One of the great things about going on vacation is giving yourself permission to find that slower pace and be in the moment a bit more. Even though vacations are often filled with adventure and running around to soak up all the sounds and sights of a new area- there is also the downtime. Maybe it is sitting in a chair on a beach. Sipping coffee on a balcony over looking the sea or just spending a little more time getting moving in the morning so that you can enjoy watching the sunrise in a different area. But what about creating a ‘staycation’- or a vacation feeling at home. Maybe with dinner in the garden or a special breakfast in bed?

But as we all know- the past couple of years those vacations have been few (if any ) and far between. The last time I traveled anywhere for a true getaway was to Europe in October of 2019. I had just finished work on my book Inspired Gatherings and I was so excited to get away and relax for a bit. We made it a mission when we were there- to slow down and include a lot of time slowing our roll and soaking up the sunrise and sunsets. Which actually was a double thing- I ended up catching a cold a couple days after arriving there and spent most of our vacation feeling under the weather. Even so, just slowing the pace while we were there and sitting in the warm sun each afternoon did wonders for me- mentally and physically.

While we are hoping to be able to get back over to Europe this year- I am finding that while we are exploring our slow living series- I am drawn to those times where I intentionally slowed the roll. I didn’t wake up and check email. I didn’t jump out of bed and throw on my running shoes or get dressed- I savored the quiet and the view and sipped coffee while soaking up the feeling. Of course, when you are on vacation- you can do that much easier. But I have decided to incorporate More of that way of living into my everyday living year round. Does that mean I won’t get to work or exercise in the morning right away? Not at all. But maybe on Sunday mornings – we decide to enjoy breakfast conversation at the table in the bedroom or in the garden before getting to work. Or take a break and sit in the sun with a cup of tea in the afternoon. It can be hard for those of us who thrive on the busy busy pace- but sometimes, that more slowly simmering is just what we needed.

So today, we are talking about the third romantic setting using those beautiful spring florals with Balsam Hill- and it is all about how to create a cozy space for a romantic staycation at home breakfast in bed.
Staycation Breakfast in Bed
Whether you enjoy stacks of warm blankets on the bed, wearing your favorite snuggly (yes, I do sleep in mine some nights) or love a stack of pillows to lean against- creating cozy is key. And when it comes to a cozy ambiance in the bedroom or any room- it is simple with just a few favorite things. Candles and flowers.
Flowers

On the nightstand, on the mantel, or on the side table- bring those flowers into the bedroom to create a warm and welcoming feeling. But the question I am always asked- what about if you live somewhere where the fresh pickings are slim and you don’t have fresh flowers on hand? Faux is fabulous- for romantic occasions, for everyday occasions- all year long.

These flowers are Spring in Bloom florals from Balsam Hill. They are a tall and stately arrangement in a charming plaster pot- and they bring such a warmth and burst of spring sunshine.

Candles

The flickering flame & glow from candles creates an instant warm and cozy feeling. Whether you use real candles or realistic LED- bring a candle or several into your room.

Just remember if using real- safety first. Don’t ever leave those candles unattended. I love these chamberstick candles that are real flame LED.

A Breakfast in Bed tray
I love to use an old silver platter as a breakfast tray. This one is worn and tarnished and covered in patina- but I love it even so. If you don’t have a silver tray- think outside the box by using a cutting board, a wood box or even a large vintage platter.

Waffles & Berries & French pressed coffee
There is something about French pressed coffee that just makes it taste better. One of my favorite French presses is this vintage inspired one- that also keeps those second (and third) cups of coffee warm.

For this breakfast- I stacked up some traditional buttermilk waffles and topped them with fresh blackberries and blueberries and added just a drizzle of maple syrup. They key with breakfast is whatever is your favorite (and won’t take 3 hours to make haha) is perfect.
Even though this is such a simple way to slow the mornings down a bit and enjoy a mini vacation inspired ‘staycation’ – I am loving the travel memories and inspiration for more travel that it brings.
Shop the look
Spring in Bloom Floral Arrangement| Chamberstick Candle | French Press | Vintage Look Platter | Floral teacups | Similar look Floral Bedding |
And don’t miss the Balsam Hill Valentine’s Day Giveaway – you can enter HERE
You can also see the other two ideas I shared over the weekend for special occasion tables that use florals you can enjoy all year long.


Stay tuned for a delicious peanut butter and chocolate cheesecake that is absolutely over the top amazing. Perfect for making for a sweetheart special occasion day all year long.
*some affiliate links- I work with Balsam Hill but all opinions are my own
Oh Courtney, i love everything about breakfast in bed. The floWers, the tray the food, i LOVE the idea oF it, i love everything except the actual eating And drinking in that bed! Every few years i try it and absolutely hate it. I admire people who do but no one i know actually admitted they do. 🤓
Oh that is so funny! It is probably the crumb factor haha! 😂
EVERYTHING that You touch is absolutely amazing. Blessings to you.
So kind of you Renae!
Love the breakfast in Bed idea. Everything you do is always beautiful!
Hi Courtney! Oh how I enjoyed this. And the timing too! I just started my stay cation on Sunday while my husband is out of town. He gave me fresh flowers to enjoy before he left and I had plans to light candles, enjoy some decorating and some “me” TIME at our beautiful home in THE mountains. Well, I caught a cold and my down time has been forced and not feeling great. Similar to your Europe story. Haha. I’m still making the best of it! I adore your sweet and simple bedding. 😉 Is it the ivory Rosabella? I have it too. 😊💗
I love your story. Its beEn a while since my husband and i taking a ‘ ‘hOtel’ vacation Too. I will be so happy when we aRe able to do this once again. Ours is loooong overdue. Thanks for Taking us oN your vacAtion.
Don’t hate me…my hubs “serves me” coffee w/muffin, etc. on an ombre’ tray every morning…in bed. I call it, “Joy of Retirement” (ie. payback.) Trust me, it’s divine!! ps he’s a keeper. franki
That is awesome Franki! He sounds like a keeper for sure!
Well, you certainly do a staycation beautifully. can i come to your house and enjoy my staycation there? lol
beautifully done. I miss traveling and i hope. you get back to europe this year.Hugs- Diana
your words and photos feel like a short calming trip. My Problem with breakfast in bed is Getting up and fixing the breakfast. By then i don’t want to go back to bed. It is good i Have lovely sun room that fAces south. So, i sit There and enjoy the trees and yard and OCCASIONAL rabbit while having my coffe. After retiring i no longer rush in the morning. A daiky gift to me.
Wow, it’s all so beautiful. Love the florals.