We all know that the holidays are meant for reconnecting with family and friends.. Parties are a great way to celebrate, but does that mean you have to do all the cooking, set-up, and clean-up? No way. These local Westchester locations open their doors to holiday celebrations. With their help, you can actually enjoy yourself instead of being chained to the stove or incessantly slipping coasters under cocktails to protect your coffee table.
121 Restaurant and Bar
2 Dingle Ridge Road, North Salem
(914) 669-0121
www.121restaurant.com
“We’ve geared more towards an upscale cocktail party,” manager Kelly Vermette says. “We’ve come up with three menus to cater to different budget – add-ons like carving stations and raw bars are available in addition to our base menu, which we created with the holidays in mind.” Additionally, 121 allows party hosts to bring in their own music and DJs.
Antipasti
1 N. Broadway #L1, White Plains
(914) 949-3500
www.antipastiny.com
Antipasti’s lounge accommodates more than150 people and has a separate antipasti bar. “It is the Italian version of a sushi bar,” owner Mark Mazzotta says. “Guests can indulge in an assortment of meats, cheeses and other traditional Italian delicacies.” Antipasti has a more intimate space for smaller get-togethers—a private reserve room, which is its wine cellar. It accommodates 45 people. “You’re surrounded by hand-picked vintages of wines. It’s a very Old-World room.”
Blue
99 Church Street #2, White Plains
(914) 220-0000
www.bluewhiteplains.com
With a new lounge built beneath the restaurant to give it a cutting-edge vibe, Blue has a perfect party room for Westchester residents seeking some Manhattan flare. “Our “Red Room” is a very chic, New York-style venue with a rock waterfall,” owner Vincent Corso says. “The cocktail receptions are flying this year.” Corso gears the Blue holiday party menu towards the season. “The chef has prepared a pork crostini with horseradish and pomegranate,” he says. “The edamame dumplings infused with truffle oil try to get the red and green theme going.” Blue’s mixologists have also gotten into the holiday spirit; they’ve concocted Chai tea and candy cane martinis.
Harvest on Hudson
1 River Street, Hastings
(914) 478-2800
www.harvest2000.com
The Hudson may be freezing cold during the holidays, but the restaurant, a palatial Italianate space overlooking the river, heats up for holiday parties. “We’re thoroughly decorated for the holidays, which is something everyone really likes,” events manager Regina Michielli says. Harvest on Hudson has two private rooms, which can seat 36 and 50. Michielli says that the restaurant can also close the main dining room for parties for up to 225 people. Harvest on Hudson’s newest restaurant, the Half Moon in Dobbs Ferry, will also be hosting parties.
Le Château
1410 Route 35, South Salem
(914) 533-6631
www.lechateauny.com
With a breathtaking backdrop and ornate decor, Le Château is a nice spot for a traditional elegant holiday party. The restaurant and event space are housed in a 1907 mansion, built by J.P. Morgan. Private rooms can accommodate anywhere from 10 to 175 people. Space is available on both Christmas eve and day. If you’re looking to mix business with your holiday fun, Le Château is equipped with Wi-Fi and other audiovisual components.
Radisson Hotel
1 Radisson Plaza, New Rochelle
(914) 576-3700
www.radisson.com
With an event area that can accommodate up to 250 people, the Empire Ballroom is perfect for a corporate holiday celebration – or a family party with every second cousin and long lost uncle on the guest list.
Red Hat on the River
1 Bridge Street #150, Irvington
(914) 591-5888
www.redhatbistro.com
Although the cold weather may keep people inside and off the riverside patio, Red Hat affords nice river views. Event manager Michelle VanNess notes that the restaurant hosts a wide variety of group sizes. “We can have complete buy-outs for the weekend,” she says. “We also have our second floor space for private events, which can hold 40 to 60 people, but we also can accommodate a semi-private party of 15-25 for a group that wants a private dinner but doesn’t need an entire room.” Red Hat serves both traditional, three-course dinners as well as special holiday cocktails. To keep warm, the Red Hat bar serves special Maggie’s Hot Totty and some flavored hot cocoas.
Seasons American Bistro
289 Route 10, Somers
(914) 276-0600
www.seasonsatsomers.com
“We customize everything including private menus, fresh flowers, and table signs,” owner Linda Tesone says. ‘We walk you through your event from beginning to end in order to make sure everything is perfect. We’re always recreating something. We have specialized martinis, including table-tinis, where you serve yourself.”
The Willett House
20 Willett Avenue, Port Chester
(914) 939-7500
www.thewilletthouse.com
This steakhouse housed in the old Westchester Grain Company building, constructed in the 1880s, has charm galore. From the original plank wood floors to the granary storage beams, history is on display for diners and partygoers. And the steaks ain’t shabby either. “The steak is always popular,” banquet coordinator Emily Ryan says. With five dining rooms, The Willett House can host up to 110 people per party.
