Gifts Archives - Modern Pineapple

November 7, 2015

Personal Prezzies

So here we are: hello month eleven! This is the time I start thinking about holiday presents, though admittedly much doesn’t get actioned until several weeks from now. I’m mad about giving personal gifts – ones speaking to my mom’s love for entertaining or Ben’s running. It takes such thought and gives such a thrill when I see someone’s eyes light up with excitement as they unwrap something so them.

Enter Snapfish. My husband’s family has been using Snapfish for years to share pictures from holidays, weddings and various vacations with each other and extended family. He first introduced me to them after our very first holiday together: a three-day road trip through Scotland. We started in Edinburgh at The Balmoral and ending happily with long country walks and afternoon tea in front of a roaring fireplace in Isle of Skye.

As you might imagine, Snapfish offers a host of products to personalize with photos, from albums to calendars to ornaments. I partnered with Snapfish UK to create this sweet personalized coaster set of our travels together, featuring an iconic image from countries we’ve visited. Ben was surprised with them when they arrived, and we had fun matching memories of our trips to the pictures. It’s a thoughtful gift idea – simple to create and arrived within a week of order. Bonus: they’re offering readers 40% off the coasters through 23 November (use the code SFUK436). Wrap the stacked coasters in cellophane so the images are visible, tie with a velvet crimson ribbon and give as an extra gift this year, whether for a holiday party or to add under the tree.

April 27, 2015

Spring Rhubarb Scones

Scones are wonderfully delicious and delightfully British treats. Served during proper tea, they come with clotted cream and a variety of jams. Usually though, by the time scones come around during tea I’m feeling full from the smoked salmon sandwiches and pastries so I often just have a bite or two before raising a white flag. Must. get. better. I’d been searching for ways to use the rhubarb I’d recently picked up at Whole Foods (you can find them in practically every grocery store and market this time of year), and realized they would be superb in scones. The tartness from the rhubarb mixed with the slight sugary sweet topping made our breakfast table (yes, breakfast for us! we couldn’t wait) that much more special this weekend. These are great to share too, as it does make about 10 scones. I wrapped some up in clear cellophane and tied it with a spring green velvet ribbon for two of our favorite London friends — a pretty package and a preview of what’s to come!

Kristen’s Rhubarb Scones

3 stalks of fresh rhubarb, trimmed and sliced into quarter-inch pieces
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
115 grams unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup heavy cream

To make the scones, preheat your oven to 218C/425F. Using parchment paper, line a baking sheet completely, folding any edges to make sure it fits. (You won’t need to use any nonstick spray this way.) In a medium-sized bowl, toss your chopped rhubarb with about 3 tablespoons of sugar. Sift together the flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl. Once sifted, add in the butter and cut with a pastry blender. The butter should be in small pieces (about the size of peas) that are easy to mix together and soft. Add in the rhubarb, vanilla and cream. Add paddle attachment to the KitchenAid mixer (or you can use a spatula) and mix together on medium to create the dough.

Add a bit of flour to your hands and surface so the dough is easy to handle. Using your hands knead it together till it’s a giant ball. Transfer the dough to the surface, pat it down to a oval or rectangle about a half inch in thickness. Cut the dough with a knife into about 10 even pieces. Arrange onto the cookie sheet, top each scone with the remaining sugar and bake for about 20 minutes. Enjoy! x

April 11, 2015

Styling with Pineapples

Here at Modern Pineapple, I’m a big fan of anything to do with pineapples {clearly}. Though I believe they never go out of style, pineapples are back in vogue — and in a big way. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite citrus choices right now to pick up just in time for summer entertaining. I’m especially coveting that Julia Knight tray {how cute is it!}, and the pink Persifor dress to wear for all kinds of outdoor adventures. The pineapple cheese board would serve as a fabulous hostess gift for your summer soirees, too!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

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 18, 2015

How to Give Experiential Gifts

We’re spring babies in our family — growing up, it seemed like cake was somewhat endless {no complaints here!} from the months of April to June. I’m happy to say my husband has fit into the group seamlessly with his birthday also falling during “Birthday Season.” With the season starting next month, I’ve been thinking a lot about what to give my loved ones, which is a daunting task in another country.

What’s made it a little easier is that my husband and I have gotten really into giving experiential gifts, especially to each other. Things are wonderful of course, but in a flat in London there’s only so much you can have. Instead, we prefer to give memories by way of special experiences. There are also countless studies about how giving experiences leads to stronger relationships and a more fulfilling life. Over Christmas, one of my gifts was tickets to the opening night of the English National Ballet’s Nutcracker {major hubby points and so perfect during the holiday season}. We also gave tickets to my parents for a fun concert to enjoy together in January, once the holiday season had faded away.

Another perk to giving experiential gifts, especially if you live away from those you’re giving to, is it can be part of their visit. It’s a great way to have a special thing to look forward to during a trip, whether it be a special dinner out or a trip to a ticketed exhibit showing for a limited time. {We just did this last week with my father-in-law who had been gifted a special dinner — it was such a nice night and we all were looking forward to enjoying the chosen restaurant together.}

It can feel daunting to give an experience, especially if it’s your first time offering an event instead of a necktie. Here are a few ways I’ve found it to be easier:

1. Make a list of all the activities receiver enjoys. This can be anything they want to do in their free time or have been longing to try: golfing, drinking wine, cooking, reading, hiking, clay pigeon shooting, etc. You name it, there’s an event, lesson or exhibit about it.

2. Check out local venues for upcoming events that fall into the listed categories. Anything from bookstores for a signing with the receiver’s favorite author to a summer concert to a nearby cooking class could be a hit. You can also look at experiential gift companies like Virgin Experience Days {or other companies similar} to book out ideas for you.

3. Think about scheduling. This takes a little digging, but I try to make sure that I’m booking something at a time the person should be able to go {if your best friend or husband usually work late hours, it could be a burden to them to go to something at 5pm on a weekday — avoid it all together and choose a weekend event}. Sometimes, it doesn’t have to be a surprise gift so you can talk about date availability openly with the receiver {everyone is different — I love surprises, while my husband prefers to know in advance to get excited}.

4. Check on company flexibility. See how many types of classes, lessons, courses or events are being offered. See if you can purchase, and then decide when/where to attend later, or consider giving a gift certificate {I’ve made quite a few of these through photoshop} for the person to choose what’s best for them and their interests. A few years ago, I gave my husband {then-boyfriend} a gift certificate for a race entry for two anywhere in the world. We signed up the following year for the Royal Parks Half-Marathon here in London {just completed this past year!}.

Here are a few ideas of experiential gifts to give that can wow any of your pals, and be a special memory to savor for years to come:

Afternoon tea at a special hotel or restaurant
Ballet tickets {of course!}
Behind-the-Scenes tours of favorite buildings
Champagne tasting class {New Yorkers, check out Corkbuzz for this}
Comedy show
Concert tickets {perfect for summer babies}
Cooking class(es) {especially if at your favorite restaurant or a celeb chef}
Craft beer tasting
Golf lessons
Helicopter tour of the city
Hiking to a new place together
Hot air balloon ride
Language classes {perfect in preparation for an upcoming trip}
Massage
Movie tickets {give the gift of 10 or a gift card to use for multiple movies}
Museum passes
Personal trainer {only if they ask for one — no surprise gifting here!}
Picnic in the park — or your backyard!
Professional sporting event tickets — NBA, NFL, NHL, etc.
Race track experiences {there are so many options out there if your guy has a need for speed}
Rock climbing
Special gallery exhibit {V&A has Alexander McQueen now through August!}
Tennis championship tickets {Wimbledon is in June/July, US Open in August/September}
Theatre tickets {Broadway, West End, etc.}
Wine tasting class

My first day in London after moving here after finishing a half marathon together {a gift for my husband that came at a very interesting time}… I guess you can say I’m a big fan of hitting the ground running, literally!

March 5, 2015

Wedding Registry Glassware

When it comes to wedding planning, there’s so much that goes into every little detail. A special part of that planning is looking at your registry, as most guests these days still want to give a gift to the happy couple. It’s important to decide on home goods that reflects your collective style — my vote is to err on the more traditional side so beautiful gifts don’t go out of style for you in 10 years. {Of course for registries there are a multitude of unique ideas like fulfilling honeymoon activities via Honeyfund and charitable donations like the I Do Foundation, so today’s couples don’t have to go the traditional route.}

With wedding season around the corner, I’ll be taking a look at ideas for building your registry with what you need for entertaining today. Ever the fan of champagne, wine, cocktails, you name it… I’m starting off the series with a roundup of glassware to have in your home. I recommend having 12 of everything so you’re not hunting down additional glassware when you have a dinner party {Mom, I’ve been listening to you all these years!}, and sticking with a global brand that’s widely available like Waterford and Riedel. {You never know, you may find yourself in another country just like me!} That way if one breaks, you won’t have to be hunting a particular style down in a store that stopped carrying the line three years ago.

From left to right:

1. Fancy Wine Glasses – It’s really quite exciting to have special glasses you bring out for celebratory events. Whatever fancy looks like to you, invest in them. I grew up with these exact glasses in my parents’ home and have so many fond memories using them around the table. When we got married it was a great way to honor my family’s traditions and build new ones of our own. {Waterford Lismore Clarets}

2. Fancy Champagne Flutes – You’ll have many, many wonderful celebrations in the years to come. A great idea is using two of the flutes at your wedding for toasts. {Waterford Lismore Champagne Flutes}

3. Fancy Water Glasses – I recommend having a set of complementary water, wine and champagne glasses. Most likely you’ll have at least water and wine glasses out when hosting, so it makes sense to have stemware that looks nice together. It doesn’t have to be all the same brand, but I like the easy uniformity of the pattern. {Waterford Lismore Goblets}

4. Everyday Red Wine Glasses – I must admit, I love holding a big wine glass with a long stem in my hands. It feels glamorous and so adult. We really like wine, so wanted to have two different sized wine glasses {see #6 below}. If you’re not as into wine and short on space, you can definitely choose just one size wine glass. {Crate & Barrel Oregon Red Wine Glasses}

5. Tumblers – My husband adores whisky, so this was definitely happening. I must admit, he uses them often, and they’re also the perfect size for pouring juice to accompany brunch or cocktails in the evening. Stock up! {LSA International Tumblers}

6. Everyday White Wine Glasses – These go with everything. You can also use them as fancy water glasses instead, or another punch drink when hosting a cocktail party. {Riedel White Wine Glasses}

7. Everyday Champagne Flutes – Okay, I know there really isn’t such a thing, and if you’re toasting with champs every day then you are a lucky girl! Crystal can be a little overwhelming though, so I wanted us to have flutes that we could have out at any type of event. {Crate & Barrel Camille Champagne Glass}

8. Everyday Water / High Ball Glasses – A no brainer. We need water glasses that are pretty, effective and dishwasher safe. Plus, they double for mojitos (!) and beer for my husband. {Schott Zwiesel Long Drink Glasses}

As wedding guests, my husband and I love giving glassware. You know the couple will use it and it reflects an “activity” we both love {#socialbutterflies}. It’s also perfect to give the amount that fits your budget. Just remember to fulfill the registry early! The bride and groom will be appreciative as it may alleviate some thank you note duties following the wedding, and you won’t have to stress about what gift to give the newlyweds.

March 4, 2015

Shopbop Sale Faves

The Big Event Shopbop sale is here offering up to 25% off, and I’m eyeing a few key pieces for our upcoming trips {hello Italy and Thailand!}. Moreover, it’s a great time to get a discount on vases, coffee table books and other smalls for the home. Code word: BigEvent15 at checkout now through Sunday.

Jonathan Adler {I sense a theme here!}

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