21 Affordable Rituals That Feel Like Luxury

Last year, I had a TikTok go viral where I shared affordable rituals that felt like luxury.

And the responses I got made my entire month (not a joke).

The comment section was filled with 3,273 responses from people sharing their own thoughts + affordable luxury rituals.

I couldn’t stop reading them + being inspired by how people brought beauty into their lives.

And so I’m here to share with you how you can make your ordinary not feel so ordinary. I kinda wanna be that friend that shares that random bit of good advice that might just change how your entire weeks look.

You deserve more than to wake up to an alarm + drink an ok cup of coffee. So let’s make your life look more beautiful. ♥️

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1. Solo or Friend Dates for Drinks + Desserts at a High-End and/or Historic Hotel

You get to take in the atmosphere without the big price tag of staying overnight.

This is one of my favorite things to do, and I loved heading to the one above with my husband when we were temporarily living in Istanbul.

It was called the Pera Palace (it’s where Agatha Christy wrote her novel Murder on the Orient Express). When you step into the main lobby, you legit feel like you’re stepping into another time period. There’s 1940’s music softly playing, the service is amazing, and you get to enjoy something nice as you cozy up on the comfy couch and enjoy good conversation for a few hours.

2. Buy 1 Beautiful Thing from the Farmer’s Market

Even if it’s just a baguette or a bouquet, it sets the tone for the day.

Also, it doesn’t have to be just one, but I wanted to keep things simple for you. You could buy some fresh bread + local honeys and jams, or maybe some pretty produce for tonight’s dinner, it’s up to you.

But the point is that you’re taking something home that makes things feel a bit more special.

3. Head to a Beautiful Park Early in the Morning w/ Coffee (& Pretend It’s Your Private Estate)

I’m not joking, when no one’s there and it’s just you, you feel like you’re taking a stroll on your private grounds.

Also, you can either listen to a good playlist (jazz or French music maybe?), or just enjoy the sound of nature. Up to you!

4. Organize One Tiny Corner to Look Boutique-Beautiful

A tray with perfume, jewelry, or a book can change a room’s mood.

Also, it’s just a small + simple way to give a space a bit of a reset and start making things feel more like you.

5. Have a Soft Morning Rule at Least Once a Week

No phone. Just coffee, open windows, and something gentle playing. This is your time to stay away from doomscrolling.

Also, bed rot is out, morning coffee + chill rot is in.

6. Wear Perfume and/or Lipstick at Home (Just for You)

You are the occasion.

You don’t need to wait for something or someone to feel special.

7. Add Lemon Zest + Fresh Herbs to Your Meals

Feels like restaurant food, plus costs basically nothing if you grow or buy once a week.

Also, it’s kind of a nice way to feel like you’re low-key cooking like the rich aunt with an Italian villa.

8. Intentional Candle Lighting (Not Just for Scent)

Lighting candles is great, but it’s even better if there’s a reason for it.

So think morning journaling sessions, slow dinners with good conversation + jazz, or just listening to a really good podcast.

It’s a nice way to feel a bit more special and make things almost (totally) feel like an occasion.

9. Prep a Solo Cheese Plate as an Afternoon Snack

You really don’t need to wait on guests to come over to do your own cheese tasting.

Also, who says you need to have something healthy when you’re feeling kind of peckish at 2:30 PM? Sometimes cheese is the right choice.

10. Try Old Movie Star’s Recipes

There’s not many things that feel quite as classy as trying a recipe created by a 20th century movie star that knew how to cook.

Case and Point: I made Audrey Hepburn’s penna alla vodka recipe recently and it was ridiculously good.

Tap to try Audrey’s penna alla vodka.

Commenters’ Affordable Luxury Rituals That I Really Liked

As I mentioned above, over 3,000 people commented on that Tiktok and some of them shared some really great ideas. Here are some of my favorites!

• Myesha the Explorer: “I create little international escapes in my hometown. On a French day, it’s croissants and tea, a garden stroll, bistro lunch, and a romantic French film. It’s like jet-setting without the jet. No passport, no turbulence, no cranky TSA agents, just pure wanderlust on home turf. 🥐”
• Bethany: “I make a fancy coffee and drink it outside every morning. I often make a fancy drink at sunset too and play jazz quietly outside.”
• Charise M Studesville: “Instead of a dresser, I bought an antique china cabinet painted a perfect chalky white. So my clothes and evening bags are stored and displayed like a cute boutique. Makes me smile daily.”
• thegirlinbeta: “In the summer I’ll eat dinner outside on a bistro table on my patio with a white tablecloth. Feels very posh.”
• kar.heart: “Fancy lamp in kitchen romanticizes cleaning”
• Rosie: “Slow down & make yourself a fancy lunch. Crisp French bread, sun dried tomato aioli, arugula/sprouts, mozzarella, turkey, with sparkling water and lemon in a wine glass is my favorite 🤌🏻🩷”
• Dottie: “Sunday night… Bubble bath, beverage of your choosing in a fancy glass, candles, and a book. Then matching PJs for bed. Monday mornings have been so much better.”
• Maria: “I’ve made my bed feel like a hotel bed, plush comforter, sheets that I love Every night i make time to go relax in bed & watch a fav comfort show No phone, just me, my ice water & golden girls lol It just feels like unplugging from the world.”
• Sundae Rose: “I take baths with a lilac, rose and chamomile (boiled like tea and strained) mixture added. It’s called a sweet bath and it’s delicious.”
• Límon-Rule: “Girlfriends over on a Friday after work on the patio/garden for wine, cocktails-charcuterie, candles, big comfy outdoor pillows and candles. Have everyone go change into comfy clothes prior to coming over, this starts your mindset and mood. Feel good you relax good.”

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PS – What are your favorite affordable luxury rituals? I’m collecting ideas. Also, here are some good ideas for low-lift moves for affordable luxury.