Laila Gohar on what to give the perfect host
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Cafe Cecilia Cook Book by Max Rocha, £34.95
Max Rocha wrote a cookbook, and since I sadly can’t get to his London restaurant enough, this is the next best thing. It’s elegant and beautiful, just like his cooking. phaidon.com
Darius double pink-sapphire and diamond One-Of-A-Kind ring, $12,650
I’ve wanted this ring for ages and have dropped a million hints to my partner, who hasn’t picked up on it as of yet. Maybe now it’s in print…? bergdorfgoodman.com
Griegst Spira dinner fork, £515
This might be the most beautiful cutlery out there right now. It was designed by Danish goldsmith Arje Griegst in the ’70s, and continues to be produced by Georg Jensen today. griegst.com
Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence, £104 for 125ml
This facial spray smells good and offers the perfect light hydration without being sticky or overpowering. I’m very sensitive to scent, and mostly stay away from perfume, but having something refreshing and light is so nice. tataharperskincare.com
Stuff: A New York Life of Cultural Chaos by Kim Hastreiter, €70
Kim is a legendary editor who has spent the past 50 years amassing a huge, iconoclastic collection of stuff. Her book is a slice of New York history and the people who defined it, using her edit of art, fashion, design, photography, books and ephemera as a lens. damianibooks.com
Gohar World Calla glassware set, £223
Gohar World’s first line of custom-designed fine glassware is here, and I’m obsessed. Inspired by the Calla lily, there is nothing chicer than this ultra lightweight set of glasses. gohar.world
Gray Kunz sauce spoon, from $7.45
Every restaurant kitchen has a Kunz spoon. The late chef Gray Kunz was frustrated that a single utensil couldn’t satisfy all his needs, so he created one with everything in mind. The spoon’s deep bowl with its slightly tapered edge holds the perfect amount of liquid. The handle is short and narrow, making it easy to grasp, and the weight perfectly balanced to move with precision. This will impress any kitchen nerd you know. jbprince.com
Tiffany & Co gold Elsa Peretti Bone cuff, $19,000
This cuff is among Elsa Peretti’s most iconic designs. She is often imitated, but nobody comes close to her genius. I have it in silver, and would absolutely love it in gold as well. tiffany.com
Attersee merino wool The Oversized Shirt, £428
This is something I’m going to be wearing every day of winter. It’s the perfect piece to keep you warm and looking good. shopattersee.com
Sophie Buhai freshwater pearl Carnelia Mermaid choker, $650
I like to wear the same piece of jewellery every single day till I get a bit tired and give it a break; this is the perfect necklace for that. It also makes a very good gift. sophiebuhai.com
La Nariz de la Cuidad VI, 2024, by Loup Sarion, from €9,500
I love these giant nose sculptures by the New York-based French artist Loup Sarion. This one is made of polished aluminium. bertholdpott.com
Charvet suede slippers, $450
These are my go-to gift for people on whom I’m ready to spend some money. I recently got my sister a silver leather pair for her birthday. It’s one of those things that feels slightly outrageous to buy for yourself but perfect to receive. net-a-porter.com
Mauviel M’Cook 5-Ply non-stick frying pan, $160
This stainless-steel frying pan is my kitchen workhorse. It’s probably the single item I use most in my kitchen. You can do anything with it, from making a delicious omelette to reheating leftovers to cooking a steak. mauviel-usa.com
The Best Bit Substack subscription, £5 a month
I’ve recently gotten more into Substack subscriptions. I keep these very lean and don’t like to subscribe to too many; this one is by far my favourite. It’s by British chef Clare de Boer who owns several successful New York restaurants. I love her relaxed, matter-of-fact writing, as well as seeing what she’s cooking for her family while (miraculously!) juggling successful restaurants and three young children. claredeboer.substack.com
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