entertain-tip #8... make the house warm.

whether it's moving apartments or buying a home, we've all had friends or family members give up their old digs in turn for a better view, more squre footage, a fresher coat of paint, or simply a newer nest to call their own.  


i love the anticipation and sense of new beginnings that a move conjures up. a move is, at it's very core, a change... and change is always emotional.  personally, i think a move is a sign of growth... a chance to leave behind what you've outgrown and settle into a new place that will serve as the foundation for whatever your journey holds next.


...and it's probably because i think moving symbolizes so much, that i always find myself struggling for the perfect housewarming gift to bring over that expresses my happiness, support and well wishes for my dear friend.



I've recently done a little research into this act of giving and it turns out that many cultures have their own variations of a how to warm house...


give...
-  a candle so that there will always be light
-  a broom to "sweep away evil"
-  wine so that they never go thirsty
-  honey or chocolate so life continues to be sweet
-  bread so that they never go hungry
-  salt for good luck
-  olive oil for good health

awesome, right? simple yet meaningful. give one or bundle a few together for the perfect package of new house love.


...and when you're the host, don't forget to take these traditions and turn them inward to help create a welcoming, cozy atmosphere for you and your guests:

-  light the candles
-  open the wine
-  serve the bread, salt and olive oil (preferably with cheese & some prosciutto)
-  and end the night with chocolate or a bit o' honey. 

now THAT's what i'm talkin' about...

entertaining is truly an art form. 

entertaining can be for your indulgence only or for a few of your favorite people, but the elements are always the same...it takes thought, inspiration, time, preparation and creativity to pull off a wondrous event. 

it's hard to capture the essence and energy of the togetherness that entertaining brings,but when done well, you feel whole. you feel connected to people. your soul smiles. relationships are strengthened and you cherish each moment, not wanting your time together to end. 

there's a new online collaboration that has captured, and beautifully brought to life, all aspects of the joy of entertaining. 

from the photos, to the recipes, to it's easy relaxed vibe, the thoreau & winnie the pooh quotes, to the music rec's, kinfolk has created a masterpiece. 

may it spark a small gathering in your home soon... i know it has in mine.

from their manifesto...

" Kinfolk is a growing community of artists with a shared interest in small gatherings. We recognize that there is something about a table shared by friends, not just a wedding or once-a-year holiday extravaganza, that anchors our relationships and energizes us. We have come together to create Kinfolk as our collaborative way of advocating the natural approach to entertaining that we love.

Every element of Kinfolk – the features, photography, and general aesthetics – are consistent with the way we feel entertaining should be: simple, uncomplicated, and less contrived. Kinfolk is the marriage of our appreciation for art and design and our love for spending time with family and friends."