Low-Lift Moves for Affordable Luxury

Finding luxury moments that don’t require you to book a reservation at a Michelin star restaurant in Napa Valley isn’t out of reach. But it does require a bit of creativity over cash spent.

And while I’d like to be having drinks out of fine crystal glasses and have my bathroom shelves stocked with La Mer, I’m just gonna have to find ways to create my own affluent experiences.

Sometimes it’s as simple as looking for historic hotels and buildings with cafes and events, or thrifting in high-end neighborhoods. In fact, all of the tips below are low-effort and a great way to feel like you’re having a luxury moment.

So take a few notes, start making plans for the weekend, and please do share your own ideas. ♥️

1. Find Events That Take Place in a Historic Building

Just this month, my husband was able to get $8 tickets to a jazz concert being held in a 100+ year old building.

It was a surprise date, but the price was almost an even bigger surprise than the event itself.

I was sitting in a large room that felt like it was straight out of Paris with incredible jazz pieces being played by musicians who flew in from Europe.

Sometimes it just takes a bit of curiosity and looking into what’s already happening in your city.

2. Grab Coffee & Dessert at the Right Hotel

Whether it’s high-end or historic and high-end, grab some drinks and sweets and enjoy it in one of their rooms.

My husband and used to do this in the hotel in the photo, and it felt like a timewarp into an old movie. They had music from the 40’s softly playing in the background, and the coffee and desserts were so much better than what you’d get at a Starbucks.

Also, it was fun to dress up and the service was incredible.

3. Make Pretty Desserts That Look Straight Out of a Magazine

Finding a pretty dish on Pinterest is good, but if you can try recipes that make you feel like you’re a guest cook in Sunset Magazine or L’Officiel, then it’s even better.

Here are a few of my personal recommendations:

• Lemon Posset: Easy, super delicious, and visually beautiful.
• Oysters Rockefeller: A lot easier than I expected it to be, tastes great, and will impress guests (or just yourself if dining solo).
• Homemade Pasta: Made me feel like Martha Stewart, and was incredibly satisfying.
• Apple Granita: You shave a frozen apple and pair it with cut up hot cinnamony apple for an amazing contrast between temperature and texture. Feels like a Michelin restaurant dessert.

4. Attend the Opera or Symphony

I promise you, they’re not expensive.

In fact, the opera in my photo was pretty cheap and we really enjoyed ourselves! We dressed up and loved taking in the beautiful atmosphere and singing.

But here’s a quick tip; the day before heading out to see a performance, read up on the plot of the opera or a bit of the history behind a certain composer. It makes the experience so much better and enriching.

5. Bring Your Own Fancy Picnic to a Beautiful Public Park

My sister and I used to bring wine glasses for non-alcoholic drinks, cheeses, charcuterie meats, and fruit. Had a ton of fun relaxing in the shade in a beautiful park and talking.

Maybe bring sparkling water too?

6. Upgrade Your Home Rituals With Little Touches

There are so many ways you can incorporating luxury feeling rituals into your daily life, and here are just a few:

• Use your “fancy” dishes for your morning coffee.
• Light candles for an ordinary dinner.
• Sprinkle a little cinnamon or coco on your coffee like at the nice restaurants.
• Light a candle and turn on jazz or soft instrumental music while getting ready.
• Use a fancy bar soap instead of a bottle.
• Place your products on a tray or dish like you’re at the spa.
• Spray non-toxic linen spray or essential oils onto your pillowcases or towels lightly.

7. Do Your Own Cheese Tasting

I love going to a bit of a nicer store, getting a few cheeses, cutting them up at home, and trying new flavors.

It feels like I’ve just ordered an expensive cheese plate at a restaurant, but I get to stay comfortable at home.

8. Have Tea or Coffee at High-End Malls

Dress up and have a hot drink at one of the pretty cafes at a high-end mall.

When my husband and I used to live in Bangkok, we loved heading to the Emporium and enjoying a pot of tea at TWG. We were surrounded by well dressed people and luxury stores, and got to enjoy some very good teas.

9. Go to a Thrift Store in a Nice Neighborhood Near You

You can actually score some luxury pieces for a fraction of the cost using this method.

All you need to do is look up the thrift stores in high-end neighborhoods near you, do a bit of looking, and come home with outfits from brands that are out of a lot of people’s price ranges.

10. Find a Rooftop or Scenic Spot for Sunset (for Free)

Pretend you’re at an exclusive rooftop restaurant, bring your own drink, and enjoy the view. It’s a nice way to relax, appreciate the beautiful scenery, and maybe spend time with a good friend.

11. Have Lunch at Your Local Museum of Fine Arts

According to the Tiktok user, GracefullyMissDeb, she says that many local museums of fine arts have beautiful dining rooms. I haven’t tried it myself yet, but that sounds like an incredible afternoon out.

12. Find Cafes in Historic Buildings

Near where I used to live was a historic building that had been turned into a beautiful bookstore. And on the second floor was a coffee shop where you could relax and enjoy the view.

It makes you feel like you’re in a completely different world, and it’s a simple way to escape for the morning or afternoon.

13. Go to Classic Movie Viewings in Old Theaters

If you have an old theater in your town or city, see if they have viewings.

A few years ago, my husband and I booked tickets to go see Casablanca in a 120-year-old theater. We dressed up like we were from the 1940’s and had an amazing time watching the black and white movie in the beautiful setting.

And while you don’t have to dress up, I highly recommend it; it’s so much fun!

14. Have a Small Aperitivo

An aperitivo is a light meal or drink that’s enjoyed after a long workday and shortly before dinner in Italy.

Some of the things you could have would be cheeses, quiche, cured meats, olives, homemade bread, or a small plate of pasta.

It a nice way to feel like you’re making the most out of your evening and getting to experience a bit of another culture without traveling.

15. Use Perfume Daily

Whether you have your own signature scent or a few favorites, just make it a habit to spray a bit on you and your clothing each day.

Even if you’re not headed out, it’s a nice way to feel luxurious and make the day a bit more special.

16. Curate Your Bath Setup

Carefully curate a bath setup so you can have those spa moments at home.

Think special teas, nice soaps, cozy towels and bathrobes, essential oil diffusers, candles, flower petals, non-toxic bath oils, and mood lighting.

It’s a simple way to make each week feel lot better.

17. Go on a Self-Guided Mansion or Architecture Walk

If your city or town has neighborhoods with beautiful homes and architecture (historic or not), grab or make your own nice coffee drink, dress up, and take a walk.

It’s a good way to get out, relax, and experience beautiful spaces.

18. Take Yourself on a Gallery Hop with a Dress Code

Schedule out some time in the week to visit 2-3 art galleries in your area, but make it special.

So dress like you’re headed to a beautiful Parisian brunch or headed over to a wealthy friend’s flat. And then have a simple but nice dinner planned for when you get home.

Treat it like an aesthetic experience, not just a normal outing.

19. Curate a Signature Elevated Snack Plate for Movie Nights

So think chocolate-dipped strawberries, rosemary almonds, brie or camembert, nice bread, a little honey, dark chocolate, olives, nice butters and olive oils, and anything else to make the movie moment special.

20. Turn Ordinary Errands Into a “Main Character” Moment

Also called “romanticizing your life,” it’s a good way to make the mundane feel a little less ordinary.

So try putting on a nice outfit, playing a great playlist, grabbing your iced coffee in your favorite tumbler, and romanticizing your trip to the grocer, bookstore, or plant nursery.

21. Do a Solo Breakfast Date With Yourself

Head to a nice cafe, order a croissant and coffee and just be.

No phone, but maybe bring a novel, mini notebook, or a magazine and take time to just be with yourself.

It feels elegant, and no one really expects breakfast to be a whole event (which is why it feels special when you make it one).

22. Handwrite a Letter to a Friend Using Pretty Stationery

If you want your luxury moment to feel like it’s straight out of another era, then get some pretty stationary, pull a Pride and Prejudice, and write to a friend about your life and thoughts.

Also, you can light a candle and play classical music while writing; it’s a good way to set the mood.

23. Watch a Sunset While Listening to a Classical Playlist

Whether it’s on a rooftop, a scenic outlook, balcony, or from your front porch, watch the sunset and create a themed playlist. So think about names like “Italian Evenings” or “Paris at Dusk”.

It’s a good way to change the vibe of the moment and get yourself into a completely different head space.