Benji Johnson wearing The Breaths We Dare To Take earrings and P181 ear cuff
Editor Benji Johnson shares his holiday wishlist!
Thoughts on Mistletoe?
"Without a doubt, mistletoe holds a romantic note of ideality. It is one that has resonated for centuries across Greek, Roman, Norse and Celtic cultures marking the dawn of winter months, affairs of love and loss, and vivaciuous exploration. In modern society, its idyllic nature is place in moments of chance and desire, harmonic encounters that bring two together to demonstrate love at long last. The tale is one of hidden love, nurtured from a distance and flourished by mutual patience. Winter's festive season arrives and brings with it an atmosphere of joy and community, where the hopeful belief of possibility reigns true. The soon-to-be-lovers engage, after weeks of subtle glances, and find themselves, with utter surprise and yearning, under the Mistletoe. A kiss is stolen, a moment harnessed by both, and the blossoming of love commences. While these moments are still a fairytale for many, a fantasy created by history and cinema, there is something rather beautiful in being reminded of this storyline when we pass under its leafy green and red presence. Perhaps this is the year to explore our own version of the story? The time to hang the mistletoe, cherish our own desires, and make true the fictional narrative we have failed to entertain thus far?"
"Without a doubt, mistletoe holds a romantic note of ideality. It is one that has resonated for centuries across Greek, Roman, Norse and Celtic cultures marking the dawn of winter months, affairs of love and loss, and vivaciuous exploration. In modern society, its idyllic nature is place in moments of chance and desire, harmonic encounters that bring two together to demonstrate love at long last. The tale is one of hidden love, nurtured from a distance and flourished by mutual patience. Winter's festive season arrives and brings with it an atmosphere of joy and community, where the hopeful belief of possibility reigns true. The soon-to-be-lovers engage, after weeks of subtle glances, and find themselves, with utter surprise and yearning, under the Mistletoe. A kiss is stolen, a moment harnessed by both, and the blossoming of love commences. While these moments are still a fairytale for many, a fantasy created by history and cinema, there is something rather beautiful in being reminded of this storyline when we pass under its leafy green and red presence. Perhaps this is the year to explore our own version of the story? The time to hang the mistletoe, cherish our own desires, and make true the fictional narrative we have failed to entertain thus far?"
What does Christmas dinner look like for you?
"Christmas dinner, in recent years, has varied depending on where I have found myself. Rather than boring anyone with the known traditions of an English Christmas dinner, I had a note-worthy experience a few years ago. While working as a live-in cleaner at a hotel in London, staff Christmas dinner was served on the eve of the 24th given that most of us were from outside of the United Kingdom. That way we could enter the early hours of the 25th in celebration to cater to all. I have to say everything was lovely. From turkey to hassle-back potatoes, dumplings to sauerkraut, the dinner was clearly well thought out - even the sausage vendor came to join with his soon-to-be wife! (I learned that this was a yearly tradition since he started supplying the hotel with his locally sourced meat. However, I am unsure whether he came again after what was done to his porky treats). Right there, sitting on the table between the wine and honey sautéed carrots, were his sausages, floating in a baking tray with a large serving spoon protruding from the middle. Yes, I know that is a confusing sentence to make sense of, but truly they were floating! Despite golden brown on top, only half of the sausage was visible with the underside submerged in a white substance. Upon further examination, the sausages had been cooked (boiled?) in egg white. A tray of hardened egg white and par-boiled sausage screams Christmas, right? Safe to say that the longing for the hotel Christmas dinner didn't keep me there for very long."
Last gift you gave?
"The last gift that I gave was a surprise party for my partner's birthday. Although he is someone that avoids his birthday every year, leaving for another country or hiding away on the day to escape celebratory love of friends and family, that was just something that I wouldn't accept. Gathering his close friends and mutuals relations, we assembled in my flat waiting for him to return from dinner with a friend who had assisted the organising. Lights off, doors closed, eager bodies and bated breath waited in the dark for the knock on the door. 5,4,3 - Door opens. The anticipation hits our chests, all praying that nothing would ruin the plan - 2,1 - Here we go. Everyone ready? - SURPRISE! Out from behind sofas and the nook of the kitchen, 20 eager beings screamed in celebration for a friend whose impact had been mutually felt. Party streamers were flying and soon the wine was flowing, feet side-stepping to 00's hits and refills offered before being gratefully accepted. That, for me, is a gift. The harnessing of a moment to create a memory for the heart of another. Here's to the next surprise."
Benji's Curated Selections
B98 - Set of 4 Recycled Tiny Glasses in Clear
"Let's not kid ourselves, these are for wine. I am sure there are other uses, but, for now, imagine a full-bodied, slightly earthy red with notes of vanilla and dark chocolate, its garnet hue longing for the touch of your palate after a busy day. Just place yourself at the table - catching up with a friend, enjoying a moment of relaxation with a partner, taking in the final moments of sun at dusk - and feel the simple addition of a tiny glass in your hand. Not too little, not too much, just the ideal amount to sip yourself into slumber."
H21 - Platinum Plated Sterling Silver Necklace
"I don't know many people that would argue against a well-crafted, simple chain. A versatile peice, worn in solidarity or paired for the elevation, offers statement in abundance. For me, it radiates subtle confidence, a knowledge of what simplicity is and the best ways to wear it...as your own."
L06 - Dish in Brushed Brass
"For anyone who is regularly switching, swapping, moving and repositioning, there aren't many items they can comfortably hold onto. Yet, it is also likely that they are beginning to feel an itch to have a space to make their own. If that's the case, small dishes - used as bowls, ashtrays, key holders, vessels for loose change - can become the perfect addition to a life where the destination isn't quite clear just yet. For myself, a proud owner of many small dishes used in a manner of ways, this would mark my 2024 holiday period fondly"