Tuesday, December 2

Window Shopping

This year was the first time in three years that we have been in the States for Thanksgiving and Black Friday. One of the most prolific New York City holiday traditions has to be the beautiful department store windows—a visual delight for the whole family. We decided to take in the sights and do a little window shopping.

My personal favourite was the Bloomingdale's windows inspired by Tony Bennett's new holiday album A Swingin' Christmas. I adore Tony Bennett and I love Christmas nostalgia. There are no clothes on display, just a dreamy vision of years gone by and a winter-wonderland. While I was off shopping, my sweet husband bought me the Swingin' Christmas album and it's great!



The other much-loved window was Lord & Taylor’s tribute to My Favorite Christmas Traditions. Each holiday window displays popular Christmas traditions including Christmas cards, Christmas treats, Christmas stories, Christmas ornaments, Christmas toys and Christmas songs.





To end the day and kick off the Christmas season we met James Andrew and Scott McBee for cocktails at the Silverleaf Tavern. James and Scott are truly two of the nicest people. Both are so talented, and yet very down to earth.

We had so much fun that we all met for dinner the next evening at the ingenious Manhattan barbecue joint Blue Smoke. If you are ever in the area, you must go just for the Bleu Smoke Martinis—Stolichnaya vodka, Ardbeg 10 year Whisky and blue cheese-stuffed olives. We are working to recreate this concoction at home…YUM!
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18 comments:

  1. vicki archerDecember 2, 2008 at 12:33 PM

    The windows look absolutely wonderful. xv

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  2. AnonymousDecember 2, 2008 at 2:13 PM

    How amazing, and your son must have been thrilled. You look so beautiful. Lucky girl, handsome friends and a 'hottie' husband.
    Anne

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  3. Jen Laceda | Milk GuidesDecember 2, 2008 at 2:16 PM

    i've never been in manhattan during thanksgiving, but will definitely have to go there at this time of the year...one day.(i'm from toronto). we just love nyc! we were there in september and had planned to have lunch at blue smoke!!! but we ended up getting stuck at sea port area and had a terrible lunch at a heartland brewery chain restaurant! worst idea ever! i'm very, very sad to have missed blue smoke (licking lips right now)...
    -jen

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  4. ALL THE BESTDecember 2, 2008 at 2:20 PM

    Vicki they were all soooo pretty!!

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  5. ALL THE BESTDecember 2, 2008 at 2:20 PM

    Awwww, thanks Anne!!

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  6. ALL THE BESTDecember 2, 2008 at 2:21 PM

    Oh Jen that too bad!!! You must go the next time you are in NYC!

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  7. JoyceDecember 2, 2008 at 2:22 PM

    Many moons ago I was in NY during this time of year there and enjoyed it. How fun to be the only gal around all of the handsome men!You look beautiful too!!

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  8. KarenaDecember 2, 2008 at 4:46 PM

    Yes you and all those handsome men! How fun. The great department store Window designers, never get enough of the credit they deserve. beautiful!

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  9. Dallas ShawDecember 2, 2008 at 5:59 PM

    Thanks for the sneak peek!
    dallas
    http://www.dillydallas.blogspot.com

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  10. cassandraDecember 2, 2008 at 6:28 PM

    how fun! i love seeing the windows all done up - i have yet to be in NYC for the holidays, but that will hopefully change next year! thanks so much for sharing!!

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  11. rebeccaDecember 2, 2008 at 9:00 PM

    Well, we were in the city the same time you were. :) How 'bout that.

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  12. katiedidDecember 2, 2008 at 10:11 PM

    What fun! I would love to be in NY for Xmas one of these days! Perhaps the girls will be off doing their own thing one day and we will all meet up there. Dreams.

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  13. suzanne cabreraDecember 2, 2008 at 11:11 PM

    The Bloomingdales windows are fantastic. Makes me really want to time travel. What a terrific time to be in the NYC.

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  14. Mary-LaureDecember 2, 2008 at 11:36 PM

    Sounds like you had a wonderful time, lucky girl! There's no place like NYC for shopping...
    I'm happy to finally see a pic of your beautiful son, too.

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  15. AnonymousDecember 3, 2008 at 1:01 AM

    Ronda,
    I'm glad to hear you had a great experience at Blue Smoke. If you ever need help with a reservation or a drink recipe, please give me a call at the restaurant.

    Jay Doran
    Beverage Director
    Blue Smoke

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  16. AnonymousDecember 3, 2008 at 1:55 AM

    Ronda,
    I miss NY in the fall, and Bloomingdales all the time. Ours closed...wahhh.
    I have several books about Christmas window dressing from the 20s to the present, and can't wait to see all the store's windows every year.
    I am so jealous. Scott is the nicest guy, and I've been reading James' blog for some time. I recognized him immediately! You meet the greatest people!

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  17. UnknownDecember 3, 2008 at 4:45 AM

    What a great time of the year to be in NYC, and don't you look gorgeous!!

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  18. ALL THE BESTDecember 3, 2008 at 6:19 PM

    Jay, THANK YOU!!!!

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All the best,
Ronda