Master the Art of Hosting: Unforgettable Entertaining Tips for Your NYC Home

New York City, known for its vibrant social scene, offers a plethora of opportunities to entertain and impress guests in luxurious, urban living spaces. The art of hosting is a valued skill, allowing homeowners to create unforgettable experiences for their friends and family. From intimate gatherings to lavish soirées, each event requires a keen understanding of themes, decor, cuisine, and etiquette to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all.

In this informative guide, we explore the finer nuances of entertaining within the intimate and luxury setting of your New York City home. Engage your guests with meticulously curated themes that elevate the occasion and showcase your exquisite taste. Discover the secrets to transforming your living space with eye-catching decor that captures the essence of your chosen theme.

Dive into the world of culinary delights, mastering the art of crafting a menu that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves a lasting impression. And finally, master the complex world of etiquette, ensuring your hosting style is the epitome of grace and refinement. Join us on this journey as we unveil the secrets to unforgettable entertaining in your NYC abode.

Choosing the Perfect Theme for Your Event

Selecting an appropriate theme for your gathering not only sets the tone for the evening but also creates a memorable experience for your guests. Consider your audience, their interests, and the occasion when selecting a theme. For example, if you're hosting a summer outdoor soirée, opt for a tropical theme with vibrant colors and exotic elements.

For an intimate indoor cocktail party during the winter months, consider a cozy, elegant atmosphere with dim lighting and plush furnishing. The options are endless, so don't be afraid to get creative and let your personal style shine through.

Transforming Your Space with Eye-catching Decor

Once you've chosen your theme, ensure that your décor brings it to life. Pay attention to details such as table arrangements, lighting, and accents that will harmonize with your theme. For instance, if your event has a modern, minimalist theme, stick to clean lines, subdued color palettes, and impactful statement pieces. Alternatively, a vintage-inspired gathering would benefit from antique furnishings, delicate china, and soft, ambient lighting.

Don't forget the power of fresh floral arrangements to elevate the atmosphere and add a touch of elegance. Remember, too much décor can create clutter, while too little can leave a space feeling barren. Strive for a balance that showcases your chosen theme without overpowering the room.

Designing a Delectable Menu for Your Guests

Curating a tantalizing menu plays a crucial role in the success of any gathering. Your menu should cater to the tastes and dietary preferences of your guests while pairing well with your event's theme. Collaborate with a reputable caterer or private chef to create a menu that features a variety of dishes, drawing from various culinary traditions to suit the preferences of your diverse audience.

Remember to include a selection of appetizers, main courses, and desserts, with vegetarian and vegan options as necessary. Finally, offer a range of beverages, including creative cocktails, fine wines, and non-alcoholic alternatives, to ensure all guests have options tailored to their tastes.

Mastering the Art of Etiquette

As a host, your role extends beyond curating the perfect environment for your guests. You must also exemplify grace and poise, ensuring your guests feel welcome and comfortable throughout the event. Familiarize yourself with essential etiquette guidelines and adhere to them during your function.

This encompasses welcoming your guests and making introductions, attending to their needs, and engaging in polite, meaningful conversations. Keep in mind the logistics of your event, such as seating arrangements, dietary concerns, and timely serving of courses. By mastering the art of etiquette, you showcase your refined hosting abilities and make your guests feel at ease.

Enlisting the Help of Professionals

To create an unforgettable experience for your guests, consider enlisting the help of professionals. Professional event planners can manage the intricate details of your event, from choosing the theme to coordinating timing and logistics. Additionally, hiring a skilled bartender can elevate your beverage offerings, allowing your guests to indulge in expertly crafted cocktails.

Expert service staff contribute to the overall experience of your event, ensuring your guests feel well-attended and catered to. By tapping into the expertise of these professionals, you allow yourself to focus on your role as an engaged and gracious host, resulting in an enjoyable and memorable experience for all.

Going the Extra Mile: Personalized Touches

In the world of luxury entertaining, it's the thoughtful, personalized touches that truly distinguish your event. Consider customizing aspects of your gathering to create a memorable experience that resonates with your guests. This can be anything from personalized menus with calligraphed guest names, creatively displayed place cards, or a special toast during dinner to express your gratitude for your guests' attendance. Small acts of thoughtfulness and personalization can make a significant impact, leaving your guests feeling valued and creating lasting memories of your gathering.

Embrace the Luxury Entertaining Experience with Off The MRKT

As a homeowner in New York City, hosting events that leave a lasting impression on your guests requires a fine balance of artistry, attention to detail, and execution. By choosing the perfect theme, designing a delightful menu, and mastering the art of etiquette, you can provide unforgettable experiences in the luxurious setting of your NYC home. Collaborating with professionals, from event planners to bartenders, can further elevate your gatherings and allow you to focus on engaging with your guests throughout the event.

Off The MRKT understands and appreciates the importance of creating exquisite entertaining spaces within the city's luxurious residential offerings, as well as the significance of seamlessly blending your personal style and lifestyle needs. Our expert team can not only assist you in finding the perfect residential property but also guide you through creating an environment suitable for hosting unforgettable gatherings in the heart of New York City.

As you seek to make a lasting impression in your upcoming events, let Off The MRKT connect you with your ideal residence, where your gatherings will exceed the expectations of your guests, and you can create exceptional experiences within your lavish NYC home.

Discover exceptional properties ideal for hosting extraordinary events — browse Off The MRKT's New York City real estate blog today!

Paulette Tavormina's 'Fiori del Giardino': A Modern Homage to Old Masters at Winston Wächter Fine Art

In the bustling Chelsea Arts District, photographer Paulette Tavormina recently celebrated the opening of her latest exhibition, 'Fiori del Giardino,' at the esteemed Winston Wächter Fine Art gallery. The event, set against the backdrop of Tavormina's captivating still life photographs, drew a crowd of art enthusiasts and notable guests, immersing them in a world where classical artistry meets contemporary photography.

Tavormina's work is a modern tribute to the Golden Age Dutch old masters. She draws inspiration from the meticulous techniques of Adriaen Coorte, the harmonious compositions and color palettes of Giovanna Garzoni, and the dramatic lighting of Zurbarán. Her process involves a race against time, capturing the ephemeral beauty of freshly picked flowers and fruit from her garden to compose her still lifes.

The exhibition opening was a vibrant gathering, with guests including Tavormina's husband, Paul Pfeiffer, and the gallery’s co-owner Christine Wächter-Campbell, director Madeline Cornell, and a host of art aficionados and friends. The attendees were captivated by the striking images, which are a testament to Tavormina's skill in blending historical art techniques with her unique photographic vision.

The exhibition's highlight will be an engaging panel discussion on December 16, featuring Paulette Tavormina, Sotheby’s Old Master Paintings Specialist David Pollack, Photo Historian Gail Buckland, and Winston Wächter Fine Art Director Madeline Cornell. This conversation, titled "Modern Still Life Photography: A Tribute to the Old Masters," is free and open to the public, offering a deeper dive into the intersection of classical and contemporary art forms. 'Fiori del Giardino' will be on display until January 6, 2024, offering a unique visual journey through time and artistry.


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Boys & Girls Clubs Of Miami-Dade Celebrated Its 15th Annual “Wild About Kids” Gala

Annabella Pardo

Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade celebrated its annual black-tie “Wild About Kids” Gala, with a Motown theme, at Loews Coral Gables Hotel on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. The event raised over $600K for Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s crucial programs and services at its six Clubs and sites combined including its educational after school programs, tutoring and homework assistance, STEM, social skills, dance, arts and crafts, mentoring and summer and athletic programs. These programs help children realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. 

Committee Members Photo via World Red Eye

The 15th Annual “Wild About Kids” Gala was co-chaired once again by long-time Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade supporters, Board Chair Andy Stuart and his wife Allison Stuart, a Board of Directors member. Olga Guilarte, member of Boys & Girls of Miami-Dade’s Executive Committee, was once again the special event chair.  

Paul & Lisa Magnes, Belkys Nerey, Demetri Mouratis, Tatsiana & Andy Ansin Photo via World Red Eye

South Florida’s top community leaders, philanthropists and influencers were among the guests who were transported back to the Motown era with dinner, dancing, live entertainment, an engaging program and more to support great futures for Miami-Dade area youth. 

Carlos Oliva y Los Sobrinos del Juez Band Photo via World Red Eye

Eight-time Emmy award-winning journalist and WSVN Channel 7 news personality Belkys Nerey and youth member Sebastian Garcia co-emceed the event and helped engage and energize the crowd. The SweetTarts, DJ Sama alongside Carlos Oliva y Los Sobrinos del Juez Band provided the soundtrack for the evening with classic hits from the Motown era including Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Jackson 5 and more. Guests also enjoyed a unique Motown-themed musical performance from Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s youth members.

Alex Rodriguez Roig, Alex Livinalli, Olga Guilarte, Allison & Andrew Stuart Photo via World Red Eye

During the event, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade honored notable alumni, inducting them into the Class of 2023 Alumni Hall of Fame, including Miami-Dade Public Schools Board Member for District 1, Dr. Steve Gallon III, Mayor of Miami Gardens Rodney Harris, WNBA Player Erica Wheeler and Actor Alex Livinalli. Each alumnus shared personal stories about their experiences with the Club. 

Alex Rodriguez Roig, Rodney Harris, Olga Guilarte, Allison & Andrew Stuart Photo via World Red Eye

Supporters also participated in a special opportunity to sponsor-a-child through donations and a silent auction featuring high-end items and exceptional luxury experiences ranging from elegant jewelry, memorabilia, lifestyle experiences, unique travel opportunities and more. Through the generous support of sponsors, hundreds of area youth were granted a one-year fully-paid membership to Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.

Alex Rodriguez-Roig, Dr Steven Gallon III, Olga Guilarte, Allison & Andrew Stuart Photo via World Red Eye

“We are incredibly humbled by the support from all those who joined us for our 15th Annual ‘Wild About Kids’ Gala at Loews Coral Gables Hotel with the Motown theme,” said Alex Rodriguez-Roig, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. “The incredible evening wouldn’t be possible without our returning co-chairs Andy and Allison Stuart, our board members, sponsors and donors who are committed to providing great futures for our area youth. The annual event helps us raise funds to serve the Clubs’ many positive programs, support the Capital Campaign to completely rebuild the Northwest Club into a state-of-the-art facility and expand the new sixth Club.”

Youth Members Photo via World Red Eye

“Allison and I were honored to return as co-chairs for Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s most significant fundraiser of the year. The Club and the youth members are very near and dear to our hearts,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Board Chair Andy Stuart. “Supporters enjoyed an exceptional evening of entertainment, dancing and dinner while raising crucial funds for the Clubs’ many positive programs.”

Youth Members Photo via World Red Eye

Gala committee members from Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s Board of Directors included Tom Bezold, Liana De Mena, Jackie Gonzalez, Maria Luisa Gonzalez, Rudy Lleonart, Yuni Navarro, Kristina Perez-Cubas, Karen Rodriguez and Richard Rodriguez. Additional committee members included Susan Abraham, Lisa Mendelson, Lily Pardo, Durée Ross, Marianne Schmidhofer, Rae Stein, Meredith Virnig and Michelle Zubizarreta. 

Erica Zohar & Elysze Held Photo via World Red Eye

Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade thank the sponsors for their generous support. The Carmen Rebozo Foundation was The Supremes sponsor. The Four Tops sponsors were the Ansin Foundation Inc./WSVN 7 and Andrew and Allison Stuart, and The Miracles sponsors were Ocean Bank, Thoma Bravo and DRRT.

Thoma Bravo Team Photo via World Red Eye

The Jackson 5 sponsors included Academica, Anthony R. Abraham Foundation, Baptist Health South Florida, Bermont Gold Wealth Advisory of Raymond James, Blue Streak LLC, & CCU, LLC, First American Bank & Rodolfo Lleonart, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Ana and Raul Marmol, Lisa and Victor Mendelson Family, Somos Group, USI Insurance and Meredith and Kenneth Virnig. In-kind sponsors included Bacardi U.S.A., Inc., Total Wine & More, The Fudge Pie Co. and WSVN 7. Underwriters included the Bernhardt Family, Florida Physicians PSN, InterJuris, Bob Parks, Greta & Mark Walker Foundation and Tasco.

Photo via World Red Eye

 For more information, please visit www.bgcmia.org.


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Star-Studded Elegance: Carnegie Hall's Opening Night Gala Celebrates a New Season with Celebrities and Symphonies


The illustrious Carnegie Hall, a symbol of exceptional musical prowess, welcomed the 2023-2024 season with a star-studded Opening Night Gala, graced by the presence of notable personalities such as Patricia Clarkson, Ronan Farrow, Zac Posen, Liev Schreiber, and Elizabeth Segerstrom. The evening was adorned with the melodic brilliance of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), conducted by the esteemed Riccardo Muti, and featured the acclaimed violinist Leonidas Kavakos, who enraptured the audience with a stirring performance of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. The program also paid homage to Mussorgsky’s Pictures from an Exhibition, a piece that holds historical significance as it was conducted by Muti during his 1973 CSO podium debut at the Ravinia Festival. Mercedes T. Bass and Hope and Robert F. Smith graciously served as the Gala Lead Chairmen, ensuring the evening was seamlessly orchestrated.

Photos by Jared Siskin for PMC/Getty Images

Post-concert, guests were escorted to a black-tie dinner at the renowned Cipriani 42nd Street, where the evening continued to unfold amidst an ambiance of elegance and camaraderie. Among the esteemed attendees were Harrison Ball, Gina Gershon, Susan Jaffe, Beejan Land, Serena and Shawn Levy, Zoe Lister-Jones, Taylor Neisen, Galina Novikova, Tatiana and Alexei Ratmansky, Deborah Rutter, Sophie Sumner, and Jessica Vosk. The gala not only celebrated the inauguration of the new musical season but also symbolized a gathering of individuals who share a profound appreciation for the arts, encapsulating a night where melody, culture, and social connection harmoniously intertwined.


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Elite Brokers Celebrate the Completion of 108 Leonard's Rooftop Retreat

New York's crème de la crème of brokers recently congregated to celebrate the grand unveiling of the rooftop oasis at 108 Leonard. This neoclassical gem, nestled in the heart of TriBeCa, has been meticulously transformed into 167 opulent homes. The completion of this rooftop marks a significant milestone, adding to the property's expansive 20,000 square feet of wellness-driven amenities.

Howard M. Lorber, Executive Chairman of Douglas Elliman, alongside Susan de França, President and CEO of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, showered accolades on the sales team. Their commendable efforts have led to an impressive sale of over 70% of the building. The duo also drew attention to the limited units available, with a special mention of the two exquisite penthouses that form part of the Crown Collection.

Elena Sarkissan, the Director of Sales at 108 Leonard, couldn't contain her excitement over the rooftop's inauguration. This space, spanning two levels, offers residents unparalleled views of the city skyline, with the iconic Clocktower standing tall as a testament to the building's historic past. But the rooftop is just the tip of the iceberg. Residents can also indulge in a plethora of world-class amenities, including a 75-foot lap pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a chef's demonstration kitchen, and the enchanting Marble Room lounge.

With only nine residences still up for grabs, ranging from $3,715,000 to $24,450,000, 108 Leonard is fast becoming the epitome of luxury living in TriBeCa.


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A MidSummer Dream: LongHouse Reserve's Gala Celebration in East Hampton

LongHouse Reserve's annual Summer Benefit was a MidSummer Dream come true, honoring the joyful creativity of artist Mary Heilmann and the literary genius of A. M. Homes. The evening was filled with wonder, from stilt walkers to trapeze aerialists, and the entire 16-acre grounds were open for discovery, with art at every turn. Guests were transported into a whimsical world, and the evening raised over $650,000.

The dinner began with a poignant video of the late LongHouse Founder Jack Lenor Larsen, who shared his vision for discovery and change. Director Carrie Rebora Barratt quoted Eleanor Roosevelt, referencing Jack's vision for LongHouse, and Board President Nina Gillman spoke of the transition of LongHouse from a private residence to a fully public institution. The words of the evening were filled with inspiration, reflection, and a toast to the future.

Laurie Anderson introduced A.M. Homes with a playful and profound speech, sharing her first encounter with A.M. in a tree and her recent exploration of A.M.'s work with talking trees and AI. A.M. took the stage to share her personal connection with Jack Lenor Larsen, revealing how his fabric designs influenced her first visions and experiences.

The celebration continued with artist Almond Zigmund introducing honoree Mary Heilmann, likening her paintings to catching a perfect wave. A Junior Committee hosted the afterparty, filled with cocktails, dessert, and dancing. The art auction benefiting education at LongHouse included works by renowned artists, and the upcoming events at LongHouse promise to continue the enchantment and celebration of art and creativity. LongHouse Reserve truly shines as a magical place that inspires and connects the community.


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Shlomi Reuveni Hosts Summer Sunset Social at The Westly

On June 1st, Reuveni Development Marketing's Shlomi Reuveni hosted the Summer Sunset Social at The Westly, a boutique condo development on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The event unveiled the building’s rooftop pool and welcomed over 100 guests, including notable brokers, to usher in the summer season with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and live music.

The Westly, developed by Adam America Real Estate and Northlink Capital, boasts 52 two- to five-bedroom residences. Select homes feature private outdoor terraces, and prices range from $2.725 million for a two-bedroom home to $13.5 million for a five-bedroom penthouse. The property offers immediate occupancy.

The upscale amenities at The Westly include a rare rooftop pool, a 24-hour concierge, a grand lobby, a fitness center, a yoga studio, a lounge, a children's playroom, a gaming room, a music room, a bike room, and a pet grooming station. The location offers easy access to cultural and culinary attractions, as well as prestigious schools and green spaces, providing an upscale lifestyle in one of Manhattan's most cherished neighborhoods.

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