A New Tradition: Christmas Tea at The Peninsula

There really is no place like NYC at Christmas. And while sometimes it pains me that my babies are growing up (!!), I also love that we're to the point of making memories with them around the holidays. We kicked off the season with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and spent this past weekend checking out the sights on Fifth Avenue (with a gazillion other people). And even though I've lived here for over 14 years, the buzz of excitement in the air this time of year still gets me. Considering the look on their faces, I'm pretty sure the little gals could feel it, too.

After meeting up with a good friend, we first checked out Saks Fifth Avenue's gorgeous window display (the "Enchanted Experience" theme was kind of perfect considering my company). Apparently there's a team of people that spend all year working on these displays for the holidays, and it really shows. Just beautiful, with such an obvious attention to detail. Check out the video at the end of this post - the light & music that Saks is putting on each night on the store's facade is pretty magical!

Afterwards, we headed to The Peninsula Hotel for afternoon tea. One of NYC's oldest and grandest hotels, the setting couldn't have been more perfect for celebrating a festive day with the gals. Their decorations were so beautiful, and the tea itself (located in The Gotham Lounge) was really lovely. 

While the girls dined on mini cupcakes, cookies, petite sandwiches, fruit and veggies, my friend and I shared some lovely little bites ourselves. And while the girls opted for water, my friend and I dined on champagne and Mandarin Lotus tea. Divine! As a special momento, adults go home with a gorgeous glass Peninsula Hotel ornament.

So how cute are these snowmen? The Peninsula has a fun charitable campaign happening now through December 31st. Pop into their lobby and take a photo with their snowmen display, then post it on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with hashtag #SnowPage. The Peninsula will make a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for every photo tagged!

I have to take a moment to share Pippa & Julie with you, too, as they're behind these perfect tea party dresses. I knew right off the bat that they would be a hit for two reasons: the pockets, and of course, their "twirl-ability." Those bows are a pretty nice addition, too! Such gorgeous designs on this site, and really precious every-day outfits as well.

Afterwards, we headed home via the tree at Rockefeller Center and took in the ice skaters below... the perfect winter scene, wouldn't you say? 

 

'Tis the season to be merry!

Have you seen the music & light show at @saks yet? Pretty fun! We just happened to catch it as we were walking by the other night. #nyc #nycchristmas

A video posted by Ellen Schmidt (@babymeetscity) on Dec 12, 2014 at 7:12am PST

Disclosure: While our tea at The Peninsula Hotel was complimentary, all opinions expressed herein are my own.