Fashion, beauty, food and lifestyle to make this an unforgettable Christmas
Par t y sea son
It takes a Village to celebrate
FASHION
From far left: Carolina ‘Coco’ dress, $229.99. St Ives Jewellers necklace, $99. RG Collection ring, $179.95, and bracelet, $55.95. Midas ‘Hossy’ sandals, $179.95. Left: Sweet Thing ‘Bebe by Minihaha’ dress, $64.95. Shoe Guru Clarks ‘Callie’ sandals, $79.95. Right: Gazman shirt, $109, ‘Comfort’ chinos, $109, and jacket, $369.
R.M. Williams ’Comfort craftsman’ boots, $649. Far right: Marc Cain blazer, $1309, and skirt, $485. Carolina ‘Naomi’ earrings, $59.95, Midas ‘Volla’ sandals, $179.95. HOME
Modo Life assorted honeycomb paper decorations, from $3. Nextra red gift boxes, from $4.
It’s beginning...
Tseason with a packed calendar of events, great summer fashion, and happy celebrations all around.
Whether you’re hosting Christmas at yours this year or bringing your favourite recipes to your friends or in-laws, getting ready should feel fun, fresh and fabulous this season.
Amanda Cordony of The Cordony Kitchen has shared some delicious dishes with us (and even the kids, too!), and for a dose of style inspiration, start with a colourful palette, then add a bold print or two.
Ready to get cracking on your gift list?
Flip this edition of Village Life over and find our biggest-ever Christmas Gift Guide, including budget-conscious ideas and suggestions for kids and furry friends.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting local and shopping at The Village. Have a wonderful festive season and a fantastic summer.
Mrs Jones the Baker celebration cake (decorated for Village Life by stylist Amanda Cordony), $210. Bed Bath N’ Table Ecology
‘Torte’ cake stand, $59.95, scallop edge napkin, $24.95 for four, glass baubles with gold leaf, $27.99 for four, and Ecology ‘Apostle’ cake server, $29.95. Kingsmen
Ives Nails 02 9440 0694
FOR SUMMER ESSENTIALS
Blooms The Chemist 02 9144 6914
Priceline Pharmacy 02 9144 7011
O’Loughlins Medical Pharmacy 02 9440 0030
VILLAGE NEWS
NEW TO THE VILLAGE
CABLE
Melbourne-based brand Cable have relocated within the Village, swapping spots with The Designer Room so you can find even more pieces from each fashionforward collection in store.
Level 2, Shop 130
KITCHEN STOP
THE MARSHALL GROUP
Buying, selling or exploring options? The team at The Marshall Group understand that real estate revolves around people.
Level 1, Shop 25D
Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen or indulging someone on your Christmas gift list, Kitchen Stop has opened at the Village, stocking high-end cookware and serving essentials from brands such as Bugatti, Chasseur, Samuel Groves, Spode, Royal Albert, Wedgwood, and much more.
Level 1, Shop 63-64
LATEST OPENINGS AND EVENTS AT THE VILLAGE
EPOCH IMAGING
From ultrasounds to CT scans, Epoch offers a wide range of medical imaging procedures.
Coming soon to Level 2
THE REAL SKIN AND LASER CLINIC
Your new Village go-to for skin rejuvenation and cosmetic laser treatments.
Level 1, Shop 31
VALE, MARGARET
The St Ives Village Team is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Margaret Middleton on Sunday, 27 October. Margaret served as Centre Manager for 22 years, leaving an unforgettable mark with her dedication, warmth, and unwavering commitment to St Ives and the community. Even after her retirement, Margaret remained a cherished part of our Village family, staying connected with us and many retailers. Margaret will be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband Ross, sons Brett and Scott, and all her family and friends.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
ROLL’D WORKSHOP
14-17 January
Join us for one of Roll’d’s daily workshops and master the art of Vietnamese rice paper rolls! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to level up your kitchen skills, these handson lessons are perfect for all ages. Bookings can be made at concierge—and don’t wait, as spots are limited to just 10 per class.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Visit the expert fitters at Shoe Guru for all your back-to-school shoe needs. From classic Clarks to Ascent Footwear and a huge range of athletic brands, too, it’s always a good idea to get in early and start the school year off on the right foot. Plus, take 20% off all full-priced Clarks school shoes throughout January. Level 1, Shop 41
CHRISTMAS CALENDAR
ROTARY TREE OF JOY
25 December
Pop a gift under this tree and it will go to someone in need this festive season.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA
From 28 November
Get your yearly photo with this special visitor from the North Pole. Pets can also have their photo taken every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in December, from 3:30-6:30pm.
CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT
From 1 December
Enjoy performances from Vov Dylan, The Landings Choir, Aurora Australia Chorus and more – plus bring the kids for weekend face painting! See website for further details.
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
2-17 December
Follow us on social and be sure to check in every day, as we’ll be giving away a $100 gift card to spend at the Village—just tag a friend in the comments for a chance to win!
CHRISTMAS WRAPPING
14-24 December
Make a good dent on your gift list, then get them all wrapped so they’re ready to go. Our courtesy Christmas gift wrapping service is provided by Smiles2U.
FESTIVE FLAVOURS
Set the table and gather together for an elegant feast
MELON CARPACCIO WITH PROSCIUTTO, BREADCRUMBS, CAPERS & PARMESAN
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS:
¼ cup homemade breadcrumbs (sourdough is best)
1 teaspoon chilli flakes
4 slices prosciutto
⅛ whole rock melon, peeled
1 teaspoon baby capers
50g parmesan, grated
3g baby sorrel leaves salt and pepper
METHOD:
1 Place breadcrumbs, chilli, salt and pepper and a dash of extra virgin olive oil in a medium pan over low heat. Toast for two minutes, stirring throughout.
Tip breadcrumb mixture into a bowl and carefully wipe the pan clean.
2 Place the pan back on medium heat and add prosciutto. Sear for one minute on each side until crisp. Remove and set aside to cool.
3 Using a mandolin, slice rock melon paper thin. Arrange in a circular pattern on a round 25cm platter, slightly overlapping.
4 Scatter breadcrumb mixture, prosciutto, baby capers and parmesan over melon. Finish with sorrel leaves, salt and pepper, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.
BAKED RICOTTA WITH SUNDRIED TOMATO AND HERB SALSA
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 12-15
INGREDIENTS:
250g ricotta, drained
100g sundried tomato, finely chopped
3 shallots, finely chopped
2 tablespoons grated parmesan
1 egg
1 lemon, zested
salt and pepper to taste
METHOD:
1 Preheat oven to 180ºC fan-forced and grease a 12-hole mini mufn pan.
2 Place ricotta, sundried tomato, shallots, parmesan, egg, lemon and zest in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
3 Evenly distribute mixture in muffin pan and bake for 15 minutes.
4 Rest for 10 minutes before serving with extra herbs and grated parmesan on top of each muffin.
CHRISTMAS TURKEY WITH PISTACHIO & CURRANT STUFFING
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Serves: 10-12
INGREDIENTS:
5kg whole turkey
100g salted butter, softened
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon cornflour
For the stuffing:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 brown onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups homemade breadcrumbs (sourdough is best)
½ cup pistachios, roughly chopped
1 cup dried currants
1 orange, zested and juiced salt and pepper to taste
METHOD:
1 Make the stuffing the day before. Fry the onions with olive oil and salt in a large frying pan on medium heat. Once the onion is translucent, turn the heat to low and caramelise for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2 Add the breadcrumbs to toast for three minutes.
3 Remove from heat and mix in the pistachios, currants, orange zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool. Store in the fridge until needed –it will last for five days.
4 Preheat the oven to 200ºC (180ºC fan-forced). Rinse the turkey, including the cavity, under cold running water. Pat dry with absorbent paper and place onto a rack in a large baking dish.
5 Separate the breast skin from the meat with a soup spoon, working
carefully so the skin does not split. Evenly slide the butter in-between the skin and meat. Spread butter out with your hands.
6 Hold the turkey upright, legs up, and spoon stuffing into the cavity. Fill to the top and push down to compress the stuffing. Lay turkey back down, breast side up, and tuck both wing tips under the backbone. Truss legs with kitchen twine.
7 Coat turkey with extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and cracked pepper.
8 Add two cups of water to the baking tray. Cover the turkey with parchment paper and seal with foil. Cook for three hours.
9 Set paper and foil aside, thoroughly baste the turkey with pan juices and bake for another 15 minutes until the turkey skin is golden brown.
10 Remove from oven, cover with the baking paper and rest for 15 minutes before serving.
11 While the turkey is resting, drain the pan liquid through a sieve into a saucepan. Add cornflour. Whisk turkey gravy until smooth. If still lumpy, pour the gravy through the sieve again before serving.
MANGO, GINGER & COCONUT TRIFLE
Prep time: 20 mins + overnight
Serves: 6
INGREDIENTS:
4 mangoes, peeled, sliced, and seed discarded
2 x 400ml cans coconut cream, refrigerated overnight
350g gluten-free ginger biscuits
½ cup shredded coconut, toasted
1 lime, zested
METHOD:
1 Place three mangoes in a food processor, and blend. Add the solid white part of the coconut cream and blend for two minutes on high or until smooth.
2 In a 20cm glass trifle bowl (or individual coupes), ladle three portions of mango mixture into the base, followed by a layer of ginger biscuits. Repeat with another layer of mango mixture and biscuits, setting aside one biscuit to crumble on top. Finish with a layer of mango mixture.
4 Slice the remaining mango on top and leave to set in the fridge for at least two hours.
5 When ready to serve, top with one crumbled ginger biscuit, shredded coconut and lime zest.
PRETZEL STARS & SNOWFLAKES
INGREDIENTS:
200g white chocolate chips for cooking
32 mini pretzels (about 45g) White, gold and silver sprinkles for decorating
METHOD
1 Put a sheet of baking paper on a baking tray.
2 Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave for two minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Once melted, place a small dollop of chocolate on the parchment paper.
3 Carefully break off the loop of the pretzel, leaving the pointy ends intact.
4 Repeat for three pretzels, arranging in the chocolate to form a flat star or snowflake shape.
5 Decorate with sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
6 . Let them cool completely, using the freezer to speed it up if needed.
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN
GINGERBREAD MIX JARS
In a large mason jar, add cups plain flour, cup soft brown sugar, 1 tbsp ground ginger, 1 tsp mixed spice and 1 tsp baking soda.
Tie a note onto each jar, instructing the recipient to add 125g softened butter, cup golden syrup and 1 egg yolk before mixing well, kneading, rolling out and cutting into cookies. Bake for 10-15 minutes at 170°C – then gift to teachers and grandparents!
PEANUT BUTTER CELERY REINDEER
INGREDIENTS:
6 pretzel twists
6 celery sticks
¼ cup peanut butter
(thick peanut butter works best)
12 candy eyes
6 raspberries
METHOD:
1 Break the pretzel twists in half to create the reindeer antlers.
2 Cut the celery into 3- to 4-inch sticks. Spread the peanut butter in the centre.
3 Place the broken pretzel twists on the top of the celery so that the circles are pointing towards the center. Gently press them into the peanut butter to make them stick.
4 . Place two candy ‘eyes’ under the pretzel antlers, gently pressing them into the peanut butter so that they stick.
5 Place a raspberry ‘nose’ at the bottom of the celery stick, gently pressing it into the peanut butter to make it stick.
COOL SUMMER
Far left: Sportscraft ‘Larsen’shirt, $139.99. Gazman ‘Modern Club’ shorts, $89.95, and Sperry shoes, $179.95.
Left: Ghanda ‘Sweetheart’ T-shirt, $29.95, and ‘Ellie’ playsuit, $54.95. Sweet Thing Fox and Finch headband, $16.95. Shoe Guru New Balance trainers, $29.99.
Below: Black Pepper ‘Wattle’ dress, $139. Cable plaited skinny belt, $129. OPSM Tifany & Co. sunglasses, $631. Carolina ’Samos’ slides, $89.99.
Below: Gazman linen blend shirt, $129. R.M. Williams ‘Victor’ jeans, $199. The Optical Co. Level 28 sunglasses, $249. Ecco ‘Cozmo’ slides, $209.95.
FASHION
Left: Elleran ‘Olympia’ tankini, $109.95, and butterfy belt, $99.95. RG Collection Bize circle skirt, $380.95. St Ives Jewellers necklace, $299. Centre: Gazman shirt, $109. Right: Z&Y Cashmere and Silk Boutique top, $99. Trenery shorts, $139.
HOME & LIFESTYLE
Bed Bath N’ Table Morgan & Finch ‘Fairley’ tumblers, $8.95 each, ‘Fairley’ coupes, $12.95 each, ‘Hana’ side plate, $19.95, ‘Hana’ dipping bowl, $8.95, scallop edge napkin, $24.95 for four, small fat ceramic tree, $16.99, large fat ceramic tree, $19.99, ‘Rosie’ glass vase and candleholders, $9.95 each, assorted glass baubles, from $6.99 each, and Ecology ‘Portsea’ dip bowls, $19.95 for two. Kitchen Stop Gabel & Teller scalloped edge platter, $34.95, and Sophie Conran for Portmeirion salad serving set, $79.95. Porters Liquor Penfolds Max’s Rosé, $30. Modo Life assorted honeycomb paper decorations (on tree), from $3.
Taria
Left: Country Road tank, $49.95, and ‘Spliced Stripe’ pants, $179. Ghanda ‘Sunshine’ bucket hat, $24.95. Carolina ‘Brynlee’ necklace, $89.99.
Right: Sussan dress, $119.95. OPSM Tifany & Co. sunglasses, $629. RG Collection earrings,
HOME & LIFESTYLE
Bed Bath N’ Table Morgan & Finch ‘Cora’ striped tablecloth, $69.95, ‘Limone’ melamine oval platter, $49.95, dinner plate, $14.95, and ‘Delaney’ wicker four-person picnic set, $149.95. Kitchen Stop Guzzini yellow striped melamine tumblers, $16.95 each. Porters Liquor Veuve Clicquot Brut NV,
Hair and makeup Allison Boyle and Annette McKenzie at Work Agency
FESTI VE GIFT GUIDE
Our biggest-ever edit of gifts for everyone on your list
Clockwise from top: St Ives Jewellers 9ct gold citrine teardrop pendant necklace, $1818. Bed Bath N’ Table Morgan & Finch cocktail bar tool set, $119.95. $189.95. St Ives Jewellers 18ct domed stud earrings, $1698. Witchery Carolina ‘Tatiana’ belt, $169.99. Good Times Watchmaker Sekonda watch, $179. Midas ‘Riyana’ sandals, $189.95. Elan Jewellers tourmaline and diamond ring, $6950. St Ives Jewellers 9ct gold hoop earrings, $545. St Ives Cobbler Waterman Paris gold pen, $120. Elan Jewellers South Sea pearl ring, $1250. Elan Jewellers diamond earrings, $1495. Blooms the Chemist clover earrings, $15.95 for two pairs. Leisures ’Courtney’ bag, $269.95. Sweet Thing baby booties, $19.95. St Ives Mobile gold crystal iPhone case, $49. Decjuba ’Millie’ embellished top, $79.95.
It takes a Village to celebrate
2 5
1. Blooms the Chemist Wicked Sista small fat purse, $12.95. 2. RG Collection La La Land salad servers, $22.95. 3. Ghanda ’Peppa’ sunglasses, $19.95. 4. Modo Life 2025 diary organiser, $12. 5. Nextra woven tote, $15. 6. RG Collection Maverick Games in a Can, $22.95 each. 7. Priceline Lanolips Gloss & Hydrate Minis Gift Set, $14.99. 8. Nextra ’Retro Games’ classic chess set, $20.