styled living simply achieved by Jacqueline deMontravel
If you’ve been experiencing stress with food lately, and we’re not talking about that comforting pint of mint chocolate chip but from what to feed your family, there’s a simple solution. Weekly meal planning with healthy, fulfilling dinners keeps everyone well fed and all within a budget.
It may be as dated as a Dixie cup but there’s a reason why we revisit the style of Audrey Hepburn and binge watch “Mad Men.” The 1950’s cocktail era evokes a cool classicism that’s missed in today’s hyper digital world. We’re too plugged in to appreciate hat boxes, clothing with hand-sewed hems and the tap-your-toes rhythm of jazz crooning from the record player. Perhaps it takes more time at home to appreciate classic pastimes and, as nesting season descends upon our stay-at-home lifestyle, there’s no better time to practice the art of detailing a basic event like dinner, or shall we say supper, with an attention to style.
If we were to create a line of fragrant candles, the first scent would be coffee. That sharp, aromatic scent of chicory dominates in the best of ways. Coffee is more than just a drink, for some, it’s a dependency. If a day doesn’t begin without that caffeinated jolt, the result could be limited productivity and overall grouchy behavior.
Forget wearing a mask and practicing social distancing while waiting for a cup of coffee, brewing at home is a safer, tastier option.
During isolation we’ve been trying to make positives out of a challenge. More time outdoors, reading scripture, crafts and eating well over asking the refrigerator for help. But we’re starting to crack. That beloved series on Amazon is running out. The only popsicle stick you want to see is one with a mound of ice cream on it. Before reaching for another bag of chips take a socially-distant breath and consider your options. You could either eat and drink your way through quarantine or take a healthier approach, perhaps even pick up some new skills like preparing simple meals and using shared ingredients for a variety of dishes to learn the importance of rationing and unnecessary shopping trips.
Banish shambled thoughts when looking in the fridge and stock up on healthy options, making meals that satisfy.
During COVID-19 isolation, ducks goose will be increasing coverage of wellness stories for simple, effective ways to stay healthy. Be well!
In times of hardship, start drinking–tea that is. Prince Harry reportedly mended his rift with the queen over a cup of tea and, for avid tea drinkers, this does not come as a surprise. The warm elixir is more than a bag of leaves that detonates its amber glow in hot water, it transports without any narcotic side effects. Tea has traversed centuries and cultures for breaking down problematic talks due to the ritual. So what exactly is in this mystical cup that can soothe relations and the soul? Its healthy antioxidant properties, found in the flavonoids if you like to stay on top of your potential Jeopardy facts, may help prevent the free radicals found in cancer and heart disease. During this time of the highly contagious Coronavirus, warm liquids are natural decongestants. Use immune-stimulating properties like turmeric, ginger, honey and lemon for an added boost.
Have a tea tray readily available to promote hosting guests.
The rise of picky eaters has changed the dynamic of feeding guests. Whether it be fad-based diets or allergic concerns, a host is so challenged, serve a food processed in a facility with a tree nut and you may cause sci-fi reactions. We are partial to simple yet delicious fare, which is why a charcuterie board is an ideal choice in today’s slippery climate of entertaining. It’s also fun to assemble, with no cooking involved, and easy to do.
A tantalizing charcuterie board meets the cravings of picky eaters.
After a season of shopping, wrapping, parties and gift exchanges, the thought of hosting a Christmas dinner has that edge-of-the-slope feeling of excitement and fright. And didn’t we just spend hours helicoptering a turkey along with all of its faithful sides? If you were to do a poll, and trust me we have, ask partygoers to choose their favorite part of the holiday meal and it’s typically the small bites. You know, the kind of appetizers served on a platter, gently peddled by a cute server wearing a bow tie and apron. By offering appetizers as a meal, cross out preparation anxiety and the fear your guests won’t like the menu with enough nibble-sized options to equate to a full meal. It’s simple, delicious and even the clean up is a breeze since you don’t have to set up a formal sit-down dinner.
A variety of platters, which includes sliders and dessert trays, meet the demands of versatile eaters.
There’s a lot of emotion associated with a bird that’s considered the misfit of the poultry family. Sure, the turkey is enormous and pulling out the giblets is a bit too literal for the occasional cook, but treating the holiday meal with the attitude of a special family dinner alleviates unnecessary holiday pageantry. Memories are built around the gathering, playing, watching and indulging in leftovers.
A simple table setting equates to low-stress planning.
Recent parenting dilemma: Typically happy son races off the bus because it’s the end of the school day. This particular time did not go as smoothly: “Mom! Why did you cut me off of a la carte!” To clarify the context of a la carte, fourth graders not only have Tik Tok and avatars, they have the freedom to buy lunch from a daily menu at school. When I was their age it was a puny carton of milk and cold pizza Fridays. Luc can choose from snacks, drinks and hot meals from a menu that’s available on his school’s website. I can view these orders on the K12PaymentCenter site where, during the first week of school, he bought so many bags of chips I assumed he treated his classmates to a round of Dorito’s. This prompted a call to the lunchroom administrator, who swiftly limited the number of a la carte items per day. Return to the irate son.
Farm fresh foods can be as enticing as processed with the right presentation.
Arriving at a Hampton restaurant on a summer weekend, expect to be greeted by a chirpy, college-bound hostess saying there will be an hour wait. Compelling Instagram feeds aren’t enough to sustain time at the bar with an enraged stomach. Take control of your summer meals by dining at home with the right set up.
Artisanal foods and a styled table setting creates a personalized atmosphere that’s as good as any leading restaurant.
