Happy (Italian) New Year!

Growing up, I always spent new years with my mom and dad. Maybe it was because my parents weren't really big party people, or maybe its because we were in the military and you never know where you may end up at any day, or maybe because my mom was adamant that the three of us be together when the clock struck midnight. In any case it always stuck with me that you spend new years with the ones you love. With two toddlers who are also night owls, staying up til midnight is a fairly easy task but this year our local Eataly (downtown) was hosting a family NYE party with open bar, a plethora of italian foods, and a few kid friendly activities all pumping to a grown-up playlist mixed by a DJ.  We counted down to the Italian new year (6pm NYC time) and partied til it was 9pm. 

Pros: walking distance to home, delicious unlimited food and drinks, several fun stations for kids (cookie decorating, pizza decorating, craft making, gelato cart, and photo booth)

Cons: not enough seating for everyone (or awkward seating - chairs and no tables) some congested walkway areas, much more fun for the 5+ crowd.

All in all I recommend and it was a great alternative to the amateur night options in the city and more appropriate if you have kids in tow.  If theydo it next year, get your tickets early (it sold out fast) and get to the venue SUPER early to grab a great seat as its first come first serve.