In an age where many of us are looking to cut costs by cooking at home, many families are spending much more time in the kitchen than in previous decades. There are many benefits to staying in to cook a meal: you control the portion size, you control what you put into the food, and best of all, it can be a family activity. However, with greater time spent in the kitchen, many of us (this writer included) need some sort of visual theme to help us make it through a long session of slaving over a hot stove.

I offer you an idea that has come to life in my personal home: The Countryside Escape. With a few simple accessories that can be picked up at flea markets, discount stores, and the like, you too, can make your kitchen seem like you are “back on the farm.” Start by changing your storage containers for everything from flour to rice. Try using mason jars! Many old-fashioned kitchens use these for their durability, longevity and tight seals.

Have a window? Try finding drapes that feature themes such as barns, butter churns, and farm animals. An old cookie jar that great grannie would have used would be a nice addition for all those late night sweets! Little curios, from porcelain chickens to cows, placed in strategic locations, is also a nice touch. A few simple additions to your kitchen will make it a much more productive and fun place to spend your evenings with your family!