The Lost Art :: Courtesy

THE ART OF COURTESY

The art of courtesy is the practice of the Golden Rule in little things.

It is being courteous even to those who are discourteous.  It is striving to avoid a reaction of irritation in spite of the most severe provocation.  It is remembering that a "soft answer turneth away wrath."

It is coming forward to meet others with warmth, graciousness and a hospitable spirit.

It is using shock-absorber words to smooth the jars and jolts of daily living;  words that express kindness, consideration, and gratitude.

It is the wisdom to know that we should love before we think and think before we act.

It is putting people at ease, helping them to relax.  It is recognizing the worth of the individual, protecting his dignity, inspiring him to think well of himself.

It is the sympathic ear and the understanding heart.

It is going the second mile to make things pleasant for others.

It is appreciating what others do for us and letting them know it.

It is being big enough to take the blame for our mistakes and being quick to ask forgiveness for our blunders. 

It is recognizing the universal power of a smile; for a sincere smile is courtesy in every language and puts a glow in the heart everywhere on earth.

it is emphasizing the gentle in gentleman. 

It is endeavoring to live with some nobility that we may prove that the age of chivalry isn't dead.

It is keeping constantly in mind the words of Emerson: " Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy."

 - WIlferd Peterson

Food for thought from one of my favorite authors.  Happy Friday!!  

xx, 

The Lost Art of Taking Tea

I have always loved to have tea.... I think it is something I inherited from my mother.  She loves a good afternoon of tea but a FANCY afternoon out was typically saved for a birthday or special occasion.  However, when I lived in London... the art of taking tea became a regular occurrence both with my friends and my girls.... It is just such a civilized way to spend the afternoon.

Many times I will have tea and scones with cream and berries for my children after school. It is a beautiful way to slow down from the hustle and bustle of the day before the afternoon and evening activities begin.

Here is a little "tea knowledge" I learned while living overseas...

• "Taking Tea" refers to the ceremonial aspects of this glorious afternoon activity
• Did you know "TEA" does not just refer to the drink (this is where my love of champagne gets to come in...) but rather the MEAL of tea?
• There are 2 types of TEA... Afternoon or "low tea" & "high tea"
• Afternoon Tea is taken between 2 and 5 p.m. and is usually a light snack with sandwiches, cakes, pastries and scones.
• High Tea is taken between 5 - 7 p.m. and is considered an early evening meal

I'd like to invite you to find an afternoon to enjoy The Lost of Taking Tea.... I think you will find it to be one of the most enjoyable and rejuvenating respites you have had in a while.

                                                                xx,                

all photos property of Tiffany Jones Interiors

The Lost Art of the Thank You Note

matchbookmag.com

Do you send thank you notes?  

At our house, everyone sends thank you notes.  My children have been required to send notes on their own since they were able to write their name (and I think they have had personalized stationery since they were born…not kidding!)   It is not always a fun task but (most) times a requirement. They send them not only to friends but also to family… something I believe in very strongly.

From my talented friend, Emily McCarthy's beautiful website!

Whenever a gift receiving occasion occurs, a special party is attended, or a kind invitation is extended… you can be sure the moans and groans will be following from the peanut gallery. They know what's coming.

    

However - In this crazy, busy, technology driven world we call life, I find it is more important than ever that we should slow down and go back to the simple but meaningful gesture of expressing gratitude to others.  The reason is two-fold….

Most importantly, it lets the person who gave the gift, hosted the party, made the casserole when you were sick…whatever it is... know that their time, efforts, and thoughtfulness were appreciated.  It will put a smile on their face… and all it really takes is LESS THAN 5 MINUTES!  None of us are too busy or too important that we cannot extend such a simple kindness…  And let's not ignore that it is, quite frankly, the right thing to do.  While sooner is definitely better than later - the gesture will be happily received so don't get hung up on the fact that you did not write it in the first 24 hours as Princess Diana used to do.  As they say at NIKE… Just Do It!

Second, encouraging and engaging in gratitude is good for our soul.  Research shows that expressing gratitude makes us happier and healthier and since gratitude is a social emotion - it requires us to see how we have been supported by other people… (Hence the nice gift, the party invitation, the casserole….) and strengthens our relationships with them. A warm and fuzzy WIN/WIN on both accounts.  

As the holidays were winding down and I was sitting with my girls writing our thank you notes together at the kitchen table, I was reflecting on the LOST ART OF THE THANK YOU NOTE …. and I think it is time it made a come back.

What do think?

                       With thanks for reading, 

PS:   Here are two great articles to support the GRATITUDE research:

The New York Times
berkeley.edu

THE LOST ART of the picnic

Source: keephighhopes.tumblr.com

Source: via Pinterest

Source: Fortnum and Mason, London

Source: Amazon

There is something about a picnic that I have always loved.

I can remember as a child going on picnics when we would be on vacation.  At the time, I really had no appreciation for what a picnic really could be... then, it was just a cold sandwich at a park table but some how it still was a fond family memory.  My husband and I enjoyed picnics when we were dating so shortly after I got married (many years ago), I was in Crate and Barrel and they were having an end of season sale on wooden picnic baskets.  I bought one with all the "things" that go inside...I was ready should the occasion arise but it would be years before I knew how to properly use it.   Not until moving to London in 2007 did I truly discover THE ART OF THE PICNIC.  

You see, it is really much, much more than a cold sandwich and some potato salad.  It is about creating a true dining experience, it is about making beautiful memories, it is about slowing down, and it is about bringing a little "luxury" into a very simple activity.

... and really, it takes very little effort.  Stop and think for a minute how just a pretty cotton blanket in a shady spot, instead of a picnic table, would change the atmosphere and makeyou want to linger.  You should think of planning a picnic in the same way you would if you were having guests for dinner.  What makes the setting memorable?

Here are my 10 favorite things for bringing a little luxury to the picnic:

• A proper blanket (or blankets) to sit on that accommodates everyone
• A great wicker basket 
• Real dishes and silverware
• Cloth napkins
• Fresh flowers for a centerpiece
• Real food...Grilled flank steak, shrimp cocktail, tomato salad, fruit salad, a beautiful cheese or charcuterie board... the possibilities are truly endless!
• A bottle of wine or champagne (don't forget the corkscrew!)
• Real glassware (I have even been known to take my crystal!)
• Portable music
• cutting boards and/or serving trays

Fall is the perfect time for a picnic with family or friends... I hope you will make some wonderful memories on your next outing.