In Bed With Kiki

Being a bridesmaid ain't easy.

Especially when the bride-to-be is your uber-stylish friend with impeccable taste. You know the type. Dress by Monique Lhuillier. Registry at Moss and Bergdorf Goodman. Flowers by Antony Todd. The task of planning her "last night of freedom" with all of her best friends from across the globe is a daunting one. Somehow the idea of dancing on a banquette at Bungalow doesn't seem very original.

For a truly memorable experience, call my friends at Kiki De Montparnasse (79 Greene Street, 212-965-8150). Named after a French artist, muse and icon of female independence, Kiki De Montparnasse is a beautifully curated retail environment in Soho that celebrates sensual living.


With the belief that pleasure is paramount to a fulfilling life, Kiki is filled with the most exquisite collections of lingerie and boudoir inspired ready-to-wear designed by Creative Director and Co-Founder Jennifer Zuccarini. The store has endless gift ideas from jewelry to erotic accessories to products for the home, bath and body in beautiful packaging by Base Design (responsible for the brand identity and campaign, shown above). Some bestsellers for brides are the bow back panty (shown above) - a combination of the satin chiffon bow ($50) with the crochet lace g-string ($135), massage candle ($45) and the 24K gold handcuffs with key and chain ($175) - a cheeky yet apropos gift for someone entering the "confines" of marriage.


The 2000 square foot store is split into two defined areas - an open retail space in the front and a more intimate boudoir with a brass bed (shown above) in the back. Depending on your preference and size of your group, both spaces can be used for parties. Kiki's signature is to serve champagne with chocolate covered strawberries or caviar during a private shopping event. A dedicated sales person will give a preview of the collection and tutorial on the toys.

On the second floor, Kiki has an incredible 1200 square foot private event space called the Salon. Complete with a kitchen, private dressing room and audio-visual equipment, this room can be transformed for many types of events. For a shower or bachelorette, Kiki can plan a cocktail party with hors d'oeuvres or a seated dinner through one of their preferred caterers such as Serena Bass.

For the ultimate luxury experience, Kiki will have one of their stylists hand-select lingerie and merchandise for the bride-to-be as well as arrange for one of their "sexperts," such as a dominatrix trained in the art of bondage, to speak to the group.

A night at Kiki is such a sexy affair....don't be surprised if the boys want to crash.

For more information about special events at Kiki, contact 212-965-8070 or email salon@kikidm.com.

Alice's Tea Cup

If I were Alice, I would have been happy to stay at the Mad Hatter's never-ending tea party. Scones, clotted cream and preserves with a pot of hot tea sounds pretty perfect to me.

For all you New Yorkers in search of wonderland, go to my friend's tea shop in the Upper East Side aptly named Alice's Tea Cup (156 East 64th Street - 212-734-4832).

Their freshly baked scones are absolutely amazing (especially the pumpkin). Tea sandwiches include lapsang souchong smoked chicken breast with granny smith apples and herbed goat cheese and cucumber and watercress (natch) with lemon chive butter.

Alice's Tea Cup has an outstanding selection of teas including black, green, white, red, flavored, herbal and tisane. Some original offerings include Chocolate Mint Tea, Turkish Green Apple, Rooibos Bourbon and Sparrow's Soul which is French Vervain with chamomile, rosebuds and linden blossoms.

One of the most charming little shops in New York, Alice's Tea Cup is a great place to host a birthday party, bridal or baby shower. The private room holds 15-35 people and will cost you a room rate of $100/hour with a minimum of 2 hours. Guests are asked to order The Mad Hatter for $27/person which consists of a pot of tea, 2 scones with preserves and cream, 2 sandwiches and choice of dessert. Or, a la carte from their extensive menu of soups, salads and sandwiches.


Alice's Tea Cup is extremely kid friendly...in fact, they cater to the little ones. Children under 10 celebrating birthdays can have The Wee Tea for $15/child which includes tisane tea, 1 scone and an additional item such as chicken fingers, PB and J, banana bread or grilled cheese ($1 extra). Fairy wings and magic dust are free to use. Tiaras are for sale at the cash. And, arrangements can be made for a face-painter, magician or even for Alice herself, who will appear in costume to read for the kids.

Alice's Tea Cup will cater as well. To bring the tea party right to your home, call 212-734-4Tea. Other locations include 102 West 73rd Street and a newly opened shop at 220 East 81st Street.