Whether your taste is minimal or decorative — here’s how to choose the best dinnerware for your space

Dinnerware is a detail you might not have considered in depth before. Perhaps you’ve always opted for the classic white-on-white combination, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But may we suggest a change of tact. Choosing dinnerware that fits seamlessly into the overarching aesthetic of your home will make it feel, well, finished, plus it’s the easiest way of leaving a lasting impression on dinner guests. Whether your home is minimal, traditional or sumptuous, The Studio of Tableware has a vast and varied selection of sets to suit any taste.

The Contemporist
Your home is sleek, minimal and perfectly-styled. Neutral tones are paired with touches of timber and perhaps some exposed concrete or travertine. Everything is very new, very current, very now — and yet feels inherently timeless. You probably have some provocative art in your hallway. You probably also have a velvet or rattan armchair somewhere (or both). A home like this demands dinnerware that is tonal, uniquely-shaped and distinctly modern. It needs to reinforce to dinner guests that you know about interior trends and you’re not afraid to take a few risks to prove it. For your formal set, we would suggest the Bernardaud Bulle dinner set and for your informal, Junto by Rosenthal.

The Traditionalist
The spaces in your home are warm, welcoming and altogether lovely to be in. Guests never feel like they have to walk on eggshells because your living room is filled with comforting touches. Cashmere throws abound. Heavy drapes frame each room. There is always a slight smell of roast chicken wafting from the kitchen and pictures drawn by five-year-olds overlapping on the fridge. This home needs dinnerware that doesn’t venture too far off the beaten track or try to be the centre of attention. All it needs to do is offer a beautifully subtle backdrop for hearty meals and family dinners. For your formal set, we suggest Marches for Lenox Empire pearl indigo dinner set and for your informal, the Bernadaud Naxox dinner set.

The Maximalist
Your home matches your zany personality and presents as an eclectic combination of colour, texture and pattern. It embodies the idea of ‘niche,’ and revels in the unexpected, where nostalgic wallpaper changes from room to room, and shelves lined with tchotchkes (each with its own story) line the living spaces. This kind of house has no time for subtlety. It sees minimalism as a cop-out and asks why shouldn’t we use more colour here or an extra dash of texture there. So when it comes to dinnerware, you guessed it, more is more. Opt for something rendered in a unique colour or sporting an interesting pattern — the bolder the better, we say. For your formal set, we suggest Versace 25 Years Barocco and for your informal one, go for the Kate Spade Parker dinner set.

Left to right: Versace 25 Years Barocco dinner set, Christofle Garden of Eden cutlery, Kate Spade Parker dinner set, Christofle Mood 24 Piece cutlery set all from The Studio of Tableware

The Studio of Tableware

5 Harold St
Mount Eden
Auckland

(09) 638 8082

www.thestudio.co.nz

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The Autumn Spritz (on the left) & The Pan Am (on the right)
Clipper

Meet Ponsonby Road’s cool new neighbourhood bar, picking up where Mea Culpa left off

Taking over the space that was previously Mea Culpa, a team of mixologists and bartenders looking to redefine classic cocktails as we know them, have established a unique bar, destined to be the next neighbourhood hotspot. Clipper, as its unmissable neon signage announces, is the brainchild of a team that comprises two award-winning bartenders, Barney Toy and James Millar, Bacardí’s Global Advocacy Director, Jacob Briars and the hospitality expert, Richard Wood. Together, they have created a cute, kitschy locale with an eye-catching interior, and an impressive drinks menu.

From its pale pink interior to its compact capacity (able to accommodate up to 22 people), Clipper’s ambience is warm, cosy and inviting which is exactly what you’d hope for from a local bar. Its concept was inspired by the golden era of travel, when flying abroad was a luxurious form of leisure, and it’s an idea that’s most clear on its drinks menu. Sectioned into three categories — long-haul, short-haul and layover, the list varies from the lighter elixirs, designed to ensure longevity for an extended journey, to the stronger hits for the moments you might be in need of something quick and powerful and also includes a number of familiar classics — all with a unique twist. 

The Pan Am Cocktail, a revered creation of bartender Barney Toy, was awarded second place at the Bacardí Legacy Global Cocktail Competition, and is one of the most delicious drinks on Clipper’s menu. Seeking to evoke the luxurious lifestyles of those who would be seated in first-class on Pan-American Airlines in the 1920s and 1930s, Toy has combined all the elements that embody the elegance of that era. The cocktail comprises Bacardí Carta Blanca, Aperol, Orgeat almond syrup, lemon juice, egg white and Angostura Bitters, giving it a distinct flavour that moves from sweet to bitter and back again. 

Flat white martini (on the left) & Old fashioned pina colada (on the right)

Those looking for something lighter to keep them going the entire night, the Autumn Spritz from the Long-Haul menu can do no wrong. The simple mixture of Hennessey VS Cognac, apple vermouth and soda makes for a refreshing drink that could brighten any day. Finished with a garnishing of grapefruit, the semi-sweet and sour cocktail is one of those beverages that you could sip on forever.

The pina colada old fashioned marks a different approach to the typically tropical cocktail we all know and love. Removing the rich and heavy coconut cream from the original formula, the drink showcases the pineapple and coconut flavours through a housemade cordial which is enriched with Bacardí Reserva Ocho, Carta Blanca Rum and Tiki Bitters. And while that was undeniably delicious, it was the flat white martini that stole the show for us. Staying true to Kiwi coffee culture and its obsession with the flat white, Toy and Millar discovered a way to split the milk and coffee so all that was left was the whey, which is turned in to a creamy syrup and mixed with Belvedere Vodka, coffee liquor and espresso.

In terms of food, Clipper’s menu goes beyond the regular pub grub of beige finger food. Ratatouille, sticky smoked pork hock, chicken and leek terrine are just a few of many dishes on offer. The sophisticated menu also has some classic guilty pleasures, including a mac and two-cheese dish which is served with crispy shallots, parmigiano reggiano, truffle oil and crostini. Clipper also has a Mile High Session Lager on tap and a small selection of quality beers, wine, prosecco and champagne in its fridge, ensuring that anyone from the neighbourhood can find something to their taste, and walk out of Clipper feeling content and satisfied. 

Opening hours:
Tuesday — Thursday, 5pm until late
Friday — Sunday, 2pm until late
Monday, closed

Clipper

3/175 Ponsonby Road
Ponsonby
Auckland

https://www.instagram.com/clippernz/

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Kelly Hoppen in her London home

Renowned for both her interior work and eponymous furniture line, Kelly Hoppen is a designer to know

There’s a slick neutrality that’s central to Kelly Hoppen’s aesthetic. Whether the multi-hyphenate creative is adorning the interiors of her clients’ homes (a list that includes the likes of the Beckhams) or designing pieces for her celebrated furniture collection, Hoppen’s aesthetic is dictated by a combination of East-meets-West detailing, accents of taupe and a penchant for artfully curated objects that lend neutral spaces an appealing warmth.

Band dining table, Vinci occasional chair and Vinci bench all by Kelly Hoppen from Frobisher Auckland 

In a nod to Hoppen’s impressive portfolio that spans multiple countries and disciplines, the designer was awarded an MBE for Services to Design that, while highly-deserved, didn’t stop her from continuing to extend her body of work — recently applying her skills to the interiors of a luxury cruise ship. Aside from her conceptual interior work, Hoppen’s eponymous furniture line is another reason for the designer’s impressive reputation. The pieces play into Hoppen’s signature look with their geometric, sculptural detailing, reflective touches and understated opulence, as well as the fact that they all fall into the same kind of modern monochromatic palette. They are pieces that manage to be universally appealing while still standing as statements in a space and exude Hoppen’s own refined style.

Morrison ottoman, Art dining chair and Shield dining tableall by Kelly Hoppen from Frobisher Auckland 

Luckily for us, the designer’s elegant furnishings have never been more accessible, with exclusive stockists Frobisher recently opening an Auckland showroom in Parnell, and delighting the local design cohort by carrying a range of Hoppen’s distinguished pieces. 

Frobisher Auckland

7-9 Earle Street
Parnell
Auckland

(09) 281 3191

www.frobisherauckland.co.nz

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Veuve Clicquot is transforming Auckland’s favourite rooftop bar into a winter wonderland

A prolific waterfront rooftop destination is being taken over by the luxurious Veuve Clicquot for an entire month from the 19th July. SEVEN is set to be transformed into The Clicquot Chalet — Auckland’s edition of Queenstown’s iconic Clicquot in the Snow — and will give Aucklanders the perfect spot to cosy up in over the cold season.

The chalet will be festooned in Veuve Clicquot’s iconic yellow shade that will shine through the grey winter days and offer an exciting escape from what is typically the gloomiest month. Chalet-goers can treat themselves to glittering flutes of Veuve Clicquot Champagne along with divine food pairings that will be on hand to elevate the experience.

Those who have dined at SEVEN will be aware of how capable this eatery is at tantalising the tastebuds, but let us explain for the people who are yet to sample the delicious offering. The dishes featured at the chalet will be a line-up of SEVEN’s most popular items, including the popcorn shrimp, served with creamy yet slightly spicy sriracha mayo and finished with fragrant fried basil and chives, the beef tataki with black truffle dressing, the Big Glory Bay salmon taco and the infamous chicken katsu bao.

Taking things up a notch, Veuve Clicquot and SEVEN have also conceived the ultimate winter treat — a Valrhona chocolate fondue served with pillowy marshmallows which, alongside the blankets and throws that will be available to bundle up in, will really set the mood for the ideal wintry retreat. Crisp drinks, delicious food and rousing tunes spun by SEVEN’s resident DJ, Soraya LaPread, The Clicquot Chalet is set to transport us mountain-side and will be open from Tuesday to Saturday until 19th August.

If the chalet has you impressed, you’re bound to enjoy the main Clicquot in the Snow festival in Queenstown — missing out would be a missed opportunity. This is the ninth time the hotly-anticipated festival has been put on, and it’s not too late to buy tickets for this year’s iteration. Click here to find more information.

SEVEN

Level 7
Seafarers Building
52 Tyler Street
Auckland

Gastronomy

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Hitting the slopes this winter? These are the skiers you must avoid at all costs

When hitting the slopes we suggest you steer clear of the below.

This ski season, make the most of your alpine adventure with an unwavering indifference to others. Today’s mountain etiquette can be simply employed through blatant disregard. Once fresh powder has finally arrived, prepare to collide (most likely head or rear first) with a varied calibre of mountain-goers. Here are a few breeds to take note of…

Gypsies
Low-intermediate or advanced beginner skiers who are completely oblivious to their surroundings. Utilising the entire width of the slope, they attack it with complete randomness. Usually females aged 30-60, examples can occasionally be found in other demographic categories. A typical path they might take down (across) the slope would involve a right turn, right turn, right turn, left turn, right turn, sudden stop, look at you as if they see you, and then turn directly into your path.

Nostalgians
Generally of an advanced ski level this category has been owning the piste since they donned nappies. Nostalgians will share erroneous mountain history, their family history and even medical history to anyone who should be so unlucky as to share a chair lift with them. After an initial encounter there is no avoiding future conversions, Nostalgians can sniff out a familiar ear to chew off with the tenacity of a truffle pig.

Spontaneously Combustible Family Units
Usually led by an overly confident adult family member, these groups can range in size from four up to twelve and encompass a variety of ages and skill levels. Give them a very wide berth as they are known to be explosive at freezing point.

Ski Zombies
Usually very tall, lanky teenage males with oversized pants and sweatshirts who always wear mirrored goggles and their helmets tipped back, never use poles, and float around emotionless. Sometimes they will hit a rail but only with the least amount of effort possible. They never look at anyone or speak – even with their friends, and are prone to wandering into your path at a slow and infuriating pace.

Shufflers
Skiers who stand in the lift line with their poles planted in the ground shuffling their skis back and forth recklessly. Shufflers have the apparent aim of damaging your ‘hardgoods’ (equipment), but in reality have the bothersome affliction of being unable to keep still.

Placeholders
Those who choose to wait for their companions between the scanner and the chair, partly pulling to the side but not entirely out of the way. Placeholders cause confusion and waste time and when possible should be scowled at.

Snowboarders
All of them. A varied group who have a tendency toward clothing two sizes too big and are attached to a single board. Snowboarders will constantly annoy you and get in your way. Not to be confused with mono-skiers, as below. This group has no grounds for their blanket disdain of all skiers and as such should be punished. Do so by gliding past them with a glance and a wry smile as they: a) struggle to reattach themselves to their board after a chairlift, b) struggle to keep speed as they traverse a flat and narrow cat track, c) struggle to make their way through a collection a moguls and d) struggle to recover aftercatching an edge caught on a friend’s Go-Pro.

Mono-skiers
Skiers attached to one ski. Tell them to find a lake, or get another ski.

Tele-skiers (Telemarkers)
A group of arrogant show-offs who prefer free heel skiing, a form of downhill skiing using bindings where the boot is attached only at the toe. This group is most often donning the latest in Euro-steeze ski gear which this season includes colour blocking turquoise, orange, purple and lime green (seriously).

GoBros
Guys who are taking their GoPro-ing far too seriously. They will do whatever it takes to get the perfect shot regardless of their own safety, your safety, or your line down the mountain. They are most often seen awkwardly holding their GoPro on the end of a short ski pole, following it down the mountain like a snake following its charmer. True go-bros will also have a go-pro permanently attached to their head, even while taking a break for lunch. Some may even have a third at the back of their head. No one will ever care to watch any of their videos.

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Superette’s new collection has just landed and it’s transporting us to the City of Angels

Having landed in stores last week, Superette’s new pre-spring ’19 collection is shaking us out of our dreary, winter moods. Inspired by the kind of eccentric elegance often found in cities like Los Angeles and Palm Springs, the collection (aptly named Canyon Drive) exemplifies the Superette code — where animal-print motifs meet pops of neon, metallic touches and playful, textural contrasts.

From eye-catching knitwear to studded leather jackets and of course, a number of pieces emblazoned with the recognisable word, ‘Super,’ Canyon Drive is the laid-back but undeniably cool collection our monochromatic winter wardrobes have been crying out for.

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These skin-saving plant serums are revolutionising the beauty industry

Clean beauty is open to interpretation, and with no specific definition many skincare brands who tout the words ‘organic’ or ‘green’ can wind up being misleading. With such confusion, it can be hard to find the brands that cut through the noise and actually deliver, and often we find ourselves in need of a bit of guidance. The Facialist, recent winners of Best Holistic Beauty Destination at the NZ Best In Beauty Awards, has become our trusted source for all things clean skincare, and us here at Denizen can’t get enough of its ever-expanding repertoire of effective, organic, genuine products. It goes without saying, then, that we’ve been waiting with bated breath for The Facialist’s latest brand launch Biologi, the all-natural skincare hero that has cemented itself firmly in the hearts — and beauty cupboards — of the beauty cognoscenti.

Skincare that really is worth its holistic salt, Biologi’s Australian-made serums have revolutionised the industry with their 100 per cent active, water-soluble plant extract formulas — the first of its kind in the world. (Most products have included active ingredients at about 2 per cent.) Each elixir, created by renowned skincare chemist Ross Macdougald, is a multi-purpose wonder, designed to replace your moisturiser, night cream, day cream and eye cream, condensing the wearisome multi-stage regime into one, simple step. The line consists of four main serums, Bd Luminosity, Bk Rejuvination, Bf Hydration and, the latest addition, Bqk Radiance. Each is designed with a specific target in mind but are so multi-faceted in their results that they can be used to cure a variety of skin ailments. The Bf Hydration body serum, in particular, combines a unique blend of fruit acids and vitamin C to create a formula so moisture-boosting that it’s just as beneficial when used on other areas, like the face, lips and hair.

A unique brand that’s offering a radically different approach to skincare, Biologi really is paving the way for a cleaner, safer, far friendlier future in beauty. Once again, it seems, we’re thanking The Facialist for pointing us in the right direction, Biologi is a brand we’ll be championing evermore.

The Facialist

Shed 16
City Works Depot
2-16 Sale Street

www.thefacialist.co.nz

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McCleod's Pizza Barn

McLeod’s Brewery has re-opened its pizza barn, giving us the perfect excuse for a day trip

A getaway doesn’t always have to include jetting off to exotic locations or staying in lavish accommodation. All you need to do, is simply escape your regular surroundings and take a breather. One of our favourite places to go for a day of R&R is up North and the re-opening of McLeod’s Pizza Barn and Brewery is giving us all the more reason to go. The scenic drive takes just under two hours and is the perfect distance for a quick road trip.

The renowned McLeod’s Brewery has earned a number of awards, including three gold medals at the 2018 Brewers’ Guild of New Zealand Awards and its signature craft beer can be found both on tap and bottled at its Pizza Barn in Waipu. After a month-long break, the barn is back in full swing with an impressive line up of small-batch brews. With 11 beers on tap, covering from pale ale to stout and a further four varieties offering something a little different, including a Barley Wine and a limited-edition Black Sour, this barn is the place to be for the lovers of a brewski.

The Globetrotter pizza — smoked venison sausage, mushrooms, streaky bacon, roasted garlic, caramelised onion and capsicum

Designed to pair with the pints is a pizza menu that exceeds all expectations. Filled with delicious options that are loaded with the freshest toppings, each pizza is packed full of flavour. Our favourite is hands down, the Cooper which features herb roased chicken, bacon, mushroom, sundried tomatoes and parmesan cheese on a crispy thin crust. The vegetarian pizzas at the barn are also not to be missed, especially the kumara, avocado and brie medley, otherwise known as the Herbalist

The specials change depending on the seasonal availability of ingredients, which means that patrons can rest assured in the knowledge that what they’re getting is nothing but the freshest. The specials offer the chefs a chance to delve into other pub classics such as burgers, wings and fish and chips — and boy do they do a good job of it.

Following your pub and grub session (please be sure to secure a sober driver for the day), combat the carb coma and explore the rest of Waipu such as the Waipu Caves. Or add another hour to the journey by heading towards the East Coast side of Northland and soak in the quaint ambience of Tutukaka to really make the drive well worth it.

McLeod's Pizza Barn & Brewery

2 Cove Rd
Waipu

(09) 432 1011

www.mcleodsbrewery.co.nz

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Comet by Colin McCahon (1974)

This striking exhibition celebrates 100 years of preeminent Kiwi artist Colin McCahon

This year marks 100 years since the birth of revered New Zealand painter, Colin McCahon — a man whose distinctive adaptation of modernism rendered his work seminal in the wider landscape of art in this country. Now, Auckland’s Gow Langsford Gallery is celebrating the considerable impact of this cultural figure, with an arresting exhibition called Across The Earth: 100 Years of Colin McCahon.

The exhibition comprises a collection of significant paintings that speak to McCahon’s unique interpretation of the New Zealand landscape — a series of loose canvases from McCahon’s Muriwai period. Expressing the rawness of the environments he depicted by rendering them on canvas that hadn’t been stretched or framed, McCahon’s focus on maintaining textural integrity delivered raw representations of his chosen subject. It also allowed the artist to imbue his works with a sense of urgency and immediacy, where the unrefined edges and simple compositions confronted the viewer with the wild essence of the New Zealand landscape.

Left: Kokowai (1976) | Right: A Handkerchief for St Veronica (1973)

Included in Gow Langsford’s exhibition is McCahon’s Urewera Triptych (1975) an important piece in which the artist captured the Urewera National Park and its people, Ngai Tuhoe iwi. The exhibition also includes pieces like A Handkerchief for St Veronica, McCahon’s 1973 painting in which the subject (a handkerchief) is given added depth via the artist’s choice to depict it on loose canvas; and Comet (1974) which saw the artist depicts the varying shades of a night sky, where a white horizon glows at the bottom of the frame.

Urewera Triptych (1975)

Set to be an exhibition not to miss, Across The Earth: 100 Years of Colin McCahon is on now and runs until 3rd August.

For more information, click here.

Gow Langsford Gallery

26 Lorne Street
Auckland

(09) 303 9391

www.gowlangsfordgallery.co.nz

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This tranquil São Paolo residence is the perfect place for a spot of quiet reflection

In the São Paolo town of Vinhedo, nestled high within a flourishing canopy, sits a masterclass in the art of escapism. Casa Biblioteca — or ‘Library House’ as it’s otherwise known — was commissioned by a Brazilian philosopher with one particular brief in mind: it had to be a relaxing haven perfect for both thinking and reading in peace. 

The result, brought about by São Paolo-based architects Atelier Branco Arquitetura, was a 200 square metre retreat set within Vinhedo’s lush, forested region, the ‘Mata Atlantica.’ A unique play with dimensions sees the dwelling submerged within a sloping hill, where the roof of the house is level with the street. Uninterrupted floor-to-ceiling glass, held in place by two sandwiching concrete sheets and eight long-limbed concrete pillars, provides perpetual views of the lush, encircling verdure.

Once inside, the home is spacious and minimalistic. Dividing walls have been eschewed in favour of an open, timber clad interior, where wooden floorboards run throughout and ‘rooms’ are separated by three levels, distinguished only by the furniture that sits within. On the second floor, a built-in wooden bookshelf coils around the space, complemented by a variety of sculptural seating finished in a muted colour palette.

Tapping into the notion that sometimes there is nothing better in life than immersing oneself in nature, curling up in a comfortable chair and forgetting the world in favour of a quality read, The Library House sets a new precedent for the humble quiet retreat.

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