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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

THE UNIVERSITY CLUB-TIED UP IN A BOW


I know I've been waxing on recently about the city's gorgeous holiday decor. Visit mid-town at night and the dazzle of lights and glitter will take your breath away.  Last night we went to a holiday party at The University Club, an iconic New York landmark built in the Italian Renaissance style on Fifth and 54th Street.  Across from Cartier's blinking red holiday bow, the clubhouse built by McKim, Mead, White and Kendall in 1899 is stately and commanding. The Italian Palazzo inspired structure was built from pink Milford granite and features a series of elegant arched windows and balconies.

Last night, the imposing building was softened with hundreds of pointsettas and evergreens lining the entrance. Cocktails and caroling took place in the Central Hall, a masterpiece of Doric columns in polished green Conmemara marble and wrought iron capitals that soar 25 feet high. Talk about Decking The Halls!

A story book Santa sat beneath the clubs towering tree in the gilded Reading room. While my seven year old took her turn on Santa's lap, I pulled out my camera and snapped away. The holiday party is the only occasion when pictures are allowed to be taken in any of the rooms-my opportunity to share the club's exquisite architecture wrapped in its holiday best!

A barrel-vaulted ceiling leads guests from the Grand Hall to the Reading Room.

The entrance is both imposing and stunning!  Its said that the architects chose the cool green marble as a foil to the lavishly decorated interior rooms beyond.
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The Reading Room off the Central Hall faces Fifth Avenue.  Gilded moldings, soaring ceilings and an airy cloud fresco are so beautiful I don't think I could get through a single page of print!
Richly gilded wood moldings and Pompeii red velvet walls-so luxurious!
The arched windows face Fifth Avenue. Matching marble fireplaces on either side of the room-perfect for a cold winter night!
Aren't these sconces fantastic!
Another view of the ceiling-words can't describe how beautiful it truly is!
Intimate reading and conversation groupings are placed throughout the massive room.


This week's giveaway is for a beautiful Belgium linen pillow. Remember to sign-up if you haven't already and have a great day!
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20 comments:

  1. North of 25ADecember 7, 2010 at 11:00 AM

    Stunning. The University Club is one of the few special places in NY I have yet to have the pleasure of visiting, but your pictures are a treat.
    Best,
    Colleen

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  2. Splendid SassDecember 7, 2010 at 11:06 AM

    So beautiful, Barbara. Thank you for sharing these beautiful photographs. Such a majestic room.
    Teresa

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  3. red tickingDecember 7, 2010 at 11:30 AM

    we love seeing all of your nyc photos... keep em coming!~ xx

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  4. Sanctuary HomeDecember 7, 2010 at 12:50 PM

    Wow...that was some event. I would've loved to be there. What beautiful decor, and the architecture is breathtaking! Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
    Susan

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  5. jeanette from everton terraceDecember 7, 2010 at 6:54 PM

    Wax on all you want. Thoroughly enjoyed this glimpse into The University Club. I'm so glad you were able to take photos and share them - what an amazing and beautiful piece of history. Lucky you and now lucky us. Thanks for sharing.

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  6. Chippy's Ice Cream ParlorDecember 7, 2010 at 8:48 PM

    With architecture like the University Club, not much additional decor is required to be a place for a very merry Christmas indeed.

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  7. Party ResourcesDecember 7, 2010 at 8:52 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  8. Town and Country HouseDecember 7, 2010 at 10:02 PM

    So lovely! Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos. What a fun evening for your family, too!

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  9. kDecember 7, 2010 at 10:46 PM

    that sounds pretty magical and surreal maybe....sounds so neat :)

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  10. The Buzz BlogDecember 8, 2010 at 8:41 AM

    What a perfectly gorgeous place to celebrate the holiday season! It's been so long since I've visited the club so your pictures bring back many memories.

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  11. quintessenceDecember 8, 2010 at 9:53 AM

    I love the university club - it is a spectacularly beautiful place with so many different venues for different functions. Looks like a fun party!

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  12. designchicDecember 8, 2010 at 4:09 PM

    WOW...stunningly beautiful!! There is nothing like NYC at Christmas!!

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  13. Diana MieczanDecember 8, 2010 at 4:39 PM

    That sound so wonderful and the photos are stunning
    Greetings

    Ps: I am hosting a stunning leather clutch GIVEAWAY today, just in time for Holiday Parties!

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  14. A Flair for Vintage DecorDecember 8, 2010 at 8:23 PM

    Wow!! What amazing architecture! We don't have it to that degree at all in Nashville...so thank you for posting these pictures! I think I have said it before...NYC is one of my favorite places and is where I secretly wish I lived! Take care, Caroline

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  15. StitchforkDecember 9, 2010 at 10:37 AM

    Seeing NY decked out for the holidays through your pics - and enjoying them all!
    xo Cathy

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  16. Marilyn *Pink Martinis and Pearls*December 9, 2010 at 11:56 AM

    I loved seeing these photos and can easily see myself there, of course. So glad you had a lovely time. Thanks for taking us with you. :) xoxo

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  17. UnknownDecember 9, 2010 at 2:24 PM

    This is New York at it's best. I love your city life!!!!
    xo Elizabeth

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  18. Casa Très ChicDecember 9, 2010 at 4:30 PM

    Wow, this is so beautiul.
    The architecture details are fantastic.
    Thanks for sharing, the photos are amazing.
    Hugs from Brasil.
    tereza

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  19. Blooming Rose MusingsDecember 10, 2010 at 6:26 AM

    Exquisite architecture and decor. What a splendid event!
    Thank you so much for sharing this special treat.

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  20. John HongNovember 30, 2012 at 5:43 PM

    With architecture like the University Club, not much additional decor is required to be a place for a very merry Christmas indeed.

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