Katie Kutler loves the nostalgia that comes with the holidays.
Kutler opened kaffé KARMA in the summer, and she was ready to get involved in spreading Christmas cheer for the cafe’s first holiday season. Many Delawareans will pass by kaffé KARMA on their way to see the lights displays at Longwood Gardens. It’s Kutler’s hope to become part of that annual tradition for Delaware families.
“We want people to feel the same nostalgia for this place as time goes on.”
@delawaretodaymagazine The holidays are here! @kaffé KARMA. 🎄😍 #delaware #fyp #christmas ♬ Elf – Main Theme – Geek Music
The Coffee
Her mission to invoke this feeling starts with the classic holiday latte flavors.
“We focused on nostalgic flavors that taste like things you had in your home growing up around the holidays,” Kutler explains.
The peppermint bark latte is a great example of this. Not your average peppermint mocha, this latte is topped with crushed peppermint and tastes exactly like the bark your mother used to make in bulk during the holiday season.
Speaking of peppermint bark, remember “Christmas Crack?” Layers of sweet caramel, chocolate and candies baked over a sheet of saltine crackers is a holiday classic in many households. Kaffé KARMA harnessed these flavors into a delicious latte with an addictive salty and sweet flavor profile. If you enjoy nutty and caramelly flavors, the sticky toffee latte is a must-try.
In addition to the new holiday flavors, kaffé KARMA has a diverse menu of options. Drinks include matcha, blue matcha, chai, turmeric lattes, hot chocolate and plenty of loose-leaf teas. Bagels, gourmet toasts, sandwiches and wellness bowls round out the menu for a complete brunch experience.
View this post on Instagram
The Experience
The kaffé KARMA experience is about more than just flavor. Kutler’s vision for kaffé KARMA weaves self-care, yoga and mindfulness into the cafe experience. This vision is just as prominent during the holidays.
The neutral-toned design lends itself well to seasonal decorating, and Kutler and the team took full advantage.
“The staff got together and had a fun decorating day,” Kutler says. “At this point in our lives, a lot of us don’t really decorate our homes for Christmas.”
Most of the staff members at kaffé KARMA (including Kutler herself) are young adults who spend the holidays at family homes. Sprucing up the cafe for Christmas was a bonding experience for the team.
“It was nice to have a space to decorate,” Kutler adds.
The result is a homey space with a statement Christmas tree at the center. Tall industrial ceilings allowed for height, and Kutler filled the vertical space. Draped greenery, gift-wrapped boxes and stockings spelling out “KARMA” complete the festive vision.
Plus, with retail shelves at the front of the store stocked with artisan and self-care items, kaffé KARMA can be a one-stop shop for gifts, brunch and a festive latte.
In addition to its regularly scheduled yoga sessions, kaffé KARMA will host unique holiday events like a wreath-making workshop on December 9 and a vision board workshop for the new year.
kaffé KARMA | 342 Buckley Mill Road, Greenville
