Saturday, February 4, 2012

Rainy Days and Sundays: How to Make a Comfort-Scape

Winter weather is brittle. Sunny, spring-like temperatures are chased away by wet, gloomy cold-fronts. I keep track of the 7-day forecast because farm work is always waiting for us. It's miserable to repair fences on a rainy day.

I'd much rather stay indoors and dream.
(And eat carbohydrates, of course.)
 

On rainy Sundays, I crave heat and light.
I'm ready for flannel, fuzzy slippers, and comfort food.
But sometimes I need more.

I need a comfort-scape.

A comfort-scape is a cousin to a tablescape, but it appeals to the emotions, engages the senses, and contains edible elements. The idea is to build a little microcosm that distracts you from abysmal weather.





Elements of a Comfort-Scape

Scented candles send ripples of light over your table and perfume the air. Within minutes
you're enveloped in a rosy cocoon.  Chances are, you'll forget to look out your window.

Gather your favorite gardening books and turn your thoughts to springtime. 
Make a list of plants you want to add to your garden: cone flowers, hydrangeas, bee balm, roses, lilacs.



Change your world view.
  A sunny attitude is contagious. As Valentine's Day approaches, pretend the world is heart-shaped.


A basket of herbs infuses the air with fresh fragrance and hope.

 Green tea has anti-oxidant properties and is a natural appetite suppressant. But any comforting beverage will work, such as coffee, hot chocolate, espresso.

Rainy days can be grim. Whimsical (or much-loved) objects create instant comfort.
I am a third generation frog collector, and I can't be sad when a frog or two sits on my table. 
Shop your house for objects that make you laugh.


Layered white tableware is preferable to layered clothing (and trudging outside to plug goat holes). White is symbolic of fresh starts and bright summer days.


Suggestions for a Rainy Day Comfort-Scape
Include elements that appeal to the five senses:

Touch: an afghan or plaid wool throw
Smell: Aromatic herbs and scented candles
Visual: white dishes and whimsical objects
Sound: A Billie Holiday CD
Taste: strawberry muffins, croissants, berries, honey, hot tea



Do you have a rainy day ritual?
What would you include in a comfort-scape?


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