“At-Home”: “Saving The Best For Last”

There is linen that was saved for best – tablecloths, napkins and embroidered sheets. What about the collection of vintage glasses, gathering dust in the kitchen shelves? I searched for those so rigorously and diligently saving them for special days, parties or celebrations. Why? What was I thinking?

Don’t mess up the prettiest room in our homes? Never go near the bed if it’s all dressed and looking serene? Wrinkle the perfect pillows – Never! Let’s jump on the faultlessly made bed; let’s snuggle deep into the deliciously soft pillows and read for hours.

Why wasn’t I enjoying to the max my beautiful collections? Ridiculous.

I have no excuse other than there was some small part of my mentality fixated on, saving the best to last. Too much of my time has been spent creating unusable beauty. I understand this now.

OK, NOT ANYMORE.

My evening drink, whatever it may be, is now being served in my most-loved of all time Venetian glasses. The water glass by my bed is also one of these. When I lift it up, feel the silken nature of the hand-blown glass and sip over the finest edge; I simply am in heaven. Venice comes to the forefront of my mind and the joy in finding them. They must be used, more now than ever. A collection of the old-fashioned “coups” for champagne took me years to find. Was I saving them for a summer party? That turned out to be a waste of time. They are going to be out and about as every day; even if it’s for a sip of tonic water.

And what about our wardrobes?

I love fashion, beautiful pieces have always been my weakness – shoes, bags, dresses, jackets – all of it; it’s been a thing since I was a small girl.

Since lockdown, apart from the sweat pants and sweatshirt, I have made myself celebrate dress-up Friday. The day I attempt the hair, add some make-up with an oftentimes red lip and frock up in my finest. Let’s not get carried away, I wear my sneakers because walking is very much part of my day despite my “look”.

You know what? Dressing up feels good, actually, it feels great. It is FANTASTIC.

Why have these dresses been languishing in the cupboard waiting for a “special” outing? Did it take a pandemic to make me see I must enjoy what I have in front of me rather than coveting over what’s next? How true this is for the more profound aspects of life?

I may be going nowhere for some time but I am encouraged to dress up – even if it is only one day a week – and make more of an effort for myself.

WHY?

The morale boosts and my self-confidence grows if I have taken the time to wear and look my best. It’s not about the garment it’s about enjoying the process, throwing away the “saving the best to last” mentality and embracing the moment. I don’t need an occasion; it’s for me.

And, why not? xv