INNER CIRCLE

Fiona Lascelles runs rings to find the best for her dining table

YOU SPIN ME right round with Wali large place mat in black from Country Road; square wooden salt bowl crafted using materials from sustainable forests, from Father Rabbit. When someone says they have devised a gin cocktail called The Conspiracy Theory, using their own gin, you take notice, right? Exhibit A is a London dry-style gin made here in Aotearoa – with fresh, citrussy top notes, a hint of anise and a subtle smoky green tea and cardamom finish – and the stunning bottles (which come in either black (pictured) or white) are handmade by Auckland ceramist Gidon Bing. Silver cocktail skewers, perfect for martini olives, from My Exhibition and, as those who know me will agree, kōwhai is my fave colour, so yellow napkins are a must, from Spotlight. The ever-so-creative duo Sam Choi and Jiho Yun of Walk in the Park and Jiho Store are a long-time favourite of mine. A recent collaboration features this New Zealand-grown elm (black Urushi finished) wood-turned candlestick by Sam and footed sphere candle designed by Jiho, handmade by Mimong Candles based in Seoul, Korea. Speaking of perfection... Serax Perfect Imperfection bone-china dishes designed by Roos van de Velde, have been rushing out the door at Wells Trading Company – I was lucky to get dibs on one. Krenit salad servers designed by Herbert Krenchel from Backhouse are elegant table tools. Wooden balls from Trademe are a simple table decoration that won’t end up in the trash.