It's the details

Once upon a time I used to write about home decor and all manner of things that go with a home. I wrote story after story for a home and garden section of a newspaper, and I loved writing for that section. (The company is a different story, but I'll save that subject for another day.) I had always admired linens, plates, stem ware, napkin rings, and just about anything that would go in a dining room or on a dining table.

I definitely feel very comfortable, and experience a calm feeling, when I hold an individual salt spoon or touch a fine linen table cloth. The idea of setting a table for guests that includes place card holders, exquisite napkins and plates of all sizes stacked on a charger just seems like so much fun.

I have already confessed to Chuck my obsession with dishes. We don't have space for more, and it's a good thing. I could go nuts with china and dishes. I once wrote a story about a house that had a whole room for storing china, and the original owners had their own pattern. I was in awe.

Part of me sees it as excessive and unnecessary. Part of me loves all of it because of the details. For me there is such  fun that can be had choosing patterns of china that enhance another, the finish of the flat ware, the colors of a table runner, and design of the napkin rings.

I was feeling a bit gray the other day. I hadn't had a bad mood descend upon me in a very long time, and I don't know why it hit so hard. I've had some extra stress lately, and maybe it was just the combination of that and the constant rain lately. It rained, and it was so dark all day.

I had to return a book the the library, and I decided I was going to take a short break for myself and walk around some stores I had never been in before. I started out going to look at sweaters at Loft, but I didn't see any great deals there. And I do shop there, so it wasn't new to me.

Loft is located in a little shopping area across the street from the library. In that same area are many shops that I haven't visited, and I darted into one to get out of the rain. It was a little boutique with a lot of jewelry and Asian trinkets. I tried on some huge rings and looked around for a few minutes. Nothing there I would use, though.

Right next door was a kitchen store. Oh, wow. It was just what I needed. I hadn't been in a store with such a selection in a long time. There were many styles of individual salt spoons, little individual salt cellars, chargers, napkins, table linens, china, and all sorts of kitchen essentials. I didn't buy anything, but it did the trick for my mood. I came out of that store feeling inspired and rejuvenated.

What lifts your spirits when you're feeling down?

A virtual shopping trip from me to you:-) 
Oh, no need to pass the salt. I have my own.
And one more set
I like these napkins
Love these Italian china patterns