Entertaining Affairs & Inspired Outfits to Keep Your Spirits High

Rather than interpreting this as holistic social distancing - while yes, physical separation is critical right now - we can instead focus on deeper connection to self and remote connecting more.

Last weekend my husband and I attended a virtual black tie wedding from our home in St. Louis. Along with five other couples scattered from coast to coast, we donned tuxedos and dresses to surprise the newlyweds who were celebrating their nuptials that same day from an apartment in NYC. Like many of you have done recently, we hopped on video chat with our cocktails in hand, ready to toast and briefly block out what's happening across the globe. We focused on love and new beginnings for that 30-minutes. 

While I'm not saying you must get dressed up in a gown - do what works best for you - I am encouraging you to lean into your weekend plans, including the quiet moments, and make the most of them with the things you love to do and people you love to be with. 

Friday Night Dinner and Streaming

Jump out of your WFH and kid-chasing clothes into something focused on comfort, or maybe you're already there. Forget the shoes and slide into cozy slippers or chunky socks. Spend minimal time cooking something from your pantry cornucopia, and curl up on the couch to start binging season 3 of Ozark. And while you're glued to the TV, might as well moisturize with your go-to face mask. But first, watch the recap.

Saturday A.M. Sans Paper

The only exception to the rule of getting out of your PJs is waking up on a weekend morning and brewing or steeping your beverage and easing into the day. Instead of - or very soon after you scan the news - shift your leisurely wake-up with coffee or tea and scroll through saturday marnin cartoons, a long-form podcast in your queue, or sip with a page-turner in hand as classical music plays harmoniously in the background. After you polish your toes and they're drying, blend a mash-up of fruit that are plenty ripe and have sitting on the counter all week... here are 50 smoothie recipes to start your day.

Move Your Body Midday

After you wrap up your wake-up ritual, toss on something breathable and head out the door to take in the fresh air and Vitamin D. Keep your appropriate distance on a walk in the park, jog with the dog, or stroll down the street. Don't forget your sunscreen! If it's not quite warm enough, roll out your mat for yoga poses and breathing at your level. 

Saturday Golden Hour

Whether it's with vino or seltzer in hand while watching the sunset, consider slipping into something silky, slinky and maybe sparkly (a party PJ set or that caftan you've been eyeing), and throw on your favorite song to wind-down the day.

Lean into mood dressing, this is the time to not hold back. Twilight means time to dial a pal or turn up the music and dance. We've been blaring Queen in my apartment... the neighbors have probably had enough Bohemian Rhapsody, forever. Oh, and don't forget your fabulous earrings and the lipstick you've been holding out on. I'll be sipping bubbles from my coupe and sending you santé. 

Get Lost Gardening & Baking all day Sunday

Not many experiences are as therapeutic as digging your hands into the earth or a pot of dirt, or for that matter, hand whisking batter that's about to be poured into a butter lined pan. Throw on your durable clothes to head out to the garden plot or start pouring soil into your urban terrace pots. If getting down and dirty isn’t your cup of tea, these green goddesses should suffice. Once you wrap up in the sun, head indoors to bake your favorite savories and sweets. Earlier this week bon appétit arrived in my mailbox with a cover photo featuring cinnamon-date sticky buns. I'll let you know how they turn out. 

Sunday Supper

Is there something you’ve wanted to cook, but felt like you haven’t had the time? This Sunday evening is the night to tackle that meal prep and slow cook your way into a delightful dinner with candles lit and peaceful wind-down. Set the table and put on those soft-touch separates, then slip over to a private corner, wrap yourself up in a snuggly throw blanket with a coffee table book you haven’t looked at in a while.