"Dining at Home in the time of Quarantine..."

After more than a few weeks of dining at home during the time of quarantine, we have each adjusted to our new normal in various ways. For me, my dining experience has always been an important punctuation at the end of each day and even now it remains so. 

Once we were past the shock of being at home every night, I imagine that we have all settled into some sense of routine. 

For me, I have remained consistent in making every attempt to dine with style. No matter how uncertain the future might seem, I have determined to end the day with not only a delicious meal - but one that was served with some sense of style and originality. While many of us immediately can recount our favorite restaurants and the ones where we most frequently have  dined, none of us really want to have the same experience every night - week seven for me now! 

Whether you are in your urban apartment or out of the city in a house, it is now essential to have some variety in where and how we dine. For me, I am at my country house and have now purposed to dine differently each evening. One night I (and my quarantine partner) dine in the Dining Room while another night we might dine in the Sunroom, Family Room, or even at the desk in the Library. As the weather begins to allow, we also dine outdoors. The varied locations as well as a variety of dishes, flatware, and serving utensils all help to create a different atmosphere each night - and yes, I pull out the linen napkins and crystal. 

Now I am so enjoying the opportunity to use (and visit) so many things that have often remain tucked away in our closets. I am using a variety of really fun pieces collected over the years from "Home, James", classic crystal from Tiffany and Waterford, place mats and napkins from "Kim Seybert" and vintage American Sterling from the 1920's. I am newly inspired to create different settings each evening for our latest Instagram shots - but most importantly, for the variety and visual pleasure these lovely accessories offer us and enhance the way we taste food. Now more than ever, I am grateful for these whimsical and beautiful elements that add style and bring comfort to each of our dinners at home. This is a new world - a new normal - be creative and live each dinner in the moment!