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Modern Oil Lamps, a Retro Home Design Touch

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An oil lamp from Adam Frank projecting a tree onto a silver wall

Using oil lamps as a source of illumination goes waaaaaay back (as in 15,000 BCE). The first vessels for holding the oil were most likely seashells and stones, then later, clay pots. Over the years, consumers used many different substances as fuel—whale blubber, kerosene, and olive oil among them.

Wicks probably came to popularity during the Roman Empire, the shapes of the pots eventually changing to hold them into place, rather than having them simply float in the oil. What is commonly referred to as the “hurricane lamp” came about in 18th century British India with their distinctive glass chimneys and adjustable wicks to modify the length of exposed wick and hence the intensity of the flame.

Today, these lamps are, sadly, less common, having been replaced by candles (often made from paraffin instead of beeswax) or, more recently, LEDs. While the latter are certainly practical and avoid the hazards of an open flame, the act of flicking a switch is never quite as satisfying as the lighting of a wick soaked with oil. The flame produced by these lights is also wonderful—often brighter than a candle and more diffuse when sone through a glass enclosure.

Fortunately, there are modern examples that have all the qualities of a traditional oil lamp while adding some extra design swagger. And if you’d rather not use regular, petroleum-based lamp oil, there’s even a substitute that’s eco-friendly. Check out the lamps below, or if oil lamps aren’t your thing, take a look at these table lamps.

Modern Oil Lamps, a Retro Home Design Touch

A black oil lamp staged on a white background from 2Modern
Photo courtesy of 2Modern

Castor Design Oil Lamp / 2Modern

The Toronto-based industrial design firm Castor made this lamp in collaboration with Harnisch Lamps, a Canadian gas lamp company going all the way back to 1842. A simple shape in black powder coat chrome with a bit of laboratory chic.

A silver lamp from Hive Modern staged on a white background
Photo courtesy of Hive Modern

Stelton EM Oil Lamp / Hive Modern

Erik Magnussen’s 1982 satin polished stainless steel and glass oil lamp for Stelton was an immediate classic when it came out, and remains popular today. It comes in two sizes and its double-blass-cylinder construction produces a lovely soft light.

A Garrett Wade lamp against a wooden wall
Photo courtesy of Garrett Wade

Large Extra-Bright Nickel Oil Lamp / GarrettWade

Something of a hybrid, the base looks like a fairly traditional hurricane lamp, but the slender chimney adds a highly modern contrast. The wick on this oil lamp projects more light than is typical of similar others.

A candle-shaped lamp with a blue base from Fatboy, staged on a white4 background
Photo courtesy of Fatboy

Flamtastique XS Oil Lamp / Fatboy

A super-sleek take on the classic shape. With its silicon-covered base available in 4 colors, this extra durable lamp is diminutive but high on style. There’s even a small window in the base so you can see how much oil is left.

An oil lamp from Adam Frank, staged with a projection of a tree in a dark room

Lumen Flame / Adam Frank

This delightful lamp combines the charms of an oil lamp with the drama of a projector. There are seven shapes in all including a bird’s nest, trees, and a flock of birds—shapes that can project onto a nearby wall when you light the flame.

A bottle of more sustainable fuel oil for lamps
Photo courtesy of Firefly

Clean Lamp Oil / Firefly

If you’d rather not burn kerosene or other petrochemicals, this oil is non-toxic, eco-friendly, odorless, smokeless, and biodegradable. You can even get it in a citronella or eucalyptus scent as well as unscented for your oil lamps.

Story by Stephen Treffinger
Cover photo courtesy of Adam Frank

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The Biggest Interior Design & Lifestyle Trends for 2025

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An interior by Faye Toogood with a white, wavy-shaped rug and white walls on a beige floor
Photo © Genevieve Lutkin

Each year, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) puts out a report examining the biggest trends in interior design for the coming year. The report, however, goes beyond fabric colors and sofa shapes. The ASID’s 2025 design trend report looks at new developments in a great many areas, including wellness, lifestyle, and technology. One thread they identified running throughout is an increased desire people have to find joy in today’s uncertain world. This year’s defining term, “demure”, will be replaced by 2025’s “manifest,” perhaps appearing in 2025’s design trends.

A few things considered improvements to the way we live include inclusivity for all, a focus on sustainability, an increase in multigenerational collaboration in the workplace, and a preference for artisanal craftsmanship over fast fashion and disposable goods.

Below are a few of the major trends we think are particularly important for the coming year.

The Biggest Interior Design & Lifestyle Trends for 2025

Mixing Styles & Cultural Narratives

Mixing styles is not necessarily new. However, this time around designers and consumers alike are looking for greater meaning in their home and work environments. They want to layer classic pieces with those representing places they’ve experienced.

Outdoor Integration

New and improved fabrics, rugs, and other materials allows designers and homeowners to create spaces where the line between inside and out is ever-more blurred. Large windows and doors allow people on either side to feel a part of the whole.

Artisan Craft Revival

Things made in traditional ways will again resonate with homeowners when they are choosing special items to include in their homes. People have tired of bland, popular offerings that mute the interesting or challenging aspects of great design: the Faye Toogood room in the cover image is an example of this.

A Multigenerational Workforce

For too long, offices had become a sort of playground for recent college grads, at the exclusion of anyone over 30. But there is a return to mixing ages and knowledge in both directions. We all have something to learn!

Smart Homes & Accessibility

Smart home integration was once prohibitively expensive; however, prices have come down and the technology is more energy-efficient, seamless, and adaptive to the individual needs of homeowners.

One great source for information about non-toxic and sustainable materials is the Healthy Materials Lab at Parsons School of Design in New York. They have an excellent directory of products ranging form building materials to paints to textiles and more. A comprehensive guide to setting up a smart home can be found in WIRED.

Sustainability and Joy

People are incorporating smooth shapes, pleasant, non-toxic colors, and eco-friendly materials into their homes and lifestyles in order to counter the effects of extreme weather. Materials that participate in a circular economy are gaining traction. People are shunning toxic paints and adhesives, and incorporating layered lighting for greater wellness.

Story by Stephen Treffinger
Photo by Genevieve Lutkin, courtesy of Faye Toogood

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Valentine’s Day Gifts That Go Beyond Flowers and Chocolate

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A piece of artwork from The Night Sky

Yes, flowers, chocolate, and jewelry are classic Valentine’s Day gifts, but what if you want something that really lasts or makes a big impression? Just like there are all kinds of relationships, there are all kinds of appropriate gifts to make someone feel special. Your situationship would get something different than your wife of twenty-five years. (Should you even get your situationship a gift? TABLE cannot answer that for you. You must look inside yourself and ask if the guy who says he can’t come over tonight because of Monday night football is worthy of a bouquet. But no judgment). If you’re searching for Valentine’s Day gifts that go beyond the basics and will make your darling’s everyday life just a little sweeter, try these out.

Valentine’s Day Gifts That Go Beyond Flowers and Chocolate

A white striped blanket from Hudson Bay
Photo courtesy of Pendleton

Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket

This is a perfect blanket for snuggling up together with your sweetheart. And even when you’re not together, they’ll feel warm and cozy in bed from a gift that you gave them. Hudson Bay blankets are high quality and long lasting, made with wool and historically exchanged for beaver pelts in the old frontier. These are a splurge, but they’re well-worth it, especially if you’re on the hunt for something that will both improve someone’s everyday life and feel romantic and sweet.

A piece of artwork from The Night Sky
Image courtesy of The Night Sky

The Night Sky Star Map

United Kingdom-based design company The Night Sky will plot the coordinates of exactly what the stars looked like at any time and place you choose. Printing a star map of where you and your partner met, first kissed, or had a special experience together is a one-of-a-kind gift they’ll treasure forever. It’s also fairly affordable, at only $66 for a print.

A set of heart-shaped cookware from Le Creuset

Le Creuset Valentine’s Day Collection

If you’re looking to stay a little more on-theme with the aesthetic for Valentine’s Day, these Le Creuset heart-shaped kitchenware pieces are both adorable and functional. This is a great option if you enjoy cooking with your partner and want to express that through your gift. You can get teapots, mugs, or heart-shaped salt and pepper shakers. These are so precious, and will make cooking together even more fun.

Two sets of journals, one black and one pink
Photo courtesy of Lovers’ Unlimited

The Lover’s Journal

This set of journals has prompts, challenges, and free-writing spaces in it to help bring you and your partner closer together. Spending time writing each other love letters, reflecting on things you’re grateful for about each other, and dreaming about the future of your relationship is a way to connect and create a cherished written record of your relationship.

A crystal rose from Swarovski
Photo courtesy of Swarovski

Swarovski Florére Rose

Considering I’ve spent $169 or more on much more frivolous things, this Swarovski crystal rose is actually a steal at its price. It’s romantic. It makes a statement. It will last forever (provided no one breaks it). Anyone of any gender can appreciate a beautiful crystal piece like this, and it won’t wilt in the winter months.

Just Write a Damn Card. Make the Day Special. 

If there is one piece of Valentine’s Day advice we can impart on you, it’s this. You can get someone the nicest diamond, flowers, or $600 blanket in the world, but if you don’t show your love and intention as you give it, it loses its meanings. Write a card about how much your partner means to you or cook a nice meal you can share at home. Valentine’s Day might be an arbitrary holiday, but love is one of the most beautiful, fulfilling parts of life. That’s worth celebrating.

Story by Emma Riva
Cover photo courtesy of The Night Sky

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TABLE Magazine’s Ultimate Guide to Desserts

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A slice of Pumpkin Cheesecake topped with whipped cream, nuts, a gingersnap cookie, and caramel drizzle sits on an orange plate with another slice on a plate in the top right corner and a fork in the bottom right corner.

Who doesn’t love to indulge in desserts? Whether they are full of decadent chocolate, light and fluffy creams, or even a crumbly crust, dessert recipes are part of what keeps us human. That second that you bite into the perfect cake, brownie, or cookie creates a memory that lives in our brain always. So much so that even a whiff of sweets can take us back to a moment in time. Since desserts are so essential to our lives, we’ve compiled a guide to help you find recipes and tips for whatever it is you’re trying to create. Looking for a fruity tart for the holidays? What about brownies that go beyond the basic milk chocolate flavor? No matter what it may be, we’re here to help bring your celebrations to life. After all, any delicious dessert is celebratory in its own right. 

TABLE Magazine’s Ultimate Guide to Desserts

Cakes

14 Cake Recipes for National Baking Week and Beyond

An aerial shot of a Stone Fruit Polenta Cake with a few slices precut and leaves and apples surrounding the cake. Stone Fruit Polenta Cake Recipe

Delve into the delightful world of cakes, exploring a diverse range of recipes that make sure everyone can have the perfect birthday cake. From light and airy cakes to rich and decadent chocolate cakes, dense pound cakes, and everything in between, this collection offers something for every cake enthusiast. Inspire yourself to create showstopping cakes that taste even better than they look on the outside. 

Brownies and Chocolate

9 Easy Brownie Recipes

9 Boyfriend Brownies slices sit on a piece of parchment paper covered in different topping like candy, cookies, and coconut.

Indulge your inner chocoholic with these 9 Easy Brownie Recipes featuring the fudgy delights you love. Skip the regular milk chocolate brownies and try innovative twists like Miso Tahini Swirl or Cherry and Orange Luxardo Buttercream Frosted Brownies. Satisfy that sweet tooth with the addition of a scoop of ice cream when these recipes are still warm out of the oven. 

7 Chocolate Recipes for Every Occasion

Peanut butter chocolate cheesecake sliced and served on a wooden surface with forks on the side

In case the brownies aren’t quite doing it for the chocolate-lover in your life, these recipes are sure to coat every morsel in various rich kinds of chocolate. To help make sure you’re a pro when it comes to working with chocolate, pastry chef Selina Progar includes tips for picking out and melting this ingredient. Use her tricks to help you create Chocolate Cello, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake, or even a Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie. 

Cookies

The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Cookie Recipes

A wreath made out of Christmas cookies, powdered sugar, and greenery.

While this is the Ultimate Guide to Christmas Cookie Recipes, it actually includes recipes that can be made year-round as well. Try baking up Italian Wedding Cookies, Purple Barley Cookies, or Ube Sweet Soy cookies featuring White Chocolate. Each recipe contains its own tips to make baking a breeze even for those just starting out. You can even use our ideas as a base and add in your own toppings to make these cookies uniquely yours. 

Pies

Pie Recipes for Your Next Family Gathering

An aerial view of a sweet potato pie.

Family gatherings are all about sharing delicious food and joining each other for conversations. What better way to bring everyone together than with a perfectly baked pie? This article features a collection of delectable pie recipes, from classic apple crumbles to adventurous flavor combinations like our Gingered Peach and Blackberry Pie, guaranteed to impress your loved ones. A word of warning, you may want to make a double batch to be able to enjoy your own at home since these big flavors will have slices going quickly. 

Dessert Bars

5 Simple Dessert Bar Recipes For Your Next Party or Gathering

dessert bars

Prepare to fall in love with our dessert bar recipes. These little bricks of sweetness range from Pecan Pie Bars to dietary-friendly creations like Gluten-Free, Vegan Jammy Blueberry Bars. This collection showcases the versatility and irresistible appeal of this beloved dessert format, one you may not turn to as often as cookies and pies (though they happen to be the best of both worlds). Not to mention, their simplicity makes each recipe a win in and out of the kitchen. 

Holidays and Special Occasions

6 Recipes for a Red, White, and Blue 4th of July

A red, white, and blue gelatin cake decorated with fresh strawberries and blueberries sits on a platter while a woman holds out a cut slice on a small white plate.

This collection of recipes is bursting with red, white, and blue, perfect for Independence Day or Memorial Day celebrations. Try making your own Homemade Bomb Pops which you can dip into a glass of bubbly. Or, you can really commit to those with a sweet tooth and make the elegant Tres Leches Fourth of July Cake or dazzling Red, White, and Blue Stained Glass Gelatin Cake. Get ready to celebrate in style with a sweet and patriotic twist!

7 Simple Ways to Use Halloween Candy in Baked Goods

Halloween Candy Bark in various colors with halloween cnady baked in on top.

No need to throw out that leftover Halloween candy ever again! We take some of your favorite candy bars and other holiday treats and bake them into blondies, banana bread, cake, and other essential desserts. Your childhood dreams come to life in the forms of Rum Buttermilk Butterfinger Cake, Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread, and even Fudgy Peppermint Patty Brownies. 

Girl Scout Cookie Inspired Recipes

To represent Girl Scout Cookie Inspired Recipes, various Girl Scout Cookies surrounding a panel table and some crumbled up into crumbs.

Girl Scout Cookie season seems to last for such a short amount of time. To make the most of it, we recommend using these cookies to their full potential. Next time you pick up a box of Thin Mints® or Lemon-UPS®, consider making them into treats that go beyond the one-bite fashion of cookies. Create an entire Toffee-tastic® Gluten-free Cheesecake or take advantage of being an adult and enjoy an Adventurefuls® Cocktail. 

Easy Dessert Recipes to Distract from Global Chaos

Sugar cookies shaped like snowflakes on a black background!

In times of uncertainty, the kitchen can become a sanctuary. These simple and quick-to-make dessert recipes offer a comforting escape from the complexities of the world. Whether you’re seeking a moment of calm in the kitchen or a delicious treat to share a bit of joy with loved ones, these desserts are sure to bring a smile to your face. 

The Best of the Best

TABLE Magazine’s Best Desserts of 2024

An ice cream cake pie decorated with strawberries and flowers with a slice taken out of it sits on a cutting board on a white table. Strawberries and Trefoil Girl Scout Cookies surround the pie.

If you’re not sure what kind of dessert you want to make, our Best Desserts of 2024 range across different categories for plenty of inspiration. Plus, these recipes are the most viewed by our readers. This way, you can add it to your back pocket with confidence in its result. Cakes, pies, brownies, and so much more are waiting for you just a click away.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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Your Full Moon Horoscope for January 2025

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A pine tree branch covered in snow with two pinecones hanging from it presumably in January.

This full Moon is a mixed bag. The Sun and Moon, themselves, are in a rather intense configuration with Mars. This is likely to stir up agitation among the general public. But, the planets themselves are mostly in cooperative aspects with one another, indicating there are plenty of places we can expect to see progress, growth, and positive development.

The Sun and Moon are both in aspect to Uranus, degree for degree – the Sun by trine, and the Moon by sextile. This is likely to throw some things you won’t expect into the next few weeks. But, I suspect these surprises will only be minor harmonies to be appreciated down the road, in retrospective review.

Venus is applying to Saturn, and Mercury to them both. Saturn has been quite obstructive in recent astrology, so these two aspects give this planet something constructive to do. Each of the signs will benefit from this in their own way. But, the general theme is that through negotiation, patience, and a soft approach, a lot of headway can be made in important areas of life.

This is the full Moon ahead of the US Presidential Inauguration, and mundane astrologers will study this chart as it contains clues as to how the next four years are likely to proceed. Things tend to continue as they begin, so you can join astrologers in this study by watching the world around you during the two weeks following this full Moon.

Your Full Moon Horoscope for January 2025

Aries

The lunar nodes have finally changed signs, Aries, which means that you are out of the path of eclipses for the next nine years – except for one final solar eclipse to come in late March. When eclipses pass through our signs, we experience more frequent occasions of things ending suddenly, or changes being made without much period of anticipation. While there are other things that can and will bring disruption, from this point, the intensity which tends to accompany eclipses will spare you. With this full Moon, watch how you manage your frustration – the Moon and Sun both configure to Mars here in an intense way. Surprise funds aren’t out of the question, particularly if you are making good on a promise you made.

Taurus

I think you have some of the best financial signatures this month. Your planetary ruler, Venus, is in the 11th house which gives fortune and good luck. It applies to Saturn, ruler of your 10th house (which brings general success to any endeavor), and your 2nd-ruler Mercury applies to them both from Capricorn. Have you been considering a job abroad, or work outside your industry? Some opportunity that promises new perspectives appears ready to take you on. Be careful not to sign anything too fast this month – get an extra pair of eyes on anything requiring a signature from someone you trust. While you have good financial indicators this full Moon, it’s more about acquiring than spending – remember to respect that balance.

Gemini

You have some great astrology for resolving anything that has stalled out professionally, Gemini. Your 10th-ruler, Jupiter, is in position in your ascendant, separating from its square to Saturn: I can see that some things haven’t been going to plan. But Venus joins the party this month, and applies first to Jupiter (which shows help and aid to come), and then to a conjunction with Saturn (which should translate some of that aid to the obstacle, fear, or hesitation you’re facing). You may be tempted to borrow this month, and I think you’d find it easy to close a deal, but it doesn’t look profitable in the long run – delay pulling that trigger if you can. This full Moon is good for seeking forgiveness, if that is something you think you need to do somewhere in life.

Cancer

The key word this month, Cancer, is patience: you feel temptation to act quickly on something in front of you, but careful and consider the way. Have you been on the wrong end of some advice lately? It looks like some help is available now that hasn’t been for a while to help set some of that right. It would be wise to wait on major financial decisions until the aspects are better – it looks like big ideas and day-to-day realities need to come together first. The full Moon in Cancer does open some doors for short-term travel, perhaps to visit your hometown, or even to re-visit places that you miss where you are right now. If you are partnered, your loved way might be whisked away themselves.

Leo

Your planetary ruler, the Sun, is heading straight toward an opposition with Mars. This often shows up when we’re riled up about something, ready to fight. If you take that path now, the fight will be stronger in theme than the make-up and/or restitution, so consider keeping a cool head and approaching irritations from a calmed place. The trine between the Sun and Uranus might well indicate some surprises to arise with respect to work – probably something you can spin to your advantage, if you decide to be clever about it. I would not recommend changing jobs this full Moon, although if that cannot be avoided, be mindful of your new surroundings and take in what you can in your first few weeks. Moving cautiously will serve you well.

Virgo

You’re in for some change ahead, Virgo, as the Moon’s South Node make their ingress into your sign this month and will stay there for the next two years. This point is where the Sun and Moon’s path intersect, and when they’re both near these places eclipses occur. Eclipses are more powerfully felt when closely configured to your exact birth chart, and some will pass without much notice. Odds are, though, one of these will tap you. As it’s the South Node passing through Virgo, expect disruption in things that are born out of old, unproductive patterns. Usually we can feel what eclipses are likely to impact long before they arrive, so stay vigilant and watch for where you’re carrying dead weight – these are the areas eclipses are most liable to shake up.

Libra

After moving into different zodiac signs, the lunar nodes will no longer cause eclipses in Libra for the next nine years. This should offer you a welcome break from these often-volatile signature. When eclipses occur in our signs, they tend to bring abrupt endings and unexpected changes into our lives. While other factors can still cause upheaval, you won’t have to deal with the particularly intense disruptions that typically come with eclipses. This wouldn’t be the right time to make big career moves, if you can help it. The Moon is in hard aspect to Mars this full Moon – gains might be cut short by decisions made too quickly. This is a good time to start making plans for an international adventure, if you’re up for it!

Scorpio

How has your romantic life been lately, Scorpio? If it’s felt like there’s something of a ‘block’ in that arena, don’t worry – Venus is coming in to conjoin Saturn and give a bit of levity to what can be awkward or heavy in romantic pairings. Your planetary ruler, Mars, is retrograding back to an opposition with the Sun. Are you wanting to confront someone in a position of authority, or to challenge something that most generally accept? My advice would be to wait – this is not Mars at its best, and indicates you might bring some unwanted attention on yourself at this time. Mars is also in an exact trine to Neptune, which can cloud judgment and make it easy to say something you’ll regret.

Sagittarius

There are good financial prospects on the horizon for you, Sagittarius, particularly in situations where you will negotiate. The signatures are good for receiving a raise, as well, if your company does appraisals in late January/early February as many do to align with the start of the civil new year. The risk during this period comes from Jupiter’s position in your 7th house, which could indicate putting the needs of others before your own – which may have already set you back a bit, judging by the recent square Jupiter had to Saturn in Pisces. Keep an eye on your health, as well – some signatures here could easily indicate catching a common cold from people near you. I’d jumpstart an immune support regimen, like getting more Vitamin C and zinc in your diet, to help your body overcome before illness sets in.

Capricorn

Looks like a great time to travel, Capricorn, or to stretch your horizons in some meaningful way. Your 9th-ruler, Mercury, is in Capricorn applying to gentle sextiles with Venus and Saturn in your 3rd house. This configuration tends to make your communication flow more easily, give you a leg up in any activity that broadens the mind (travel, specialized learning, etc.), and helps improve the quality of advice you receive this full Moon. Signatures for spending are a bit tense at the moment, so don’t blow the bank in order to achieve your aims: affordable options are often just as suitable as the more ostentatious ones. Overall, you should find some extra luck this Full Moon, so get out there and get moving!

Aquarius

I have some good news for you, Aquarius: things appear to moving in a forward direction for you, from all angles. It looks like you’re making some headway on your financial goals, and will find additional support this full Moon – perhaps from international sources, or from those who are specialists in their subject and fit to provide you counsel. The Sun is soon to enter your sign, which will shine a light on what you do and help you seed new ideas for future months. You’ll want to enter that period prepared, so for now, avoid making any commitments that are too firm and won’t allow for some reasonable re-negotiation at a later date. This is a good time to consolidate on the things that are working in life, to invest more deeply in theme, and express gratitude in small but intentional ways.

Pisces

The lunar nodes are shifting positions, and with the North Node moving into your sign for the next two years, Pisces, you’re entering a period of opportunity. These nodes mark the crossing points of the Sun and Moon’s paths – spots where eclipses take place when both luminaries align there. While not every eclipse will impact you personally, their influence tends to be more pronounced when they connect with specific points in your natal chart. There’s a good chance you’ll feel the effects of at least one of these cosmic events during this cycle. As this is the North Node, the eclipses are likely to force you to make choices that require growth, determination, and reflect the wisdom you’ve gathered in life. Eclipses are rarely easy, but they often contribute to a story of larger good in the long-view.

Bio

Wade Caves, based in Brooklyn, NY, is an astrological consultant and educator specializing in problem-solving applications of astrology. He teaches astrological divination and astronomy at the School of Traditional Astrology. Wade also publishes his work on world astrology through Skyscript’s In Mundo publishing desk and hosts the World Astrology Summit, a conference dedicated to the advancement of astrology for global problem-solving. Website: wadecaves.comskyscript.co.uk/inmundo Email: hello@wadecaves.com.

Story by Wade Caves
Photo Courtesy of Aaron Burden

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Dreaming of Summer at Our Habitas in Atacama, Chile

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The interior of an Our Habitas home in Atacama, Chile

If you’re like me, you begin fantasizing about summer before winter has even really begun. This series of posts will highlight dreamy places to travel in warm (or hot) climates, perfect for a seasonal getaway with friends, a beachy escape, or even somewhere spectacular to visit any time of year. For another place to escape the winter blues, also try Al Suave house in El Salvador. 

Dreaming of Summer at Our Habitas in Atacama, Chile

Situated among a range of landscapes from desert (the Atacama is the driest non-polar desert on earth) and salt flats to geysers and hot springs, the Our Habitas Atacama is a place to enjoy warm temperatures (high temps in the upper 70s to mid 80s throughout the winter) and dazzling scenery. If you’re the outdoorsy type, there’s hiking, biking, and even sand-boarding. Super clear skies make it a great place for stargazing. If you’re not sportif, there’s a pool and wellness area (and walks, which are stunning no matter what). The whole place has an earthy, chill vibe, with stucco and stone walls, muted colors, and soft lighting.

The Atacama desert in Chile, with three flamingoes eating in a desert of sand as a mountain overlooks it.
Photo by Alex Wlowiecki

An Eco-Conscious Stay

The place, part of the Our Habitas group, is also highly eco-conscious: they avoid taking down trees when building their resorts, and plant an equal amount for any they do need to remove. The place is single-use plastic-free, and they implement a water management plan. The Atacama is located away from major cities and receives almost no rain, with 300 cloudless nights a year, at about 8,000 feet above sea level. The hotel group even has its own impact initiative, called RISE, that creates economic and educational opportunities for local communities.

A meal in a black pot from Our Habitas in Atacama, Chile

Everything is local, including furnishings sourced through local artisans. Fabrics are dyed using natural materials, rooms are simple but striking. Food in the restaurant and cocktails at the bar use locally grown, seasonal ingredients. The property maintains a native herb garden as well, adding authentic touches to the cuisine.

The interior of Our Habitas's Chile house with sable walls and multicolored pillows on a white bed
Photo by Kleinjan Groenewald

When you’re not on a hike or relaxing in the wellness center, there are workshops devoted to local ceramics, cooking the region’s dishes, and learning about medicinal plants, and more.  Nearby attractions include a pre-Columbian archaeological site (Pukará de Quitor); a rocky plateau perfect for taking in the sunsets (Mirador de Kari); and a valley with stone and sand formations (Elle Valle de la Luna).

An outdoor deck at the Our Habitas property in Atacama, Chile.
Photo by Kleinjan Groenewald

For those that fall in love with the place and the experience, there are many other properties in the Our Habitas world, including locations in Mexico, Costa Rica, Morocco, Namibia, Saudi Arabia, the US, and more.

Story by Stephen Treffinger
Photo courtesy of Our Habitas

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Faye Toogood is Maison et Objet’s 2025 Designer of the Year

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A black and white image of designer Faye Toogood staring right into the camera

Each year, Maison et Objet (the giant design show that takes place in January and September in Paris) names a designer of the year. Last year it was Mathieu Lehanneur, who created (among many other things) the Olympic torch and flame cauldron—and who was a TABLE Magazine cover guy.

This year, the powers that be have named British designer Faye Toogood as Designer of the Year. Although she is perhaps not (yet) a household name, you will be hearing a lot more about her. Her approach is bold, experimental, and avant garde—plus she maneuvers easily between fashion, art, and interior design. One of only a handful of female designers in the UK, she is something of a pioneer, championing the representation of women for the international design community—a focus of Maison et Objet’s Women & Design initiative.

The Roly-Poly Chair, designed by Faye Toogood, sits in a home with a beige rug
Roly-Poly Chair. Photo © Matthew Donaldson

The Roly-Poly Chair

Her first big “hit” design was the Roly-Poly chair (now made by the Italian company Driade) in 2014, a sturdy and curvy seat on four chubby legs. It’s mix of brutal and tender struck a chord with the public, and it became an instant icon, and was emblematic of her approach to design.

This chair is better known than I am. For two years, no one was interested. It was an alien. Some see in it the curves of Art Deco, others a primitive African style with elephant feet. It was so different from the marble and brass we were seeing at the time. Roly-Poly was a turning point for me. Id just had my first child and everything became softer, rounder and bouncier. I find that when a piece of work is linked to real emotions, it hits home. It conveys an intuition and feelings that go far beyond aesthetics and form. If we design objects in this way, they take off.”

Faye Toogood’s Newest Collection 

A tan piece of furniture from Assemblage 8, Faye Toogood's newest collection
Photo courtesy of Faye Toogood

Her most recent collection, Assemblage 8, consists of furniture assembled like a children’s construction set. Give them pieces of a puzzle and let them figure it out,” she says. Creativity is at the heart of who we all are, where we come from and who we could be one day.”

Toogood started her career as a journalist, working at World of Interiors as an assistant, then stylist, then Decoration Editor. She coordinated shoots, and saw a lot of pieces from around the world in the process, an experience she says gave her breadth and depth. But after a few years in the business, she felt drawn to create something three-dimensional and tangible, experimenting with all manner of media, and still works in myriad ways including fashion, sculpture, and furniture.

Its a toolbox from which I draw to communicate my creativity. A coat or a chair are just different ways of telling my story. I find it liberating to move from one practice to another. Its my alphabet, my A to Z, my language.”

An interior by Faye Toogood with a green wall. A woman lays on a pink bed in a pink pajama set.
Photo © Andrea Ferrari

Paying it Forward to Role Models

She has had few (women) role models as the industry was—and still is—dominated by men. (Toogood names Patricia Urquiola and Zaha Hadid as people she admires.) She did, however, find success and now runs a 25-person studio, which she says is the perfect number because she can work alongside each person, and not lose touch with what they’re working on.

I like to get my hands dirty. Thats what makes me happy and makes me a better leader. I see the studio as a family, some people have been here for a very long time, some have left, some have come back. Elsewhere, they were dissatisfied with doing the same thing all day. With me, you have to be flexible and move from one practice to another. Without them I wouldnt be able to create as much. Its a real studio in the artistic sense of the word.”

An interior by Faye Toogood with a white, wavy-shaped rug and white walls on a beige floor
Photo © Genevieve Lutkin

Her style manages to strike difficult balances between playful and serious, simple and complex, naive and sophisticated. It doesn’t fit into any mold or ride along on any wave of trend. The best part is that it leaves you with the desire to see what she’ll do next.

My driving force is the desire to make our lives less ordinary. Whether through clothes, furniture or objects, I try to make peoples lives more beautiful, more interesting, more sculptural. Its always a question of geometry, sculpture and materials.”

Story by Stephen Treffinger
Photography by Andrea Ferrari, Genevieve Lutkin, Matthew Donaldson, and courtesy of Faye Toogood

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TABLE Magazine’s Best of 2024

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A bowl of Stanley Tucci Inspired Spaghetti alla Nerano sits next to two glasses of white wine.

As 2024 turns to 2025, every media outlet on earth churns out a “best of” list, but ours is particularly delicious. You can make these recipes any time of year, but these were our reader-picked most popular recipes in each delectable category of our website. Eat well and drink well in 2025, and stay healthy and happy!

TABLE Magazine‘s Best Recipes of 2024

Best Vegetarian Recipes of 2024

An overhead photo of a colorful tropical smoothie bowl with banana, kiwi, passion fruit, berries, and granola over a vibrant purple yogurt blend in a tan bowl with a gold spoon on a tan and light blue wood surface.

Plant-based and vegetarian food is on the rise as a food trend, and it’s here to stay. We expanded this category to vegetarian because we love cheese, but everything on this list can also be made vegan if you so choose.

Best Lunch Recipes of 2024

Roasted Carrot and Chickpea Sandwich on a plate along with a plate of side dish

Lunch should have a moment this year. There’s all this focus on dinner, but lunch can be an important meal of the day as well, as Meike Peters’ cookbook Noon posits.  What makes a good lunch? It’s up to interpretation, but this can be a great question to ask yourself going into 2025.

Best Finger Foods of 2024

Various crispy mushroom bundles sit on a brown plate beside a small bowl of spicy mayo beside two green cups and two forks.

Throwing a party? Whether it’s to watch a sports game, an awards show, or simply to get together with friends, finger foods are a good party snack to keep the fun going without a lot of prep or a lot of mess.

Best Soup Recipes of 2024

A plate of kale and sweet potato soup with a poached egg

It’s winter. The weather leaves something to be desired. Soup can help! Borscht, pumpkin, squash, and more can warm your heart and soul as you bundle up and stay in. But soup can be a summer thing, too, if it’s chilled and uses seasonal produce.

Best Weeknight Dinners of 2024

A sheet pan of roasted vegggies like corn and zucchini sits on a table next to a small bowl of spicy glaze with the spoon outside of it.

There are 261 weekdays in a year. So, the weeknight dinner is a big deal. A weeknight dinner is something that’s easy, adaptable, and can serve a lot of people or give you a lot of leftovers the next day. These recipes are all designed to make your life a little easier and a little tastier.

Best Mocktails of 2024

A Thankgiving dinner table set with a mocktail garnished with apple

Non-alcoholic drinks are on the upswing as a food and beverage menu trend. Mocktails don’t have to have non-alcoholic spirits—they can be as simple as a shrub with sparkling water, ginger, and lemon.

Best Salads of 2024

A green bowl holds a Green Goddess Egg Salad with dyed eggs to the right of the bowl.

Is your new year’s resolution to eat healthier? Well, look no further than our best salads of 2024. We’ve got potato salads, roasted beet salads, lemon za’atar salad, some of the simplest, most fun salads out there to add a touch of color to your table.

Best Pasta of 2024

A bowl of Stanley Tucci Inspired Spaghetti alla Nerano sits next to two glasses of white wine.

Our motto at TABLE could be “Italians do it better.” We have quite the serving of pasta recipes to round out the year, from Cacio e Pepe to Carbonara. Open up a bottle of Barbera, grate some Pecorino, and dive in.

Best Desserts of 2024

An ice cream cake pie decorated with strawberries and flowers with a slice taken out of it sits on a cutting board on a white table. Strawberries and Trefoil Girl Scout Cookies surround the pie.

Who needs cleanses and dieting, anyway? Sometimes, you just want to indulge. Life is short, eat dessert first. And then eat it again. This list has all the cakes, pies, and cookies you could possibly want.

Best Cookbooks of 2024

A sizzling pot on a stove, steam coming off of a ladle in a cozy-looking kitchen

Staff writer and author herself Julia Platt Leonard rounded up her favorite cookbooks from the year with the recipes that inspired her the most. The cookbook authors also generously shared their favorite recipes, linked within the article.

Best Gardening Books of 2024

A pot of red flowers on top of a stack of gardening books

Want to redecorate your backyard? As winter turns to spring, maybe you want a touch of color in your garden. Julia Platt Leonard also picked her favorite books to inspire you to bring as bit more of Mother Nature’s beauty into your life.

Best Cocktails of 2024

Two Espresso Negroni Cocktails in rocks glasses with an orange peel as garnish. Deep red in color. Espresso Negroni Cocktail Recipe

Just because New Year’s is over doesn’t mean the party has to stop. We’ve got inventive themed cocktails for the hottest pop culture releases of the year classics like the Espresso Negroni to add to your 2025 bar menu. Cheers!

Story by Emma Riva

 

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King (Epiphany) Cake

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King Cake served on a round, flat, brownish plate with a piece cut and protruded out. Two stylish glasses filled with a drink.

The King Cake is a puff pastry confection served on Epiphany. Its purpose is to commemorate the Three Kings’ arrival at the stable where Jesus was born. As the Christmas carol reminds us, they followed a star to find the way, bringing rare and symbolic gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In New Orleans it’s iced in three colors: purple (justice), green (faith), as well as gold (power). Elsewhere, simplicity generally prevails with a bit of sugar and a sprinkle of gold nonpareils.

What is a King (Epiphany) Cake?

Meals with religious and cultural underpinnings, such as the festivities during Mardi Gras are reminder of how food connects us. It takes to traditions, nurtures faith, and by design is meant for sharing. The cake is cut and then distributed among guests. A tiny plastic baby, once made of porcelain, hides in one slice. The lucky person to find the baby in their slice is king for a day. As is the custom, they are also obliged to host the next gathering where a new King Cake is served.

We whipped up this delicious King Cake for TABLE readers. We hope you’ll bake it as a delicious way to close out this holiday season, and that happy memories make even more scrumptious.

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King Cake served on a round, flat, brownish plate with a piece cut and protruded out. Two stylish glasses filled with a drink.

King (Epiphany) Cake (Galette de Roi)


  • Author: Erika Bruce

Description

We’re making this celebratory dessert as easy as possible. 


Ingredients

Scale

For the almond filling:

  • 1 ½ cups slivered almonds
  • ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ⅛ tsp salt
  • 1 large egg + 1 large white (reserve the yolk for the glaze)
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 (17 oz) package of frozen puff pastry, thawed in the refrigerator overnight

For the glaze:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp milk


Instructions

  1. To make the almond filling, combine the almonds, sugar, flour, and salt in a food processor and process until they are very finely ground. Add the egg and egg white, almond and vanilla extracts; process until combined, about 10 seconds. Add butter and process until no lumps remain, about 10 seconds. Scrape the bottom and sides of bowl with a rubber spatula and process to combine thoroughly, about 10 seconds longer. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Heat the oven to 400 degrees with the rack in the middle position. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On lightly floured surface, lay both sheets of puff pastry and cut a 9-inch circle out of each one. Transfer them to the baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Remove the dough and almond filling from the refrigerator. Slide one circle of dough from the pan so that there is only one circle of dough on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread the almond filling over the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch exposed border.
  4. Brush water generously around the exposed perimeter of the dough then place the second circle of dough on top and press down to seal the edges very well, then flute the sides of the galette.
  5. Make the glaze by whisking the egg yolk and milk together and then brush it evenly over the top. Use a paring knife to lightly score a design on the top and then poke 4-5 holes all the way through the dough to allow steam to escape.
  6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the galette is well browned on top and up the sides. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

We preferred Pepperidge Farm puff pastry because it includes two large sheets of pastry, from which we could easily cut two circles. If you buy a brand that contains less than 17 ounces, or only comes as one sheet, you may roll out or reshape the dough. Be sure to chill the dough frequently if doing this, as it quickly softens and becomes difficult to work with and also needs a long rest after being worked.


Food and Recipe by Erika Bruce
Story by Gabe Gomez
Photography by Dave Bryce
Baccarat champagne coupes courtesy of Glassworks

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7 Easy (and Healthy) Game Day Food Recipes

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A flat-lay image of an Edamame and Kale hummus dish with carrots, cucumbers, and radishes surrounding the plate.

When prepping for your next home team match-up, easy is the name of the game when creating your lineup of apps and mains to enjoy while watching another victory. These simple and healthy game day recipe choices will keep your mind out of the kitchen and focused on the plays.

7 Easy (and Healthy) Game Day Food Recipes

Easy Fruit Dip

Berries and pineapple on a white plate with a bowl of creamy white fruit dip, and a little gold spoon with some of the dip on a plate

For this easy fruit dip recipe, ditch the added sugar from marshmallow fluff, and incorporate some local honey for sweetness. Add cubes of pound cake, pretzels, or graham crackers to a variety of your favorite berries and fruits to create a tasty fruit board.

Lemon and Basil Buttermilk Grilled Chicken Wings

Lemon & Basil Buttermilk Grilled Chicken Wings served on a white plate with a couple of drinks

Crack open a locally brewed IPA and let the notes of lemon and basil wings play across your palate. There’s magic in this buttermilk grilled chicken wings recipe that will ignite conversation and carefree fun.

Easy Sausage and Feta Sheet Pan Dinner

A sheet pan dinner with sausage, red grape tomatoes, and feta cheese with a bowl of tomatoes and a plate with red onion

Simple ingredients. Easy-peasy prep. All of this pays off big time with fun, flavorful results everyone will love.

Edamame and Kale Hummus

A flat-lay image of an Edamame and Kale hummus dish with carrots, cucumbers, and radishes surrounding the plate.

Kale loves cool weather, and baby leaves will be among the early bounty this season. Blend them with nutritious edamame beans, rich tahini, and garlic and voila: a dreamy farm-to-table dip.

Beer Brat Stew

On the right of the frame is a big bowl of beer brat stew. On the left sits two bowls of the stew.

Prepare this hearty meal the day before and let the flavors blossom overnight.

Easy Bake Beans and Potatoes

An aerial shot of a sheet pan covered in green beans and potatoes.

Fresh ingredients. Loads of flavor, protein, and vegetable abound. And just one pan! From oven to plate… this recipe is simply delicious!

Savory Eggplant Jam with Homemade Crackers

A plate holds an Eggplant Jam that sits beside an array of placed homemade crackers on another small plate.

Eggplant jam (a spin on baba ghanoush) is a great addition to any game day charcuterie board. It’s healthy, savory, and packed with flavor. The homemade crackers are a great touch, as well, but if you want even fewer carbs, you can swap them out with vegetables. 

Story by Jordan Snowden
Photography by Dave Bryce and Laura Petrilla 

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