Chris Nordquist
Seattle Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it’s the best of the Space Age spires. George Jensen Ellipse Candlesticks by Rebecca Uth. Mid-century elegance with just enough whimsy. Raul Angulo Coronel RL Lantern by Vessel. Perfect for the Palm Springs house (of my dreams). Gyrofocus fireplace by Atelier Dominique Imbert. Also great for that […]
Vintage Georg Jensen Candelabra by Henning Koppel. Mid-century luxury in sterling (for the price of a nice car). Georg Jensen Masterpieces Design 1085 Candlestick. A classic mid-century design reinterpreted in stainless steel — at a more accessible price. Tom Dixon Spin Candelabra. Muscular and elegant at the same time. And all of the the arms […]
American Bar at the Savoy Hotel, London. An art deco gem with bartenders that take their work very seriously. Asanoha mixing glass. Serve them stirred –not shaken– from this elegant mixing glass. Leopold polished brass jigger. Precise measurements, easy to use, and easy on the eyes. Christofle Bulle D’Argent ice bucket. Modern (or more art […]
The Morgan Library. J.P. himself’s former digs in New York, now a stunning treasury of rare books and art. And open to the public. How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia by Mohsin Hamid. Not a how-to book, but a compelling novel written in the second person about the life and times of […]
Orlebar Brown Setter Swim Shorts. Smartly cut swimmers that are nice enough to wear to lunch by the pool. Marimekko Rasymatto paper napkins. For lunch on the patio (or to brighten up Julia’s lunchbox.) Gucci Bamboo Detail Leather Driving Shoes. Fancy with a summery sense of humor. Smith & Cross Navy Strength Jamaican Rum. Revive the traditional […]
Ray-Ban Aviators. Classic shades, lightweight and cool (but not too cool for school). Nest thermostat. A sleek, smart gadget that learns your preferences and programs itself to maximize energy efficiency –and can be controlled remotely from your phone. Coach Bleecker Leather Dopp Kit. For keeping it together on the road. Gifts from Murray’s Cheese. […]
Smitten Ice Cream’s “Brrr.” Smitten in San Francisco makes your ice cream on the spot using its “Brrr” machine that freezes your order with liquid nitrogen –in 60 seconds. It sounds like a gimmick, but the super fast freezing produces and incredibly smooth treat. I’m hoping for a home model. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. I […]
Chartreuse liqueur. 130 different herbs, plants, roots and leaves go into this vividly flavored (and colored) liqueur made by Carthusian monks in the French alps. Delicious to sip after dinner or mix into cocktails like The Last Word. Suede Driving Shoes by Car Shoe. In bright, fun colors as spring turns to summer. Bonobos Pool […]
Tazza d’Oro Coffee Shop, Rome. Bright, noisy, crowded, a little kitschy and mercifully unrenovated, it’s probably my favorite coffee shop in the world. It’s just steps from the Pantheon and often packed with tourists, but don’t be put off: it’s the real deal. The coffee (and granita di caffe in warm weather) are sublime. “Ruska” Stoneware […]
United Nations Trusteeship Counsel Chamber designed by Finn Juhl in 1950-52. Shown here in its original state, this striking interior by the Danish architect and furniture designer Finn Juhl is currently undergoing a complete restoration financed by the Danish government. Finn Juhl 45 Chair. My favorite chair, created by the “father of Danish modern design” […]
