Let's Get The Girls Around!
WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH
PHOTOS: LISA ATKINSON
SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED TO SIT WITH THE GIRLS AND TALK!
I don’t know about you, but I am surrounded by women that I love. From old school friends to meeting amazing women on my book tour - I am so lucky to call a lot of you my friend. And in this life where we rush from one thing to the next, thinking about everyone else’s needs before our own - sometimes you just gotta sit down with the ladies and talk it out! A lazy afternoon indulging on one another’s company always leads to laughs, life affirmations and feeling of loyalty and love.
So what can we do to create some beauty at a simple lunch table? I know; take it outdoors! There is nothing stopping you from taking your coffee table outside and creating a special nook in your garden for a lunch or evening meal. This could be just what is needed to bring that fun back to mealtimes! As we head into the warmer weather we have to make the most of it, so I am excited to share with you this table setting.
Sticking to a simple, romantic palette of greys, shades of pink and white, I mixed the hard lines seen in the concrete plates and table with the soft textures of the faux fur cushions and wooden mats. I love the softness this creates, and it all tied back perfectly with the pink sweet pea florals. These beautiful concrete plates by Fox & Ramona give the table an anchor to which the delicate pink teacups, pastel pink serviettes from Country Road and White cutlery from West Elm float. I love this table so much, it’s so feminine and dreamy, but sits so well in the garden setting.
And when ladies are gathering you know the volume will rise (this possibly goes hand in hand with champagne?) So let’s not forget our manners. A few of the basics are…
ALWAYS chew with your mouth closed.
Keep your phone off the table and set to silent or vibrate. Don't answer texts or calls at the table.
Don’t use your utensils like a shovel or stab your food.
Don’t pick your teeth at the table.
Use your napkin! It's there for a reason.
Wait until you’re done chewing to sip or swallow a drink. (Choking is clearly an exception.)
Cut only one piece of food at a time.
Try not to slouch and don’t place your elbows on the table while eating (though it is okay to prop your elbows on the table while conversing between courses.)
Ask for something out of reach to be passed to you, don't lean across.
Don't just sit there silently, make an effort to take part in the dinner conversation.
A lunch isn’t a lunch if you are not greeted with a special cocktail! And for a feminine setting like this one, this lunch calls for a pretty drink.
BURNT ORANGE COSMOPOLITAN
Ingredients
30mls Vodka
15mls Triple sec
45mls Fresh cranberry juice
15mls Fresh lime juice
10mls Vanilla syrup
Method
Shake all over ice, serve over ice garnished with lime wheels.