Throw pillows are there to embellish, but they’re often somewhat blah. If you seek something with more personality, here are five options that will give your couch a whole new presence.
This silk velvet ikat uses traditional methods of sewing and has a random stripe pattern on a mottled orange backdrop. A plush down and feather insert makes it all the more luxurious. 20” x 20”.
Hand-made from 100% organic cotton, this artisan pillow features appliqué like blue velvet ribbon and rainbow tufting in an ocean-inspired pattern. Each pillow is unique, comes with a feather fill, and is 20” x 20”.
From one of my favorite shops in Paris and sold by one of my favorite shops in NYC, this hand-embroidered cushion showcases Senegalese craftsmanship. The base fabric is Liberty of London, the pillow has a down insert, and is 12” x 16”.
NeovoSol was founded in 2018 by two California women who discovered a workshop in the mountains of Ecuador. There, artisans in a collective hand-paint these dynamic pillows with original art. Insert sold separately. 20” x 20”.
This Scandi chic pillow in playful colors is woven from fine wool in collaboration with Copenhagen-based designers Nan Na Hvass and Sofie Hannibal. They drew inspiration from landscapes they experienced as children. The pillow is down fill and about 19” x 19”.
British food has a bad reputation. There’s a reason why our list of locals’ London restaurant recommendations features more Indian food than British. But even if baked beans on soggy toast and black pudding don’t sound appetizing, no one can deny that the Brits know how to do afternoon tea. Tea is a ritual; a moment to pause; a production. To visit London without experiencing it would be a shame — as I can attest that even the best American versions of the ritual pale in comparison. So, take outfit inspiration from Kate Middleton, block out the hours from 3-5 p.m., and plan to have a light lunch and a long walk because London tea is something to prepare for.
When you think of the color turquoise, the two brands that probably come to mind are Tiffany’s and Fortnum and Mason. Enter the lavishly decorated, turquoise-and-teal-heavy Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon and prepare to be treated to an experience. As a British icon, Fortnum and Mason’s tea services live up to expectations. Choose between high tea, savory tea, and regular tea menus (high tea is more substantial, while the regular menu is lighter and usually served earlier in the day). Either way, feast on coronation chicken finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and scotch eggs with Piccalilli. To get your money’s worth, you can request seconds of anything. Afterwards, browse the multi-floor department store and take home some tea of your own to remember the experience by.
The Beaumont Hotel’s Gatsby Room puts a transatlantic twist on the classically British afternoon tea served by places like Fortnum and Mason. An eclectic mix of antique books and oil paintings and deep burgundy walls make the Art Deco-style space feel intimate and calm, even when the tables are packed — as they often are. Start off with a glass of champagne or a zero-proof cocktail to whet the palate for a choice of traditional or rare teas. Understated three-tiered serving stands burst with finger sandwiches and pastries. The peach, verbena and raspberry mousse and cured lox finger sandwiches will make it hard to leave any room for dinner. The Beaumont offers a vegan menu as well as children’s options. They ask only that you arrive dressed “smartly.”
This is not the expensive, hotel restaurant, tourist-driven afternoon tea experience of the other recommendations listed. A bit more within budget and off-the-beaten-track, Tea and Tattle is an old-fashioned bookstore with a cafe in the basement. The walls boast an eclectic mix of hand-painted Chinese wallpaper and artworks probably found in a flea market. Fresh, warm scones with quality clotted cream, thick slices of cake and classic finger sandwiches will fill the stand, which looks to be straight out of your grandmother’s kitchen. Sip on milky tea and tattle away in this unpretentious version of the ritual.
With a laid-back vibe and old-world energy, the Dean Street Townhouse’s afternoon tea service will allow you the freedom to people-watch the diverse crowd for as long as you’d like. The menu is retro, with classically British Battenberg cake, Victoria sponges and egg-and-mayonnaise sandwiches. Served in the parlor, the environment is elevated without being over-the-top, making it a lovely place to relax on a rainy afternoon.
There is no afternoon tea more stylish than this fashion-forward twist on the classic tradition. The three-tiered stand is replaced by an elegant tree sculpture laden with tiny cakes. The chicken-mayonnaise sandwich is inside a croissant instead of between slices of bread. Cakes are in the shape of mini handbags and shoes. But do not fear that style might overtake substance: the seasonal creations burst with flavor, from cloud-like cherry clafoutis to strawberry-filled choux Frasier. The only downside is that scones are not provided.
Though the three-tiered afternoon London tea experience is not to be missed, the original tradition was to simply have tea and snacks around 4 p.m. For an understated snack and drink, there is no place better than Maison Bartaux. It claims the title of oldest French patisserie in the UK, and doesn’t pretend to compete with London’s artisanal bakeries. But with plenty of outdoor seating and an admirably stocked bakery case, it is the perfect place to create your own ritual. The cafe is no aesthetic haven, but the fruit tarts, hand-piped eclairs, and crisp croissants pair wonderfully with piping-hot tea, for an experience all your own.
Sabrina Carpenter is sassy, sweet, and short with a little bit of a kick, just like this delcious, spritzer cocktail. Carpenter is making a name for herself with hits like “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” off of her album Short ‘n Sweet. We thought the perfect Sabrina Carpenter cocktail would be a limoncello spritzer, feminine and bubbly but strong and flavorful, too.
About Short n’ Sweet
Sabrina Carpenter’s Short ‘n Sweet takes its name from the pop star only being 4’11”. Though she was an actress and singer for many years prior, mostly on Disney Channel, her previous album, Emails I Can’t Send, marked a transition from her earlier career as a child star into more mature and spicy music. Carpenter’s songwriting has focused on navigating relationships in her twenties, but also on having fun and building self-confidence. She fits fight in with a rising new group of “pop girls,” including Carpenter, Charli XCX, and Chappell Roan. It’s refreshing to see some new female voices rising to the top of the charts—just as refreshing as this cocktail.
Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” has people on the hunt for “me espresso” in the coffee aisle of the supermarket. The song’s chorus goes “Say you can’t sleep / Baby I know / That’s that me espresso.” Is it silly and a little nonsensical? Yes, but the song is as mood-lifting as coffee itself. Also, one of Carpenter’s other hits was “Nonsense,” so…this is par for the course. But devotees of espresso, we at TABLE were more than happy that more people are talking about this versatile coffee method.
Drip Coffee vs. Espresso
Espresso is made with high pressure and finely ground beans to force hot water through coffee quickly, whereas filter or drip coffee has a longer brewing time. One of our favorite ways to make espresso is with a Moka pot (aka una machinetta in some parts of Italy), a simple, classic piece of Italian kitchenware. But you can also use Nespresso pods, and many of these ingredients use Nespresso. Because of its potency, you often drink espresso in smaller quantities in a single-shot cup. Like Carpenter herself (who is only 4’11”), espresso might be short, but it packs a punch.
Espresso Recipes for Sabrina Carpenter’s Short ‘n Sweet
A sophisticated, summery cocktail for any gathering. The little bit of citrus in a Negroni gives it a zest that will contrast well with the espresso in it.
Affogato is an unbeatable dessert for any time of year. The espresso and ice cream together make for a unique way to enjoy your coffee. Just don’t drink this before going to bed!
This summer spritz recipe comes from Spirits & Tales, a rooftop brasserie and bar in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. The Fizzy Summer Spritz brings to mind both the la dolce vita romantic energy of Italy and a carefree, tropical lifestyle with the addition of pineapple juice. Amnelis Cruz, mixologist at Spirits & Tales, generously shared her recipe with us for you to make at home.
Fizzy Summer Spritz Making Tips
Make sure you use enough ice and the correct proportions of liquors for your spritz. The proportions are what give a spritz its character. This recipe uses a 2:1 ratio of pineapple juice to Aperol, but if you are looking for a stronger, boozier taste, you can change up that ratio for your own spin. You can also add more triple sec or peach liqueur to experiment with the flavor profile you like best.
Just because you have “empty nest syndrome” doesn’t mean your life has to feel empty! Empty nest syndrome refers to the grief you might feel when your children have fully moved away for college—the house you raised them in is now empty, and it can be a period of intense confusion. Even if you might be happy to have some space, there’s a huge change in your lifestyle once your children start their own adult lives.
It can be hard to make the adjustment. A mother from the Winchester-Thurston School in Pittsburgh said of her experience as an empty nester that “the biggest challenge is suddenly having all of this extra time. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s kind of overwhelming and confusing!” The newness can definitely be scary. But, luckily, we put together these tips for making the most of this new phase of life.
Take a Class
Your local university most likely offers auditing or adult education. There are also plenty of opportunities for lifelong learning at community centers, arts education programs, or even gyms. A good place to start is with your own interests. Think about what you might be interested in that you didn’t have time for while raising your kids. Empty nester syndrome makes space for some of those opportunities to blossom. Wanted to learn Italian? Now you can. Always wanted to try embroidery? Find a class at your local craft center. Confused about what crossfit is but want to stay in shape? Your gym has a group class. A father from Horace Mann School in New York told TABLE that after both his children moved away for college, he went to a music camp for adults where he could pursue his interest in playing classic rock.
You can also see the empty nester syndrome period as a time to focus on new career goals and expanding your skillset. Harvard Business Review recommends to “Begin thinking about this transition five years out. Let your mind wander; what could your life look like without kids at home?” They offer an exercise: “Once a week, go to a coffee shop with only paper and a pen. Brainstorm possibilities for your future self.”
Make Time for Date Night
Now that it’s just you and your partner in the house, it’s a great time to explore your relationship outside of being parents. What did you used to do that you stopped once you had kids? Which restaurants did you avoid with a picky teenager or an unruly toddler on your hands?
If ideas for mid-life dating don’t flow easily, consider recreating your first date, going out on a picnic, watching the sunrise together, or simply taking a moment to hold hands while out together for a touch of romance. Empty Nest Blessed has a whopping 68 other suggestions. Also consider doing the class suggestions above with a partner!
Get a Pet
If you really miss taking care of the kids, consider getting a pet. A dog, cat, or even fish could be a new way to channel that nurturing energy and bring a new member into your family.
AARP published a guide of the best dog breeds for empty nesters to consider, including the cuddly Cavalier, the playful Schnauzer, and the sensitive greyhound. If you decide not to adopt, volunteering at a shelter can be a great way to connect with animals and your community. Animals offer unconditional love and can help you through this period of adjustment.
Be Social
The father from New York said his secret to combatting loneliness was to “entertain more at home.” Without the kids, you have time to have friends over for wine night or a nice dinner. Perhaps take the opportunity to go all out and throw a big dinner party.
You also gather (or find) your people in other ways, whether through a faith community, a hobby, or your workplace. Think about when you were in your twenties and meeting people was a huge part of your life. Now you get to do that again, but with a little bit less of the existential of the uncertainty of youth!
Try A New Recipe
For that social night, think about what you could make. The mother from Pittsburgh said she wants to “go back to doing what I did before I had kids: reading books, cooking the food I like, taking classes, etc.” Cooking food you like, without any consideration for anyone but yourself and your partner, can be a great way to reconnect with yourself during the empty nester syndrome period.
Try something like a Boozy Fudgesicle, which harkens back to childhood interest in dessert. Before you were a parent, you were a kid, too! Or experiment with new takes on classics like Stanley Tucci’s recipes that can give you a sense of an elevated, worldly lifestyle in your own home. Why not shop for some cookbooks? Or ditch the cooking entirely, go out to eat, and sit at the bar, just the two of you. Being an empty nester can mean more spontaneous!
We think that brat girl summer is very much alive. It’s an important part of popular culture at the moment. Recently, British pop singer Charli XCX tweeted “kamala IS brat” about presidential nominee Kamala Harris. Suddenly, Brat burst out of dance clubs and into the mainstream. What in the world is brat girl summer? How did it start? Why do people care? You’re not alone in wondering.
Charli defined a “brat” as: “…that girl who is a little messy and likes to party and maybe says some dumb things sometimes. Who feels herself but maybe also has a breakdown. But kind of like, parties through it, is very honest, very blunt. A little bit volatile.”
Listening to Brat Girl Summer: “It’s progressive, smart, clever, and real.”
While some have discussed brat’s aesthetic of self-acceptance and messiness in contrast with the “clean girl” trend, there’s a danger in categorizing women based on good or bad habits. Charli says it herself, in the plainest words possible: “It’s so confusing sometimes to be a girl.”
Electronic musician 2020k, a fan of Brat who sees inspiration for his own music in its aesthetic, told TABLE that “To me, brat is about embracing the more gritty, complicated parts of life, something that I constantly strive to authentically explore in my own life and art.” He also relates to the album as a queer person seeking innovation in the music industry. “A lot of what Charli talks about on this record is substance that’s desperately missing from music. Brat is not just beats. It didn’t just fall out of a coconut tree.” (This a reference to a meme-able Kamala Harris quote about seeing things in the context in which they developed—further proof of the bizarre permeability of brat as a concept.) “It’s progressive, smart, clever, and real.”
Seeing Brat Girl Summer: “A shocker, surprising, tart-tongued.”
Brat green
Beyond the album, its cover “brat green” (also known as Hex #8ACE00), is now the talk of the town in the design world. Callie Holterman of The New York Times went as far as to say “If Shepard Fairey’s “Hope” poster of Barack Obama was the lasting design of the 2008 election, the Brat album cover may be its 2024 successor.” Brent David Freaney, from the team behind the Brat cover at Manhattan-based design firm Special Offer, told Holterman “This is not millennial pink. The energy behind it is alive.”
Kathy Hattori of Botanical Colors, a Seattle-based natural dye company, developed a natural dye protocol to achieve Brat green. It uses mordant, weld extract, and indigo to create the color. “I was fascinated that a color and a word could represent such a reset for the election,” she said.
Image courtesy of Kathy Hattori
Hattori admitted that while she didn’t understand the trend, she saw an opportunity to do something new with the color. “I see brat as a bit of a shocker, surprising, tart-tongued, a familiar and a literal twist on what was a very dull and predictable situation,” she told TABLE. “It has energy, and also a strength with its indigo base. I was thrilled that we could recreate this shade in natural dyes and explode the [limiting] myth of ‘soft,’ neutral and organic colors.”
Live the Brat Girl Summer Lifestyle: “It’s an exciting time to be alive.”
Writer and critic Pria Dahiya—a real Gen Z youth, at the supposed core of the brat demographic, by the way—said to TABLE: “I can’t stop thinking about Brat and talking about it. [Charli] is talking about body image in really new ways. She’s talking about stopping her birth control. She’s talking about becoming a human product. This is really interesting and psychologically engaging material.” Dahiya also urged people to think about brat girl summer as not just a trend, but as a a celebration of an interesting and new cross-section of fashion, design, and music. “Are y’all really listening to this album, to the crazy things that are being said on popular tracks listened to by billions? It’s an exciting time to be alive, from an art historical perspective as well as a purely personal one.”
“Apple” is one of my favorite songs on brat, an upbeat bop about the push and pull of a relationship—”I guess the apple don’t fall far from the tree / I’ve been looking at you so long that I only see me.” If you want to feel a little bratty with a cocktail recipe, try a Last Word. Its green chartreuse and lime juice gives it a tongue-twisting tang, and its name promises a conversation…or possibly a little argument.
You can have a lot of fun with the brat aesthetic, whether by trying Kathy Hattori’s natural textile dyeing methods or by thinking about brat green in food, drink and lifestyle choices like absinthe, zucchini, or green accents in furniture. Whether you love it or roll your eyes at it, Brat is everywhere.
Listen to the album for yourself!
Story by Emma Riva / Photo courtesy of Atlantic Records and Kathy Hattori
Imagine you’re hosting friends for aperitifs. You bring out the cocktails in beautiful antique glasses, which your guests express admiration for. “Thank you,” you say. “I bought them in Paris.” It may not be practical to pack cocktail glasses or flatware or whisks into already-overflowing luggage, but there is something particularly wonderful about having a kitchen full of objects made special by memory and meaning. It also doesn’t hurt to have a moment like the one described above to wow your guests with your worldliness. For the impractical among you, TABLE has curated a list of five of the best Paris shopping destinations to explore for all the unique, elegant, antique, useful or elevated kitchenware your heart desires. Bonne chance!
5 Paris Shopping Destinations for Très Chic Kitchenware
Those on the hunt for practical, well-made kitchenware on their Paris shopping trip that is well worth the above-average price tag need to stop by E. Dehillerin. This no-nonsense kitchenware shop has been around since the 1800s. It was once a favorite of Julia Child and its selection of copper pots is unparalleled. Be prepared to handle a language barrier and don’t expect the busy staff to help you much, but your patience will be rewarded.
This three-story shop sells elegant flatware and long-handled enamel saucepans, but kitchenware isn’t the only thing Merci does well. From richly-colored linen duvet covers to iconic canvas totes, this is a lifestyle store at its finest. Its selection of kitchenware may be more aesthetically pleasing than practical, but the rectangular stoneware plates and terra cotta cutting boards are exactly the beautiful, unique table decorations that only Paris shopping can provide.
Located in a neighborhood rife with kitchenware stores, A. Simon beats its competition on price point and customer service. Behind its iconic green façade is a stacked-to-the ceilings selection of just about everything you could want. One of the city’s oldest such stores, A. Simon is small but mighty and a favorite of chefs out for Paris shopping. Look for the caneles molds and much-loved silverware selection.
A trip to Paris is truly not complete without a visit to Le BHV in the Marais, the six-story department store filled to the brim with Parisian delights. While you’re there, however, don’t neglect the kitchenware section, where you’ll find any pot or pan or wine glass or baking accessory your heart desires. Their dinnerware department is almost 100% open stock, so you can mix and match with creativity.
This multi-story department store is the luxe of the luxe, packed with designer offerings. It is also the oldest department store in Paris, and its stunning architecture and design make a visit worthwhile even if just to browse. Bon Marche’s kitchenware section is not extensive, but the Laguiole silverware selection is a must-see for your Paris shopping trips. Their elegant, colorful knife sets spice up the drabbest of kitchens. Their table linens are also offered in many chic patterns and colors.
Across America, college move-in dates are fast approaching, so it’s time to search for dorm essentials. These items can also double as gifts for that first apartment, an even more daunting task for this transitional time in a young adult’s life. We asked current college students and young adults what they needed and what helped them in college, so you can have as relaxing an experience as possible as the fall semester starts.
General Tips for Buying Dorm Essentials
Take a look at the space first before going on those big buying sprees. Storage items like plastic storage bins with lids and big IKEA bags are a great thing to have on hand both for what you already have and what you’re going to buy. If you have a roommate’s family’s contact information, you can also work with the roommate and family to share the buying. This saves some money and also helps to solidify the new friendship!
Also, for some items, consider looking into family hand-me-downs, since we all know people that have way too much random kitchenware in their homes. It can be very meaningful for a young adult to get a piece of kitchenware they’ll use forever from someone they trust.
Additionally, for general furniture items like rugs, sheets, and kitchenware, big box stores are your friend. Target has a Dorm Essentials set of sheets that make for a great first bedding set, as well as a whole host of other items under their Dorm Essentials line. Wayfair has excellent starter furniture items for a college student looking for their first rug, chair, or desk, all at an affordable price point. TJ Maxx’s cookware is another affordable but quality option for furnishing the kitchen for a student on a budget.
This is an essential for easy dorm cooking. Dorm rules about toaster ovens and microwaves vary. As anyone who’s lived on campus knows, dining hall food is sometimes (often?) not great. Your student can use the kettle to boil water as a base for stand soups and oatmeals.
Being barefoot in a shared dorm shower is a recipe for disaster. The solution? A good pair of shower shoes. We suggest Adidas Adilette Shower Slides for the classic slide look that’ll also make your kid feel cool. But, you can also go for Crocs or another brand of waterproof sandals or clogs.
Another must-have for new showers is a shower caddy to hold things in. You don’t want your kid’s new roommate to accidentally use your kid’s toothbrush or deodorant. It also keeps important items from getting lost, which means fewer things for your kid to call you in a panic about.
You can cook just about anything in an air fryer, including steak, baked potatoes, falafel, and even pizza…It’s a great gift for a culinarily inclined student, and a good way to make sure they get good meals.
With Clorox wipes, your kid can clean their dorm up and pretend it was always that clean when you come to visit! But, seriously, they’re a lifesaver for cleaning up miscellaneous stains around the room.
A lot of dorm essential food is canned—beans, soup, et cetera. I am embarrassed to admit that, as a college student, I did not know how to use a can opener and it took me well into my twenties to figure it out. Your kid can be saved my struggles with one of their very own.
A lap desk makes working on the go or in a dorm room a lot easier. Since so much schoolwork involves being on the computer, a lap desk makes it easier for college students to work in the comfort of their own room and sit with good posture instead of hunched over a desk. It’s all about creating healthy habits!
Whether you’re having a hot girl summer, a brat girl summer, or a Euro dude summer, these 2024 summer outfit ideas will keep you looking cool and staying cool. We give you a mix of accessories and outfit staples in the breezy fabrics and will make you look like the embodiment of sunshine.
There is no better time than this summer for you to dress like you belong to a country club with the preppy aesthetic look. A great place to shop for this type of look is Moda. Cool polo shirts from Rag and Bone or Billy Reid, perfect cut shorts, cool jackets and sneakers are available for you to put the finishing touches on your preppy/aesthetic summer outfit ideas.
Lighter fabrics and a lot of linen are in. The statement belt and its styling flexibility is also back. You can combine it with the skirts and beautiful dresses from Reb & Roon Boutique. With new drops every Tuesday and Thursday, Reb & Roon is a good place to find crochet pieces, linen skirts and great sets for this summer’s outfit ideas.
This season’s key element and more a relaxed look is a crisp white t-shirt with a good pair of linen pants or jeans. The look is gender neutral so everyone can rock it. You can find the perfect, easy, lived-in and “barely there” t-shirt at Buck Mason. You can also find great denim pieces and linen staples for keeping cool, dry and stylish this summer.
To complete the summer looks, a good, comfy shoe is a must. This summer, we see a lot of comfy sandals, kitten heels, Mary Jane flats and sneakers for our preppy look. The place to shop for great quality and stylish looks is the Sol Collective. They carry high quality, unique styles from around the world for all genders.
The bohemian vibes will forever be a part of the summer. Playful tops, dresses, boho jewelry, long skirts and tunics with fun summer patterns and colors. The Wall Flower Vagabond brings romantic, artfully curated pieces and accessories in the modern boho style.
While visiting Cabo this summer, I found this beautiful and unique boutique. A Mexican brand with stunning summer dresses and sets in pastel colors. Buttery yellow is one of the summer colors this year. Great quality pieces in linen, very light cotton, fresh fabrics and great swimwear. They also have freshwater pearl jewelry which would perfectly complete the summer look.
Regardless of your destination this summer, a rattan woven bag from Sister Epic is a must for your summer outfit ideas in 2024. It allows for an easy transition from the beach to an evening out. With its beautiful colors and various sizes, this collection is truly a chameleon. Beautiful handmade bags, totes, mini bags, clutches a more is what you will find at Sister Epic.
If you are looking for fun, handcrafted beautiful jewelry for your summer outfit ideas, Alhaja is one of my favorites. Their pieces give off vacation vibes in a very stylish form. Stunning local craftsmanship from Spain. Stylish pearl earrings, super cool signet rings and my favorite, the big shell necklaces.
At the Flowerloft online shop you will find playful summer outfit pieces like comfy Rompers and even fun pieces for the little ones. Lauren, the owner, has a great eye for cute accessories and boho like pieces. A unique mix of apparel and accessories.
Story by Dominika Bronner / Images courtesy of Moda, Reb & Roon, Buck Mason, Sol Collective, Sandmade Swimwear, Sister Epic, Alhaja Cult Store, and the Flowerloft
