This year was the first time in three years that we have been in the States for Thanksgiving and Black Friday. One of the most prolific New York City holiday traditions has to be the beautiful department store windows—a visual delight for the whole family. We decided to take in the sights and do a little window shopping. 
My personal favourite was the Bloomingdale's windows inspired by Tony Bennett's new holiday album A Swingin' Christmas. I adore Tony Bennett and I love Christmas nostalgia. There are no clothes on display, just a dreamy vision of years gone by and a winter-wonderland. While I was off shopping, my sweet husband bought me the Swingin' Christmas album and it's great!
The other much-loved window was Lord & Taylor’s tribute to My Favorite Christmas Traditions. Each holiday window displays popular Christmas traditions including Christmas cards, Christmas treats, Christmas stories, Christmas ornaments, Christmas toys and Christmas songs.
To end the day and kick off the Christmas season we met James Andrew and Scott McBee for cocktails at the Silverleaf Tavern. James and Scott are truly two of the nicest people. Both are so talented, and yet very down to earth. We had so much fun that we all met for dinner the next evening at the ingenious Manhattan barbecue joint Blue Smoke. If you are ever in the area, you must go just for the Bleu Smoke Martinis—Stolichnaya vodka, Ardbeg 10 year Whisky and blue cheese-stuffed olives. We are working to recreate this concoction at home…YUM!
