I really tried to get this out earlier today — life had a different idea. Hope to see everyone at the 6 p.m. tree lighting in an hour!
Floral designer Sam Nass (far left) called seeing Broadway from atop the cherry picker an “unforgettable” experience.
To get the 27-foot stunner ready for its shining moment, the beautiful balsam being lit tonight at 6 p.m. to kick off the big Victorian Street Walk was entrusted to none other than Samantha Nass Floral Design, who called the experience “an absolute joy.”
“From the oversized red velvet bow to the thousands of lights, we wanted the tree to feel both festive and timeless,” she says. “Experiencing Broadway from the top of a cherry picker was unforgettable. We hope the town loves the tree as much as we loved decorating it.”
And these ladies worked hard.
“I am still recovering,” Nass quips, “from tendinitis in my right hand!”
What would you say if given the chance to speak anonymously?
Reminder No. 1: On Monday, we introduced Seen in Saratoga, the anonymous photographer who captures candids of public life in the town we all love and shares them on the Instagram of the same name.
Reminder No. 2: [We all know that] Saratogians love to give their opinions.
What do these two things have in common? Our new collab, that’s what!
We love the honesty that comes with letting people talk freely.
Every week, Seen in Saratoga puts a question out into the Insta-verse, and Saratogians can give their blunt, honest answers — anonymously.
And then our favorite — also anonymous — photog matches their answers with an unrelated, but expertly chosen, candid taken around town, in this case of people (I’ve covered people’s faces).
Then I choose my favorites (and most appropriate — being anonymous really brings out some colorful answers!) to be published here.
First time here? Join the party! Daily news about the city you love, from journalists you know.
This is a work in progress. Consider this a space to keep your eye on.
Pinkies up! (No, not really, but you immediately knew what I meant!)
Yup — hope your kitten heels are polished, because it’s time for tea.
Saratoga Arms Hotel is launching a limited-time Holiday Tea Service, starting this weekend. Holiday Tea will be served every Saturday in December, with two seatings each day (12 p.m. + 12:30 p.m., second seating: 1:30 p.m. + 2 p.m.).
The child- and adult-friendly menu is a perfect blend of sweet + savory and decadent + restrained.
“To us, there is nothing more leisurely and luxurious than a time-honored Afternoon Tea tradition, and we are happy to be able to put a fun holiday spin on it for our guests and local community,” says Amy Smith, owner of the hotel. “It’s a perfect experience to enjoy holiday cheer and support a local business.”
Photo courtesy of Saratoga Arms Hotel
Menu highlights:
3-Tier Sweet and Savory Tea Tower
Savory:
Chicken, goat cheese, leeks, grapes, chervil
Brie, cranberry, apple
Salmon, white cream, arugula, pomegranate, mango
Cucumber, watercress, cream cheese, chive
Tea Cakes:
Ricotta citrus
Blueberry lemon
Olive oil, basil, sundried tomato
Herb, chevre
Sweet Treats:
Rosemary butter cookie
Lavender vanilla sugar cookie
Russian tea cakes
Raspberry linzer cookie
2-Tier Sweet and Savory Tea Tower (children under 12 only)
Savory (ish):
Blueberry pancake and apple slice sandwich
Ham, gruyere, toasted challah
Mini crudité (carrots, cucumber, bell pepper) with ranch dressing
Sweet:
Fruit and cream tart
Chocolate chip cookie sandwich with buttercream filling
$75 per person, with separate snacks + activities for adults and children:
Adults, Children ages 12:
Sweet and savory three-tier tea tower
Choice of hot tea (hot coffee substitute available)
Holiday cocktail menu and additional food items available for purchase
Children 12 and under:
Sweet and savory two-tier tea tower
Choice of hot tea or hot chocolate (served in a take-home holiday mug)
Activity bag
Letters to Santa station
Tea parties are open to all, but reservations must be made in advance..
