We know. Things can get pretty overwhelming pretty quickly at this time of year. And just when you realise Christmas has properly kicked in, you also realise you’re running about six months behind schedule. Behold four speedy ways to cast your cynicism aside and jump-start your festive fancy.
1. Get a Christmas tree
Go on. Bite the bullet. Sure, it might only be a three-week investment but the smell of pine and the fact that you actually have a place to put your slowly accumulating Christmas gifts is worth every penny. That’s not even counting the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel.
2. Search ‘It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas’ on Spotify…
Press ‘shuffle play’, start making dinner, and wait to see what happens. The comforting timbre of Michael Bublé’s voice will subliminally lure you into a state of festive acceptance.
3. Make a list of the people you need to buy presents for
It might be daunting to begin with but you’ll feel a lot more ‘in control’ once you’ve tackled this simple yet effective task. Pragmatism is key. You’ll also find that your creative juices will start flowing with some fabulous gift ideas.
4. Build a gingerbread house
This is a great excuse to do your bit for the younger ones (or not). Order your house here, flick on some Christmas tunes (see above), holster your apron and make like Martha Stewart. It’s the Christmas ritual you need in your life.
Words Albert Cho | PHOTOS Clara Jane | 11 Dec 2019
Located inside a historic building perched on Mount Eden that dates back to 1926, Whau Eatery promises to live up to the values held by the historically rich premise of Maungawhau (Mount Eden). Its motto, ‘te ipu kai o te aroha,’ translates to ‘the food bowl of love’ and at Whau, love is showcased not only through its food, but also in its caring service (mana akitanga), where the focus is on fostering relationships (whanaugatanga) and facilitating unity (kotahitanga).
Kakato Kawakawa
Last year, this historic building was used by Dane Tumahai as a real fruit ice cream shop — an endeavour so successful that the landlords asked Tumahai to set up a permanent cafe in the space. With little experience operating an eatery, Tumahai handed the opportunity to his partner Jacqui and her daughter Georgia Perillo. The mother-daughter duo joined forces with Huri Rapana Neill, the owner of lauded Auckland lunch spot, Hero Sandwich house, who has bought his helpful, in-depth understanding of the hospitality industry to the venture. Together, and with support of chef Nick Ravlich (who has worked in the kitchens of some of Melbourne’s top restaurants, including Stokehouse), the team has created an eatery that is welcoming and a menu that is entirely unique and utterly delicious.
Mīharo
Whau Cafe’s food is described as contemporary Māori kai, showcasing Māori influence and traditional Māori ingredients in every dish. One highlight was definitely the Kakato Kawakawa — fry bread crumpets served with a perfectly poached pear, drenched in burnt butter and topped with fresh whipped cream. Another favourite was the Te Ahi Kōmau which saw a slice of kumara sourdough, slathered in goat’s cheese and topped with blistered vine tomatoes that burst with tangy flavour.
Kūtai Parai — Mussel Fritters
For those after something more substantial, the Mīharo might be one of the tastiest mince-on-toast dishes we have ever tried, seeing a slice of sourdough heaped with rich, saucy beef ragu and wilted greens. Elsewhere, the Kūtai Parai — Whau’s rendition of classic Kiwi mussel fritters — comprises morsels that are spherical, rather than flat, which not only allows for them to have crispy golden exteriors, but sees each filled with a fluffy mixture of seafood and kamo kamo — a type of Māori squash. The whole thing is finished with a side of creamy tartare and a poached egg.
With both indoor and outdoor seating available, Whau is able to accommodate around 100 patrons and considering the prolific views it boasts from its mountainside location, is positioned to become a favourite spot, especially over the summer. We recommend ending your Whau experience by going around the corner to get a real fruit ice cream and enjoying it in the open air, or on the ride back down.
A bustling new bar and eatery has landed in Viaduct Harbour just in time for the celebratory season, taking over what used to be Bungalow 8. Viaduct Yacht Club (VYC) has given the once-popular nightclub spot a modern and elegant reimagining, transforming it into a contemporary, black and white space with beechwood accents and a spectacular, 80-seater bar. Laidback but elevated, Viaduct Yacht Club is reminiscent of something one might expect to find in the Hamptons and is an exciting new addition to the waterfront area.
Viaduct Yacht Club
On the menu, South American flavours take centre stage with dishes like octopus salad with pickled potato and mint sitting alongside delicious Argentinian choripán chorizo. For those seeking something heartier, dishes like the lamb rump with mint jelly and the black ink spaghetti with Cloudy Bay clams and octopus ragout are the way to go. Here, the seafood dishes really shine — each a tasty reflection of the covetable Viaduct Harbour location. And if you’re after something sweet, the tiramisu is up there as one of the best in town.
Black ink spaghetti with Cloudy Bay clams
But a visit to VYC would be incomplete without trying at least one of its many creative cocktails. The Drake’s Demise, for instance, comprises a heavenly mixture of smoky gunpowder rum, sweet pandan, aromatic coconut, sour guava and refreshing notes of citrus and pineapple. Otherwise, the VYC Espresso Martini takes the classic drink up a notch, with the addition of buttered Cognac and indulgent Oreo crumb.
Viaduct Yacht Club is open now and will remain so from Wednesdays to Sundays, midday until late. Although the long bar seats 80, the whole place can comfortably accommodate 200, so you can expect an environment humming with activity. The menu will change according to seasonal availability, so we recommend getting down there as soon as possible to ensure you get a taste of that octopus ragout (it’s seriously delicious). But setting aside all its other attributes, VYC is the perfect place to make the most of the bustling Viaduct Harbour this summer — and that’s reason enough to get us down there STAT.
Opening hours: Wednesday — Sunday: 12pm until late
Christmas’ imminent arrival, despite being a time of fun and frivolity, can spark a sense of dread for most. Put simply, that’s because the art of Christmas gifting is one that becomes more difficult with each passing year. There’s always that one person whose taste is so refined that gifting becomes a minefield, and it’s impossible to avoid that lofty relative who seemingly has everything they could ever want or need. There’s a good chance you will wind up having to buy a gift for someone you barely even know, a new acquaintance perhaps, or the office’s intern, following an unlucky Secret Santa draw. If this sounds like you, then fear not — because no matter what your gifting woes, Simon James Design‘s vast and varied collection of coveted wares make buying for the difficult, easy. To make the process even easier for you, we’ve cherry-picked a selection of presents perfectly suited to the hard-to-buy-for. You can thank us later.
We suggest opting for the left-field route wherever possible, unexpectedness is key. Take these sculptural Streamer Candle Holders, for example, which see glistening brass candleholders balanced off-centre upon a cylindrical base of brown marble. While, for those with an especially evident taste for luxury, may we suggest Jessica McCormack’s small stud, diamond earrings, from the designer’s latest Moonshine collection. Set with a half-moon-shaped diamond and handcrafted in 18k yellow gold and blackened white gold, they make for a gift that really goes the extra mile.
L-R: Binchotan Charcoal facial soap, Streamer Candle Holders, Jessica McCormack Moonshine Small Stud Diamond Earrings, Echasse Bowl, Wine and Bottle Opener Set Skultana
If you’re looking for a universally-pleasing gift, appropriate as a stocking-filler for close friends or an intriguing present for vague acquaintances, the Binchotan Charcoal facial soap, by Morihata, should do the trick. Crafted from pure Binchotan Charcoal, not only is it an offering that will get put to good use — charcoal is renowned for its moisturising and detoxifying benefits — it also makes for a far more elevated option than your standard sprays and smellies. While, for those who consider themselves an aesthete of sorts, this sleek Echasse Bowl will certainly make a bold impression. At once sophisticated and playful, it sees a delicate glass form set atop slender, golden legs.
When in doubt, opt for a gift that boasts aesthetic appeal while remaining inherently functional. A kitchen item, especially the case if the receiver is hosting plenty of seasonal events this year, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Take this gilded set of handmade wine and bottle openers, designed this year by Studio Skultuna and handcrafted from IP-plated steel. Be sure to gift them alongside a fine bottle of wine to truly bag those Christmas brownie points.
Still struggling? Click here to browse more crowd-pleasing presents from the Simon James-curated Christmas Gift Guide.
The scope of the new technology we’re faced with every day is vast and varied. From developments that render us more connected than ever, to handheld devices that are starting to make our computers feel all but obsolete, the landscape of modern tech is a fascinating place. But it can also be overwhelming. The sheer volume can mean that some things fall by the wayside as we try (and often fail) to keep up.
That said, there is one piece of recent tech news that has captivated us. Samsung has just released a first-of-its-kind, groundbreaking mobile phone that features something we’d usually only expect to see in the world of science-fiction — a foldable screen.
The new Galaxy Fold heralds an entirely new category of mobile technology — one that is the result of several months of painstaking development to offer an experience unlike anything else.
When closed, the Galaxy Fold gives users access to their essentials on a cover screen of sorts. But when opened, the phone’s 7.3-inch Infinity Flex Display facilitates a whole new world of usability, reimagining how we operate our devices in totally unprecedented ways.
From capturing and sharing photos to app continuity, the phone promises seamless transitions from the cover to the main display, as well as allowing users to run multiple apps at once. This means that you could be editing footage, browsing your photo gallery and checking your emails all at the same time.
Available for pre-sale in New Zealand now and shipped from the 18th December, the Samsung Galaxy Fold is signalling the start of a new era for mobile technology and is encouraging us to step boldly into the future.
There is something so special about lighting a candle at home. Especially as we edge closer to Christmas. Not only is it the easiest way of keeping your interiors feeling inviting and fresh, but it introduces a comforting ritual into the daily routine — a reminder to slow down between all craziness that accompanies this time of year.
So when we heard that Trenzseater had not only created its own exclusive candle scents — Hanako and Bergamo — but was also offering a wax refilling service, we made a beeline for the showroom before starting any of our other preparations for the season.
To make the most of this before Christmas, head into Trenzseater’s Parnell store, choose a beautiful glass vessel and, for $85 per litre, have it filled with one of Trenzseater’s signature candle waxes. The distinctive scents hang in the air so beautifully that you’ll want to keep the wick lit at all times, and when it finally reaches the bottom, you can take your vessel back to Trenzseater to have it refilled.
Scott Eady is an artist known for his playfulness, his works are often conceptual sculptures that play with colour — many pieces come in attention-grabbing saturated hues — texture, and humour. And yet despite his distinctive artistic style, no two Eady exhibition are ever similar, and thus they always come with an ample dose of surprise. His most recent installation, currently on display at Sanderson Gallery, is especially unexpected. Entitled Images Of Love, it is unique in that it explores many facets and purposes of art, all while making us question the relationship between decorative and practical.
The installations comprise a selection of glistening, stainless steel vases which, while obviously part of a set, are unique and attention-grabbing in their own right. While one, for example, boasts an undulating exterior reminiscent of a smooth wave, another is complete with the addition of shimmering nodules, or triangular shapes. Even the plinths which the vases are placed atop are crafted at the hands of Eady himself, via repurposed furniture from his home. The main purpose of a vase of course, despite its ornamental properties, is to house flowering blooms, and as such Eady has harnessed the talents of four different florists to create a bouquet of flowers for each.
To round off the installation Eady has complimented his shimmering pieces with a vibrant, hand-crafted rug, which not only ties the whole collection together — its fibres pick out the flamboyant hues of the blooms perfectly— but also makes the space feel welcoming, warm and home-like.
Words Margie Riddiford | PHOTOS Fraser Chatham | 9 Dec 2019
From Tiffany & Co.’s jaw-dropping gems to the intricate florals of Pasquale Bruni to Jessica McCormack’s modern diamonds, the pieces we’re wishing for this Christmas go well beyond the normal. Here, our feline friends showcase the most impressive jewels of the season — and man do they wear them well.
Left: Pasquale Bruni Stelle In Fiore bracelet and ring, Right: Pasquale Bruni Ton Joli necklace all from Hartfield
Left: Jessica McCormack Chi Chi Four Row necklace from Simon James, Right: Sutcliffe Fragile Bounty earring from Sutcliffe, Multi-coloured Sapphire & Diamond necklace from Mansors
Left: Sutcliffe Aquamarine Diamond ring, Essence ring, Tourmaline Desire ring all from Sutcliffe, Right: Partridge Multi Shaped Diamond halo bracelet from Partridge
Left: Tiffany & Co. Fancy Vivid Yellow Emerald Cut Diamond bracelet and Fancy Intense Yellow Cushion Diamond necklace from Tiffany & Co., Right: Partridge Sapphire and Diamond flower design bracelet from Partridge
Left: Partridge Multi Shaped Diamond halo bracelet from Partridge, Right: Tiffany & Co. Round Green Tourmaline bracelet and Emerald Cut Soleste Single Row ring from Tiffany & Co.
Left: Tiffany & Co. Pear Shaped Diamond necklace, Right: Tiffany & Co. Solesete Single Row diamond and Sapphire Diamond Akoya Pearl Wave bracelet all from Tiffany & Co.
Right: Pasquale Bruni Je T’aime necklace from Hartfield
Styling: Claire Sullivan-Kraus & Clara Jane Cats: Louis & Skylar Hand Model: Fliss Grennell Shown throughout: Spring Spa manicure in OPI Malaga Wine
‘Tis the season of parties, elegant soirées, casual barbeques and one of our favourite types of events to attend, potlucks. Creating a dish to impress at a potluck doesn’t need to be a complicated affair, it just has to be simple, easy to eat and hearty enough to feed a group of hungry people. Monkey Bread is one dish that ticks all of those boxes — and only takes a hot minute to whip up. When made right, it pulls apart effortlessly and is absolutely delicious. Here is a foolproof recipe that will make you the MVP of any potluck you attend this season.
Ingredients For the dough – 200mL of Lewis Road Creamery Organic Light Milk – 85 grams of unsalted Lewis Road Creamery butter – 2 eggs – 550 grams of bread flour – 2½ tsp of yeast powder – 1½ tsp of fine table salt – 50 grams of raw sugar – Vegetable oil or canola oil for greasing
To assemble – 125 grams of unsalted Lewis Road Creamery butter – 1 tbsp of ground cinnamon – 1 tsp of ground ginger – 1 tsp of nutmeg – 1 tsp of allspice – 230 grams of dark brown sugar – 150 grams of toasted and chopped pecans, walnuts and almond slices (mixed)
For the glaze – 100 grams of icing sugar – 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract – 1 tbsp of Lewis Road Creamery Light Milk – Pinch of ground cinnamon – 30 grams of unsalted Lewis Road Creamery butter, melted
Method 1. To make the dough take a medium-sized pan and heat the milk and butter together until it melts. When it starts to simmer, turn the heat off. Let it cool for a few minutes before whisking in the eggs with a fork. 2. In a separate, large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar and salt and then add the liquid butter, milk and egg combination. Mix until it becomes a dough-like consistency then leave to sit for 5 minutes. 3. Flour a clean surface and start to knead your dough for approximately 7 minutes, until smooth and springy. 4. Take another large bowl and grease it with oil (preferably use canola or vegetable oil as the strong flavours of olive oil can be too much in this recipe) add the dough and turn it in the oil to coat. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and set aside in a warm space for an hour for the dough to double in size. 5. Grease a 25cm bundt pan with butter. Melt the rest of the butter in a pot over a low heat. 6. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, mix the spices, sugar and salt. 7. Take 2 tbsp of the melted butter and drizzle it across the base of the bundt pan before following with 3 tbsp of the sugar and spice mixture. Finish by sprinkling 4 tbsp of chopped pecans across the base of the tin. 8. Take the dough and separate it into approximately 65 small pieces. Take around five balls at a time, dunk them in the remaining melted butter, shake off the excess and then roll them in the spice and sugar mixture until they’re coated. Place them in the tin until you have one full layer. Sprinkle some pecan nuts over the top and then repeat this process until you have no more dough left. Tip in any leftover sugar and butter over the top when you’re finished. 9. Cover the pan with oiled cling wrap and leave the dough to rise again in the tin in a warm place for an hour, or until the dough doesn’t spring back when you poke it. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celcius, fan-bake. 10. Bake the bread for approximately 35 minutes or until risen and golden. Once it’s ready, let the tin cool for 10 minutes and then smack it on the counter to loosen the bread from the sides. 11. As your bread cools, make the glaze by mixing all the ingredients together thoroughly. Turn the bread onto a plate and when it’s cooled completely, drizzle the glaze across the top.
To say that the home of Juliet Arent, co-founder of design studio Arent & Pyke, is a family affair, would be an understatement. Having bought an entire apartment block in Sydney’s North Bondi neighbourhood with her cousin as a place for both of their families to live, Arent’s newly-renovated abode is warm and welcoming, designed with family at the forefront. In no room is this idea as apparent as the kitchen.
To improve the flow between the kitchen and the living room, an elegant archway was used in place of a traditional door. Maximising the potential of the long, narrow space via a shrewd use of natural light, Arent also introduced reflective cabinetry above her Fisher & Paykel rangehood that works to open the space and mirror the greenery of the garden immediately outside.
But the most impressive element of this kitchen lies behind its sophisticated, jewel-toned cabinets. Seamlessly integrated into the structure of the space, sits a full suite of innovative Fisher & Paykel appliances that have been fitted so that they are either hidden behind the green cabinetry, (like the French door fridge) or flush with its sleek, minimalist lines, like the eleven-function black oven, the gas-on-glass cooktop and built-in rangehood.
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