Lifestyle:
For the Love of Trays: Something Every House Should Have
There is much a house needs but there are a few items, particularly around spring and summer that are invaluable – beautiful trays! The concept for the tray was developed in ancient times possibly around the 6th or 7th century with evidence black earthenware discovered and displayed in the Hunterian Museum, the oldest public museum in Glasgow, Scotland. The tray as we know it today was evolved from the ’salver’ which was used in England in 1661 and was typically flat and made of silver. The word ’slaver’ has Latin roots which translated means ‘to save’.
Many Styles & Many Purposes.
Today they come in many styles, made of many materials, big, small, on wheels, silver, birch wood, wood, metal, ceramic, 
lined…oh the list goes on! You can even make one yourself. Depending on your home decor, there is a tray for all needs and styles of decor. They come in handy for serving food and cut down trips back and forth when clearing a table. Perfect for setting together a much needed break with a cup of tea, a snack, a favorite book, a vase of flowers and off you go in search of that perfect resting spot; and you’ll always have a surface on which to rest your little getaway!
04-2010
Getting Ready For Spring
Ah, the first breath of Spring, a longed-for reawakening after a period of cold and dark. There is more to Spring than just the turn of the season and the equinox; there is Spring Break. Historically it began with ancient rituals of the Greeks. This is the season of fertility and rituals featuring dancing and drinking, celebrating Dionysus and Bacchus, the Roman god of wine welcomed the season of rebirth. Stir the spirit and revel in this joyous occasion and make the return of Spring into more than just a trivial occurrence.
Welcome Spring! Head outside and look for signs of Spring. Bring some inside. Choose this month to start traditions. Clean out the winter from the house, air it out, freshen up with lighter colored accessories and brightness. Head out and explore the plants and flowers. Carry a pair of scissors in the car so you can stop and pick while on the road. Seek clippings of branches with tiny leaves, or some of Spring’s first flowers and any other appealing greenery that strikes you. Place it in tiny vases or larger ones for the branches or in other vessels about your house. Here are some books on Spring plants to look for, for your garden and space.
Books On Plants:
The American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers (USA)
RHS Good Plant Guide (Royal Horticultural Society) (UK)
03-2010
Champagne and Love
Love is a perfect excuse to crack open a bottle of bubbly (not that any excuse is really needed, it just sweetens the moment!) no matter if the moment is big or small. Around this time of year, there are many champagnes that have special boxed sets that come with glassware, a little touch to add that detail and leave you with a usable keepsake. Some great sets include Perrier et Jouet Belle Epoque with their lovely hand-painted bottle and flutes, the designs, floral and fluid, white anemones and enameled roses circled with gold– true artistry. These designs were started in 1902 but were never used immediately – they remained in a cellar for over six decades before they were discovered and finally used. They adorned the famed cuvee of 1964. The style of the design is Art Nouveau. The whole package, story and all, are particularly romantic!
02-2010
Related Articles:
Non-Typical Ways to Celebrate Love | Champagne and Love | Beauty and Chocolate | Yoga for Couples (or Friends) | Pearls: History and Beauty
