David's Blog
The Gift's the Thing: David's Picks
No matter what part you play in a wedding — Bride, Bridesmaid, Best Man, Flower Girl or, yes, even Florist — somewhere along the line, you will undoubtedly spend countless hours in department stores, surfing the web, hunting down the perfect gift for that special loved one or relative or in-law.
"What do John and Jane really want? Do they really want that bamboo dish rack from Crate & Barrel?"
That’s not to say that housewares and appliances aren’t up to snuff; many newlyweds are moving into new homes, beginning new lives, and that Krups automatic espresso machine might be right down their alley. But if you’re looking for something original, something you won’t find on any given gift registry, you may want to scope out these classic conceits with a modern twist:
RUBY et VIOLETTE
www.rubyetviolette.com
(718) 728-6250
You’ll find me at any sweets shoppe where the cookie categories range from Chewy and Fruity to Intoxicating and Seduction. With a little something for every palette, Ruby et Violette will provide the perfect thank you gift for your new mother-in-law (perhaps the Champagne Strawberry brownies) or your special out-of-town guests (White Russian cookies) in an elegant gift box. Or choose the Indulgent Baker option and let the cookie creators decide for you! Visit their cafe at 457 West 50th Street to sample some traditional flavors — Caramel Nougat, Oatmeal Raisin — and some decadent, fresh alternatives — Mojito and Root Beer Float.
GREAT JONES SPA
29 Great Jones Street
www.greatjonesspa.com
(212) 505.3185
Some brides might have the fortitude to endure a Platza Oak Leaf session at the Russian and Turkish Baths*, but I imagine most brides-to-be are looking for an hour-long Hot Towel Infusion Massage as opposed to an outright bushel broom beating. Interrupt her stressful day-to-day of planning and preparations with 2 hours of Tranquility (Aromatherapy Massage, Facial & Foot Scrub) or 4-1/2 hours of Bliss (Hot Stone Therapy Massage, Anti-Oxidant Facial, Manicure & Pedicure). The best part is that the 15,000 sq-ft Water Lounge comes complimentary with any spa session, with unlimited access to the River Rock Sauna, Chakra Light Steam Room, Thermal Hot Tub, and Cold Plunge. Duet packages are also available for both the bride and groom.
*For bolder brides: the Russian and Turkish Baths, 268 E. 10th Street, (212) 674-9250, www.russianandturkishbaths.com
THE ART OF SHAVING
(various U.S. locations)
www.theartofshaving.com
Aside from promoting their own line of shaving oils, gels, soaps and brushes, The Art of Shaving operates a number of Barber Spas from New York to California, combining "traditional barber services with aromatherapy skin treatments." The 45-minute Royal Shave session — their most popular service — features a facial massage with pre-shave oil, a two-part shave (once with the grain, once against), hot towel wrap, after-shave mask with rejuvenating nutrients and a moisturizing after-shave balm. Send your Best Man to the Barber Spa for a fresh look or a Beard and Goatee Trim, or impress your groomsmen with a chic Noir Shaving Set or Art of Shaving Travel Kit.
Hong Kong
I don’t always go half way around the world to check out a perfect site but recently I traveled to Hong Kong to scout out unusual venues for a fascinating international event.
I also wanted to visit Hong Kong’s flower market. It’s a fast paced scene, packed with energy and lots of calling out and shouting. You practically run from vendor to vendor. Within an hour, I needed a respite so I found a curb and parked myself. Immediately this wonderful dog greeted me. I felt he was telling me, “Slow down. Take time to smell the roses.”
He and I watched the Hong Kong world swirl by.
As we sat, I had this notion that Hong Kong is a metaphor for a really memorable party. A gathering that goes from great to being absolutely stupendous. The dog gave me the idea. As we sat, he began to sniff the air; his nose kept pointing higher and higher, so I followed the trajectory. That’s when I noticed that the visuals of Hong Kong are constantly changing, a veritable kaleidoscope of life. On any street in this exciting city, the senses are never bored. Hong Kong is a classic and sophisticated fusion of two distinct creative forces: East and West. Here in the flower market, and during the previous evening’s dinner at the Peninsula Hotel, I was witnessing a place of diversity— where new and old meet at every turn. It’s a city where the old can be truly ancient. And new typically is remarkably sleek and modern. Some streets twist and turn, shaped by a distinctive past. But often they lead to the most modern buildings. Despite its reverence for the past, Hong Kong imparts a strong sense of the future.
So there you have it: That’s the metaphor that came to mind. Really great events know how to do the exact same thing. They may give a nod to the past, or pay homage to certain traditions but they really must surprise us in the best of all possible ways. Like Hong Kong, a memorable celebration should have a certain forward motion that permits each guest a glimpse of what will be.