“Can you come over and snap some pics of my family hanging out around our kitchen counter?” I asked my neighbor and photographer last Saturday. “Maybe just hang out with us while we share a plate of charcuterie.” 
I’m partnering with Serena & Lily for this post, and they requested real-life images of our family using our favorite kid-friendly seats, the Riviera Counter Stools. These stools are at the heart of our daily routine. I wanted to capture our family doing what many families do best: gathering around the kitchen island to eat, talk, and be together.
Maybe photographers don’t get asked to document this kind of casual moment every day, but I loved the idea. Family rituals—especially the ordinary ones—are often the most meaningful. Forget staged shots of formal events; life happens in small, happy moments at the kitchen counter.
Our island has plenty of room for a family of six. We chose quartz countertops for their low maintenance, and we needed durable, kid-friendly stools to match. With four kids, you can imagine the grubby hands and feet that end up on the stools. The practical aspects matter—but so does style.
If you know my taste, you know I favor a light, refined aesthetic. We picked the Riviera Backless Counter Stools because they’re attractive, well-made, and complement our coastal kitchen. I love the fresh pattern on the seat—it even reminds me of a Parisian fabric from a trip. Serena & Lily proves that practical can also be beautiful.
I originally bought the stools in navy and white, and after some water damage in our home required replacements, I purchased them again in gray and white. They’ve held up well and still look right at home in the kitchen.
(My oldest wanted to go fishing that day, and I let him—after all, this was meant to be real life.)
I might consider stools with backs and arms when the kids are older, but for now the backless stools work best. Camille and Leo, our two littlest, find it easiest to climb on these. They’re heavy enough not to tip, and the rattan has subtle natural marks that hide small scuffs. The woven plastic seats wipe clean easily—so much so that you can take them outdoors and hose them down. That’s a major win for a mom of four.
Some Saturdays we linger over a late breakfast until it feels too late for lunch. Lately we’ve turned those afternoons into a ritual: simple charcuterie plates made together. It’s become my kids’ most requested snack because it’s effortless, feels special, and encourages them to try new things—olives, new cheeses, or different fruits—without pressure.
Our Serena & Lily Brela napkins fit seamlessly into these afternoons. They strike the right balance between casual and luxe, made from soft cotton that elevates simple moments without feeling fussy.
I’m mindful about creating a home that feels both chic and relaxed. That atmosphere makes me want to spend time in the kitchen and put a little extra care into making a simple snack that becomes a shared pleasure.
I hope my children will carry these small, warm memories into adulthood: a sense of comfort and togetherness tied to ordinary rituals. As a parent you have the chance to create those moments every day—be intentional. Gather at your kitchen island for a favorite snack, repeat those small joys, and let the feeling of family become part of their story.
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Serena & Lily sponsored this post. We share the same belief that ordinary family moments should be celebrated and that practical can still be beautiful.
All images taken by Rosa Ashdown.
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