image via lucette.tumbr.com
It's a stormy afternoon here - trees are tossing wildly about in the wind, rain is streaming down the window panes and the view from our house is shrouded in a grey mist. Inside though, all is warmth and cosiness with Chopin piano Nocturnes and a hot pot of tea and warm apple cake by my side.I love creating atmospheres. Recently, I had two friends come up and stay for the weekend. We had planned for bonfires and camping, but it poured rain for the whole time. Instead of tents, we slept in the cubby house up at the top of our garden. It could have been musty and cold and miserable - but after a quick sweep and tidy, we lugged up armfuls of blankets and pillows, set about dozens of jam jar lanterns and made a thermos of hot cocoa. In no time at all, the atmosphere had been completely changed. As the rain beat down on the roof, we sat inside - woollen blankets about our shoulders, steaming mugs of cocoa warming our hands, and the candles casting a beautiful flickering glow around the room. The time we spent up in that cubby - huddled together and chatting until the early morning hours - will always be a precious memory.
For me, the things that really make an atmosphere are the people, music and the actual setting. Whenever it's my turn to make dinner, I usually begin by tidying up the house to make a clean canvas. When things are messy and cluttered, it makes my mind feel messy and cluttered too. There is something so peaceful and welcoming about a tidy home. Next, I like to pretty things up a bit. A jug of flowers from the garden, a candle or two, turn the lamps on and set the table. Then the music - usually jazz for the evening. Ella Fitzgerald is one of my favorites. By the time dinner is on the table, the atmosphere is complete. Instead of an ordinary dinnertime we have a family feast with delicious food, good conversation and beautiful music.
What are the things that make an atmosphere for you? Do tell!
P.S. I have made a tumblr blog - the beautiful is as useful as the useful
