It’s not often that I would use the adjective summer serenity when talking about New York City. Especially not at this time of the year with its whirl of outdoor concerts, movies-in-the-dark-park events and roof top bars all a-buzz with warm weather worshippers. No, not often. But today I will.

 AP and I are in the City with my sister, RT, her husband, PT, and next-gen, RT, and all couldn’t help but notice that the dining establishments (and especially the dining tables) offer a welcome sense of serene calm and mini break from all things urban and stifling, simply by adding not only the country floral cluster gathered together in manicured chaos but also a bit of soothing rustic country charm.

Now I know manicured chaos is an oxymoron but stay with me; I promise that will make sense: eventually!!!  Anyhoo, I’m talking the posy that has been deliberately designed to ‘spray’ on one side.  V E R Y popular with florists and those in the chi chi know at present… Or the bouquet that at first glance might appear to be a child-hands haphazard gatherings but on closer inspection is actually all expertly placed to represent ‘a wild shape’ which is more akin to how flowers are naturally found in the garden. This one is often finished with a tie of twine and can be found in trendsters entranceways …In a word, stunning and brilliant! (that’s actually two but…Oy Vey ) A no fail method of embracing relaxation is a call to Mother Nature’s wooded leafy heather environs: Right!!! And especially when stuck in a concrete jungle of hot hazy and humid!

The added ingredients of refreshing air con and cheery waitstaff makes the practice of escaping the urbane high-rise heat for a revitalising refreshment, a very welcome retreat.

Still, it is more than even that…the whole dining experience has become an adventure. Right down to the tried and tested props of the table. Take the centrepiece; oftentimes transported from the mundane of the stock-trade salt & pepper to captivating, (usually simple which, in my book, can really be the best!)

And, whilst talking S&P, now there’s another instrument to be played with that can often add fascination to the whole restaurant tradition. Paired with the unexpected, it is sure to be a ice-breaker talking point if need be

Tinerate, not being a big Foodie, the whole eating out experience for me is about the ambience, the inspiration and the company

Anyhoo, what about you…Do you often find yourself embracing the surrounds as much as everything else??? Would love to hear

Till next time.

Tipsy Pipsy xo