It’s time to gather your family and friends to celebrate a year well spent. But instead of the conventional red-and-green theme that’s too often seen in December, put a refreshing spin to your festive decorating by using this season’s trendiest hues of onyx green and millenial pink, along with a bold tropical look.
It’s time to gather your family and friends to celebrate a year well spent. But instead of the conventional red-and-green theme that’s too often seen in December, put a refreshing spin to your festive decorating by using this season’s trendiest hues of onyx green and millenial pink, along with a bold tropical look.
SET THE SCENE
For a lush emerald botanical setting, begin by placing long-stemmed fronds and luscious ferns in tall clear glass holders. Accent the look with succulent blooms placed in smaller vessels, which can also be used as place settings for your guests.
TABLE
Inclass Sui table, $3,470, from Inhabitant.
ON TABLE
Joy copper wire lights (10m), $39.90, from Kikki.K. Chin Chin champagne glass in rose gold, $16.90; S&P eclectic ripple plate in pink, $13.90; and Mila large round plate in white, $19, all from Harvey Norman. Charles Millen silver cutlery set (16 pieces), $129, from Robinsons. Ichendorf Milano Bouquet Optic large vase, $100, and Ichendorf Milano Bouquet large vase, $90, from Inhabitant.
CREATE A VERDANT WREATH
Rubina Tiyu, founder of floral styling and events studio Dreams & Doodle, designed this tropical-inspired Christmas wreath by partially lining a metal ring with large-petaled leaves in a dark-green tone, along with cherry pink flamingo flowers. Follow the natural curves of the leaves for an elegant and textured effect.
FURNITURE
Won Tip Toe large bench, $740, and Sketch Orphan armchair, $1,300, from Inhabitant.
ON ARMCHAIR
Wendelbo cushion, $110, from Inhabitant.
ON BENCH
Joy copper wire lights (10m), $39.90;Joy mini Christmas tree decorations (three-pack), $22.90; Rituals mini cloche and candle set, $39.90; CD storage cloth box in pink, $19.90, half-A4 storagebox in white, $22.90; A4 storage cloth box in pink, $29.90; Inspiration Gratitude journal, $44.90; Love Life 365 Days journal with pen, $49.90, and 2018 Raspberry A6 bonded leather daily diary, $44.90, all from Kikki-K. LED Champagne Pillar candles, $12; Bloomingville porcelain square votive in white, $18, and Christmas pine cone ornament in silver, $8, all from Stylodeco. Ikea PS 2017 greyvase, $39.90 for a set of three, from Ikea. A4 storage card boxin white, $24.90,from Kikki-K.
ON FLOOR
Gurli cushion coverin pink, $7.90, and Vassad throw in grey, $59, from Ikea.
ON WALL
Floral wreath, by Dreams & Doodle.
Other items, stylist’s own.
THE KATONG SLING
Welcome your guests with a local-inspired tipple! This cocktail is a Katong twist to the iconic Singapore cocktail created in 1915. This drink, concocted by Baba Chews Bar & Eatery, is given a little spice with the addition of Fernet.
The Katong Sling is made with Courvoisier VSOP, Fernet, apple juice, lemon juice, apple honey syrup, and soda.
A SUMPTUOUS SPREAD
When designing a look for your celebration, think about using all the available space that’s not just on your dining table, but above it as well. This stunning canopy was created by hanging a thin wooden dowel from the ceiling and layering it with large monstella fronds.
FURNITURE
Inclass Sui table, $3,470, and Won Versu chairs, $650, from Inhabitant.
FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
Table floral setting and window drape, by Dreams & Doodle.
ON TABLE
Joy copper wire lights (10m), $39.90, from Kikki.K. Chin Chin champagne glasses in rose gold, $16.90; S&P eclectic ripple plates in pink, $13.90; and Mila large round plates in white, $19, all from Harvey Norman. Charles Millen silver cutlery set (16 pieces), $129, from Robinsons. Ichendorf Milano Bouquet smallvase, $80; Ichendorf Milano Bouquet large vase, $90; Ichendorf Milano Bouquet Optic small vase, $90, and Ichendorf Milano Bouquet Optic large vase, $100, from Inhabitant.
COMFORT FOOD
Impart some Asian flavour to a traditional Christmas meal with these delectable treats from Baba Chews Bar & Eatery, which were inspired by Peranakan Tok Panjang recipes. They include turkey breast assam curry, turkey roulade lo mai kai and crackling pork belly panggang
FOOD
USDA prime beef short rib rendang and crackling pork belly panggang from Baba Chews Bar & Eatery.
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT
Stainless steel serving fork and spoon, $6 each, and white Asa bowl, $23, from Robinsons. George Jensen wine and bar tray, $200, and Ichendorf Milano Bouquet Optic small vase, $100; from Inhabitant. Luzerne KNT oval bowl, $13.90; Charles Millen Jewel Design plate, $26.90; Jewel Deisgn soup plate, $21.90; Oyster Design plate, $11.90; Le Creuset mini cocotte in powder pink, $76; silver stainless-steel small spoon, $12 for a set of six; Luzerne marble design bowl, $12.50; Zuperzozial Jumbo large plate in pink, $18; Asa plate, $23, and Charles Millen Jewel Design soup plate, $21.90; all from Robinsons.
FLORAL ARRANGEMENT
Table floral setting, by Dreams & Doodle.
BEEF SHORT RIBS RENDANG
Beef short ribs stewed in a rich gravy of coconut cream, spices, gula melaka (palm sugar) and turmeric leaves.
Ingredients
5kg beef short ribs (no bones)
1kg rendang paste
500g roasted grated coconut
50g turmeric leaves
30g lime leaves
1L water
Step A
1kg chilli paste
50g chilli powder
Step B (blended fine)
700g onions
600g shallots
200g garlic
170g ginger
150g blue ginger
160g lemongrass
Step C
80g cumin seed, dry blend fine
80g coriander seed, dry blend fine
80g fennel seed, dry blend fine
800ml cooking oil
1L coconut milk
65g salt
350g gula melaka
Method
1 Blend all ingredients listed in Steps B and C into paste.
2 Heat up cooking oil in a pot and add blended paste; stir fry until fragrant.
3 Add short ribs and Step A ingredients; cook for 1 hour or until tender.
4 Add coconut milk and seasoning; continue cooking until tender. Serve.
WHITE, GREY & GREEN
White and grey are fabulous shades that can complement a green and pastel pink theme. These muted tones work well together to evoke a warm and cosy atmosphere.
FURNITURE
Wendelbo Edge V1 sofa, $3,250, Sketch Orphan armchair, $1,300, and Wendelbo Root coffee table, $1,130, from Inhabitant.
DECOR
Christmas tree, from Dreams & Doodle. CD storage cloth box in white or pink, $19.90 each, half-A4 storage cloth box in white or pink, $22.90; A4 storage cloth box in white or pink, $29.90, from Kikki.K.
ON SOFA
Nordstjerene Ombre small cushion, $100, and Nordstjerene Ombre large cushion, $130, from Inhabitant. Vassad throw in grey, $59, from Ikea.
ON ARMCHAIR
Wendelbo cushion, $110, from Inhabitant.
ON TABLE
George Jensen wine and bar tray, $200, from Inhabitant. Joy House tea lightholder, $24.90, and Joy glass bauble, $12.90, from Kikki.K. Georg Jensen Haberli medium container, $50, from Inhabitant. LED Champagne Pillar candles, $12, and HubschChristmas pine cone and bell ornamentsin copper and silver, $8 each, from Stylodeco.
A PRETTY VIGNETTE
Get into the Christmas mood with a tray of festive trinkets and candles. Place these on the console near the entrance or on the coffee table. Scented candles also add an inviting fragrance to your interiors as the perfect finishing touch to your decorating.
FROM LEFT
Bloomingville glass tea light holder in grey, $12, from Stylodeco. S&P Marmo marble coaster in pink, $37.90 for a set of four, andS&P terrazzo trivet in white,$49.90, from Harvey Norman. Joy mini Christmas tree decorations(three-pack), $22.90, Rituals scented large candle,$49.90, Joy glass baubles (20-pack),$19.90, and Joy metal star ornament in silver, $12.90, all from Kikki.K. Succulent, from Dreams & Doodle.
BRANCHING OUT
While the origin of having an evergreen tree in the house during Christmas harks back to the 16th century, here’s a new take on the traditional pine tree. Use large branches of mint fern or palm instead, and decorate them with fairy lights around the base for an extra-festive touch.
FURNITURE
Arrmet Tool table, $1,400, from Inhabitant.
ON TABLE
Ichendorf Milano Bouquet Optic small vase, $100; Ichendorf Milano Bouquet Optic large vase, $110, from Inhabitant. Ikea PS 2017 vasein grey, $39.90 for a set of three, from Ikea. Joy copper wire lights (10m), $39.90; Joy glass baubles, $12.90, and Joy glass baubles(20-pack), $19.90, all from Kikki.K.
SWEET ENDINGS
A festive dinner is the perfect excuse to indulge, and what better way than with a decadent dessert like this chendol log cake. You can also complement the green and pink theme with colourful local treats, such as Nonya nine-layered cakes, ondeh-ondeh and kueh salat, served in a traditional tingkat.
FOOD
Chendol log cake, available for order, from Baba Chews Bar & Eatery.
FROM TOP LEFT
White Luzerna KNT oval bowl, $13.90, and stainless-steel dessert forks, $12 for a set of six, from Robinsons. Fantastisk paper napkin in light pink, $3.90 for 50 pieces, from Ikea. Joy glitter ribbon (three-pack), $19.90, from Kikki-K. Hexagonal small marble board, $49 each; round small marble tray, $79, all from Comme Home. White Asa cake plate, $33, from Robinsons. Joy metal star ornament in silver,$12.90, from Kikki.K. Linge Particulier linen tablecloth in nude, $230, from Stylodeco.
text YOUNG LIM photography DARREN CHANG assisted by ANGELA GUO art direction & styling NONIE CHEN, KAFFY TAN & LIM YI LING
