Quintessence Is

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

One of my fave family traditions is seeing The Radio City Christmas Spectacular the weekend before Christmas. We’ve been doing it for years. First we hit the Grand Central Oyster Bar, throw back a couple martinis and indulge in oysters (actually, don’t tell, but I dislike oysters and opt for the mouthwatering lobster roll instead). Then we traipse on over to Radio City for the late show.

The Rockettes’ exact line formations and dazzling costumes are always a thrill. Their routines haven’t changed much over the decades, but that’s precisely the point. The entire show is a throwback to times when show girls, variety acts and primping in the art deco women’s lounge were de rigueur in this town.

The toy soldier number is the ultimate crowd pleaser. Marching in unison with their eyes concealed by top hats, the soldiers fall like dominoes after getting shot with with a canon ball at the end. The way they link their arms and slink onto one another is high drama! I’m always terrified one of the Rockettes will mess up and the orchestra will have to keep playing. But alas, it always works out.

If you haven’t been to the iconic Radio City Music Hall in a while, do drop in for a little visit. It’s one of those New York gems we too often take for granted, oozing history, charm and more than a little nostalgia.

Radio City New York Christmas holidays Radio City Christmas Spectacular Rockettes

• 28 December 2012

Christmas in New York

Nothing beats it. A few snaps from my Christmas shopping earlier today…

Christmas Fifth Avenue New York Radio City Music Hall Times Square architecture holidays UNICEF star Broadway Rockettes Manhattan Christmas in New York

• 21 December 2012 • 4 notes

30 Rock never looks more majestic than at Christmastime.

30 rock Christmas GE Building New York art deco holidays Rockefeller Center

• 20 December 2012 • 56 notes

Last night, before the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was lit for the season.

New York holidays Rockefeller Center Christmas

• 29 November 2012 • 1 note

How to make a surprise Christmas parcel from Australia that much better? Including the Furry Friends milk chocolate bars from Cadbury. My friends are the best. PS The wombat was the first to go.

cadbury chocolate christmas holidays food Australia

• 23 December 2011 • 2 notes

Lest there be a gin I haven’t tried, a friend just gifted me The Botanist by Bruichladdich. She’s beautiful.

Bruichladdich gin wine and spirits holidays Christmas

• 23 December 2011 • 1 note

I received many a fabulous Christmas card this year, but Susanna of Von Deren Films takes the cake: A card by Seltzer that endorses holiday headpieces!!!! I mean…

See also: Floral Headpiece, Charlotte Free’s Pink Hair, Masha in M Magazine, Romance and Roses

greeting cards floral headpiece holidays Christmas seltzer goods

• 22 December 2011

Holiday hearts.

(Source: fairycastle)

holidays christmas candy food

• 22 December 2011 • 1,391 notes

Holiday cookies almost too beautiful to eat.

(Source: fairycastle)

christmas food cookies holidays

• 21 December 2011 • 209 notes

Gaga’s Workshop

Gaga’s Workshop at Barneys New York. ‘The designs are fascinating and slightly demented, as seen in an $85 box of cookies shaped like her outfits, including a meat dress.’ They’re also colorful, loud and go toward a good cause.

And the selection is random. Didn’t expect to see one of my childhood favorites, Matilda, by Roald Dahl, among the 220 Lady Gaga-themed gifts. I should’ve known better.

I do love a snowglobe, but I ultimately went home empty handed. Neither here nor there. It was a surreal retail experience combining Gaga’s wild imagination with that of holiday folklore, and I admire Barneys for continuing to push the yuletide envelope.