Cover Nicole Whisenhunt in her favourite spot in the home
Nicole Whisenhunt in her favourite spot in the home
1 / 1
Approaching entertaining as she would creating a piece of jewellery, Nicole Whisenhunt curates a dining experience to be remembered
For jeweller Nicole Whisenhunt, entertaining at home is just as much of an art as her occupation. Her home— where some of her best memories have taken place—is a haven for loved ones to gather, eat, celebrate and be merry.
Read more: Be Our Guest: How the Kitchen Can be a Place for Entertaining
Although she loves everything about her home, Whisenhunt still favours a few pieces. “[I love] my chandelier,” she enthuses. “You can really spot good quality furniture and décor by training your eye. The best interiors I’ve ever seen are never cookie cutters but rather allows the personality of the homeowner to shine through the pieces chosen. They have character and soul, original and authentic.”
On Whisenhunt’s must-have list before welcoming people into a home is a “comfortable, beautiful sofa”. A necessary centrepiece in any living room, a specially selected sofa makes for great conversations with friends and family.
Above Tablescapes are a big part of
a Whisenhunt celebration
Tablescapes are a big part of a Whisenhunt celebration
1 / 1
Her interest in interiors was, according to Whisenhunt, influenced by her Dad. “He loved moving things around the home and decorating. He also loved architecture and design. For any building or interior project for the family, he would always be on top of it. He also loved reading Architectural Digest and always encouraged me to travel,” she shares. She heeded his advice, developing an aesthetic inspired by everything: experiences, travel, her surroundings, even music.
But one thing Whisenhunt doesn’t rely on are trends. “I don’t really follow them,” the jeweller explains. “But I do like mixing the old and the new, just like how I do with my jewellery. Modern pieces give a refreshing look to soulful objects. Since I’m not up to date with trends, I just follow my personal style.”
When it comes to tablescapes, Whisenhunt taps into her grandmother’s legacy. “My grandmother would entertain often and expose me to beautiful table settings. I would also see lovely tablescapes at friends’ and family’s homes. All these probably contributed to my love for tablescapes.”
Above Dinnerware from Statement Theory
Above A graphic salad plate from Statement Theory
Dinnerware from Statement Theory
1 / 2
Whisenhunt shares her techniques for creating beautiful spreads. “Consider proportions and heights from the perspective of your table’s centre. In jewellery it’s all about proportions and how you put everything together. The stones you will use must complement or enhance one another. Like in jewellery, too, I also go for texture and layers on my tablescapes to add depth. Lastly, add contrast. This gives character and avoids things from looking flat.”
She used to scour flea markets, auctions and estate sales abroad for her tableware; these days, however, she has found a practical alternative. “While I enjoy buying dinnerware abroad, I’ve found packing plates and breakables too inconvenient. There’s even the risk of the dinnerware breaking in transit. So, purchasing from a local retailer guarantees me that everything will reach my home in good condition,” she declares, sharing her shopping secret. “Nowadays, my go-to place is Statement Theory.”
Above Fresh oysters delicately prepared for guests
Above Whisenhunt prepares comfort food for her guests
Fresh oysters delicately prepared for guests
1 / 2
Beautiful tableware and awesome tablescapes will be all for naught without good food. In Whisenhunt’s home, staples are Asian, Spanish and Italian cuisines— all of which she describes as comfort foods. “I have a Filipino menu, some Spanish and Italian dishes, and some childhood recipes that I grew up cooking,” she says. Her homey puttanesca and comforting galantina, beef short ribs braised or kaldereta style are sure-fire winners with her guests. Whisenhunt is also known for her delicious prawns thermidor, chicken tinola, ceviche and callos. “I have some tried and tested recipes which I rotate; but every now and then, I try making something new to add to my homemade ‘repertoire’. At the end of the day, my menu is about what would complement each other,” she discloses.
An avid food lover, Whisenhunt has been something of a gourmand since her twenties, exploring food in a “deeper” way. She would visit interesting restaurants, chat with creative chefs, even travel to eat. “Food evokes memories from my childhood, travels, relationships. It creates so many experiences being such a big part of our everyday lives. It’s the social gathering that brings people together, it’s the meals where relationships are built on, it’s the reason why we get together. All the while, it is also a hobby, a passion, an interest,” she says.
NOW READ
What Makes Alice Educardo's Dinnerware Collection Every Aficionado's Dream?
Mood Board: How Cristina Celestino Designs Spaces With Stories To Tell
Topics
