A toast to the New Year
As the year draws to a close, gratitude naturally gives way to hope. The months behind us—some gentle, others demanding—have shaped how we move forward. There is relief in turning the page, yes, but also purpose. It is essential that we are deliberate about what we take with us and what we leave behind.
And even though the new year does not arrive as some grand reset, we must acknowledge its arrival as a continuation, guided by the lessons learned last year, refined by what we choose to take with us as we move forward.
Carving out time for myself
With my maddening schedule all throughout 2025, I made sure that I nourished my soul and had moments where I was fully present to myself. Whether in stillness at my desk with my laptop or in movement, on quiet walks where I reconnect with nature, I listen to music that lifts and podcasts with voices that share ideas, stories, and inspiration. I pore through the pages of a book that leaves me captivated, or in conversations with people deeply passionate about what they do, allowing myself to be infected by their energy and joie de vivre.
After such moments, I look inward and gently commit outward. I am then able to show up fully for myself and then perhaps, for others as well.
There is beauty, too, in sadness and in moments that feel discouraging. In the realization that it is but a season, not a destination. At the core of my daily or weekly rituals of self-care and meditation is trust. A trust in the unfolding of life, anchored in gratitude—that gives us the courage to move forward.
“Life is what you make it”
It is here that we decide not just what we will do next, but how we choose to live. Even though many years have passed, the words of wisdom shared with me by my late mother still echo clearly, reminding me that “Life is what you make it.”
Over time, I have also learned that life is not just about how things are served, but how they are savored and shared. We can rush through celebrations, noting them in our iCal, or we can savor them—allowing moments to unravel, to be fully felt. I also realized that this is a choice; a mindset that shapes our mood, how we move through our days, and how we value even the simplest of occasions.
For me, welcoming the new year does not require a grand display, but I look forward to it just as I did when I was a child. My hopes for this coming year are best described by the 2026 Pantone hue, Cloud Dancer: A lofty white shade that embodies serenity, fresh beginnings, quiet reflection, and simplicity amid life’s noise.
The color suggests clarity—a blank page ready for new stories. An expanse waiting for creativity to be released and shaped by the people we meet and the experiences we embrace. It reminds us that it is okay to be optimistic and a positive outlook might make all the difference.
Ushering in the New Year with food
For many of us, the food we eat is one of the ways we express our intention for what is to come. This year is not about being elaborate or fussy, but rather, it is about thoughtfulness.
One recipe that comes to mind that we made in my previous article was a creamy lemon parmesan pasta that was elevated with a spoonful of Nomad Caviar—and what made it even better is that Nomad Caviar is responsibly sourced from a sustainable aquaculture farm, which, for me, makes it luxurious.
We also served the caviar on thinly sliced cucumber with crème fraîche, which offered a light, carb-free indulgence. Smoked salmon bites felt even more elegant, and potato chips, playfully lifted, turned casual snacking into a small celebration. These caviar dishes are no longer meant to impress—but instead meant to be savored and, more importantly, shared. Elevated, yes, but always unapologetically fun.
Serving luxurious foods this way is a reminder that refinement does not demand excess. It asks for balance. It is the confidence to enjoy something beautiful without turning it into a performance. There is pleasure in eating well, but there is even more pleasure in eating thoughtfully and without pretense—allowing flavors to unfold slowly, resisting the urge to rush to the next bite, the next task, the next plan. Or simply, putting caviar on a potato chip or chicken nugget.
On the other hand, holding tradition may also have the same effect. Champagne is poured into a well-chosen glass, not because rules dictate it, but because details matter. Glassware lifts the experience—not dramatically but meaningfully. It heightens aroma, sharpens bubbles, slows the sip, and makes the drink feel crisp. It invites you to pause. To savor. To be present in the act of celebrating rather than distracted by it.
Not loud, not hurried, just intentional
This is the kind of celebration I want to carry into the new year. One that values quality over quantity, intention over excess. Quiet confidence over noise. It is an approach that extends beyond the table. It informs how we host, how we dress, how we speak, how we move through our days. Refinement is not about formality—it is about awareness.
Looking back, the year has offered its share of lessons. Some arrived gently, others demanded attention. There were moments that stretched us, moments that surprised us, moments that reminded us of what truly matters. Hopefully, we are completely present when all this happens, and hopefully grateful because all this will shape how we choose to be going forward.
As we look ahead, openness replaces resolution. Rather than listing goals, let’s list the habits we want to start or refine. Let’s choose to savor more, rush less, and celebrate thoughtfully. Let us elevate the ordinary when we can, but simultaneously find beauty and goodness in everything, even when circumstances make it hard.
The lifestyle we build is rarely about grand gestures. It is built on small decisions repeated over time: choosing to set the table even while dining alone, using the good glassware without waiting for a special occasion, stepping outside to enjoy the sun, and taking a moment to taste rather than consume. And putting aside the phone to be present for our loved ones.
This is what a toast to the new year is for me. Not loud. Not hurried. Just intentional. A quiet moment outdoors, caviar savored slowly, champagne sipped with care, dressed in a way that is unmistakably me, facing forward with hope. Honoring the past, relishing the present, and welcoming the future.
After all, refinement is a mindset. And when approached with thoughtfulness and grace, the future does not just feel possible—it feels bright. Happy New Year! Cheers!
Lemon, parmesan, and cream pasta with caviar
Serves 2 to 3
Ingredients
200g spaghetti or linguini
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
3 Tbsp heavy cream
2 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan
Zest of 1 small lemon
1 to 2 tsp Nomad Caviar
Fresh chives, finely chopped
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Procedure
1. Cook pasta al dente and reserve a splash of pasta water.
2. In a pan, melt butter, stir in cream, lemon zest, and a little pasta water to create a light sauce.
3. Toss pasta in the sauce, then add Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Plate and top with a spoonful of caviar and a sprinkle of chives. Serve immediately and savor slowly. Pair this creamy pasta with chilled Chablis or dry Champagne. Enjoy!
