Locals

VILLAGE LOCALS

INSIDE THE ST IVES COMMUNITY

STEVE WON LIQUOR STORE OWNER OF THE YEAR!

P L A N N I N G T H E F A M I L Y G A T H E R I N G PERFECT

Porters Liquor Dalrymple Pinot Noir 2017 $39.99. Linke Riesling 2019 $19.99.

With Easter and Mother’s Day around the corner, we asked our expert retailers for some inspiration and ideas for a get-together to remember

WINE PAIRING

Steve Dinnell & Mal Higgs from Porters Liquor match wine to your food

Steve and Mal from independently-owned Porters Liquor are both in their element when it comes to planning a family function, as they like nothing more than pairing fabulous wines with delicious food.

“I prefer a casual event. Maybe roll out the BBQ if it’s warm, or you can’t go wrong with a nice bit of fish,” says Steve, who was recently named Liquor Store Owner of the Year. “I’d recommend a good Chardonnay with fish to bring out the flavours.”

While Mal tends to go for more of a two-course “casual and fun” sit-down lunch for his family, he agrees that getting some advice around matching the food and drink is crucial.

“These days it’s not always about red meat/red wine and white meat/white wine,” shares Mal. “It’s important to know the style of food being served. For instance a light Asian dish with red meat wouldn’t suit a gutsy red. You might go for a Riesling or a lighter red like a Pinot Noir.”

Steve believes that people are interested in trying many different wines, which is where dealing with an expert pays off. And don’t forget drinks like beer, Aperol Spritz and Seedlip non-alcoholic spirits for those not into wine.

Porters Liquor Level 2, 9144 4867

SETTING THE SCENE P L A N N I N G T H E F A M I L Y G A T H E R I N G PERFECT

Janelle Neal from Bed Bath N’ Table talks table settings

As manager of Bed Bath N’ Table, Janelle sees many of the St Ives residents still going for the traditional roast for a family gathering, but there are plenty who put on a more casual affair.

“Personally, I do put a roast beef on when I get my immediate family together,” Janelle says. “It’s a very Australian spread with meat, veggies and salads. It’s not a big gathering as my husband is from Canada and has no family here, and I’m a country girl. I grew up on a farm in Coonamble. So it’s just us and my two daughters.”

As for creating a look for the table, Janelle is spoilt for choice working in Bed Bath N’ Table, and likes to keep things simple. “I’m a big fan of basic, neutral tones,” Janelle continues. “I really like the Hamptons look, and the Sienna range in store is perfect for that. However, we stock a huge range of Easter merchandise if you want to go with a seasonal theme. From wreaths, to plates, bowls and mugs with Easter scenes and little rabbit decorations for the table, we can help you create an Easter look you’ll love.”

“I really like the Hamptons look, and the Sienna range in store is perfect for that...”

Tiffany Herbert from Plenty Kitchen & Tableware on serving with style

“Harvest boards are very big for entertaining this year,” says Tiffany from Plenty Kitchen & Tableware when asked about the perfect products for a family gathering. “Fill them up with long strips of Lebanese bread, figs, grapes and cheese, or just ask Victor from Deli Hub what he recommends.”

Huge serving platters made by Wonki Ware are also a big hit, and Plenty is the only place to get them in The Village. (Featured below)

Plenty Kitchen & Tableware Level 1, 9449 1783 Deli Hub Level 1, 9144 5999 VILLAGE LOCALS

Pictured right: Carolina Bianca top, navy $129.99, Gabriella pant $139.99. Pictured below: Metallic floral scarf, light teal $69.99. Valerie mules, silver $139.99.

Carolina Giraldo from Carolina recommends both comfort and chic

“As well as making the table setting look good, Carolina is the place to go to make sure YOU look your best for entertaining.”

“We have some beautiful pieces to make sure you look amazing,” says store owner Carolina. “However, hosting is hard work, and you will enjoy yourself more if you’re comfortable. We have a Tencel dress shirt and pants that make the perfect trans-seasonal outfit, as the natural fabrics breathe easily, allowing you to move around freely.”

Entertaining outside? Carolina suggests having a hat and scarf to hand so you’re ready for all weather.

GREAT THINGS TO GIVE

P L A N N I N G T H E F A M I L Y G A T H E R I N G PERFECT

Hedley Gordon from Book Review with some novel gift ideas

A good book is one of the best gifts, and the knowledgeable staff at Book Review will go that extra mile to make sure your choice hits the mark. “Some people ask for titles that suit 30, 40, 50-plus, but we also like to create a profile,” says Hedley Gordon from Book Review.

“We find out what subjects the person is interested in and books they’ve enjoyed.”

Book Review Level 1, 9144 7837

Book Review The Good Turn by Dervla McTiernan $32.99. Now for Something Sweet by Monday Morning Cooking Club $49.99.

RG Collection Rogue faux orchid in vase $325. Avoova ostrich egg trinket box $250. Avoova ostrich egg diffuser $250. Carrol Boyes glass bowl $995, Carrol Boyes cake stand $495.

Ronny Gregorian from RG Collection favours flower power

RG Collection has plenty of options to keep your host happy. “Flowers are always welcome, but why not gift them one of our stunning artificial orchids in a pot?” Ronny says. “We also have a range of South African homewares from Carrol Boyes that has plenty of options for a gift. Just come into the store and ask!”

RG Collection Level 1, 9144 1170

Pictured clockwise from top left: Kidstuff Jimmy Jack 36 piece puzzle $29.99. Jellycat blossom beige bashful bunny, small $39.99. Hatchimals egg carton $49.99. Ultimate Easter pom-poms kit $16.99. Rainbocorns big bow surprise $99.99.

Signe Payne from Kidstuff on choc-free gift options

While chocolate eggs remain the most popular gift for kids at Easter, Signe from Kidstuff has seen a healthconscious swing away from the sweet stuff in recent years.

“I go to my brother’s house around 10am for breakfast every Easter Sunday, and a lengthy Easter egg hunt is still a big part of the day,” says Signe. “All the kids get involved, even my oldest who is now 21! These days though, I only take a few eggs, along with an Easter gift. My nieces, who are 10 and 5, love Beanie Boos (plush toys), so I get them the latest one.”

Like Signe, many of Kidstuff’s customers are also looking for a chocolate replacement at Easter.

“We sell quite a few dinosaur eggs, funnily enough,” Signe continues. “You put them in water and they hatch a dinosaur. Jellycat bunnies and counting eggs are also huge.”

Visit their new look store, Shop 88 (opposite Ducjuba).

Kidstuff Level 1, 9449 8365

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12-21 FEBRUARY SENIORS’ WEEK Our regular workshop program is so well received by our patrons, and Seniors’ Week was no exception! We had packed classes for everything from decluttering to chair yoga, charcoal drawing to jewellery making… and more!

POP-UP JUNGLE MAZE Check our social media for updates on the next Maze Installation and also the return dates for Monday Morning Kids Activities