Modern Pineapple - Page 8 of 9 - Celebrating, Entertaining and Living Well

February 22, 2015

12 Best-Loved Cookbooks

I’ve always been a morning person. It serves me well during the week, but the weekend is a completely different story. I used to wish I could sleep in later, always dreaming of those long, luxurious mornings under the covers. These days, I’ve really started embracing my early morning nature. I love hearing the birds outside, cozying up with a freshly brewed cup of coffee and pulling an inspiring book off of our shelves.

On Sunday mornings, those reads are cookbooks. It’s when I usually get to thinking about our dinners for the week to come, and want to linger over the pages dreaming of enjoyable meals for my guy and me. I’ve been collecting cookbooks for as long as I can remember, often getting them as gifts once my friends and family realized this passion. I love Pinterest of course {seriously love}, but there’s something about turning the pages of a book and leaning over them while cooking in the kitchen that will never get old. These are a dozen of my favorites that inspire me time and time again, and hope they inspire you too. Enjoy!

General: How to Cook Everything / The Williams-Sonoma Cookbook / The Joy of Cooking / I Know How to Cook / Fave Cooks: Barefoot Contessa Parties {this is my favorite Ina book of all time, but I LOVE all of hers} / It’s All Good / Martha’s Entertaining / Plenty / Regional: Tidewater on the Half Shell / Dishing Up Virginia / Newlyweds {perfect gifts!}: The Newlywed Cookbook / Bride & Groom Entertaining

February 21, 2015

The Perfect Guacamole

Every girl needs a few go-to recipes that can be made at a moment’s notice. One of mine is guacamole — it’s simple, practically effortless and absolutely delicious. I usually keep avocados and the other ingredients around, so this also doesn’t leave me scrambling {there’s nothing worse}.

Avocados

The Perfect Guacamole

2 avocados
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
1/4 cup red onion, minced
2 serrano chiles {seeds removed! and minced}
2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped

Cut the avocados in half, remove the seed and scoop out the avocado into a bowl {any bowl will do, but as guac enthusiasts we have a molcajete — I love ours and totally recommend getting one}. Use the pestle, or fork, to mash the avocado. Sprinkle with salt and lime juice to keep the avocados from browning. Then add the pepper, red onion, cilantro and chiles. Mix together and voilà!

This avocado tool from OXO is my favorite.

Serve with chips {I warm mine in the oven for just a few minutes to get them toasty} and dig in! It’s easiest to pour the chips into an oven-safe dish like this one, heat, and then serve on a trivet.

February 20, 2015

Friday Favorites: Oscars Edition

It’s finally here — the Super Bowl for us girls. Oscars are on Sunday and I’m beside myself I won’t get to watch it live with everyone at home. Last year, I was at the BirchBox viewing party and it was everything.

As much as I love it, I’m not die hard enough to stay up till 1:30am for the ceremony to start. I’m planning to live vicariously through the instagram coverage and watch the next morning with my coffee. Happy Oscar Weekend!

1. Slate unveils its predictions day by day.
2. Pop Sugar shows how to host a chic fête on Sunday evening.
3. Ann Hornaday’s argument that we still don’t know how to watch a movie.
4. This quiz will have you hooked.
5. For my fellow Londoners.

May there be such wonderfully epic moments as this. {Go, NPH!}

February 19, 2015

Checking In: Le Bristol Paris

Located in the 8th arrondissement on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré is the impressive Le Bristol Paris. Immediately upon entering its gilded revolving doors, I was overwhelmed in all the right ways by the elegant interior, stunning floral arrangements and welcoming people. The location is perfectly situated for shopping as it’s near the Champs Élysées, along with chic bistros, museums and the Arc de Triomph. We had the pleasure of staying here for a long weekend in January — our first trip to Paris together — and were greeted in our room with delicious champagne and sweets from the hotel. One night we even came back to the sweetest display of rose petals on our bed. We especially loved the double sinks and Hermes soaps in the marble bathroom, and seemingly unlimited channels of music we could enjoy before an evening out on the town.

Le Bristol opened during the roaring 20s, and is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. It’s no secret why it’s continued to be such a beloved hotel in Paris. It boasts a three Michelin star restaurant Epicure, beautiful sunlit indoor pool with views of the Eiffel Tower, and compact gym to work off those delicious pan au chocolat we enjoyed at every opportunity. Perhaps my favorite aspect of the entire hotel were two playful little furballs {Birman cats Fa-Raon and Kléopatre} that roamed the halls, lounging about gorgeous dining rooms and greeting guests with a playful rub around their ankles. And lastly, the Le Bar du Bristol offers some of the best cocktails for a nightcap in the City of Light.

Kléopatre, queen of the hotel.

Till next time, Paris!

February 18, 2015

Let There Be Light

I’ve always had a thing for lighting. The ambience of a room, event and space can be wholly influenced by the type and amount of lights. It can add drama, amplify colors and create a mood. {I mean, there’s a reason why they say everyone looks good in candlelight.}

This week we’ve been busy with electricians rewiring our flat, which has brought the topic of task lighting to the forefront of my mind. I usually favor table and floor lamps over bulky ceiling lights that can cast a harsh glow and bizarre shadows. Lately though, I’ve been getting into the artful details overhead lighting can bring to a space while doing their main job of general illumination. Here are the ones I’m currently dreaming of to decorate our home:

The perfect amount of glam to go over our seating area in the living room. {Aerin}

Growing up at the beach means I love anything to do with water. These capiz shells would be beautiful over a kitchen table or breakfast nook, creating a light airy feeling. {West Elm}

I’ll be the first to admit I am drawn to classic lines and shapes, but I love the energy that comes from pairing the traditional with something modern. This chandelier would create that dynamic feeling over our traditional dining room table. {Jonathan Adler}

Waking up each morning would be that much sweeter seeing the sunlight amplified in this chandelier above our bed. {Williams-Sonoma Home}

In keeping with that whole easy breezy feeling I’m longing for in the guest room, this light is functional and adds a little island vibe. {Alexa Hampton}

I like the idea of an orb chandelier welcoming at the front door. It has a similar feel to the classic lantern but as an openwork sphere. {Ballard Designs}

It’s a little out there, but I love the playfulness of a bubble chandelier over a freestanding tub in the master bath. {PLC Lighting}

February 17, 2015

Guest Room Must-Haves

Traveling is exciting, wonderful and, at times, majorly stressful. I love staying in hotels, resorts, B&Bs, with friends… but when I’m not in my normal environment little things I need to help maintain my day-to-day can be worrisome, from will there be a hair dryer to where’s that plug!?

By working in travel PR, I’ve spent a lot of time in hotel rooms {a lot}. I’ve taken note over the years on ways the best make stays special for their guests, and incorporated them into our home. Here are my favorite ways to make our guest room a little haven for friends and family:

Wifi Password – Let’s be serious. It’s going to be one of the first questions after opening the door and hugging hello (especially for us where our guests might not be using international calling plans, instead relying on wifi). I used a cute design from Michelle Hickey {love her printables} and put it into a frame on the dresser.

Fresh flowers – There are few things as special as waking up to fresh flowers on a nightstand. I place seasonal blooms in the room the morning guests are set to arrive. They’re the perfect greeting upon arrival, and each time they’re in the room.

Charging Station – With living in another country, I know our guests probably won’t have a charger for their iPhones, iPads, and other electronic goodies. Behind the nightstand, I set up a power strip so there are multiple outlets available {there’s nothing worse than having too few outlets in a room you don’t know} and put extra chargers we have in there. Use tags to label the chargers so they know what to use for each device.

Clean Towels on the Bed – It’s easier to have towels folded nicely and placed on the bed so guests know those are theirs to use. I save our travel toiletries from different hotels, and include those on top as well.

Books & Magazines – On the nightstand, I put out a few interesting books for reading pleasure, along with a couple of that month’s magazines. Based on who is visiting, I’ll pick up something I know they might like. {When my parents come, I’ll get Architectural Digest, for my best friend it’s British Vogue}. It’s also great idea to have a local magazine or newspaper. We get a couple free ones {The Kensington Magazine and The Resident} every month, so I save that for our guest room. It’s both inexpensive and thoughtful. I also keep a notepad and pen in the nightstand drawer, just in case they need to jot down some notes.

Keys – Chances are you won’t be with your guests 24/7. Let them feel comfortable to come and go as they please with their own set of keys. I bought a cute London bus keychain to go with ours, picked up at one of the tourist shops for less than £1.

A Local’s Map – Unless you’re planning to welcome home family, your guests don’t know the area fully. For us, that’s beyond true. Urban living means big cities and so much to explore. I put a map of London on the dresser with the keys. It has places of interest, the tube system and shows all the city’s neighborhoods.

Space in the Closet – This one is the hardest for us, I will admit. We use our guest room closet for all of our seasonal clothes. Still, while our guests are here we will take out some {ideally all} of our clothes so they can hang their with the extra hangers I keep in the closet.

Luggage Rack – My favorite thing. It’s such a little luxury, but I love having my suitcase on a luggage rack in hotels. That little elevation makes all the difference to me, and will to your visitors too. {They’re worth the minor investment! I purchased ours from Amazon.}

Blankets – I always have a blanket folded across the foot of the bed. Everyone’s body temperature is different, so I like to make sure people have easy access to extra warmth.

Special Tools – I try to always pack in a carry-on if it’s a trip of five days or less. That means I’m really looking at cutting down space and it’s only essentials going with me. I figure my guests want to do that too, so I keep a hair dryer and curling iron in a basket in the guest room. I also keep a flashlight in the nightstand drawer, just in case!

February 16, 2015

Spring Table Inspiration

I’ve spent the better part of the last three months wrapped in the coziest knits and doing my best to escape the freezing temps {but it’s been absolutely nothing like the East Coast — Boston, I am in awe}.

Slowly, though, we know the days are starting to get a little longer, the nights slightly shorter, and the air a little warmer. I’m giddy with excitement at the thought of spring coming around the corner.

I’m eager to start moving outdoors — picnics in the park, long walks after dinner — and moving the spring blooms into our dining room to grace the table. I want to feel the freshness of the new season after being cooped up all winter and energized for al fresco entertaining. Here’s a little bit of what I’m dreaming of in the months to come.

Those beautiful cherry blossoms! So elegant and one of my favorite symbols of spring. Our street blooms with them in April and it reminds me of Washington DC every year.

The classic combination of green and white feel so fresh. I also love the cotton cutwork with Kim Seybert’s Nimbus napkins.

This beautiful table feels airy and light with the white linen table runner. I’d recreate this with the Juliska Berry & Thread whitewash set.

So vibrant!

Note to self: love the look of varying mercury glass with tea lights {similar here}.

February 15, 2015

A Dining Dream

Last night, my guy and I had, without a doubt, one of the best meals of our lives. The Ledbury needs no introduction around London — located on Ledbury Road in Notting Hill, it’s a two Michelin star spot with innovative seasonal dishes from head chef Brett Graham and deliciously paired wines, set in a classically cool dining room. {I was absolutely in love with the mod chandelier.}

Via Nelson Design

The food and wine were amazing — but what really set the night apart for me was the presentation of every dish {see photos below! I couldn’t resist snapping a few}, and the way we felt relaxed from the moment we stepped in the door. It was the little things — the way our coats were taken so seamlessly (and remembered with no tag), how each wine was meticulously paired to enhance the dish we were about to enjoy, how our water glasses were never empty. It was elegant without being stuffy, beautiful without any pretentiousness.

Our experience at The Ledbury reminded me of my philosophy of celebrating the everyday both beautifully and uncomplicated. A weeknight lasagne dinner for the two of us can become a special Italian evening with Frank Sinatra crooning through my iPhone and a delicious bottle of red decanting on the table. By thinking about how I want the night to feel, and focusing on a few high-impact details, it elevates the entire experience. The Ledbury did that and more — taking every opportunity to make our night special, right down to giving us a printed copy of the menu we had as a memento.

What a special night — and good reminders for celebrating and living well everyday.

A little dark! My handsome date enjoying the first of our four amuse bouches (yes, four!) and rose champagne.

I couldn’t resist sneaking some pics. It was TOO beautiful! I loved the way the china (or wood log as seen above) were paired with the dish.

Fillet of Sea Bass with brassicas, seaweed and sake.

The Raveningham Estate Hare with beetroot, grumolo, olives and rhubarb — the presentation was everything.

February 14, 2015

Sharing the Love

Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s a beautiful, sunny morning here in London and my man is still asleep so I’m sneaking around doing some last minute surprises. I have a few tricks up my sleeve for our first married V-Day {red velvet pancakes in bed! at-home massage via UrbanMassage!} and tonight we’re heading out to dinner at The Ledbury.

If you’re looking for an easy sweet to enjoy, a perfect choice is chocolate-covered strawberries. I made them last night to kick off our weekend, and they were so simple and delicious.

A fun fact about chocolate: in the late 1800s, the Swiss (no surprise) were the first to develop processes for making solid chocolate candy and the process hasn’t changed much since then. Why mess with a good thing?

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Melting chocolate {I used Valrhona}
10-12 ripe strawberries
Sprinkles

Wash your strawberries and pat dry, then place wax paper onto a baking sheet. (Trick: if the wax paper keeps rolling, just spray some baking spray onto the sheet, and then put down the wax paper. Ta da!) Set both aside.

Cut 6-8 small pieces of chocolate off the melting bar (to make it easier to melt) and place into a small sauce pan on low heat. Stir constantly for about five minutes until completely melted. Dip the strawberries into the melted chocolate till mostly covered. Place onto the wax paper-covered baking sheet. Put on sprinkles immediately so chocolate doesn’t start to harden. Repeat for each berry.

Once all the dipping is done, let the strawberries sit out on the baking sheet for as little as one hour and as many as 3-4 before consuming (if same day!). If you’re waiting to give, after they’ve cooled and hardened, place into a lock-tight container and into the refrigerator.

After an easy Friday night dinner, we poured some wine while watching The Good Wife {obsessed}, and tucked right into these.

My handsome man sampling the strawbs — he approved.

February 13, 2015

Friday Favorites

I love seeing what’s going on around the web, and especially appreciate when friends send around their favorites. Each week I’ll plan to share five of the articles, videos, posts, ideas and so on that really caught my eye. Happy reading!

1. The 10 differences between girls and women. Bonus: it’s also a podcast.

2. This ballet bad boy is mesmerizing.

3. Americans are 3,777 times more likely to eat candy hearts on Valentines Day.

4. Gold flatware on my wishlist.

5. Last minute V-Day gift ideas and puns to match.

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