Fresh from my summer Croatian escape, I'm feeling creative, re-energized and inspired.
Today on the #GeeEdit, I'm sharing how my trip evoked a creative energy that I'm taking into the kitchen with me this fall. Think bright colors, simpler ingredients, a rich and whole experience, and design elements inspired by a natural European, slower-living way of life.
Spending time with family and loved ones during our trip to the Croatian Islands was magical. The people are so kind, the food is so delicious and everything is so fresh. It really ignited a desire in me to bring this energy back with us - not only what I can't wait to recreate in my own kitchen but the design and entire experience as a whole.
Dishes:
I'm bringing more color into my kitchen through dishware and serving pieces. I'm drawn to pieces that feel more handmade and have a personal quality to them. I already had a few fun options in my collection but I've just added more blue elements with a fish pattern - perfect for us at home since we cook a lot of fish!
Tablescape:
In addition to a few colorful dishes and servingwear, I love a few small vases or candle-holders on the table. Really anything that feels a bit personal and fun really makes a difference. It could be a few seashells from travels, fresh flowers, straw placemats, a great playlist, or even cloth napkins (another quick way to elevate the dinner table). Of course this isn't always realistic every night - but sometimes just one of these elements can make a meal feel really special, even when I'm eating on my own I reach for a special bowl or make a homemade salad dressing.
I love taking the time to be creative and thoughtful when setting the table, and setting the vibe of the room with a great playlist. It completely elevates the experience.” - Celene Gee
Keep It Simple:
While I'm bringing more color + excitement to the dinner table setting, I'm keeping my food more simple than ever. I want to keep it natural, fresh and uncomplicated. One thing I really learned in Croatia was how to prepare really good food, very simply.
I love using lots of fresh + high quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Flamingo Estates is my go-to and I shop it at 6 by Gee Beauty. I love a good pinch of flaky sea salt, squeeze of lemon and lots of fresh herbs like basil, cilantro and mint chopped up make everything taste better!
Taking inspo from a European way of life - like shopping locally or at farmer's markets to get produce as close to home as possible. Shopping whatever is in season, trying new things while always buying your favorites for your signature dishes.” - Celene Gee
How to elevate the everyday:
- create a moment by lighting a candle and put on a playlist to set the mood
- plate your food on serving trays and take out of tupperware or containers; take condiments and sauces out of the container and put them in a little dish (my mother has always done this!). It really romanticizes the table and gives a complete experience! This doesn't have to be for every meal, but make it special for yourself 1-2 times per week. You're worth it!
- try cloth napkins that are easily washable instead of paper ones (my English father always loves these). Or try a fun printed table-cloth.
- Pick up a bouquet of flowers and or even a new vase, it's the small touches that sometimes make the biggest impact.
Where I love to shop for home:
- I love shopping 6 by Gee Beauty for homewares, Flamingo Estates, and fun table setting details.
- Mrs. Mandolin in Miami has such cute home decor, it's impossible for me to stop in and not buy something!
- Row Miami is a great spot to pick up a great coffee table book, vase, or candle holders. My advice is to create a color story and shop items in that color so there's style and not a busy feeling.
- I also love CB2, Zara Home, and HM Home, they have incredible pieces and collections that I peruse and shop from.
Remember its not about a total look from one shop, it's all about it feeling personal to you, and building a collection over time. That's what makes it feel special.”
Cheers to lots of fun, fall entertaining!
xx Celene
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