in the mail. Encourage your child to keep their letter in a special place to read years later. They’ll be glad of the reminder of how much you love them. 15. Make Your Own Envelope Making envelopes is incredibly easy and a fun print is a great way to spread a little joy around. Imagine being a postal worker and coming across a bold and beautiful letter amid the typical sea of dull looking correspondence. Not to mention, how thrilled will your recipient be when they find a fun and colorful envelope in their mailbox? 16. Smile A little cheesy I know, but this is something I remind myself of every day and I couldn’t agree with this beautiful living tip more. I catch myself many times throughout the day with a resting witch look on my face and although it’s completely natural, I want my family to see me looking happy as much as I can possibly manage. And the truth is it just feels better to smile! 17. Call a Friend for Tea Afternoon tea is a fun and classy experience for all who take part. Invite the little ones, too! Use some fun mugs or even a beautiful set of china. If you are particularly nervous about letting small children use your china these adorable paper tea cups are perfect for toddlers. I let my four year old use the china, though. With Replacements, LTD. I’m confident enough to let her learn etiquette, grace, and elegance from this lovely experience. 18. Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies It kind of goes without saying, but it’s a nice reminder. My daughter and I love baking together so, it’s always a nice way to slow down and spend some quality time. Oh and the smell, is there anything more homey than the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies? 19. Buy a Guest Book Keep a guest book at home for jotting down memories with friends and family. Alexandra Stoddard recommends to “have your guests sign it when they come to visit your home. Memories are fifty percent of life!” And she’s right. The memories of our good times spent together help to make life feel special. You'll thank yourself when you're old and wrinkled. 20. Say the Word Love as Much as Possible in a Day Of all the things we seek to accomplish in a day this should be at the top of our to do lists, at least every once in a while. At the end of life we hope our loved ones know how much we loved them and through life we wish to feel loved ourselves. The more we focus on love and the more we give, the more we receive and fill our homes with it.
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Hi there, my name’s Tayler. I’m cultivating a fun and sophisticated life in the Midwest with my hubby and two kids. I love to share comfy, yet classy outfits, charming home decor, and easy tips for living a more beautiful life.
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