6 Slow Things: Alexis deBoschnek
Welcome to our new series on LES SIX, 6 Slow Things. In this series, once a month, I’ll interview friends whose homes, spaces and slower pace of living I’m inspired by, to share some of their practices and rituals with you.
This year at LES SIX we’re really focused on connection, and this is a wonderful way for our community to connect with one another.
Our first guest is Alexis deBoschnek, who you may already know. I hope you enjoy her 6 Slow Things as much as I did.
Credit: Christian Harder
I first discovered Alexis deBoschnek via Instagram. I landed on her feed and before I knew it, had spent almost an hour there, enchanted by her beautiful images and videos of her food, her animals and her home, set against the backdrop of the Catskill Mountains.
In a similar story to ours, Alexis left city life behind for what she thought would be a temporary move and ended up on a farm where she still is almost six years later. However unlike ours, her story is one of returning home, to the place she grew up, and living and tending to a working farm on the other side of the globe - in rural New York.
Alexis is also a cookbook author of two delicious books (one of which is sat next to me as I write this), a recipe developer and a writer.
I’m thrilled to get to chat to her about her 6 Slow things.
1) Tell us about your home, what do you love best about it?
This is truly a house for all seasons. My parents bought this farmhouse in 2000 and did a gut renovation, so I really have my mom to thank for all the design choices. She added a ton of windows so that in the winter when it's cold outside the house is still filled with light. There's a big rumford fireplace in the center of the living room that we sit around every night. In the warmer months, we spend most of our time outdoors, once again the house was designed so that there's a ton of doors so that it feels like you're bringing the outside in.
2) Tell us about a special ritual that you enjoy for yourself or with your family? During the day we're all doing our own thing, but every night we come together around the dinner table to share a meal. I love that intentional time together to go over the days events, to catch up, plan, dream, and just be together.
3) What’s the first thing you turn to in order to slow down?
I've been a daily napper ever since I was a teenager! Even if it's for ten minutes, taking an intentional pause in the day helps me feel more centered. On hectic days, I can keep going, and on slow ones, I relish the change of pace a nap sets.
4) What do mornings look like for you?
I have the most energy in the mornings, so right after I eat breakfast and have a cup of tea I'll start recipe testing or shooting in the kitchen.
5) Tell us about your oldest, most treasured possession?
I have so many cherished objects, but I think this house and land is the best answer for me in a more abstract way. I feel so deeply tied to this place--I'm really happiest at home. Regardless of the objects inside I feel so lucky to know every inch of this land and to get the opportunity to be the next steward of it.
6) What LES SIX piece would you most like to bring home?
It's so hard to choose, but I love all the gorgeous old French platters! We do a ton of hosting so I'm always looking to add to my collection and these fit right in.
I’m so thankful to Alexis for sharing into a window into her life with us! You can find her on Instagram, her Substack Side Dish, and enjoy her latest cookbook Nights and Weekends here.