GrandmaCore — Dragonfly Delights Tea Room

GrandmaCore -The charm and simplicity of our grandmothers’ lifestyles

When you remember grandma’s house do you think of comforting cozy charm? Perhaps the smell of something wonderful baking and the purr of a kitten sleeping in a sunny window. Do your memories bring images of hand crocheted afghans or home-made quilts arranged on the antique furniture. Perhaps you recall the red geranium set on a window sill that had lace curtains.

Unfortunately, I did not have a close relationship with either of my maternal or paternal grandmothers. My memories of visits with grandmas are few. Thankfully I did see my friends interact with their grandmothers, and I read stories that had positive dreamy ideals to strive for.

For as long as I can remember I have adored the old ways, antiques, the clothing, manners and slower simpler way of life. I have always leaned towards things of the past when making choices.

When I was a full time stay at home mother, raising my four children, I embraced the old ways. I planted a both flower and vegetable gardens, autumn harvest was met with endless canning. In addition to canning pickles, tomato sauce, salsa, apple pie filling, and beets I did fill the freezer with everything the garden at home or the market gardens up the highway had to offer. Homemade soups, Sunday dinners, and baking along with handmade items were commonplace.

Empty nest doesn’t justify these wonderful endless days in the kitchen that autumn can bring so I have passed most of the items necessary on to my girls. Now they are choosing to plant their own gardens, can their harvest. Some are busy with handmade home made fun too.

Home for my children when they were growing up was filled with hand me down miss matched furniture, decorations, and linens. Thus, creating an eclectic setting much like Grandma would have had.

My love of the old ways, a respect and adoration of antique items and a desire to live the slower paced way of life similar to that of our grandmothers has lead me to discover that there is a new trend, no a new lifestyle choice that has emerged. Grandma Core is a new term to me, similar to cottage core which I had already heard of years ago. When I read a blog post about Grandma Core, I immediately sent it to my girls and my gypsies. The unanimous reply was “this describes you perfectly”. Who knew that I was a lifestyle choice trend even before I knew it was a thing.

You can read that fantastic blog here https://heartscontentfarmhouse.com/grandmacore/

When I imagine the Tearoom I think of my ideal Sunday at Grandma’s house experience.

The atmosphere and dining experience should be remembered as charming, simple, and comforting. Embracing vintage pieces, dining tables and chairs, such as Grandma would have had in her dining room. Serving homemade good, made from scratch using as much local grown produce as the seasons will allow. The Tearoom space inviting and warm, contentment found on all the faces of those present. The tearoom dream come to life should be a nostalgic nod to Grandma’s life, celebrating her slower paced way of life.

The tearoom should be a sanctuary of comfort and vintage charm. I need your help to accomplish this. When you are spring cleaning could you please remember my tearoom dream. I am looking for dining room tables and chairs that look like the ones grandma would have. Also china, not just teacups and saucers but lunch plates, dessert plate too. If grandma had it the tearoom could most likely utilize it.

For the tearoom I imagine chandeliers on the ceiling much like the one in our dining room growing up. Older antique dining tables and chairs, with linen table cloths occasionally set with mismatched plates, teacups and saucers. Little green vases adorned with hand picked flower centered on each table. On the walls art work from local artists and photographers.

GrandmaCore isn’t just a trend, but a response to our busy modern lifestyle and its many social media and self-imposed stresses. GrandmaCore acknowledges simpler times, respect for the comforting presence of our grandparents, and a celebration of activities that refuel our souls. Considering all these elements, it is not hard to see why GrandmaCore has such enduring appeal to so many. Whether you are like me living every area of life GrandmaCore or you enjoy a few of the key GrandmaCore elements, know that GrandmaCore is more than just a passing trend – I believe it is a lifestyle choice that is here to stay for many.

That is what I want the tearoom to be a place to retreat to enjoy family, celebrate milestones and refuel the soul. The atmosphere, the service and the food all coming together creating the charming simplicity of our grandmothers’ lifestyles.