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!

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!”

See you all out there!

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When is it ok to regift?

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!

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.

This is a work in progress. Consider this a space to keep your eye on.

Enjoy!

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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.”

3-Tier Sweet and Savory Tea Tower

Savory:

Tea Cakes:

Sweet Treats:

2-Tier Sweet and Savory Tea Tower (children under 12 only)

Savory (ish):

Sweet:

$75 per person, with separate snacks + activities for adults and children:

Adults, Children ages 12:

Children 12 and under:

Tea parties are open to all, but reservations must be made in advance..

ICYMI…