Afternoon Coffee: Bright Ideas for a Cozy Pick-Me-Up

This season’s allergies have been unusually severe for many people. I’ve been relying on medication and staying indoors as much as possible to avoid the heavy pollen in the air.

All the sneezing, sniffling and congestion has been miserable, so I decided to lift my spirits with an afternoon coffee—Paris style.

A couple of years ago, when I visited Paris with my friend Gigi, we dined at the most charming little restaurant, appropriately named Le Soufflé.

Although I haven’t mastered making soufflés, I can serve coffee in the French way—espresso accompanied by sugar and bonbons.

What a delightful presentation: rough-cut sugar cubes nestled among glossy licorice and colorful bonbons. Little details like these make a simple coffee feel special.

Presentation truly matters—n’est-ce pas?

That small, Parisian-inspired ritual has officially brightened my day. A comforting cup, a few sweets, and a pretty arrangement can work wonders.

How do you cheer yourself up when you’re feeling under the weather?