Books are among my favorite things to give and receive at Christmas, as they are both practical and sentimental. A few of my cookbook picks for fall/holiday 2012 are:
The Blue Bottle Craft of Coffee (Ten Speed Press, $24.99) Cult San Francisco/NY coffee purveyor Blue Bottle’s new book covers the art of coffee, and then some. Brewmaster James Freeman lays out the roasting and brewing essentials, and his wife Caitlin Freeman adds a selection of recipes from the cafes. I’m hoping to tackle and master the French Press/Liège Waffle combo.
Bouchon Bakery (Artisan, $50) Whether your aim is to follow Thomas Keller and Sebastien Rouxel’s recipes to replicate Bouchon Bakery’s delicious pastries at home (from the TKO, to cakes, brioche, and croissants), or simply to drool over the gorgeous photography (that would be me), you’ll be satisfied with this hefty, coffee-table-worthy book.
Canal House Cooks Every Day (Andrews McMeel, $45) The ne plus ultra of the new cookbooks: a modern, sensible and seasonal approach to meals. Christopher Hirsheimer and Melissa Hamilton know just how I want to cook and eat in 2013. I’ve bookmarked quite a few recipes and resolve to break out of my “chicken and a side and sometimes pasta” routine.
Little Flower: Recipes From the Cafe (Prospect Park Books, $25) If I had to choose a favorite type of restaurant, the café would win in a landslide. Christine Moore’s book of recipes from her Pasadena, CA Café “Little Flower” explains why: tarts and salads for the healthful me, and sweets galore for the indulgent me.
photos, layout and by jane potrykus: in addition, each book was purchased by simplepretty through amazon (none were review copies).
up next week: lifestyle gift books
tiny forest
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving in the US tomorrow, I can’t think of a better feature than these quietly lovely cards from Lynn Russell at Satsuma Press that feel just right for fall. Thanksgiving is rapidly becoming my favorite holiday: no gifts, no over-the-top decoration, just a day dedicated to a spirit of gratitude, friends and family. (and yes, food.) On Friday, the Christmas machine kicks into high gear, but for today, let’s step back and give thanks in the spirit of the season. And in that vein, thank you, Lynn, for your elegant designs and your graceful spirit.
wave
little fox
images from satsumapress.com
p.s. For more designs from Satsuma Press (including holiday designs and a calendar), visit Lynn’s online shop, or check out two events Satsuma Press is participating in: The Portland Bazaar on December 8/9 in Portland, Oregon, or Kindred, a holiday pop-up shop in San Francisco on December 15/16. Both locations will feature a plethora of vendors to assist with your last-minute gifting.
grid grid
Precious Bugarin recently launched an online shop*, débuting a bang-up selection of striking + clean designs for holiday and weddings. A few of my favorites from the holiday collection are highlighted here: I love her minimalist aesthetic and hope there will be more to come in 2013.
gallery
xoxo
tiny cube
images courtesy of precious bugarin
*precious bugarin design is offering 15% savings on orders until december 1, 2012. use the code “newmod”.
stationery
Frith Kerr’s graphic identity designs for Stockholm hotel Ett Hem perfectly reflect owner Jeanette Mix’s desire for a space that feels like home to those who visit. With an emphasis on a quiet, unobtrusive elegance (which also aptly describes the Ett Hem guest experience), Studio Frith created a bespoke typeface based on some old found Swedish lettering. It is used in the logotype as well as the website, stationery, and brass signage around the house.
A palette of symbols was also created, inspired by stained glass windows at the property (the house was built during the 1910s/Arts&Crafts movement). These symbols are foil-blocked in brass (referencing house materials) and are also embroidered on pillow slips and linen used throughout the house.
invitation to ett hem’s opening celebration
tags
stationery + embroidered linen bag (which held adhesive bandages!)**
I was fortunate enough to stay at Ett Hem this summer during our family vacation, and it was a highlight of our days in Stockholm. Thoughtfulness and attention to detail were evident at every turn, from our impromptu + cozy dinner upon arrival (just what we needed) to the relaxed pace at breakfast each morning (croissants w/jam + coffee could be my favorite way to breakfast). It prompted a bevy of “I’m so relaxed!” tweets and Instagram photos during our brief visit. I could have moved in. The design team of architect Anders Landström, creative director/interiors designer Ilse Crawford, and owner Jeanette Mix should be quite proud of what they’ve accomplished. If your interest is piqued and you’d like a better look at the property, don’t miss Vogue Living Australia’s current issue (November/December 2012) at newsstands soon and at Zinio now. Magnus Marding’s photos for the story offer a wonderful peek into the serentity and beauty that is Ett Hem.
magazine cover + sitting room
ett hem kitchen
image credits: graphic identity photos courtesy of studio frith (** photo by jane potrykus); vogue living cover and ett hem interior photos (magnus marding) courtesy of vogue living australia. in addition, a few photos from my stay at ett hem can be viewed at flickr.
nb: if you’d like to learn a little more about frith kerr, there is a short interview at the phaidon website.
The hardest thing for me about November 1, other than the obvious cold weather + darkness, is that Christmas seems simultaneously far away and omnipresent. Thus, it’s time for the making of lists and planning of gifts. And of course, procrastinating.
If you’re inclined to procrastinate, too (please join me!), here are a few of my Flickr favorites from October to draw you into the wonderful rabbit hole that is the internet:
- Harvest
- happy friday
- _DSC0699
- Fall
- Stonebridge Trail
- sticks and snow
- Autumn Embers
I’d also like to thank Tristan, the über-talented designer behind Besotted Brand, for featuring me as her Pinterest Curator of the week. As I adore every single thing she designs (and am quite crazy for her shop’s “parcel” offerings), it’s quite an honor. Thank you, Tristan, and hooray for Besotted Brand, Besotted Blog, and Pinterest!
