Making Friends

Morning and I are not friends.  We haven’t been for a long time.  It’s sad, really, we both have so much to offer to each other, yet we can’t seem to find away across our differences.  I have tried to convince Morning to arrive just a little later, and Morning has tried relentlessly to drag me out of bed to greet it.  We want to like each other, don’t get me wrong, but sometimes opposites don’t attract.  In efforts to compromise (since we’ll be living with each other for an awfully long time) I have decided to invite my friend Coffee a little closer.  Coffee and I are VERY good friends…one might even be tempted to say we’re a little ‘too’ close.  But that hasn’t stopped me!  You see, Coffee lives downstairs in my kitchen.  I sleep upstairs in my bedroom.  Morning lies between us and it gets ugly.  So I have remedied the situation by relocating my good friend to my bedroom.  It’s perhaps the most brilliant solution to Morning’s & my differences.  I would highly encourage all of my friends to consider inviting Coffee a little closer to you!  Here’s all the ingredients to a very happy morning:

1)  The Coffee maker.  Depending on how epic a coffee drinker you are, you may need a whole pot (don’t judge me) or just one cup (I’ll try not to judge you).

This lovely little device can do either…or put it right in your travel mug!  And it’s programmable – so you can set it to wake you with it’s delicious aroma……sigh….

Breville YouBrew

For the percolator fans out there, an automatic version might be just the thing.  Not to mention they’re a little more ‘beautiful’ & compact for a smaller space.

Faberware 2-4 Cup Percolator

Or if you’re more reasonable and only drink one cup….these little Keurigs are pretty cute.  But do me (& the environment) a little favor…pass on the pre-packaged k-cups and go for the “my k-cup” which is a tiny little filter in which you can put your favorite coffee.  It saves money and plastic!

Keurig B31

There are so many coffee pots out there you’ll have to search for your favorite.  Be sure to think about volume needed, programmability, and noise.  If your coffee maker has a built-in grinder or beeps when it’s done it may be noisier than the old-school push-button drip models.  This may help or annoy you.

2)  The right mug

Having the proper mug can really make a difference in your morning.  I prefer happy mugs with lovely colors and a good shape to grip.  I like to buy mugs from local artists when I’m traveling because they remind me of where I’ve been.  Be sure that your mug fills whatever need you have….is it a travel mug, a mug your child decorated, one that matches your bedroom decor?

The Right Mug

3)  A Tray

Especially if your coffee pot is residing on a wooden dresser top (like mine) it’s important to protect the surface from drips.  Finding a tray that houses your pot, mug, saucer (if you have one) and other necessary accoutrements is important.  A couple of things to keep in mind when tray selecting is style (of course) but also how deep it is – if there is a large lip on the tray it may be difficult to remove the carafe from the coffee maker.  Also make sure that it is made of an easily cleanable material such as glass, ceramic, or metal.

Presidio Silver Tray by Williams Sonoma

Or, if you really want a special setting for your beloved friend, perhaps a home of it’s own may be in order.

Savon Tray Table by Ballard Designs

4)  Cleaning Supplies

If your bedroom is far from the kitchen like mine is you won’t want to be hauling your carafe and pot there to clean it each day.  May I suggest keeping a mini scrub-brush handy for cleaning?  This also comes in handy if you use the same mug each day or keep a water glass at your bedside.  This lovely little brush holds your favorite dish soap and is made of bamboo which is mold & mildew resistant!

Suds-Up Dish Brush by Williams Sonoma

Now that you’re all set, you can rest easy knowing that you and Morning can be friends again.  I know I will!