How To Live A More Elegant Life In 2023 - Polishing Silver, Starching Linen, and Baking Cookies

Join me in this episode where I show you how to live a more elegant life. From how to properly starch linen napkins, to polishing silver, and baking cookies for my neighbour - this is elegant living every day.

[NicolasFairford]

Hello everyone - I am having a real issue with someone commenting here pretending to be me and telling people that they have won a prize. THIS IS NOT ME - PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND OR ENGAGE WITH THIS PERSON! Please block and report this person - thank you so much!

[pageremick]

I'm an American but went to school at George Watsons when it was a girl's school on George Square. We had a cookery class and laundry class and learned as young girls to do some of the things that you show - including how to starch napkins, pillowcases and even handkerchiefs. With the silver polishing, get a baby toothbrush, one that is very soft, so it won't scratch the silver and it helps to get into all the small corners and details. All these tasks can be made more elegant when you have lovely music in the background, like you put behind your narration.

[mikeymasters]

You’re a trip my guy. If Hyacinth Bucket mated with an Abercrombie model, the end result would be Nicolas Fairford. And I’m living for it.

[roberthicks]

I absolutely love your videos Nicolas. Like you I am a single guy living alone in the S.E. United States. Elegance is a part of our Southern tradition here and as a single man I appreciate beauty and elegance. Thank you for inspiring me in such a soothing, relaxing way.

[karladenton]

A tip from my mother - if you don't have time to get to ironing your linens, while they are in that 'not quite dry' state, lay them out flat in a stack, roll them up in a dampened towel (those waffle weave IKEA towels are perfect) like a jelly roll and pop the entire thing into the fridge. Your now have two or three days grace to get your ironing done.

Ironing napkins and handkerchiefs was how I learned. I was very proud when my mom let me iron my father's dress shirts.

[christianemichelberger]

Ha, you're a sorcerer! The effect your videos have on me is amazing:
Just having finished my video calls, I see your new video. Watch it for 5 minutes. Stop it and instead of quickly making myself a bread for dinner and eating it on the couch with my legs up as I had intended to, I go to the kitchen and think what I would do if I had guests. 
I take the new sets out, cut the bread and lay it on an extra dish as well as the ham, choose the nice dishes and carry everything on a tray to my dining table, sit down and thoroughly enjoy the meal - and finish watching your video. What a treat! Thank you!

[joanelias]

The world has become very casual, and while I understand and like some aspects of that, it’s always a pleasure to see wonderful “old fashioned “ details in entertaining settings. They elevate even the most simple meals.

[joliz]

Nicolas, how kind of you to make cookies for your neighbor. I’m sure she appreciated them.

[the_full_time_coach]

I absolutely love the way you describe elegance! As an anxiety coach, I am always looking for new ways to teach awareness and the way you bring intentionality to your every day is a perfect example I can share with my clients! Thank you for sharing this!

I might add, this video was extremely relaxing!

[timriehl]

Thank you for reminding us to enjoy beauty daily and to not horde it for "special" occasions.

[louisetregomorgan]

Polishing the silver and starching the linen was my job as a child .Now that I'm older I find it more therapeutic than a chore. We all deserve elegance, and you do have to put the work into it . I'm so happy you are able to teach the new generation these old skills Nicholas it makes a difference to the dinner table and life . 💛👍

[ToniM]

I've always thought this way!!.. Especially now as an Interior Designer... Precious and Elegant things are for Every Day use!!.. No plastic on the furniture.. No towels for "decor" only!!.. Use the things u Love every day!!.. U'll be happier and enjoy Ur Life to the.. Fullest!!..
✌️❤️😎💖👍

[patriciakaye]

Thank you for this reminder. I sometimes compalin about doing the mundane parts of daily living. Your idea of approaching them with grace should help me to be more mindful of how fortunate I am to have a house to clean, food to cook, and laundry to handle. I on't mind telling you that at 84 years old (almost 85), I've become a Nicolas groupie.

[maryland]

Yes, I also like the old ways. When I was young my nanny, Ms. Martha, used and empty Coca-Cola bottle with a cork top. She filled it with very warm water and powder starch then shook it till dissolved. The holes in the cork sprinkled over the cloth to which she would steam iron. Everything came out so shapely and fresh! A dash of lavender makes a fresh fragrance. Unbelievable!

[margaretbarclay-laughton]

Oh Nicholas you dropped me down a rabbit hole called memory. When I first did my first aid training with St Andrews Ambulance Association the woman's company indoor uniform was the old nurses uniform with a white bib apron.on the night before my first annual inspection I did just as you did with the napkins only I may have been a little over enthusiastic with the starch my apron stood proudly to attention in the corner without the need of a human mannequin to support it. Thanks for the memory and the smile

[lisagarabaldi]

Hi Nicolas, I’m attorney from Venezuelan. Now I’m living in Atlanta - GA USA 🇺🇸. Im enjoying your videos 😀 but I love when you make breakfast or dinner . My family love ❤️ to see your recipes .
I wish you the best 2023

[trainsupporter]

Nicolas...I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy your videos! Seeing you care for your neighbor is heartwarming too - we need more people like you in this world.

[TheMJCorner]

I love how Sophie begins to relax in the beginning of the video. She's a good example of elegant napping.😄🥰

[danasandlin]

Elegance is seeking out and putting more beauty in your life--no matter what the circumstances...it does not need to be expensive--just look for the beauty--if there is not enough of it, began to read beautiful things and they will begin to multiply in your life...this vlog and others are a good start...dts/usa

[RLSchanneltwo]

Just like my grandmother used to starch her linens and aprons… She used this method of starching at least once a week, and I would watch her every move. She would roll each piece into a ball to keep it from drying out, and we would iron them out together in her huge kitchen. It always amazed me how beautifully they came out. Thank you for the memory Nicolas.❤️