Celebrity Life

Yes, we're all staying in this Christmas but we shouldn't let this dampen our festive spirit. To inspire us all, JS Aluminium Window teamed up with a group of designers to share their styling tips with us. We've chosen five of our favourites to share with you today.

Make it Personal

The good fellows at OFGA (Office of Good Architecture) say, "To add that personal touch without stepping outside, try adding childhood memorabilia to your palette. It's a fun and sustainable way to bring out favourite pas>mes over Christmas gatherings."

So pull out your children's drawings and turn them into baubles, add train tracks and Christmas houses to the festive window sill. Maybe spend the evenings over a board game or two.

Add Festive Window Art

Says Kenny Kinugasa-Tsui, co-founder of Bean Buro, “Bean Buro’s styling concept for a festive living is to consider contemporary windows as a creative backdrop for energetic and humanistic compositions. Delicate installation of sculptural objects at window thresholds can bring the outside-in, and inside-out.”

Co-founder Lorène Faure suggests a series of voluptuous vases from HAY, candle holders fro Littala, paper cone trees from Paper Dreams and even a foosball table from Teckell to create a contemporary atmosphere that will work with any large panoramic windows to frame the exterior scenery.

Make it Hygge

To create that nordic charm, Starz Pasha Ltd. suggests adding throws and cushions in the room to keep things cosy. Light a few candles. Pour yourself a hot drink. Mulled wine for the adults, hot chocolate for the kids.

Think Outside the Box

Even with the recent trend of working-from-home or prohibition of group gatherings, we should be thankful we can still celebrate with our dearest ones at home.

For those who might not be entertaining with the usual Christmas tree, Jackey Yip, co-founder of Monotype suggests that "it might be equally refreshing to replace the scent of pine and berries with a window display of daily objects of desire readily available at home."

"We could appreciate these small engineered inventions or beautiful ornaments that make our day a little bit easier and happier in a totally different way," he says, "by simply sticking them on to the living room window, arranging them in a staggered form of a Christmas tree!"

Just Enjoy the View

At the end of the day, just appreciating the view outside might be enough.

"No matter how exquisite the ornaments close at hand, don't forget the beautiful scenery outside the window," says APAC designer Ken Fung.

For more Christmas content, inspiration and gift ideas, head to the Prestige Christmas Edit here.

The post Festive Window Backdrops for the Holidays appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Tableware items worth the investment to take your dining experience to the next level.

The post 10 decorative tableware pieces you can use for the festive season and beyond appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

Tableware items worth the investment to take your dining experience to the next level.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.

Fantastic Christmas dinners and where to find them.

The post Where to eat for Christmas 2020 appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

Fantastic Christmas dinners and where to find them.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.

You might be wondering, what can you get out of a hotel staycation when things you'd normally enjoy at the property: the spa, the restaurants and the bars have had to close down because of the pandemic? The truth is, yes, you will be missing out on some things. But what we've come to discover is that a staycation during a pandemic is a whole new experience with a lot of its own perks too. Here are just a few things we loved about the St. Regis staycation.

A Festive Welcome

The St. Regis Hong Kong, already a cosy and intimate setting, is completely transformed with dazzling festive decorations all around. There are fun little activations all around as well. From 23rd to 26th December, rooms are all decorated with Christmas stockings and Santa-costumed teddy bears that you can bring home. You'll also find Santa's postbox in The Great Room. Guests can request for a Christmas postcard at the reception desk and have their wishes delivered to North Pole directly, no postage required.

During Christmas, from 23rd to 26th of December, rooms are decorated with Christmas stockings and a stuffed Santa-costumed teddy bear that you can bring home with you.

Having butler service is already a great luxury in any situation, but what they can do for you when you're staying in your suite for the majority of your stay is suddenly so much more apparent.

Forget in-room Nespresso coffee. Did you know you could get all kinds of coffee and freshly brewed tea delivered to you at all hours? The butler team can be easily accessed via WhatsApp too, by scanning a code that comes with your room card.

In-Room Dining

Dining in-room was a surprisingly enjoyable affair, and an option you probably would not have considered prior to these new measures. St. Regis has prepared a special Festive Afternoon Tea set made for in-room dining, and its two Michelin-starred restaurants, L'Envol and Rùn, are also serving special menus to be served in-room. A culinary highlight of the St. Regis Staycation was definitely the Hokkaido sea urchin with gamberoni prawn and crunchy fennel, as was the tender seared A3 Kagoshima beef tenderloin with heart-shaped "pommes souffles" and caper jus. Each course is served separately — the butler team has timed it perfectly so your food remains hot every time they knock on your door. Wine pairings are available too if you so desire.

An Evening Treat

And last but not least, end the night with a soothing soak in the bath. Using 001 Skincare London, a line of British natural skincare created by royalty facialist Ada Ooi, the butler will draw up a bath for you at your desired time and leave you to enjoy for as long as you want.

The one-night staycation package at the St. Regis Suite includes:

One night “Stay & Dine” staycation package (inclusive of St. Regis Suite, 2 breakfasts at Rùn and a choice between an in-room Afternoon Tea or a 3-course set dinner menu at The Drawing Room or in-room with a glass of red or white wine each for two pax); One 001 Skincare London aroma oil bubble bath experience.

St. Regis staycation is valid from now until March 2021, and can be redeemed on Sundays to Thursdays only.

To enter, head to our Instagram page and follow the instructions.

St. Regis Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Dr, Wan Chai; +852 2138 6888

The post Christmas Giveaway: A St. Regis Staycation appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Today, Ashley Salmon, Li Man-Lung and Maxime Gilbert are acclaimed chefs with refined palates and sophisticated tastes, but they still remember and treasure the homemade comfort food that they grew up eating. Whether it's at home or in their fine dining kitchens, their festive family meals and menus are inspired by those memories and what they represent. We asked these three Hong Kong Michelin-starred chefs to share their Christmas traditions, favourite recipes and culinary inspirations.

Chef Ashley Salmon of Roganic Hong Kong

What do you and your family usually cook for Christmas?

If I’m not working, which happens a lot as a chef, I celebrate with my family and I try not to cook – but then I end up taking care of the star of the meal: the meat. We all love food but I wouldn’t say that we are a family with a lot of great cooks. We usually have simple food like soup, roast turkey and stuffed turkey leg with potatoes, red cabbage and vegetables. Traditional British food. In our Christmas menu at Roganic we basically took this exact concept and elevated it with the freshest products and finest techniques.

What is the dish on your menu that best represents your festive traditions?

We have a dessert at the restaurant, the chocolate fondant, that I have made many times on Christmas day and it’s inspired by my grandma’s recipe. I wouldn’t say it’s traditional in the UK but we usually eat it a lot around Christmas time in my family and I guess it’s about every person’s personal experience. It’s rich, indulgent and it represents the time that we all come together to eat even if we are very busy.

2020 has been a very difficult year for everyone, did cooking help you to cope with the challenges?

I think food is the one thing that connects everybody and brings people together. I don’t want to sound to cheesy but it genuinely is. During hard times and crises food really helps to overcome challenges. Cooking for your loved ones and sharing the dishes especially - they don’t have to be fancy. Food just connects human beings like anything else. During the pandemic I think it has been very helpful for people to do something rewarding while being stuck at home.

How are you going to celebrate Christmas this year?

I will be working on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we will make sure that the staff will also have food so that we can share it together and make sure that people that are away from their families can still feel the festive atmosphere.

What can people do to avoid wasting food when cooking during the holidays?

My advice is to repurpose all the leftovers into something else so that you don’t get bored. Maybe it’s hard with no cooking experience because home cooks tend to buy way too much while in restaurants we have to learn and make sure that we don’t buy too many ingredients because we cannot afford to generate waste. I think that being creative can be a good advice – or just go on google.

Roganic, Sino Plaza, UG/F 08, 255 Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay; +852 2817 8383

Chef Li Man-Lung of Duddell's

What do you and your family usually cook for Christmas?

I like to spend time at home with my wife and family and we usually have steak and wine.

Can you share with us a recipe on your festive menu and the traditions behind it?

Crispy suckling duck is a traditional Cantonese dish that uses the “Pipa Duck” processing method. The ducks are marinated with our in-house blend of spices, air-dried, smoked and grilled, and finished with a pour of hot oil to imitate the traditional cooking process of a fried crispy chicken. This creates a golden-red hue, with crispy skin and succulent meat.

What is the dish on your menu that most represents your festive traditions?

Steamed chicken, minced shrimp and supreme chicken broth. In Chinese traditions, chicken is always people’s first choice during festivals and special occasions. Steam is also a very common cooking method for Chinese home cooking and it reminds me of that.

2020 has been a very difficult year for everyone, did cooking help you to cope with the challenges?

With the Covid situation, it has definitely been a very tough year for everyone. What really has helped me is trying to be creative to bring some exciting new dishes for our guests. I really hope that they enjoy spending their time at Duddell’s.

What will you do this Christmas?

I will be working at Duddell’s with my team, we have prepared a free-flow weekend brunch with Michelin-starred Cantonese specialties and festive cocktails.

What can people do to avoid wasting food when cooking during the Holidays?

Everybody has leftovers from dinners and parties. I would suggest using them to create something new. For example, the steam chicken could turn into a delicious dish, add garlic and chives and pan-fry to turn it into a nice lunch with a bowl of rice or egg fried rice.

Duddells, Level 3 Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell St, Central; +852 2525 9191

Chef Maxime Gilbert of Écriture

What do you and your family usually cook for Christmas?

We always cook poultry, it can be poularde, goose or duck. Oyster and crepinette (a classic Christmas sausage roll in cepine from Charente region), foie gras and, of course, Christmas log.

Can you share with us a recipe on your festive menu and the traditions behind it?

The crepinette that we serve with oyster is a classic item from my region in Central France, it is basically a chipolatas sausage mixed with black truffle , then rolled in crepine (caul fat). You pan-sear it and eat with oysters, bread and butter.

What is the dish on your menu that most represents your festive traditions?

This year, at Écriture, we have decided to change it up a little bit, instead of serving the signature dishes, we have prepared the poularde, a dish which Heloise (my chef de cuisine) and Marc-Antoine (my restaurant director), and myself, actually want to have for Christmas. It will be cooked in a very traditional way with exceptional produce and in respect of the tradition with a small twist.

2020 has been a very difficult year for everyone, did cooking help you to cope with the challenges?

Yes, definitely! When you cook with your heart and soul you give the better of yourself, and, in this difficult time, my team and I, together with Marc-Antoine, have tried to give our best to our customers.

What will you do this Christmas?

I will be cooking at the restaurant. On Christmas Day, for lunch, we will be serving a whole table carved Roasted Bresse Poularde contise with black truffle, a sea food plater (with an Ècriture twist), caviar a la louche with condiment, blue lobster with Chateau Chalon sauce and white truffle, classic foie gras torchon with black truffle and Sauterne jelly, Mont blanc Christmas and many other festive delicacies.

What can people do to avoid wasting food when cooking during the Holidays?

The concept of cooking and serving a whole poularde during Christmas might sound too much for two guests - both at home and at the restaurant - and that’s why we brought in the French concept of bringing home the food and enjoy it the day after. This is something common in France, we carry on our feast the day after, both for lunch and dinner, and people can do it at home as well.

Écriture, 26/F H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central; +852 2795 5996

The post 3 Hong Kong Michelin-Starred Chefs on Their Christmas Meals appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Are you still scrambling for that perfect present for your little and not-too-little ones this Christmas? Whether you simply have not had the time to shop or it's just the perpetual procrastinator kicking in, or perhaps there are just way too many choices - worry not, because we've got you covered. Here are 12 Christmas gift ideas for children and teens we're sure will have the kiddos shrieking with delight.

The post 12 Gift Ideas For Tots to Teens appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Chocolates, panettone, and more to add a little sweetness to the yuletide season.

The post 5 sweet treats to bring to your festive gatherings this year appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

Chocolates, panettone, and more to add a little sweetness to the yuletide season.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.

This holiday self-care gift guide is perfect for those who are over-stressed, need a pick-me-up, or a little encouragement to love themselves more. 2020 was no doubt an extremely tough year for most, and everyone deserves a little self-love and pampering. Here are seven thoughtful self-care gifts to tell your loved ones just how much you care about their wellbeing.

For more holiday inspiration and gift guides, head to our 2020 Christmas Edit here.

Prima Body Gem

The founders of Prima are firm believers that nature is the ultimate healer, and has all the ingredients and tools we need to bring balance back into our lives. The Bath Gem is an effervescent mineral soak for relaxation and recovery, chock full of functional minerals and moisturising oils as well as pure, whole plant hemp extract with naturally occurring CBD to soothe the mind and body. Available at Lane Crawford.

Wildflower Pure Tincture

Wildflower's Tinctures are the company's strongest CBD remedy, formulated with the highest concentration of broad-spectrum CBD and fortified with milk thistle and coconut oil. The versatile product can be taken sublingually under the tongue or added to your coffee and smoothies. Available at Lane Crawford.

Crabtree & Evelyn Evelyn Rose Femme de Force Candle

Set the mood with Crabtree & Evelyn's signature Evelyn Rose candle, a blend of wild roses, lemon, and a hint of spice that will take your mind off your troubles for a few hours. We also love the inspirational doodle on the glass.

Angela Caglia Self love Rose Quartz Eye Mask

Following the massive success of its rose quartz rollers and lifting tools, Angela Caglia has released a limited-edition eye mask, hand-woven using similar cooling crystals that will aid in blood circulation and reduce under-eye puffy circles. Best worn while meditating. Available at Net-a-Porter.

L'Objet Oh Mon Dieu Incense Holder

This beautiful incense holder embodies L'Objet's philosophy of creating functional works of art. Cast from white porcelain, the pursed lips design holds a singular incense stick that can purify your living space. Available at Net-a-Porter.

Senteurs D'Orient Jasmine of Arabia Mediterranean Bath Salts with Ceramic Box

Nothing says self-care more than a good long soak and your favorite book. Sun-evaporated Mediterranean sea salt is infused with nourishing essential oils and minerals to create this Jasmine of Arabia bath soak. It comes in a beautiful, one-of-a-kind earthen ceramic box that is hand-sculpted using artisanal techniques. Available at Net-a-Porter.

The Fullest Saffron Latte

Forget turmeric lattes, the latest concoction to tick all your self-care, wellness boxes is the saffron latte. Organically grown saffron is mixed with a base of creamy coconut milk for a wonderfully golden-hued drink that is slightly sweet and floral. Saffron is known to be a mood booster and helps with anti-anxiety. Available at Lane Crawford.

The Floristry Flower Jar

Spruce up your living space with some evergreens and some festive red and white florals from The Floristry. The Archangel bouquet is its holiday offering, but you can choose from a range of different florals and palettes to suit your mood. Or better yet, why not get a floral subscription? Delivered to your door monthly, these wild-inspired bouquets are lovingly made to order using only the best fresh and dried flowers and foliage.

The post Best Christmas Self-Care Gifts for You and Your Loved Ones appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

This holiday self-care gift guide is perfect for those who are over-stressed, need a pick-me-up, or a little encouragement to love themselves more. 2020 was no doubt an extremely tough year for most, and everyone deserves a little self-love and pampering. Here are seven thoughtful self-care gifts to tell your loved ones just how much you care about their wellbeing.

For more holiday inspiration and gift guides, head to our 2020 Christmas Edit here.

Prima Body Gem

The founders of Prima are firm believers that nature is the ultimate healer, and has all the ingredients and tools we need to bring balance back into our lives. The Bath Gem is an effervescent mineral soak for relaxation and recovery, chock full of functional minerals and moisturising oils as well as pure, whole plant hemp extract with naturally occurring CBD to soothe the mind and body. Available at Lane Crawford.

Wildflower Pure Tincture

Wildflower's Tinctures are the company's strongest CBD remedy, formulated with the highest concentration of broad-spectrum CBD and fortified with milk thistle and coconut oil. The versatile product can be taken sublingually under the tongue or added to your coffee and smoothies. Available at Lane Crawford.

Crabtree & Evelyn Evelyn Rose Femme de Force Candle

Set the mood with Crabtree & Evelyn's signature Evelyn Rose candle, a blend of wild roses, lemon, and a hint of spice that will take your mind off your troubles for a few hours. We also love the inspirational doodle on the glass.

Angela Caglia Self love Rose Quartz Eye Mask

Following the massive success of its rose quartz rollers and lifting tools, Angela Caglia has released a limited-edition eye mask, hand-woven using similar cooling crystals that will aid in blood circulation and reduce under-eye puffy circles. Best worn while meditating. Available at Net-a-Porter.

L'Objet Oh Mon Dieu Incense Holder

This beautiful incense holder embodies L'Objet's philosophy of creating functional works of art. Cast from white porcelain, the pursed lips design holds a singular incense stick that can purify your living space. Available at Net-a-Porter.

Senteurs D'Orient Jasmine of Arabia Mediterranean Bath Salts with Ceramic Box

Nothing says self-care more than a good long soak and your favorite book. Sun-evaporated Mediterranean sea salt is infused with nourishing essential oils and minerals to create this Jasmine of Arabia bath soak. It comes in a beautiful, one-of-a-kind earthen ceramic box that is hand-sculpted using artisanal techniques. Available at Net-a-Porter.

The Fullest Saffron Latte

Forget turmeric lattes, the latest concoction to tick all your self-care, wellness boxes is the saffron latte. Organically grown saffron is mixed with a base of creamy coconut milk for a wonderfully golden-hued drink that is slightly sweet and floral. Saffron is known to be a mood booster and helps with anti-anxiety. Available at Lane Crawford.

The Floristry Flower Jar

Spruce up your living space with some evergreens and some festive red and white florals from The Floristry. The Archangel bouquet is its holiday offering, but you can choose from a range of different florals and palettes to suit your mood. Or better yet, why not get a floral subscription? Delivered to your door monthly, these wild-inspired bouquets are lovingly made to order using only the best fresh and dried flowers and foliage.

The post Best Christmas Self-Care Gifts for You and Your Loved Ones appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.