A little Euro flair (without the flight)
How you serve your meal says a lot about how much you value it.
I was talking to a client this week who just came back from a trip to Italy and she recounted how in awe she was of how Italians ate: they took their time, savored, enjoyed, laughed with friends and family, they weren’t at their desk or wearing workout clothes. We don’t seem to do that enough. We either aren’t paying attention or we’re paying such close attention that we miss the joy in it all.
I feel like there has been a lot of toxin talk around here and in the news, which (don’t get me wrong) I think is important, but in an effort to lighten up the mood a little, I thought I’d switch gears this week and share some meal accessories that spark joy. If you’re on a nutrition journey, don’t discount the importance of making your meals feel beautiful and celebratory. Nutrition is self care, and so much of it is optics. To eat freshly-prepared food on a beautiful plate with a patterned cloth napkin is a gift. The more fun you can make it, the more likely you are to enjoy, eat mindfully, and want to continue down the path.
This steak salad recipe is coming to a meal prep email soon!
If you’re home for the 4th living vicariously through everyone’s European escapades on social media, here’s a way to bring some of that je nais se quois to your backyard.
A cutting board that’s not for cutting
Everyone’s favorite, Olive Ateliers, now has a permanent online shop (they used to only do drops). I went and visited the actual store downtown LA a week or so ago and picked up this wooden serving board. When we got in the car, Jamie said “oh this one has a big crack in it,” to which I replied “I know, I picked that one!”
Serving yum
I don’t know what it is about this platter (the green striped one pictured above) that I love so much. I bought it hoping it would be on the cover of Foodwise, but my editor thought the salad we photographed in it had chicken wings (it was pink radicchio, lol, but now I can’t unsee it). I still love it. They don’t have this particular striped one anymore, but this is similar and perfect for a family-style salad.
Cutlery that makes me happy
I have this plain ivory set of bistro flatware, and I love it, but I got it before I realized that there was a green and a blue set (and these acrylic ones, oh my!).
Cloth napkins (stop using paper towels at dinner!)
A cloth napkin says that you care about the meal. Eat (and wipe your mouth) with intention, while wasting less trees. I love these simple striped napkins and these mix and match from Atelier Saucier.
Glassware
I am on a vintage glassware kick — there’s a vintage market near my house that I raid on the regular, but Etsy also has an excellent supply. You don’t have to drink wine in it. Water out of a nice glass tastes better. Fact.
Pajamas that feels like a summer frock
You can be comfortable and still feel put together. This J.Crew dress (I think it’s actually a nightgown, but whatever) came in the mail on Wednesday and I haven’t taken it off since.
And slippers that feel like you’re in Capri
My favorite summer shoes are not $900 and made of plastic, but $150 and made of velvet.
Buon appetito!
This made me so happy 🩷🩷 I love the idea of finding the sacred in the ordinary and I think the extra care of a well set table to accompany a good meal of nourishing food is such a kindness to ourselves and to those we love 💗
Love this idea of making our meals more joyful and celebratory! Thanks for the reccos, Mia -- I'm eyeing the cutlery and cloth napkins!