Here at Oxenwood, we believe that there is no greater pleasure in life than gathering around a table to share in food and good times. To help people embrace this, we specialise in creating large and oversized tables that are equally at home both in the dining room or outside.
As the weather assumes its seasonal chill, thoughts do turn to spending more time indoors. The right dining table will always have the power to elevate routine activities such as enjoying a coffee and the paper into a special occasion, and is ready to provide the setting for joyful gatherings.
It is at times like this that we need to see the beauty in the everyday and to make the most of life’s simple pleasures. Oxenwood exemplifies this ethos – if you are going to make a table, make it from the finest materials, using the best craftsmen and the most beautiful designs. Every aspect of the furniture, from the Belgian Bluestone tops, to the solid wood bases and traditional skills used has been thought through and curated with love and care.
We offer some tips on how to use this philosophy to transform everyday activities into acts of self-care.
1. Get your favourite china and linen napkins out
Whether you are preparing supper for yourself or your family, there is something quite luxurious about using tableware and linen that is usually reserved for special occasions. Who is to say that boeuf bourguignon a Wednesday night isn’t a special occasion anyway? Take the time to enjoy your meal at a slow pace and reflect upon the day that has passed.
2. Fresh flowers
Nothing compares to the beauty of a vase or jug of freshly cut flowers. Placed at the centre of a table, they will emanate scent and joy throughout your room. If you’re lucky enough to live near an independent florist, ask them to put together a selection of native, seasonal blooms for you, or gather greenery and flowers from your own garden, to help you feel connected to nature.
3. Pot of tea
When it comes to simple pleasures, can anything beat a hot cup of tea? Now is not a time to make do with a bag-in-mug situation. Colder days and uncertain times call for the pageantry of the tea pot. Allow it to brew, and allow yourself a moment to breathe. Share this ritual with some cake – it’s time to put that lockdown baking talent back into action.
4. Spread out the weekend papers
Reading the Sunday papers can be enjoyed throughout an entire day, or even a week! With a large enough table, you’ll be able to spread them out and luxuriate in an undisturbed day of reading, browsing and coffee drinking.
5. Play a board game
Get the board games out and enjoy a day of laughter and, more than likely, just a touch of squabbling. Memories are made of this, and families will reminisce for years to come about the times they spent around their dining table together trying to sink each other’s battleships or avoid landing on Park Lane.
For inspiration about how you can create a beautiful space to make memories and while away the days, take a look here where you can discover more of our range.
