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Our days are punctuated by scouting new talent, attending market appointments, and scrolling Instagram in an effort to unearth the products, people, and news you actually need to know. Here’s what we Slacked one another about this week.
In Pieces: Connected Puzzles
It’s cold outside and Omicron is everywhere, so I’ve officially declared it puzzle season again. This one contains three separate 300-piece watercolor brainteasers by California artist and shop owner Serena Mitnik-Miller, famous for her infinity squiggle works. The box divides each puzzle by color so you can work on them one at a time, but for a real challenge you can mix them all up on your table—and before you know it, it will be spring. —Julie Vadnal, deputy editor
Cookbook Club: Grains for Every Season
What’s the silver lining of not dining in restaurants right now? Diving into Joshua McFadden’s latest cookbook, Grains for Every Season, which is how my family and I ate (and stayed entertained) over the holidays. The Portland, Oregon, chef and restaurant owner behind Ava Genes, Cicoria, and Tusk published his second book just in time for cold-weather, comfort-food staples like pilaf and sheet-pan pizza, which have variations for, well, every season. My personal favorite pages? The fold-out grain bowl chart mapping out the prime ingredients for each element (acid, creaminess, and crunch) according to the time of year. —Julia Stevens, associate style editor
Personality Piece: Dauphinette’s Fruit Cocktail Table
This new Fruit cocktail table from Dauphinette is my definition of fun. Made from resin that’s hand-poured over real fruit, it transports me from my current dreary winter blahs to a tropical paradise. While the one-of-a-kind piece (no, really, you’ll have to click fast if you want it) could be used for anything, I’d set it up as a bar when entertaining. Piña coladas, anyone? —Naomi deMañana, style director
Fresh Shades: Maison Maison’s Woven Lampshades
We’ve made it to the depths of winter in New York. Freezing wind tunnels and temps in the teens have me longing for warmer climates. Luckily Maison Maison’s latest lampshades transport me there without ever having to leave my (sometimes) warm apartment. The pieces are handwoven by artisans in Vietnam and available in so many different natural hues and sizes. I’m partial to the fun scalloped-edge version. —Kate McGregor, associate design editor
Immerse Yourself: Alessi’s Plissé Immersion Blender
I like pleats on my pants—and on my kitchen appliances. Few electric cooking implements have the opportunity to look elegant, but Alessi’s Plissé Collection brings a sharp silhouette to countertops everywhere. I’m particularly a fan of the hand blender, which can stand on display looking effortlessly chic, not clunky and out of place. You won’t need—or want—to store it away in a drawer or cabinet after zipping together a soup or sauce. —Samantha Weiss-Hills, deputy commerce editor