Tavern Inspired Holiday Decor

I had lunch today with a friend who also works downtown. Such a treat!!! She and I have been trying to schedule it forever, literally a year or more. I don't know why I allow myself to postpone the connections that are so enriching. Do you ever do that??

We ate at Tavern on the Square in downtown Lansing. I had been there once before a few years ago for Happy Hour drinks with another friend, but I had never eaten there. The food was great (I had the southwestern chicken & black bean soup), but I was most impressed by the decor. 

The restaurant has a large, sectioned-off outdoor eating area with a fireplace! The fireplace was lit today, which was lovely to pass by. We've had snow already and I had walked there from my office. 

Source

Inside, the restaurant has dark wood walls, a dark painted bar, and dark furniture. The lighting, however, makes the entire place feel warm and cozy. There are lanterns interspersed with simpler hanging fixtures over the bar. Totally a look I would replicate at home. Beyond the bar, across from where our table was located, is a large reproduction of Washington Crossing the Delaware on the wall. 

Source

Source

I love the look of very dark walls as well as having a certain fondness for bars (above are a few of my favorites of both). Tavern on the Square made me wonder where I could copy that look in our own house. Furthermore, the entire restaurant was decorated for the holidays with greenery, twinkle lights, and ornaments hanging from the ceiling. It was so charming and it made me really excited about decorating for the holidays. 

We have some business to attend to before we can really start thinking about Christmas. Things like rearranging the entryway again, moving the bookcase finally, and seriously purging some toys. I feel so torn about this last task, but listening to the discussion between the Happiest Mom Meagan Francis and Happier at Home author Gretchen Rubin on the Kitchen Hour helped. It's just stuff. The kids will feel better if I deal with it.

To address that little issue of postponing the things that bring me joy, I bought myself a pass to my favorite yoga studio this week. There's such a sense of peace in knowing where I'll be for the rest of the year. And that that place is on my mat, in a perfect sanctuary, where I'll be able to gaze out the windows and see snowflakes and the tops of trees.

Is there something you can do for yourself right now that will help you to brave the hustle & bustle of the holiday season ahead?? Please share your ideas in the comments section. :)