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GIFTED BY
Natalie Steen Shares Her Go-To Picks
November 2024
We sat down with Natalie Steen, creator and creative of the iconic little black book that is The Nat Note. The lawyer-turned-curator, renowned for her keen eye and attention-to-detail, shares her fail-safe tips for picking out the perfect gift as well as her upcoming plans for the festive season.
FROM LAWYER TO LISTMAKER, GIVE US THE BACKGROUND ON THE NAT NOTE
The Nat Note started in 2017 - I was a few months into my corporate law job and found myself awake and waiting for emails at strange hours, with not much else to do but online shop. I was sending a lot of “you should buy this” messages to family and friends, and eventually channeled this late-night, deep-diving, compulsive-shopping energy into what it is now: a newsletter to share the products and brands that catch my eye each week. Eventually, this side-project evolved into its own kind of vocation. No longer was it “a creative outlet that’s just for fun” - it became what it is today: a comprehensive shopping guide sent in the form of a newsletter to loyal subscribers.
NATALIE-APPROVED PICKS
OUTSIDE OF BEING OUR GO-TO SOURCE OF SHOPPING INSPIRATION, IT’S NO SECRET YOU CAN THROW A GREAT PARTY. WHAT ARE YOUR HOSTING TIPS AND ESSENTIALS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON?
Good lighting, good music, good company. Good cocktails also help! I also believe in outsourcing and delegating the parts of hosting you don’t enjoy so that you can be a guest at your own party. A hostess makes sure her guests have a great time, but a smart one makes sure she gets in on the fun. While setting a table brings me joy, cooking for others stresses me out - so I stay in my lane and call in help where I need it. After all - what’s the point of throwing a party if you don’t get to enjoy it?
Particularly during the holidays, having some pre-batched cocktails ready (negronis in the fridge, brandy freezes in the freezer) and a babysitter on speed-dial isn’t a bad idea.
WHEN YOU ARE NOT CURATING LISTS OR SETTING THE SCENE FOR FABULOUS PARTIES, WHAT ARE YOU UP TO?
Mothering my two boys, 6-year old Whit and 3-year old George, and my darling 1-year old daughter, Nell.
WHO IS YOUR TRICKIEST PERSON TO FIND PRESENTS FOR AND WHAT WOULD BE YOUR THE GO-TO PICK?
Even though gifting is my love-language, coming up with good presents for my husband is always a brain-buster. The St Barth Backgammon Board and Tennis Ball Pressuriser Tube would be great, as he not only loves backgammon and tennis, but also practicality.
