LIFE & STYLE
Swoon Worthy Simplicity
I love that bit of bite in the February air—especially if there’s a cozy soup or cocktail waiting for me when I head indoors. And, of course, love is in the air as well. But skip all that Valentine’s Day hoopla this year. Instead, opt for simplicity. That might be an elegant at-home meal with extraordinary bubbly or a cozy, flannel-clad night with the family. Here, a few of my favorites for the month.
BEYOND BASIC BUBBLES
Keep it simple and elegant. The Champagne Louis Roederer Collection 243 is beguiling with hints of stone fruit, lightly salted almond, and a lingering finish. Sip while cooking together or as friends arrive for a soiree. Info: louis-roederer.com
AS TIMELESS AS TIME ITSELF
Vincero is where dapper meets daring. The Reserve Automatic, which sports a Citizen Miyota Series 9100 automatic movement, is no exception. It’s available in four aesthetics, but the gray and silver combination reminds me of James Bond. So, the case closed. Info: vincerocollective.com
ALL ROMANCE, NO NONSENSE
Candy hearts are adorable, but I don’t want them on my bed sheets. Luckily, Garnet Hill’s Wildflower Relaxed-Linen Bedding offers a dreamscape of classic romance. So, you can leave the silly stuff in the candy bowl. Info: garnethill.com
POETRY OPTIONAL
Sometimes love is so overwhelming, it’s tough to find just the right words. But Atum’s Love Always fragrance—with its lightly spiced woods and rose tubers—says it all. Info: atumfragrance.com
PLAY THE CHARD CARD
Valentine’s Day agenda: a gorgeous Chilean Sea Bass feast with friends, and maybe a lingering evening of playing Baccarat. The Stonestreet 2019 Upper Barn Vineyard Chardonnay is the perfect pairing for a night—refined, yet approachable.
Info: stonestreetwines.com
FAMILY FLANNEL
If your vibe is more hunker down and bundle up, then Lanz of Salzburg has red tartan flannel pajamas for you—and the whole family. Pop some corn and indulge in some of cupid’s candy.
Info: lanzofsalzburg.com
COZY PROVISIONS
Toggle between the slopes and the warming hearth. Olive & Cocoa’s Après All Day cookbook is full of snow-day soups and more. Plus, the book and mugs arrive in a gift-ready wooden box with a red satin ribbon. Info: oliveandcocoa.com
AN ELEVATED CLASSIC
La Maison du Chocolat tinkers with chocolate with the eye of an artist and the palate of a genius. From the holiday glazed chestnuts to the craquants, these chocolate gifts are both refined and indulgent.
Info: lamaisonduchocolat.com
ZERO-PROOF PERFECTION
Raising the Bar creates craft cocktail kits with no alcohol whatsoever. The brand offers a subscription service or à la carte purchases, with each offering designed to be just as complex in flavor as traditional cocktails. Info: weareraisingthebar.com
MOCHI AMORE
I love gifting something unexpected, so the beautiful hues of Mochidoki’s treats caught my eye. From classic chocolate to jasmine boba, these mochi ice cream treats are great for Valentine’s Day or a unique hostess gift. Info: mochidoki.com
BIODYNAMIC BEAUTY
Brand’s acreage in Napa Valley includes Vineyard N°95, where an amalgam of old and young plants yields gracious, yet come-hither wines. The 2017 Brand Vineyard N°95 Cabernet Sauvignon Gift Box is a holiday unto itself. Info: brandnapavalley.com