Are You Getting Enough Rest and Relaxation?

Are you getting enough rest and relaxation in the new year?  Guest editor Marlene M. Kristoff rounds up her top luxury items to help you start the year on the right foot. 

Happy Vacation—real or imagined

A little Rest & Relaxation is in order….at home and in our minds!!  To say 2021 was exhausting, may be an understatement… Be good to yourself and those you love with a little respite of comfort to sooth our spirits!

Bernardaud Naxos Dinnerware Collection (Bloomingdale’s) | Tea Forte Tea Tasting Assortment Set  (Bloomingdale’s) | SFERRA Pettra Throw (Bloomingdale’s)

Mariage Freres International Marco Polo Tea Tin (Neiman Marcus) | Baccarat Harmonie Single Old Fashion Tumblers (Neiman Marcus)

Angelina N226 Chocolate Tea (Neiman Marcus) | MoMA Multiccino Mug  (Neiman Marcus)

What is “comfort” to you? 

Relaxing at home in a favorite chair and throw, looking out at your view, with cup of tea, soup or bubbly glass of prosecco, champagne in hand? Classical music may be wafting in the air and every candle you own lit? That is my idea of bliss…with some of my favorite things!

Trudon Cire Maduraï Classic Candle, Splendour of Indian Jasmine (Bloomingdale’s ) | Painter’s Palette 1,000-Piece Puzzle (Amazon) | Small Clear Pocket Photo Album |( Neiman Marcus)

Might it be snuggled by the fire with loving pup or feline at your slippered feet – and a good book, calming puzzle or album of photos from your past to make you smile and giggle? 

AERIN Cassiel Mosaic Picture Frame (Neiman Marcus)  | Bell’INVITO Italian Lace Stationery  (Bergdorf Goodman) | Family History Book (Neiman Marcus)

Might you be writing letters of thanks on beautiful stationery for lovely messages and gifts received or shopping for beautiful frames to hold new, memorable photos in Malachite, Lapis or suede perhaps?

Spode “Blue Italian” Dinner Plat (Macy’s)| Mottahedeh Blue Canton Dinnerware Collection (Williams Sonoma)

What do you enjoy?

Enjoyment comes in many ways: loving voices on the phone – reconnecting over the miles, cooking favorite meals of comfort food – over a warm stove, baking family favorites or trying new ones?? My Italian heritage and memories of dinners past inspire me to try a little risotto in a charming classic Italian Ruffoni copper pot this new year! It reminds me of trips to Firenze, where I enjoyed homemade risotto’s “of the day” …creative comfort food!!

Ruffoni Historia Hammered Copper Chef’s Pan with Acorn Handle (Williams Sonoma) | Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms (Williams Sonoma) |Shugg’s Blueberry Bourbon & Basil Pound Cake (Williams Sonoma)

Do you enjoy playing with your plants on the deck or in the garden, taking some fresh air? Arranging flowers for every room throughout your home? What fun to find the perfect vases for lovely blooms – from your own collection or discovering a fabulous antique!!

Christmas Beauty Camellia (Lots of Plants) | Elegant Black Pearl Amaryllis Gift Growing Kit (Patio, Lawn & Garden) | Red Amaryllis in Wooden Planter (Williams Sonoma) | Camellia Japonica ‘pink Perfection’ (Etsy) | Wedgwood Green Jasperware Vase (Etsy)

Plan a home refresh

Maybe you are planning a little 2022 home refresh with beautiful bedding, fluffy cotton towels and charming decorative pillows for your interior spaces to nurture you? It is lovely to live with natural fibers to grace your home, no matter what style of décor you choose.

Donna Karan Home Essential Silk Collection (Neiman Marcus) | Roberto Cavalli Monogram Velvet Pillow (Neiman Marcus) | Ralph Lauren Home Wilton Bath Towel (Neiman Marcus)

Plan a vacation near or far

Are you hoping for a future trip or vacation this year – for work or play? 

January always reminds me of buying trips to Europe. Paris, in particular, for Maison and Objet gift shows and past vacations to Hawaii and Mexico, too!

The mind is so wonderful…a magic little catalog of images that brings all of those beauties to life again and again!! Enjoy plotting and planning your own little getaways…on any of the many beautiful calendars created for desk, wall, or handbag! Cavallini’s wall version Botanica has lived with me for many, many years and in numerous cities. They are fabulous, floral reproductions on elegant, textured Italian ivory paper! Of course, perfect for framing!

Whether January 2022 holds travel for you across town, in the U.S., or abroad; enjoy a little journey today thru art, film, music, photos, or with your diary for future days and months of our new year, so filled with promise and surprise! Make it memorable, and oh–so–happy!!

Cavallini 2022 Wall Calendar, Vintage Botanica Posters (Amazon) |MoMA Cubes Calendar (Neiman Marcus) |2022 Pocket Journal Planner | Georgia O Keeffe 2022 Wall Calendar (Amazon) |  2022 Desk Calendar (Thornwillow Press) 

Wishing you much Good Luck…and a HAPPY 2022!! xoxo MMK

Baccarat Dice Paperweight (Neiman Marcus) 

Style at a Certain Age Saturday guest editor Marlene M. Kristoff shares luxury retail, home, and design ideas.

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.

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