Lifestyle

Ring in 2026 in Style: Tips for a Memorable Start

Published

5 months ago

29 December 2025

Ene Unazi

As December comes to an end, New Year’s Eve in many Nigerian cities is no longer treated as an automatic night out. For a growing number of people, the evening has shifted away from obligation toward something more selective. Many are choosing to mark the transition into 2026 in ways that feel manageable and deliberate.

The tone of the night is often decided early. Smaller gatherings have become more common, influenced by cost considerations, traffic, and a preference for familiar environments. When expectations are set in advance, planning becomes straightforward instead of reactive. Dress codes, where they exist, tend to be simple and functional, helping guests arrive appropriately. Some hosts build in a brief pause before midnight, letting everyone experience it without pressure.

Photo Credit – Google

In homes, layout plays a practical role. How furniture is arranged often determines how long guests stay and how easily conversations happen. Clear walkways, defined seating areas, and visible gathering points reduce congestion and make movement natural. Decoration is generally restrained. Lighting, ventilation, and comfort take priority, with a few visual details used to anchor the space without dominating the space.

Food arrangements reflect the same thinking. Formal sit-down meals are increasingly replaced by sharing plates of food, arranging snacks for everyone to help themselves, or serving small bites throughout the night, allowing people to eat without interrupting conversation. This approach suits gatherings where guests arrive at different times and prefer flexibility. Drink selections are also more balanced. Alongside alcohol, hosts pay attention to non-alcoholic options that feel intentional.

Photo Credit – Google

Engagement before midnight has become less dependent on volume. Music remains central, but it is often supported by simple activities that encourage interaction. Photo corners, curated playlists, card games, or informal drink stations give guests something to do without demanding attention. These moments tend to develop naturally and are often what people remember afterward.

Midnight is marked with care. A shared countdown followed by a collective toast brings focus back to the room. Instead of formal resolutions, some groups exchange one practical intention for the year ahead. This keeps the moment grounded and avoids performative declarations.

Photo Credit – Instagram

After midnight, the pace usually slows. Some guests continue celebrating, while others settle into conversation or share a final meal before leaving. This shift allows the evening to close gradually, accommodating different energy levels without forcing a single rhythm on everyone.

Starting 2026 well, for many Nigerians, is no longer about how extravagantly the year is welcomed. When New Year’s Eve is planned around practical considerations such as time, cost, comfort, and company, it becomes easier to step into the new year clear-headed, rested, and ready for what follows.

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Lifestyle

The Otedolas Share Glimpses of Tolani Otedola’s Birthday Getaway in Monaco

Published

2 weeks ago

6 May 2026

Bridget Samuel

Photo - Instagram

Tolani Otedola marked her 40th birthday in Monte Carlo, Monaco, with a private family getaway that unfolded across luxury dinners, yacht outings, and intimate celebrations shared by the Otedola family.

Photo – Instagram

Her family shared highlights of the celebration across their social platforms. Femi Otedola posted on his X account, “Happy Birthday to my first princess. Watching you grow into the woman you are today has been a real blessing. Proud of you even if you think you know everything now.” A proud father who is simply in awe of his daughter’s growth into adulthood, with a career in Music and making an impact just like him. Even though he ends his praise on a note that she still doesn’t know everything, even though she claims she does.

Photo – Instagram

Temi and Cuppy, her sisters, posted their own point of view on the celebration. They had a family drive in their father’s vintage Rolls-Royce Corniche convertible.

Sharing moments from the celebration on Instagram, DJ Cuppy shared that the family came together for the occasion: “Whole crew tuned up for Tolani.” With shared visuals of family photo moments, dining at a restaurant, and wine tasting.

Temi shared highlights from the celebration on a yacht, including cake-cutting and shared moments with her mother and sister. She captioned: “We love you, Tolani.”

Photo – Instagram

Tolani Otedola is Femi Otedola’s first daughter from his previous marriage. She has carved out her own path in entertainment as a singer, while her sisters have also built distinct careers across creative industries. DJ Cuppy in music, and Temi Otedola in fashion, modelling, and acting.

Lifestyle

5 Restaurants in Abuja to Bookmark This Weekend.

Published

4 weeks ago

18 April 2026

Bridget Samuel

Ready for a weekend in Abuja?
Whether you’re planning a business lunch in Maitama, a weekend brunch, or a romantic dinner, the capital’s culinary map has never been more exciting. This weekend, we’re stepping away from the usual and diving into five spots that are currently influencing Abuja’s dining scene. These are locations you need to visit and take photographs when you get there.

BluCabana Restaurant & Cafe

Photo – Instagram

As you pull off Shehu Yar’adua Boulevard, the noise is replaced by the sight of swaying palm trees and the cool, blue-lit pool. This place has long been recognised as a staple of the Abuja lifestyle scene, not just for its food but on leisure dining experience. Whether you’re lounging poolside or stepping into their newly revamped indoor space, this spot gives that experience.

BluCubana has an international menu. Mediterranean and Continental cuisine, Lebanese-inspired dishes, are also included in the menu. If you’re visiting this weekend, their Hummus Shawarma or Mixed Grill Platter is a recommended dish. For that local twist on International food, BluCabana Pizza or Suya Fire Steak Sandwich is something you should try. Their service remains top-notch and attentive.

Saffron Cafe

Photo – Instagram

Located at Ajesa Street in a quiet corner of Wuse 2, the spot gives a relaxed cafe setting. Perfect for solo coffee dates and professional meetings. One of their features is the selection of pen-and-paper games on the tables. This is a good spot for breakfast. Their foreman breakfast (yam, plantains, and egg sauce) is a local staple. Saffron Cafe is also family-friendly.

City Creamy at No. 7 Cape Town Street.

Photo – Instagram

They specialise in creamy desserts, velvety textures and creative mix-ins. They have a variety of ice cream flavours from chocolate to fruity, loaded with toppings. City Creamy thick milkshakes and waffles are a popular choice. Their hot and crispy waffles are a dessert you can pair with a cold scoop of ice cream. The spot is located in Wuse Zone 4 and is known for quick service delivery. Their menu is affordable and consistent to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Grill City in Guzape

Photo – Instagram

One defining spot for the irresistible aroma of grilled meat for meat lovers. Situated by the ENL/GRP gate, the place is known for its view of the area and is easily accessible. Their Grilled Fish is their signature dish, well seasoned, moist on the inside and served with their signature spicy sauce. If you’re a fan of poultry, their smoky Grilled Chicken and Wings is a must-try. Whether you’re pairing your protein with spicy chips, fried plantain (dodo), or a side of jollof rice.

Cantina Restaurant

Photo – Instagram

Tucked away on Yedseram Street in Maitama. Cantina feels warmly welcoming. The setting is clean and calm, with lush greenery, and the floor-to-ceiling windows are flooded with natural light during the day. The outdoor seating area is popular for those who enjoy a garden-style seating. Their menu is stacked with Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. From homemade pastas to their Seafood Platter, which are a popular dishes for seafood lovers. The restaurant has a wine cellar, curated to pair with their main dishes, creating a calm dining environment for lunch or long, wine-filled dinners. Their staff are professional, knowledgeable about the menu pairings, and attentive.

Whether you’re looking for a date spot or evening dining, these spots are worth visiting.

Lifestyle

Mr Eazi Leads DJ Cuppy Through a Private Wine Tasting

Published

1 month ago

4 April 2026

Laju Odogwu

Photo: Instagram

Mr Eazi and DJ Cuppy shared a fun moment recently when the artist sat down with his sister-in-law for an intimate outing with family that turned into a private wine tasting session for DJ Cuppy. In the video shared online, he took her through a full tasting session taking his time without rushing.

Photo: Instagram

Mr Eazi married Temi Otedola, DJ Cuppy’s younger sister, in August 2025, making him a part of the Otedola family. The two have had a working relationship for years, but this was a different kind of session altogether.

In the video, Mr Eazi introduced the wine as a Barolo, an Italian red wine from the Piedmont region that he describes as “the wine of the kings.” He tells Cuppy exactly what to do. “You need to just swirl it a little bit just so that the body can open up. Then you close your eyes and breathe it in,” he says. He then turns to her and asks, “Can you smell anything? tell me what you smell.” Cuppy leans forward, takes a sniff, and gives him an interesting answer. “I smell soil. I actually smell soil. But why can’t I taste it?” she asked. Mr Eazi explains it simply. “When you let the air pass through it, you start to feel the spiciness,” he tells her.

Photo: Instagram

The tasting was part of Temi Otedola’s 30th birthday trip to Spain. Temi celebrated with family including Mr Eazi, Nana Otedola and her sisters DJ Cuppy and Tolani Otedola. It was a quiet, private celebration with just the people she was closest with.

Between Temi’s 30th birthday and a wine lesson in Spain, the Otedola family clearly had a good time. And if this video is anything to go by, Cuppy might just be a wine person.