The All-in-One Flower

One of my first and still favorite coffee table books had as a cover the beautiful lavender fields of Provence. After years of daydreaming about the possibility, my friend Manda and I took a week long vacation to Southern France in the summer of 2002. We had a magnificent time driving from one quaint villa to the next, sipping wines and sampling cheeses.

BUT, our timing was off. Alas, we missed lavender season.

I'm still mesmerized by the flower, the scent, and the beautiful color that is lavender. And I can't think of a better theme for a guestroom. Popular with men and women alike and seasonless in nature, unless you are actually looking for fresh fields of the flower in which case you might want to plan ahead better than I did.

Let's not forget the healing and soothing qualities associated with lavender since the Roman times. An infusion of the flower's buds are added to a cup of boiling water makes a relaxing bedtime drink. An Amazon.com search even revealed a few lavender cookbooks.

I suggest you start simple (in keeping with my '08 KISS resolution)...buy a little lavendar sachet and tuck it into the guest room dresser. And get yourself one for your own sock drawer while you're at it. What a refreshing way to get dressed each

morning.

If you want to do something a little more crafty, this book by Tessa Evelegh looks like a good place to start. It's on my wish list!

Thanks to Wikipedia for the photos.

Keep it Simple

Clearly I haven't blogged for a while, at least not here on Naturetainment. I got too hung up on always having a big idea or an illustration. But no more. The motto for 2008, where I now pen this blog from our temporary one bedroom apartment, is "KISS!"

With that in mind, let me share my latest tip on marrying nature and hospitality. Water. I know I did a big thing on ice not too long ago. But nothing is more appreciated, and more easily served, than a refreshing glass of cold water.

At meals, make sure a glass of ice water is at every place in your prettiest goblet. A small side dish (perhaps a soy sauce holder) with a lemon wedge is a must.

Just before your guests retire, set a pretty pitcher and set of glasses (like these I've been lookikng at for over a year at Anthropolgie) along with a small bucket of fresh ice. Steer away from bottled war since those aren't so environmentally friendly. Finish the "look" with a small rose bud or pretty coasters.

You are thinking, this is way too obvious. But the smallest details are often the most appreciated.