Kristen, Author at Modern Pineapple

April 2, 2015

Five Seasonal Changes from Curtains to Tables

Despite spring taking an official leave of absence, I started the seasonal shift over the past few days: that exciting time when you can finally swap out heavy sweaters and boots for cardigans and ballet flats. {Seriously one of the best times of the year!} Just as we get ourselves ready to dress in season, I like to do the same thing for my home to mirror the fresh feeling of the outdoors.

1. Go bare. Remove the tablecloths and extra rugs to expose the surface underneath. Working with the elements instead of against is what makes this season so special. It’s no longer time to fight off the cold weather – instead embrace the cool wood under your feet or glass on your tabletop.

2. Light! It’s not necessary to have heavy curtains to keep the chilly winter air at bay anymore. Instead, consider swapping your window dressing for linen curtains. The room will feel breezier, and it’s amazing what a difference it will make with the actual light it will let into your home. A great source I’ve found for new curtains is the amazingly inexpensive Yorkshire Linens, along with scoping out Amazon.

3. White everyday. I like to switch up my china to more casual white plates for most any dining situation. It adds an effortless style to the table, and allows for other dynamic elements to take center stage: flowers, pastel-colored napkins, and of course the wonderful people around you.

4. Exchange pillows. I love our perfectly color-matched velvet and silk cushions on our living room sofa. But for now, they will be put away to make room for lighter cotton and linen ones. I buy pillows that are the same size to just swap off the covers {mostly at West Elm and John Lewis}, not the inserts themselves. It makes for easier storage and of course it’s easier on the wallet.

5. Decorate with nature. Utilize fresh branches {love cherry blossoms with their gorgeous height} and accent with bright colors from favorite flowers that are finally in bloom like tulips and peonies. I love the white pottery vases from Jonathan Adler that really make the blooms pop.

April 1, 2015

Florence Dreaming

As I mentioned in my post over the weekend, one of the greatest perks of living in London is the ease of travel to other European destinations. This weekend we’re heading to Florence with my parents (so excited!), and are both so looking forward to returning. My husband studied abroad there for four months, and I visited for a few days during a trip following university graduation. It will be our first time there together, and we’re thrilled to be experiencing it with my parents who love Italy — so we’re all just giddy with excitement.

We want to spend most of the time just enjoying spring in Italy, taking in the gorgeous city, drinking delicious wine and eating yummy gelato (!), of course. There are a few other must-sees on our list {I jotted down quite a little list from Dan Brown’s Inferno, which I blew through on our honeymoon}. Here’s what we’re looking into for the weekend:

Wake up with a delicious cappuccino each morning
Stroll around the Boboli Gardens
Shop for leather sandals in Sabatini
Dine on handmade pasta and so much Chianti
Watch the Scoppio del Carro {the Explosion of the Cart} on Easter Sunday
Climb Giotto’s Campanile for a perfect view of Firenze
Have afternoon espresso — every afternoon
Eat lots and lots of gelato
Walk the Ponte Vecchio at sunset
Peruse the farmer’s stands and artisan shops at Mercato Centrale

The amazing Explosion of the Cart in front of Santa Maria del Fiore.

March 31, 2015

Simple Chicken Fajita Bake

I fully appreciate dinners that offer great flavor without sacrificing too much time to prep. A favorite of ours is a Mexican chicken recipe I found on Pinterest a few months ago {check out other pins including recipes and decor that I love here}. It’s a great weeknight recipe with ingredients you can pick up over the weekend or on your way home from work, toss together and enjoy in under an hour. *I modified the recipe slightly for us, which is reflected below.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tsp taco seasoning
3 bell peppers in various colors {usually red and green}
1 large white onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup shredded mature cheddar cheese

To make: Turn the oven onto 400F/205C. Lay the chicken breasts in a glass dish {I like a deep Pyrex to add lots of yummy veggies}. Sprinkle on the taco seasoning. Slice the bell peppers and onions, and spread them evenly on top of the chicken. Drizzle the olive oil on top and sprinkle cheese over the entire dish. Bake for about 35-40 minutes and enjoy! I usually serve ours with Daniel’s Hot Salsa and rocket greens.

March 30, 2015

Sophisticated Easter Dinner Celebration

Thoughts of Easter draw pastel-colored memories of bunnies, chocolate eggs and spring dresses. It’s a fine line decorating for this holiday without getting stuck in the world of bright plastic eggs and green basket grass, even in a home without any kids around (!). Instead, I try focusing on layering colors a palette of Easter colors mixed with fresh flowers and lots of glass to bring a contemporary yet classic feel to the table.

Since we have a wood dining table, I used a bright white tablecloth {with playful little white polka dots} as a light backdrop. Then, to start adding color I used multi-colored woven placemats from Chilewich. To create more depth and space between the placemat and the actual china itself, I added gold glass chargers {ours were a seasonal purchase from Crate & Barrel, similar here}.

From the placemats, I pulled out to colors to work into the rest of the table for a cohesive look: pink and green. I folded pastel green napkins I picked up at John Lewis {also love these mint linen ones from CB2} around our white china plates to add color to the white china. {I love how there are so many different yet compatible textures in this place setting.} On top of the napkins, I placed little ramekins of pastel-colored chocolate Cadbury eggs, tied with raffia. So. Many. Layers.

For the flowers, I paired bright pink tulips in square glass vases with the Italian cherry blossom branches {still going strong from last month’s trip to the flower market!}. I nestled a little bunny between two of the vases {from Williams-Sonoma} and filled his bowl with more Cadbury eggs. With a couple of spring straws and the addition of light pink candles, our Easter dinner table was set!

Modern Pineapple Easter Setting

Since we’ll be out of town this weekend, we had our Easter dinner at home a little early this year. It was a lower key dinner with salmon, roasted brussels and quinoa. I have a feeling our Easter this year will have a bit more Italian flair!

March 29, 2015

Modern Calligraphy Name Card Ideas

This afternoon I’m heading out to a calligraphy class with Quill London {have you seen their site yet? It’s filled with the latest from Kate Spade, Sugar Paper and Rifle Paper Co to name just a few.} They offer workshops for beginner and intermediate levels, along with brush lettering – so intriguing!

I’m really excited to try my hand at modern calligraphy, though am slightly worried the ink will end up more on me than the paper. My goal in time is to train myself to create beautiful letters for name cards for the table. Though I’ll start with paper, I hope to get as creative as these chic little ideas below to add that little something extra for guests to remember.

March 28, 2015

Letting Nostalgia In

Me on a morning run back on the West Side Highway stopping to pose with the lady herself.

I have to admit, this spring has started a little differently for me than I’m used to. Normally, I’m kicking off my winter boots in full force, testing the weather to see if I can get away going to work without tights on and practically prancing around city streets when cafes finally start putting their tables back outside. Sidewalk cafe culture is a real thing, people, and it’s amazing.

And usually, all of this takes place in New York. Where I lived for the previous five springs {and summers, falls and winters, too}. I’m having a bit of nostalgia for a different time where I walked down the street and could hear cabs honking as they raced down Carmine Street {I never understood this — it was only two blocks long in its entirety} and could sample eight different types of cheese at Murray’s while getting a full lesson on each before selecting just a few to serve my friends later that night back at my apartment. I miss the bizarre street festivals that would pop up on Sixth Avenue for the entire Saturday, halting all traffic and bringing so many people out to buy roasted corn on the cob and sliced up watermelon. Playing endless rounds of ping pong at The Standard on Sunday afternoons after too many bellinis over brunch at Paradou. Morning runs on the West Side Highway with One World Trade Center and Lady Liberty in full view. Even my old super who used to wish me a good day at work every single morning, and comment on tomorrow’s expected weather every single evening. I miss the electricity of the city; it’s like the street grids worked as surging energy lines that fueled the endless hustle of its people.

Instead of rushing through the hard feelings, I’m trying to let myself just experience them. I’m growing to love London with its charming streets and poised demeanor. New restaurants are opening all the time, and goodness are they incredible. I love the different themes and cultural influences that flow into each. I love that we’re known by name in our corner pub The Mall Tavern — and they usually have a table waiting for us on Sunday afternoons for roast. The museums with jaw dropping permanent collections, and experiencing limited time exhibitions. The champagne and towers of scones that come with a special afternoon tea. The ease at which we can travel to other countries is obviously unparalleled {Italy next weekend — counting down the days to tasty gelato}. And the many family and friends that have plans in the coming months to see our new home together.

So London is winning me over slowly but surely, but I would be remiss if I didn’t say I have been longing for the city. My city. My New York. I’ve heard Londoners know how to enjoy good weather, and it doesn’t really rain here as often as people think {I swear it’s only six days a week}. So bring on the Pimm’s and outdoor pubs, lounging in Hyde Park and runs with my husband, international travels and dinner parties with friends. London, I’m ready to make some new memories. Let’s hear it for spring.

B picking me up at Heathrow after flying to meet him in London. The sign says it all.

March 27, 2015

Friday Favorites

1. Have you seen the new Lilly Pulitzer x Target collab? The home collection has me ready for summer instantly + loving all the pineapples! {Domaine}

2. Decorating Easter eggs with nail polish results in the most beautiful marbling! {Good Housekeeping}

3. I’d like one of each in this spring wardrobe essentials roundup. {Glitter Guide}

4. One of my favorite decorators shows off her newly renovated New York apartment. {Architectural Digest}

5. Amazon could possibly have it’s largest acquisition ever: Net-A-Porter. {Forbes}

Image via Gray Malin {love his new Up and Away prints}

March 26, 2015

Wedding Registry Baking Essentials

For the second installment of wedding registry essentials {take a look at my glassware guide earlier this month here}, I’m sharing the baking basics that will be beyond helpful in the kitchen. If you’re not trying to be the next Cake Boss, this is a good starting place {if you love to whip up all sorts of cakes and pies, then you might be adding a few more goodies to this list like a marble rolling pin, a springform pan and even a tart pan with removable bottom}.

I’ve pulled together the items to prep, bake, and cool above. These should get you through most of your sweet adventures, and help you with perfecting a chocolate chip cookie recipe {my favorite from the New York Times here}. It’s basically what I have right now too, with a smaller city kitchen. I recommend these products wholeheartedly and wish you much baking success!

1. For weekend blueberry muffins and birthday cupcakes — a standard 12-well pan is ideal to maximize time. {Williams-Sonoma Goldtouch}

2. The prettiest pie dish that you’ll want to keep on display, even if you don’t make a pie but at the holidays. {Emile Henry}

3. Round cake pan for birthday cakes — definitely get a few of these to bake multiple layers at once. {Williams-Sonoma Goldtouch}

4. Measuring cups and spoons are an essential for adding the right amount of ingredients. {All-Clad}

5. This is my favorite liquid measuring cup that can be put in the microwave for safe heating and dishwasher for easy cleaning. {Pyrex}

6. My love for Le Creuset bakeware has no end. A loaf pan will come in handy in many forms, especially making banana bread. {Le Creuset}

7. This bundt cake pan has the most gorgeous shape, and each one I’ve made comes out a perfect golden color. {Nordic Ware}

8. Silpats are a gift from above with how small they get {I roll mine up and store upright on a shelf}. They’re useful for rolling out dough or for placing out ingredients. {Silpat}

9. Cookie sheets that are pretty and practical — it’s a good idea to go for multiple here too. {Williams-Sonoma Goldtouch}

10. A cooling rack for all your baking goodies to reach the right temperature before digging in! {Williams-Sonoma Goldtouch}

March 25, 2015

Nut Butter Energy Balls

I’m so excited to share this little recipe with you! I always like to have something easy to eat on the go, as my husband and I are always running around during the weeks. I don’t want us to have just anything though, rather a snack that gives us energy for the next activity. Enter these delicious Energy Balls. I had seen versions of this marketed in grocery stores, so decided to find a way to make my own. Of course, I headed to Pinterest. This is the recipe I found and modified just a bit to fit our needs. My version is below, and I use it time and time again. My husband loves them {a true sign of a successful recipe!}. Enjoy these sweet bites!

Nut Butter Energy Balls

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
1 and 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup nut butter {smooth}
1/4 cup honey
1/2 tsp vanilla extract, plus a little extra

Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir together. Scoop the mixture with a small cookie scoop or spoon. Mold in your hands to create a ball {this is a little messy but you’re in the kitchen so no big deal}. Place the formed ball onto parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Note: make sure you’re using a baking sheet that fits into your fridge. Chill in the fridge until set, about an hour. Store in an air-tight container.

March 24, 2015

Top Mood Lighting Tips

There is something so special about candles. I love the way they instantly elevate any moment, whether it’s a single pillar candle on the coffee table, or dazzling candelabras in the dining room. I’m personally a huge tea light fan and advocate. They’re small with big impact, versatile to go in any room of your house for hosting and gorgeous used in a variety of ways. Here are my top tips for setting the mood with tea lights for your upcoming soiree:

1. Buy in bulk. Tea lights aren’t very expensive, and often can come in packs of 50-100 so you don’t need to replace a bag often. We go through them quickly in our house {we light them every night with dinner — really, every night} so it’s nice to have so many easily accessible. There are so many options and colors. Scope out Amazon to have them delivered right to your door. Be sure to buy tea light holders as well. Mine are glass picked up from our local everything store, Tyler’s at Notting Hill Gate, but you can buy them just about everywhere!

2. Start fresh. It’s important to use new candles for every event to ensure they will flame for several hours {you don’t want them burning out halfway through your party!}. If you are expecting an epic long night, just plan to have extra tea lights on hand to replace them. I usually keep a few strategically stacked in a drawer in each room where candles are lit {read: everywhere}.

3. Invest in proper candle tools. This means a long lighter, instead of striking matches which can fly out of your hand and onto your tablecloth {guilty}, and a snuffer to safely extinguish the flame so you don’t blow hot wax onto your dining room table {doubly guilty}. Our snuffer was a gift from my mother-in-law, who had heard the tales. {I also like this one.} As you can see, I’ve learned from experience. These tools are worth it — spend the money for your safety and sanity.

4. Light candles on a tray. This is my favorite trick! I’ve found it’s easier to light all the candles on a tray {mine is Mariposa, similar here} and spread them about just before guests arrive, instead of going from room to room hunting for candles. Just remember to be super careful walking, and don’t carry too many at once.

5. Set in groups. Tea lights can be used in any variety of ways, but I personally love having at least 3-5 lights in any given space to have a beautiful effect {and it can still be a dazzling table sans flowers — economical too!}. It’s best to stick with the old decorating trick of odd numbers, so keep that in mind during your set up.

6. Use unscented candles. The last thing you want is for an overpowering tea light to take over the delicious hors d’oeuvres or dinner you’re serving. The only place I’d suggest it’s okay {and appreciated} to have a scented candle is the guest bathroom.

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