Holiday Hosting in NYC
Due to popular demand on the the Instagram poll, you, my royal readers, requested a blog discussing hosting during the holidays in the wonderful city of New York.
A few weekends ago, my stunning second family, the Kennedys, came to visit me for a long weekend in a late celebration of Jenna’s birthday. Lucky for everyone, it is the most magical time of the year to visit.
Their flight was blessed by the higher powers that be so they were able to come in a day early so that allowed them to get an entire extra day to spend in the city. So, when they arrived on Thursday night, I was there to welcome four of them into my cutie little KB&B. We were all snug as bugs in rugs & after minor laugh attacks at ungodly hours, we were able to actually fall asleep.
Friday
Sadly, on Friday morning I did end up having to work, but I was able to join them for afternoon adventures. We met in Little Italy for cannoli since it was a nice in between spot from my office & where they were coming from in the Wall Street area. The overall consensus on the cannoli from The Cannoli King were 10/10. They older men working the counter were running that place like the marines, they were able to get people in and out of the crowded shop with such precision. At this point in the early afternoon, it was crystal clear that we needed caffeine. While I had already had a strict diet of only caffeinated beverages, we worked our way to a coffee shop that they were hoping to stop at in the Nolita area.
As we approached Cafe Paradiso, it became quite clear we were going to be line warriors. But, while they waited in line I decided that I was going to sit down in the Elizabeth St. garden. If they ever close this oasis down, the city will have to answer to me. I joined them once they moved a bit closer to the front. Ashley ordered a strawberry matcha with oat milk while Lauren & Zach ordered a version of a brown sugar latte that I am currently blanking on the name of. The overall consensus was that it was cafe! That it was good but was it note worthy? I don’t believe they would wait in a line for it again.
Since we had tickets to the Rockettes, Ashley & I made our way back to my apartment while Lauren, Zach, & baby Elliot made their way to their hotel so we could regroup. Upon realizing we should probably eat but that none of us were really going to be able to eat together since the midtown line of Joes Pizza was wrapped around the corner! I called an audible & took Ashley into the Bryant Park Christmas Village for a quick bite. We wound up getting french fries to go. If anyone knows me or has ever really eaten a meal out with me, you know I adore french fries. I texted Alex & she responded with, “Kat French Fry Bowe” which is accurate. We rushed from Bryant Park toward Radio City to meet up with everyone, eating our fries as we weaved in and out of the busy crowds.
The Rockettes was truly a fantastical experience. It was a pocket of happiness and their skill & athleticism was actually insane. Being able to see them in person & not just on my TV during the Thanksgiving Day Parade was surreal. It would actually be the one holiday experience I would return to each year & battle the tourist crowds to do so. MVP: the ballet bear. They are my spirit animal.
Due to the Kennedy’s nocturnal tendencies, after the Rockettes we headed over to One Vanderbilt. It is one of the few city skyline viewing spots in the city. I will say, I have gone to the one in the World Trade Center but this one has so many engaging options throughout the rooms. I would highly highly suggest going at night, being the city all lit up was breathtaking. I did end up going a little crazy due to the lack of sleep & the fact it was waaaayyyyy past my bedtime but it was a gorgeous experience.
Saturday
We hit the ground running after Ashley LET ME SLEEP IN UNTIL 10 AM!!!!!! Immediately went to the Bryant Park Christmas Village. The best one in the city, I will not hear any other arguments about this. There were crowds but nothing unmanageable at the time we went. We immediately got in line for fried pickles as an appetizer to have while we decided what to have as a main course. Ashley and I decided to get Gyros which were delicious. I will say, this is my official suggestion to Bryant Park to just hold a food festival if they don’t already because really 99% of the lines created were due to the food lines that went viral on social media.
We decided since we were in the area, to walk up & down 5th Ave to be able to check out all of the holiday decor in the windows and facades of the buildings. Consistently, the best facade display is Cartier, they are continuously creative with their decor. I will say the best window displays were Tiffany’s. Everyone else’s were subpar and to me not as winter themed as I would have wanted. Boring, if you will.
Eventually, we decided we should probably eat again. So, we headed to Starlight Cafe which is near the Broadway Theaters. We waited and toughed it out in a line that lasted about an hour or so. I have never been to Starlight before & I was actually having the time of life. They serve a variety of the diner staples and breakfast all day but the best part was the live singing of the broadway classics by the wait staff. Many of you may not know this but as a multifaceted individual, I don’t only consume sports. I freaking love a musical. I was singing along and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I would say if musicals are your thing but don’t want a boring dining experience, I would recommend this spot.
Afterward, we ventured to Macys. We were hoping for a beautifully holiday decorated store but we were let down. The only decor we saw was on the floor that held the holiday Christmas picture space & the floor they held all of the holiday decorations for sale. Other than the outside of the store, it is nonessential in your Christmas experience.
A block away from Macys was the double decker holiday carousel. We didn’t have to wait very long & the ticket wasn’t expensive at all - only $7. While I didn’t make it to the top portion of the ride, I still had such a fun time. Riding a carousel in the middle of NYC was a whimsical experience. On the way home, we stopped at FAO Schwarz & watched the Saks 5th Ave light show, which was glorious time. Deeply appreciate the incorporation of Rihanna because I miss her.
Sunday
And on the last day of the trip, NYC gave to me - a winter wonderland. We woke up to the city being blanketed in fresh, fluffy snow. I quickly picked out a spot for us to eat & ended up at Jacob’s Pickles where we sat at the bar & Ashley discovered that their flight was canceled. They scrambled to find new flights & since NYC didn’t have any flights to Orlando on Sunday, they managed to get onto a flight from Philly. Before they departed to pick up their rental cars we obviously strolled through Central Park. Walking through Central Park when there is fresh snow covering every inch was a beautiful experience. There were kids scattered around sledding on the hills and a scattering of snowmen throughout. It was one of the most picturesque times to be in the city.
With that, their time in the city ended.
It was a jam packed weekend. I obviously recommend coming to the city during this time of year because there is no better time to visit for peak whimsy but I would recommend coming a bit earlier in the season. Various places decorate their spaces by mid November so if you really need an early holiday fix minus 1/2 the crowds, that is the best time. There were many times I entered into the Christmas Village & could walk right up to a food vendor & didn’t have to worry about someone bumping into me & spilling my hot drink.
I wish you all a magical, peaceful week with your family & loved ones.
Can’t wait to talk in the New Year!
ily a milli
