Man Law Mondays

Creating a living space designed for work and pleasure is an important step to being your own man. It brings up questions about who you are and helps shape a most pleasurable existence. “What do I like? What’s my style? What makes me comfortable?” A home is warm and inviting. It should feel like an extension of your skin and the clothes you cover it with. A place to work, to relax, have a drink, cook and entertain guests. Most importantly to have the bird that you’re into be comfortable on the couch with an ice-cold Beefeater martini.   

With a man’s castle, its essence is in the details. There are many things a man can have in his home for the comfort of his own well-being and for the comfort of his guests.  Below is a list of things that you can easily do quickly to improve your habitat.

A must for any gentleman is a well stocked bar. Try and keep two of everything, you never know where the night may take you.

BOOZE:

Vodka, Gin, Whiskey, Scotch, Tequila and Rum

Red Wine, White Wine, Champagne

At least 12 of your favorite Beers

MIXERS:

Seltzer, Tonic, Ginger Ale, OJ and Cranberry. 

GLASSWARE:

Highball, Rocks, Martini, Pints, Wine glasses, Flutes, Cordials (Get vintage crystal if you’re going for old school)

BAR WARE:

Cocktail stirs, bar napkins, bar rags, Bar Spoon, Ice Bucket with Tongs and ICE, Ashtray, Matches, Martini Shaker and mixing glasses. 

You don’t need to know how to bartend to make a cocktail.  Scotch on the rocks and Gin and Tonic is pretty self explanatory. Look up other classic drinks online or buy a bar-tending book. Old Fashioned’s, Hemingway Daiquiri’s, Manhattan’s… Stick with the classics. 

Another essential for any Gentleman’s Pad is a proper place to rest. A bedroom should always be the most comfortable place in your home. We spend an average of 8 hours a day sleeping.  That’s one-third of our whole lives. Spend the money on a good bed, high thread counted sheets, down comforter, duvet and plush pillows. I promise you’ll sleep like a king and it will keep that good woman coming back again and again. 

A comfortable place to cook is another great way to keep your spirits high. Cooking to me is one of the most relaxing things. A well put together meal can help relive stress, create good energy in your home and is all around healthier option than dining out or using the microwave. Try to always buy the best produce, meats and cheeses and call your mother for a good recipe. Here are some kitchen necessities. Just remember to keep it simple.

KNIFE SET:

A nice butcher black knife set with different sized knives for all occasions. Good sets usually include at least 4 steak knives. It should also contain; Butcher, Bread, Paring, utility knife, sandwich knife, sharpening steel and kitchen shears. Also, pick up a nice butchers cutting board and oil it with mineral oil on occasion. It will last you a lifetime. 

POTS AND PANS:

Any decent set of pots and pans will do you right. It shouldn’t cost more than a couple hundred. Some even come with mixing spoons and spatula’s. A really nice cast iron pot is great for roasts at night and eggs and bacon in the morning. 

In conclusion, creating your living space is a great opportunity to find out things about your style. Here’s a great vintage TV special to get you in the cooking mood. From “The Galloping Gourmet,” Mr. Graham Kerr. He’s Old school gentleman to a T. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMbBDM89T3Q

Stay tuned for more ManLawMonday’s…