Styling – Jonathan Fleming. Photography – Denise Braki.

Planning a big night in? Get set for a TV marathon, with our comfy living room essentials and Jonathan Fleming's posh popcorn three ways. Plus an essential viewing list from the T&W armchair critics.

From left: Spiced butter, rosemary & sea salt and matcha & lemon popcorn.
Recipe & styling: Jonathan Fleming. Photography: Denise Braki.

POSH POPCORN THREE WAYS
Makes 3 cups (each flavour)

Homemade popcorn is so much better than the microwave version (confession: I don't own a microwave!), and almost as easy. It’s simple to put your own spin on it, too. Choose your favourite from these three flavour combinations, or try all three.

1/3 cup popcorn kernels
2 tsp sea salt flakes

Rosemary & Sea Salt
2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
2 rosemary springs

Matcha & Lemon
2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
Finely grated zest of ½ lemon
1 tbs matcha (green tea powder)

Spiced Butter
2 tbs unsalted butter
1/2 tsp each cayenne pepper, garlic powder & ground cumin

Heat 2 tbs olive oil (or butter for the spicy popcorn) in a large lidded saucepan over medium heat. (For the rosemary popcorn, add the whole sprigs, cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then remove and strip the leaves from the sprigs, leaving the oil in the pan.) Stir in the popcorn, then cover and shake the pan over the heat, holding the lid on tight. Listen closely, after about 3-4 minutes the popping should stop, then remove the lid and remove the pan from the heat.

While hot, place popcorn in a large bowl, sprinkle with sea salt and either the fried rosemary leaves, matcha and lemon or cayenne, garlic and cumin. Toss well to combine.



THE T&W WATCH LIST
Now you’ve got the furniture and snacks sorted, here are some new and old favourite 
TV series the armchair critics at Temple & Webster are loving right now.

1. Stranger Things
Stunning cinematography inspired by old school 80s cinema – filmmakers like Steven Spielberg and writers such as Stephen King. Plus Winona Ryder in the female lead – what’s not to love? Denise, Photographer

2. Scandal
I love this show about a law firm that deals with political scandals in the White House, plus each character has a scandal of their own. Christiano, Customer Service

3. Pushing Daisies
This is the show that inspired me to start cooking. It’s about a pie shop owner who has the power to raise the dead and solves murders together with his childhood sweetheart (who he brought back to life) and a private investigator. Colourful, retro and kooky. Jono, Senior Stylist

4. The Chef's Table
Each episode I'm amazed by the life and methodology of the chefs featured. The colours and textures are phenomenal, and I always end up wanting to hit "next episode". Sophie, Marketing Manager

5. The Night Manager
Hugh Laurie's portrayal of a sinister businessman in this crime drama is thrilling. The six-part story is tense, and the visuals are beautiful. Eleanor, Copywriter

6. Bored to Death
A comedy series about a struggling Brooklyn author turned private investigator. Jason Schwartzman plays the lead, but it’s really Zach Galifianakis as his best mate, and Ted Danson as a pot-smoking NYC magazine editor who steal the show. Danielle, Editor


7. Nashville
Actors that can barely hold a tune playing world famous country music stars; drama and romance; dreams made and broken in every episode; and Deacon (swoon). Christie, HR Director


8. Black Books
Irish comedian Dylan Moran plays Bernard Black, a surly, chain-smoking alcoholic who owns a bookstore and brings grief daily to his customers and long-suffering assistant, Manny (comedian Bill Bailey). Although I shouldn't support this kind of unhealthy lifestyle, I can't help but think he is some kind of hilarious God. Jessica, Head of Styling

9. Game of Thrones
It’s not original but I love it. Fire-breathing dragons, lots of powerful/crazy women, amazing special effects… and I can watch it In bed with ice cream. Susie, Chief Commercial Officer

10. Drunk History
Best. Show. Ever. Premise: get a comedian drunk, then have them tell a historical tale as best they can. Have other comedians act it out in fully produced and costumed scenes all while lip syncing to the original comedian's drunk voiceover of the tale. Gold. Adam, Chief Experience Officer/T&W Founder