Hi and happy Sunday!
I feel like it’s been a minute since we’ve properly sat down at the table together — I’m sorry for that! I’ve been a little preoccupied developing my Brunch at Sera’s series (for new readers, that’s the paid weekly instalment of my fledgling Dinner at Sera’s empire — if you’re interested, there’s a free week trial and you can cancel anytime) and I’ve also been caught up on production of what could very well be considered my pièce de résistance, Sera’s Ultimate Guide to Berlin (pt. 1 out now, pt. 2 TBD).
For this issue, I thought I’d bring it back to basics. In yesterday’s edition of Brunch, I went over my top picks from The New York Times 2023 Holiday Gift Guide, so in the spirit of frenzied purchasing season imminently upon us, I’m starting my own gift guide — I’ll be sharing this bit by bit over the coming weeks.
I’ve also included my plans for holiday cooking and a few productivity-related tips. Let’s eat!
Sera’s Holiday Gift Guide (week one)
For someone special: a unique ornament — they’ll always think of you when they look at it! I love this sriracha bottle. For a more budget option, I was at Target yesterday and saw this cute glass baguette. They also have the cheaper version of the NYT recommended oyster platter (also from Sur La Table) that I love.
For a White Elephant type of gift exchange situation: a fun piece of art! Might I suggest a cool print (there are so many affordable options out there — see my weekly series in Brunch at Sera’s for more). As examples, I like these Bauhaus and Aperol Spritz posters, both from Society6.
For yourself (if you have the exact same taste profile as me): this St. Agni woven mini tote and these Vagabond flats — I can’t decide between the black or the deep red!
Setting the table
Every year in Berlin, I host Thanksgiving for a group of my friends. One of my favorite parts of adulthood has been developing my own traditions, and it’s been especially fun to share Thanksgiving with non-Americans, who had never experienced it prior.
If you’re in need of some inspiration, I chronicled last year’s Thanksgiving in a few videos on my TikTok, which can be found in the form of prep cooking here, more prepping here, the making of the mac and cheese, and the final presentation.
I’m still working on this year’s menu. I want to switch the dishes up a bit, but I’m a little unsure what that will look like (given my recent conversion to veganism — I’m open to all culinary suggestions though!) So far, I’ve found some helpful articles to help with the preparation. This article in Food & Wine very neatly details what food can be made ahead of time and which dishes absolutely must be made day of.
I think it’s extremely important to set and maintain traditions for yourself, religious or not, no matter how small! Whether that’s hosting a dinner (or just cooking a nice meal for yourself), keeping a box of seasonal decor that you periodically switch out in your home, or even just lighting some winter-themed candle while listening to Christmas music in your living room, these will one day comprise the memories you’ll look back on fondly.
Becoming a better writer
I’ll be honest with you, sometimes writing this newsletter is extremely painful. Other times, it feels like it flows right out of me. I never know which version I’ll get. What I’ve found is that writing is exactly like exercising a muscle. The more I write, the easier it gets. Not to sound like a nagging mom, but it really is true when they say that the hardest part of accomplishing something is just getting started.
My favorite tactic I’ll employ if I really don’t feel like writing (be it for work, for this newsletter, papers back when I was in grad school, etc) is dictating via the voice memo app on my phone. There are a number of apps that exist strictly for the purpose of transcribing your voice recordings. What I’ll do is just spit out sentences, write them down, and then go back and edit them later. It makes the entire process easier.
Again, the hardest part of the battle is just putting words to paper. Anytime you think of anything, no matter where you are, write it down. You will absolutely forget them if you don’t — spoken from the experience of losing countless million dollar ideas (according to me).
My phone and computer are full of random notes. I repeat lists to myself when I’m the shower so I can write them down first thing upon getting out. I have journals all over my house that I’m constantly scribbling in.
There is so much incredible inspiration all around us, just waiting to be noticed. Take advantage of that, the fact that you most likely already have all the ideas you need, and try to just sit down and get started on whatever you’ve been putting off — it doesn’t always work, but when it does, it feels extremely rewarding.
Song of the week
“I Want You To Love Me” - Fiona Apple
Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness
This Saturday Night Live sketch made me cry laughing. As someone who just finally adapted to the metric system after four years in Berlin and is now currently on vacation in the US struggling to remember Fahrenheit, it really resonates.
Thanks for reading, have a great week and see you on Thursday for Brunch!
xo,
Sera