City people, don't let the snowstorm hold you back!

Talk about smart marketing - kudos to you Beehive.  As you know, we have all been awaiting the "treacherous" winter storm which has been a little slow to arrive, but I won't complain about an afternoon working in front of the fireplace.  In my inbox was this beautiful email from the Beehive  (South End, Boston) - a nice reminder to all of us in the neighborhood how fun it can be to go out in a snowstorm when all you have to do is walk down the street. Kind of romantic too!  So get out of your house, and head on over for a cocktail!

Wine tasting at the Charlesmark Hotel

I have been involved with the Foundation Fighting Blindness for almost eight years now and the Charlesmark Hotel has always been a huge supporter of our group.  We have hosted many meetings and celebrations there, and it is always a great time.  The area back behind the bar (second picture below) is a really wonderful space for a party. And the hotel itself is in such a central location right on Boylston Street in the Back Bay.

Be sure to get on their events mailing list, they always have fun things going on such as wine tastings - the next is January 20th. Its a "mix and mingle" from 6-8pm and you can sample six different wines.  For more information email them at  events@charlesmarkhotel.com.   

If only we could rent the space at Looc Boutique

This is the first of many posts to follow about places where I would love to host a party, hopefully 2010 will bring lots of reasons to celebrate! The first space is located on Union Park in the South End just a few doors down from the South End Buttery. It's a boutique called Looc which has a unique space on a beautiful street. Recently, the space was rented to film part of the Tom Cruise/Cameron Diaz movie being shot in town, so be sure to keep an eye out for it (although, they said the space was completely redone for the day of filming).   

The space is mostly white with exposed brick and a loft area.  I think going with colors like pink, navy blue & a lighter green would be perfect.  A preppy theme would work well with the classic bicycle they already have on-hand.  Or perhaps make it a white party (although kind of overdone at this point) or polo-esque (popped collars encouraged to fit the theme). 

The front of Looc, on Union Park:

The largest room with a chandelier and I love the brick. 

                     I would like to have flowers like these all                                around to add some color. These flowers were at the Four Seasons in Istanbul, their hotels always have the most beautiful flowers.

I was at a party in Nantucket last summer and there was a photographer on-hand so one of the parting gifts was picture frames with photos from the evening.  You can order some of these Lucite picture frames from Dabney Lee (so cute!) but if you need a bunch, make your own. Buy plastic picture frames and buy some paper with fun patterns (the above are from the paper source in Boston).

These monogrammed coasters (below) in navy blue and pink would be a great touch.  You can order 30 for $25. 

Another party favor idea is some preppy key chains - $10 each from 2preppygirls.com

I love these nautical wine charms, perfect for the theme. And don't buy just regular plastic cups, how about these from Lilly Pullitzer.....major preppsta!

Ring in 2010 with fireworks at midnight

You have two chances to see fireworks tonight in Boston as part of first night. 

7pm in Boston Common & midnight at Boston harbor.  

Happy New Year, I wish you all the best in 2010!

Still figuring out your New Years Eve plans?

Here are some options for those who are still contemplating what to do on NYE in Boston. Personally, I will be in Stowe, Vermont - skiing, celebrating at a friend's house and then heading to the Rusty Nail for some dancing as we wait for the clock to hit midnight. It is very casual but so much fun.

For those of you in Boston, I have a variety of options below that range from black tie to comedy.

NYE can be anything you want!

The Rusty Nail, Stowe, Vermont - where I will be.

Celebrate at the Beehive with live music!
Live music, dancing, passed hors d’oeuvres, dessert
$85 + tax (cash bar)

Sass it up at the Liberty Hotel -
Cocktail attire, live bands, DJ’, specialty cocktails & culinary delights – ooh la la!
Tickets are no longer available online, call 866.507.5245 for more information, it notes online that overnight packages (which include tickets to the party) are still available.














Get done up and head over to the cyclorama (great party space) for the Resolution Ball.
Tickets are $159 until 12/29 and $199 thereafter, no tickets sold at the door (Cash bar). Black tie optional.















Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons - spring for a four-course dinner, glass of champagne at midnight and be entertained by a live disco band. The festivities begin at 9:00 pm and continue until 1:00 am. $195 per person.
















There are so many options if you are looking for a nice, festive dinner out, here are just a few.

Hamersley's Bistro - such a wonderful spot in the South End, although I did notice the trees around the restaurant are not as lit up this year as they have been in the past. Nonetheless, this is such a classic Boston restaurant, you can't go wrong.
4-course prix fixe $110/person, includes champagne toast












Enjoy a 3-course fixe prix meal at Beacon Hill Bistro then catch the fireworks in Boston Common, how romantic! 3 seatings, first at 5:30 last at 10pm.












Got to a show! How about Dane Cook at the Garden? 7pm, tickets start at $32.50. Head to the show and then out for drinks afterwards.













You could also go to a smaller comedy show at the Improv Asylum in the North End - Best part, you can buy buckets of beer! See the show than grab a late night bite to eat in the north end.
Improv Asylum New Years Show 8pm & 10pm, Tickets are $25

A nutcracker brunch at the Ritz Carlton

This is a great brunch for the family - Sundays from November 29th through December 20th at the Ritz Carlton in Boston.  The Nutcracker characters perusing the room are bound to keep the kids entertained.  This is also the perfect for pre-theatre.   Tickets are $78 for adults and $38 for children 12 & under.  These fill up fast, so if you can't get in this year, keep this in mind for next year and plan in advance!

Private Dining in Boston

I often get asked what restaurants offer private dining options. Below is a list that will hopefully give you some ideas, but please be sure to reach out to each restaurant for the specifics on capacity, rates, room photos and more. We are lucky because there are plenty of great places in Boston! 

Bistro Du Midi is only two weeks old, it is in a beautiful location right on Boston Common (where Excelsior used to be). Perhaps it is because I grew up in an old farmhouse but I am drawn to the wood beams on the ceiling and look at this wonderful farm table in their private space! The room seats up to ten and has a window overlooking the park. The food is great and if you want to take a group to the newest place, this is for you.

Post 390 is one of the new hot spots in Boston and they offer two room options for private dining, one that accommodates up to 16 people and the other up to 42. The larger features a fireplace, what is cozier on a cold, Boston winter night?

Davios has a few options for private rooms which hold anywhere from 15 - 100 people. I think this is a great option for a work dinner/function.

Surprising a sushi lover? Check out this sleek private room at Haru in the Back Bay.

If you are looking for the best view in town, look into the Top of the Hub. There are a few room options with capacity ranging from 10-24 for a sit down dinner.

Moo, located in the Beacon XV Hotel, has an incredible wine cellar for very special occasions, like a milestone birthday or retirement dinner. If you can swing it, this location is surely a wow.

Toscano in Beacon Hill has two private dining rooms if you are looking for Italian. The local Beacon Hillers are always raving about this restaurant.

Rocca has a few private rooms for dinner parties, this is where I had my 30th Birthday party and it worked out perfectly. The food is great and they have plenty of space options whether it is a small dinner party or large cocktail party.

Tucked away in a Back Bay alley way, Casa Romero is my favorite Mexican restaurant in Boston. They have the best margaritas but don't say you weren't forewarned...they are STRONG! One of these years, I definitely want to celebrate my birthday here. They have a semi-private table in the back which is perfect for a private celebration. If you have a fun group, this place is for you!

An Oldy but goody is Grill 23. If you are looking for a classic Boston spot, try the wine room which seats up to 20 people.

A somewhat new addition to the South End, Stephi's on Tremont, offers a private room that seats up to 14 people. Looks like a cozy option and the food is good and reasonably priced.

If you didn't see the place for you and need help brainstorming, feel feel free to email ConnectForEvents@gmail.com and we can think of even more great options for you. Also, if you have additional suggestions to add to this list, please email those.

SOWA Holiday Market, Boston

Want to make holiday shopping fun? I love going to the South End Open Market during the summer and next weekend (12/12 & 12/13) they will be hosting a special holiday market where you are bound to find one of kind gifts for your friends and family. The market will be held in the Cathedral high school gym at 74 Union Park Street. I would recommend browsing the market and then heading to Union for some brunch & bloodies...now that's a perfect Saturday!