Experiment...or maybe not!

Variety is the spice of life - we all know that. But. How often do you experiment? Not really? Too often - and many a times with unsatisfactory results? Well ok, here's what I think.

Lifestyle issues like decor and food have come to enjoy the attention of researchers, capturing the fancy of millions of readers of magazines pertaining to the said topics, before finally trickling down into a blog (not this one - I can assure you!) A yellow wall is the final outcome of a single, well thought out, experiment process by multiple home owners. Options like chocolate brown and teal either go horribly wrong, or do not get an iota of attention as a possible idea. Similarly with food - whether for everyday cooking or entertaining.

It therefore comes as a welcome change to find a brand that carries out these experiments (successfully!), with just that right amount of practicality in design and finally - use within a decor statement. In fact, more often than not, such products end up making the statement in an otherwise ho hum space. My personal favorite is http://www.arachnestyle.com/, among many, many others. Do you have one too?

If not, even a decor fear or experiment gone wrong will do!

Have people coming over, will go into panic mode...

Is that how your to - do list begins when you have to entertain? It does, right?

Ever wondered why there is so much free chaos going around when it's time to entertain? Simple - we like the challenge of finding order in the chaos. Never mind the long term effect of such an exercise on our nerves, blood pressure, heart...I could go on and on.

An Army Officer's wife - understandably social and more than understandably busy - once confided, "after a party is over, I sit back, trying to remember what me and my husband fought about just as the first guests were arriving."

Here's what you can do to simplify the chaos. Don't procrastinate - make those sauces and curry bases now. And while on that, I really hope you have the menu (and shopping!) with the information cards to go with each one (think flowery language and handmade paper explaining why the recipie inspired you so much), sorted at least two days before D day. Further, make sure you have those 'party' curtains, throws and colourful pillows (yes, it is imperative to have a collection stashed in your linen cupboard; at least do sheers) - all laundered and set at least 24 hours before (try http://www.arachnestyle.com/, for a whole range, if you're short of options). The fresh flowers must arrive an hour before the first guests arrive, right after you have closed the kitchen, showered and changed. A centerpiece will have been planned and set (waiting for flowers, if required), since morning. The invitations (what? you ARE doing a theme, aren't you?), should have been sent out at least 48 hours in advance. And favours? A week in advance to avoid a mad dash. Even better, plan and DIY. Feels wonderful - just try it.

And when the bell starts to ring, just sink into your favorite couch (not before you've offered a seat to everyone first), and enjoy. Absolutely avoid jumping into the kitchen immediately with drinks orders and platters of snacks. And for Heavens sake, do not start doing the dishes - not even 'to keep the sink clean'! It will only make your guests uncomfortable. By the way, remember that CD you burned with soothing music, in preparation of this party? Now's the time to play it.

While on entertaining, I have come to realise that an impromptu do can be just as much fun. Stack some pillows in a corner, encourage people to pluck their favourite later, fill dry fruit in random sized glasses lined with some colourful napkins and make some quick pasta, a bowl of stir fried veggies, a really easy salad and serve some crackers with home made cheese! Enough to keep everyone happy.

And you thought it was French...?

Sometimes - actually, more than just sometimes - many of us find ourselves nodding our heads vigorously, emanating noises like "uh huh..." or, "I know..." Why?

Here's why:
1. To ensure that we do not look like we have limited knowledge - on anything;
2. To ensure that whatever knowledge we do have, does not go waste (lost in translation, anyone?);
3. And most importantly, to avoid any kind of discussion, read: argument, by offering a potentially conflicting viewpoint, read: appearing opinionated (yes, neutral truly is here to stay).

So in situations like these, everything being said by the "more knowledgeable" party sounds like French. And for those of you who do speak French, select your language option from the drop down (yes, French is indeed the new Latin!). You get the drift, right?

I go into this null zone sometimes when i read certain articles or interact with interior decorators who thrown around a plethora of theories to justify their leaning towards a certain decor style or element. I am all for decor in real life - so how about keeping it real? That's my point. What I'd love to be able to do is take all those theories and terms, and put it across in a way that will really light that bulb in a layman's brain.

Okay, let's try this and see where it goes. French windows. Are they really French?

For the final time: you get the drift, right?

Spaces

Think about it. Every great space was once just that - a great big 'space'. Until you came along, let your imagination run amok, and finally settled into it, thus lending it your unique design voice. So, it really is all about spaces!

Hi. I'm Devangini - writer, mother and decor aficionado. Or at least that's where it started before I plunged into doing philosophical takes (and retakes) on lifestyle issues, favorite recepies...and more! Just about anything to give your space a special vibe that sings your tune! So join me as I endeavor to understand and pen down my thoughts on just what it takes to breathe life into - that's right - spaces!

Welcome aboard!