The Holidays In NYC With Barbara McLaughlin

Miracle on 65th Street…

It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year in New York City—and there’s no better holiday expert than Barbara McLaughlin. Alison Kenworthy of Homeworthy sat down with Barbara to learn more about the McLaughlin’s holiday traditions including their legendary Swedish meatball mix you can only get in Minnesota to this year’s #FauxFir tree. Below, Barbara’s favorite Upper East Side spots, decorating tips, and style hacks.

The Holidays To Me Are…

Simply the most magical time of the year. During the holidays I really savor time with family and friends. While I do enjoy all the hustle and bustle, that's what's really important.

This Year’s Holiday Soundtrack, On Repeat…

Much to my family's chagrin, it's forever and always "A Very She & Him Christmas".

Favorite NYC Holiday Traditions & Shops…

Of course my very favorite NYC holiday tradition is the Park Avenue Tree Lighting but the truth is that all of NYC is especially fantastic at this time of year. My friend Betsy Pinover Schiff photographed pretty much everything the city has to offer and published a book about it called 'Tis the Season New York.

With the exception of food, I'm not really much of a shopper but at this time of year, I try to hit as many holiday bazaars and markets as I can and a stop at John Derian's shop in the East Village is a must! I can always find another ornament to add to my collection! And as for food, William Poll and Eli's are at the top of my list.

And of course the Secret Tree for Pets in Central Park. We heard about it in 2018 and brought a photo (in a plastic bag) of our beloved Yorkies, Billy & Shep to hang on it. Last year we went back for the first time in a few years and to our surprise, we found that someone had taken our photo, laminated it and hung it on the tree again! I have no idea who maintains this amazing memorial or how it got started but it's just the most wonderful tradition. It's filled with photos of dogs, cats, fish, rabbits and even a horse - a Christmas miracle for sure!

Favorite Candles & Scents:

Yes! My favorite Christmas scents are Forets by Christian Tortu, Sapin by Taffin and Nest's Holiday Classic. And at this time of year I also really like Nest's Hearth candle (especially when I want the smell of a fire but am too lazy to make one).

Tell Us About The Park Avenue Tree Lighting…

The Park Avenue Tree Lighting was started by a few families who wanted to honor the memories of loved ones they had lost in World War II. In 1945 they lit a few fir trees and today over 100 illuminated trees line the avenue between 54th and 96th Streets and pay tribute to all who have died in our nation's conflicts. The Fund for Park Avenue, of which I am President, manages and fund raises for this meaningful and very popular NYC tradition.

Favorite Holiday Collectibles:

I would have to say ornaments - I'm on the lookout all year round. I love unpacking them every year and putting them on the tree - each one holds so many memories. And I even like re-packing them when the tree comes down.

Holiday Recipes & Sips…

Swedish meatballs and rice pudding are my signature holiday recipes - I ate both of these growing up and it wouldn't be Christmas without them. And in my family we eat the rice pudding with the meal!

Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe

I use Uncle Ben’s Converted Rice, not instant

Cook ½ cup of rice as directed on package

Measure the below into a 3 quart saucepan:

2 cups of cooked rice

Add ½ cup of water to cooked rice and simmer 2-3 minutes to absorb all the liquid

(Not so dry that it gets gluey–a little moisture is O.K. because in the end you want a creamy effect)

Enjoy

McLaughlin Family Holiday Traditions…

An annual holiday card - hand addressing them is one of those meditative holiday tasks that slows me down during a super busy time. We also love receiving cards and we turn our front hall into a "card wall" each year. I love coming home at the end of the day to be greeted by so many familiar faces. I hate to take them all down - it's the last thing to go. And, even though the kids are young adults, the Elf on the Shelf still makes an appearance at our house and gets up to all sorts of antics (which often get posted on Instagram). As I'm typing this I can see that "elf culture" seems to be pretty important to us because we also always watch the movie Elf every year and wear matching PJs on Christmas Eve (often with an elf-theme!).

Favorite Items To Gift:

Books and homemade treats (usually my Meyer lemon marmalade or granola which I also make with marmalade).

What I’m Wearing This Holiday Season:

For Holiday Soirees:

Over the years I've accumulated quite a collection of tartan pants but I'm always on the lookout for new tops and this year I'll be wearing them with the Clelia chiffon blouse and the metallic Sylvana sweaters (and maybe also the Dina turtleneck in red!). I also couldn't resist adding the tartan Brock pants to my collection. I'm also excited to pair the Arlette turtleneck in black with my sequined Carter pants. And the Jaipur cashmere scarf in leopard will be getting quite a workout this season since, as the saying goes "animal prints are neutrals" and will go with everything!

For Running Errands:

Nothing like a pair of jeans (the Milburns), the Dina cashmere turtleneck in navy, the Vivian puffer vest, and of course my Angelique leather sneakers.

For Christmas Eve Dinner:

My table is filled with color so I'll be wearing my egret Watson velvet jeans and my ivory Dina cashmere turtleneck (my inspiration is more Rice Pudding than Coastal Grandma though - ha ha). And if I'm not barefoot, I'll be wearing the Luella tartan ballet flats.

For The Park Avenue Tree Lighting Ceremony:

To keep warm I'll be in the Agata reversible coat!