Do you love living in a small apartment? It’s part of the allure of living in New York City, wouldn’t you agree?
Given the nature of the real estate market here in the Big Apple, it lends itself to a market filled with small apartments, which many of us call home. We have come to love our small domiciles, and have let our creative juices showcase how us New Yorkers can take a little and make something out of it.
In fact, many locals have found themselves scaling down with time, starting out in a 1,500 to 2,000 square foot apartment and finding themselves preferring smaller apartment living. The advantages are many, especially for the busy professionals who spend only a little time at home.
One of the challenges of living in a smaller space is how to best host guests. For those of us who previously resided in homes that offered more rooms and space, having friends and family over was not as challenging as it can be with a smaller apartment. No need for worry, we have you covered.
A look will be taken at the lifestyle of living in a tiny loft, or smaller apartment if you prefer. Next, we will review some suggestions for hosting a party in a small apartment. Lastly, we will visit a great way to create an atmosphere at your party that is sure to keep your guests happy.
Small Apartment Living
Your circumstances may be that you are single, married, retired, or in a serious relationship. The cost associated with renting a larger apartment here in NYC, well, what more needs to be said? And your relationship status does not change the fact that apartments are not cheap here.
What’s ironic, for many of us city dwellers, is that we “find ourselves” attracted, with time, to smaller living spaces. As previously mentioned, one of the more common reasons is our busy professional lives, being that we are not home all that often.
The question that remains for those who prefer the “tiny loft” is how to best create the “home” experience with limited space. Countless examples are about you, Will it cost? Yes. Worth it? Just ask those who have followed through! The resounding answer will be yes.
Small Space, Big Times
Do you enjoy hosting friends and family at your home? Concerned about how you will pull this off with a smaller living space? It’s possible to host a great party in a small apartment.
Obviously, a number will have to be determined, that is, how many guests you can fit into your apartment comfortably. Bear in mind that you can temporarily remove some furniture to make room. Or, if that is unreasonable for whatever reasons, try moving some of your furniture against the walls. This “kills two birds with one stone”. First, you have made space. Second, some of the furniture that is moved against the wall can serve as a place to sit.
Other suggestions that should be considered include; utilizing flat surfaces for serving, “reinvent” rooms (such as using the dining area for games or karaoke), discover a storage space in advance for jackets during colder months, and finally don’t work yourself to the bone in the kitchen, shop for pre-made appetizers and snacks (this keeps your apartment from getting warm as the oven cooks).
Unleash Your Inner Star
Do you enjoy the occasional night out with friends? Perhaps a few drinks at a local bar, with some karaoke thrown in? Who doesn’t?
There are so many ways to create an atmosphere at your party that centers on fun. Games, trivia, virtual reality gadgets, we could add to this list endless ways to keep your guests entertained.
However, a traditional method that is sure to please every person that walks in your front door is karaoke. The next challenge is what to do if you do not have a karaoke machine.
This is not a common household item, let’s be honest. Where am I to find a karaoke machine? Are they complicated to use? After a few minutes browsing through MusicAuthority’s list of karaoke machines, it was quickly revealed that they are not that hard to find or use.
Let Loose and Relax
Marian Bull wrote a piece for the New York Times on June 13th of last year titled “Karaoke Coast to Coast”. Bull takes the reader on a “karaoke road trip” across the country, recounting experiences in bars from cities such as New Orleans, Nashville, Austin, and Phoenix.
Why bring this up when the jest of this article has been hosting a party at my apartment? Well, Bull lets the reader in on the affect karaoke can have on the participant, as it is a way to let go of pent-up energy. Certainly your guests, and yourself, should be afforded the opportunity to unwind!
Lastly, continuing with the relaxation theme, the music selection that you decide upon should be considered carefully. Gauge it based upon your guests. Take into consideration ages, any religious affiliations (so as to not offend), time of year, and the like.
Closing Time
Covered a lot of bases, almost as if Aaron Judge just sent another ball into the upper deck in the Bronx. Let’s review:
Many of us New Yorkers have become fond of smaller apartments. No worries if you and yours prefer to go larger, as the target audience for this piece is fans of tiny lofts. Hosting a party in a small apartment is not difficult, provided that you make accommodations including moving furniture against the wall as needed.
Karaoke is a time-tested party favorite. Better yet, many karaoke machines are affordable for the budget-minded consumer. Letting your inner star out is a great way to release built-up stress. Bear in mind your guest list, as this will help dictate what music selections you offer.
We love our home; which includes our city, our borough, and our domicile. Create the atmosphere you crave. Demonstrate to your guests that we know how to do it right in the Big Apple.
17 days to go! Every year people panic to find the perfect gift. We at T2C have been collecting idea’s all year long to bring you the perfect gift guide at all price levels. When you’re at the end of your rope trying to find the perfect Christmas present this year, come to this guide for some great suggestions.
How unique is this Spiral Song Lyric with Night Sky Map Clock.
Looking for a way to capture a meaningful day and text in one beautiful design? Grab a Personalized Star Map for you on a clock. Have questions about this design or how to personalize it for you or a gift? Message, as customer happiness is their #1 goal.
You give the company The Artist, Song Title or enter lyrics, a quote, names, address (for night sky) and the date and a spiral print will be printed showing the star map, alignment of the stars and constellations from your special day. Personally I think it is an amazing gift at $53.97 .
Free proofs are provided as well as quick edits to make sure you love your design before it’s printed.
To personalize your night sky spiral print, click here.
As we head into the holiday season, The Algonquin Hotel’s December event lineup is open to both hotel guests and New York City locals. The hotel will spread holiday cheer with a variety of festive performances, cocktails, and experiences including:
- Cocoa and Carols Happy Hour: Daily, 5-8PM, Every evening this December, all are invited to enjoy Specialty Cocoa while Christmas carols chime at the Blue Bar. Drinks will include Mexican Hot Chocolate spiked with mezcal
- KT Sullivan Cabaret: December 5th, 12th and 19th, Sullivan will perform her iconic Christmas Cabaret. As noted by The New York Times, Sullivan is a thrilling Off-Broadway performer with over eight published albums
- Rocco Dellaneve’s Rat Pack Christmas: December 7th, 14th and 21st, Rocco Dellaneve will perform iconic songs from the Rat Pack Christmas album with special inclusions of Santa with Sinatra, Rocco of the Snow, Rudolph and the Rat pack
- The Serafina’s and Broadway Vocalists: December 8th, 15th and 22nd, enjoy the high kicking – precision line dancing Christmas tradition around The Algonquin tree. The Serafina’s will be available for pictures and autographs from 6pm to 7pm, followed by special Broadway vocalists
A portion of proceeds from all events will be donated to Toys for Tots.
Beyond the December events, The Algonquin Hotel is located in a prime position nestled in the heart of Times Square and Fifth Avenue, making it the perfect launchpad for a New York City holiday experience. The hotel is a historical jewel that emphasizes the importance of making unique, storied experiences. Since its opening in 1902, The Algonquin Hotel is famous for its timeless style and desire to honor the literary and cultural elite. The distinguished Round Table Restaurant and Blue Bar offer tasteful dining inclusions and curated cocktails that are sure to excite everyone.
Photo credit: The Algonquin Hotel, Autograph Collection
The Festival of Lights, starts today Thursday, December 7th and goes through Friday, December 15th. From classic Jewish foods to fan-favorite chocolates, there are many options to celebrate Hanukkah in New York City.
New York’s iconic Li-Lac Chocolates, celebrating its 100th Anniversary has been enjoyed by generations of locals and tourists alike. Manhattan’s oldest chocolate house, Li-Lac, has remained true to its tradition maintaining the same single-minded focus on product quality. Its confections are handmade daily in its Brooklyn Factory using many of the original techniques and equipment from 1923.
Li-Lac Chocolates makes for the perfect Hanukkah gift for friends and family. They have a broad selection of specialty molds and gifts, now offering more than 120 items making it one of the largest selections of gourmet chocolates in the world.
All of its chocolates are certified Kosher and gluten-free.
A few gift options for Hanukkah include:
- Dreidel Filled with Gelt
- 20 pc. Chanukah Chocolate Gift Box
- Chest of Gelt
- Menorah Pop
The full list of Hannukah chocolates may be viewed here.
To learn more about Li-Lac Chocolates rich history, you may view a comprehensive press release here.
Store locations: Industry City/Brooklyn, Greenwich Village, Bleeker Street, Chelsea Market, Hudson Yards and Grand Central Market.
Ships: via FedEx in the United States and Canada.
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The popular Upper East Side Jewish Delicatessen PJ Bernstein will be rolling out a special Hanukkah menu, available for catering, delivery, takeout as well as dining in.
One of the last remaining of its kind, PJ Bernstein has been a staple in its neighborhood since opening its doors on the northeast corner of 70th St. and 3rd Ave. Serving the classics since 1965, it continues to be a hotspot for locals and celebrities, attracting the likes of Mayor Ed Koch, Liza Minelli, 2 James Bonds in Sean Connery and Daniel Craig, and Cuba Gooding Jr., to name a few.
Highlights of their Hanukkah menu include the following, but are not limited to:
- A Special Prix Fixe Menu with a Mixed Green Salad, Matzoh Ball Soup, Brisket with Mini Latkes, Kasha Varnishka, Gravy, Apple Sauce, and a Mini Danish.
Appetizers:
- Famous Potato Latkes, a holiday favorite
- Baked Knishes
Entrées:
- Smoked Sturgeon
- White Fish Salad
- Roasted Chicken
Sides:
- Baked Sweet Potato
- Egg Barley
Desserts:
- Chocolate Rugelach
- Challah Bread
18 days to go! Every year people panic to find the perfect gift. We at T2C have been collecting idea’s all year long to bring you the perfect gift guide at all price levels. When you’re at the end of your rope trying to find the perfect Christmas present this year, come to this guide for some great suggestions.
In searching for gifts for kids, we love Krunch Pop Glow Tubes! ($22.95 for 12)This super cool toy can be stretched out and spun to make cool sounds, or you can connect a bunch and have a hoola hoop contest! It’s perfect for both kids and grown-up celebrations and is easy to bring along on trips, making it limitless on-the-go fun that travels well.
The Krunch Pop Glow Tubes are also bendable, stretchable, twistable, spinnable, and linkable, so you can create all sorts of shapes and designs to light up your party. And if you’re feeling anxious or stressed, this calming and relaxing sensory fidget toy can help relieve your worries. Just twist and pull the toy to make a satisfying “pop” sound that feels great to touch. The crunchy popping sound is so satisfying that you’ll want to play with it all day long!
Ready for something great, enter the #KrunchmasJoy Giveaway. We are on week 3 of a 4 weeks of Krunchmas” giveaway! Get ten chances to win a pack of delicious Krunch Pop Tubes every week until Christmas!
19 days to go! Every year people panic to find the perfect gift. We at T2C have been collecting idea’s all year long to bring you the perfect gift guide at all price levels. When you’re at the end of your rope trying to find the perfect Christmas present this year, come to this guide for some great suggestions.
Well today one of my favorite gifts to give and get is coupons of thoughtful acts. Say your best friend loves hot chocolate and you are sugar free…a trip for a cup whip cream filled creamy delight can show you care. Massages, drawing baths, laundry, dinner for 2, a night of Hallmark or Lifetime Christmas movies could be just the thing to show you listen, care and hear what the other person loves. Time is much more precious. Gifts don’t have to cost much, they just have to have thought behind the intent.
If you don’t have time to shop or are limited in funds, this could be just the ticket!
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