I know this wont be a popular opinion, but I hate New Years Eve.
It's so over hyped, full of expectation, expensive, busy & ultimately tends to end up being a bit of an anti-climax.
Thankfully my sister-from-another-mr Phoebe W feels exactly the same way.
So this year we swore off parties and slunk away for dinner together at Mortons.
My pictures are a mixture of iPhone & SLR, I meant to take a few pictures of my dress before we left the house but ran out of time so only have this grainy old thing...
The dress is from here (now £45 down from £120) & the Loubies are my lucky ones. Something good always happens when I wear these badboys.
Mortons is one of our favourite, relaxed little restaurants.
It's hidden away on one of London's most festive squares, Berkley Sq. The staff are lovely & always remember our drinks orders (we're creatures of habit) but more importantly, the food is to die for.
Unpretentious, seasonal & delicious.
You can find Phoebe's sparkly little number here.
I've only just found out that y'all don't have crackers over in America, so allow me to explain.
At Christmas/NYE the table is traditionally laid with a cracker for each guest. Between your main course and pudding you all cross arms and take one end each. On the count of three everyone pulls and the crackers 'crack' apart with a little bang and a gift flies out, wrapped in a paper crown.
You then have to wear your hat for the remainder of the meal and chuckle as the oldest male in the family gets drunk and falls asleep in his.
That is of course unless your head is embarrassingly large (like mine) and it doesn't fit...
Phoebe'll show you how to do it properly...
Ta da!
We finished supper just in time to head downstairs to Club 2&8 to ring in the new year & dance.
If you're a fan of clubs in Mayfair, you have to visit the new 2&8.
They have a seriously impressive gaggle of DJs, killer light shows & you tend to end up Gangnam Styling next to a celeb or two.
We headed home in the early hours... not quite the low key NYE we'd planned, but the best nights are always the spontaneous ones.
I'm now attempting to detox & steer clear of alcohol, but we'll see how long that lasts!
Ps. It's usually only members who can eat in the restaurant but they've kindly agreed to let any reader of The Londoner book in from tomorrow & you'll even get a free glass of bubbly each.
Call 020 7499 0363 if you fancy it!
Hey rose, seems like you had a great time and I love your dress. My New Years consisted of being tucked up in bed as I was too ill to to do anything :(
ReplyDeleteWhat will your new year detox consist of ? Please share , I'm sure I'm not the only one in need of some fellow detox motivation xxx
Jessica
Nothing overly exciting, Jess.
DeleteJust not drinking alcohol! x
OMG we need Crackers in Texas!!!
ReplyDeleteWe have them in NYC.
DeleteIt's a WASPY thing "y'all".
DeleteIf you have a World Market in your area, you can easily find them there. They have them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. The best variety is for Christmas. I'm sure you can easily find them on line too. We've been using them here in NC for years.
DeleteI feel the exact same way about NYE!! You both looked amazing as always!!!
ReplyDeleteWe have crackers in New York! We've been doing them on Christmas Eve ever since I was a baby!
ReplyDeleteNew york hardly counts as AMERICA though. It's full of euros.
DeleteYou New Yoikas get the best of all worlds, eh? ;)
DeleteWe have crackers in California too! Though, my friend put some on her Christmas table and nobody had seen them before.
DeleteI like NYE, but I always stay in. Everywhere is way too crowded for anyone to have a good time.
We have them in NC too.
DeleteI live in boring St Louis and we can buy crackers at Target :D I think they are pretty available in the states!
Deleteoh I knew you wouldn't let me down! Hurrah! Firstly ~ wow! You look fantastic! Love that dress & those shoes... oh, the shoes!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a splendid way to spend NYE. I just sleep through the whole thing, it might end one year, but the start of a new is after all, just another day. I love seeing how other people celebrate though.
Yum to the food, it all looks so scrummy.
Hmm. I hope your detox doesn't last too long. Rather selfishly, I love see your food & drink posts!
x
That sounds like a seriously sensible way of looking at it, Sadie! Happy New Year! xx
DeleteLooks like you had a FAB new year, if/when I come to London, I only hope to have enough style and gumption to dine with you ladies!
ReplyDeleteGumption is one of my favourite words, Molly. You can totally join the club! ;) x
DeleteYou look awesome, love the dress! ♥
ReplyDeletexx
Thanks hun! x
DeleteAnother wonderful post Rose, love that delicious little combo of red dress and Loubies! Phoebe's dress is gorgeous too.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year :) x
So fun! You look beautiful!
ReplyDeletePS I'm so glad you're in a better place this January :)
xx
Hi doll, love your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteYour NYE looked like so much fun- the best combination of a simple-but-yummy dinner and a bit of dancing! You both looked gorgeous.
Happy 2013!
-Ashley
http://lerougestylo.blog.com
I used to really really hate NYE, but now I just take it as it comes, I'm perfectly fine with not doing anything, but if something nice with some people I like comes up, I'm definitely up for it :)
ReplyDeleteFood looks amazing, I'll definitely have to try this place out!
I think perhaps I should be a bit more like you next year.
DeleteHappy New Year lovely, looks like you had a glamorous NYE even if it was more low-key than other. Personally this sounds like my kind of NYE celebrations, I'm not really into the whole 'big blow out' kind of evening - like you said it's completely overpriced and everywhere is so packed so you can barely move.
ReplyDeleteLove the dress Rosie, it looks beautiful on and styled perfect with your 'lucky Loubs' :)
Eda x
Looks like you had a good time! I'm quite similar nowadays, I used to LOVE NYE, but I hate it and think it's overrated. I'm with you on that on. x
ReplyDeleteI guess instead of crackers, in California we have FIREcrackers and assorted explosives...
ReplyDeleteWho needs to bang pots and pans when there's an M-80 at hand?
You look STUNNING as usual Rose!
xo
Nicole
My mom is Canadian, so we've always done crackers for Christmas and New Year's, but my dad's family had never done it. Since she introduced it to everyone, my dad's family is sad if we fail to bring the crackers now for Christmas dinner! It's a wonderful tradition and one that I will be sharing with my future kids. Lovely dresses by the way...
ReplyDeleteWhat good thing happened while wearing your Loubies this time? :D And your dress is amazing, I'll definitely be saving up for that one :D xx
ReplyDeleteYou both look great. NYE has never been big in my life. We usually spend it watching the bowl games (American collge football).
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean, I hate New Years so spent it curled up at home with the boy with a meal that left us both comatose. We fell asleep before the New Year and only woke up to the sound of fireworks (which I also hate .. ) I'm such a new years scrooge, but hey .. Also, that red dress makes you look absolutely amazing! x
ReplyDeletewww.londonramblers.blogspot.co.uk
Not the biggest fan of NYE either - glad you had a good time. Love Phoebe's dress! xx
ReplyDeleteSouth Molton St Style
Boom ting to those post christmas boobs and bum!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely hate new years eve too! I've never had a really good one, so I now tend to have a quiet night in at a friends house. Your night looks fun too and your dress is amaazing!
ReplyDeleteiamdaisyalice.blogspot.co.uk
I am right there with you on the alcohol. I don't drink that much as it is, but I think I consumed a bit too much wine over the Thanksgiving to New Years period. Time for a break.
ReplyDeleteThey don't have crackers in America? That's crazy! I had to explain pie and mash to someone when I was there in October. I thought the name was quite self-explanatory but obviously not haha.
ReplyDeleteI'm also a NYE hater. We started just getting a kebab and sitting on the sofa as an anti-party but now everyone wants to join in and its grown bigger every year so it's more of an anti-party party. Oops.
You look ridiculously stunning as usual.
x
So disappointed that your dress is sold out, would have bought it on the spot! It looks beautiful on you.
ReplyDeleteAlso, can I be cheeky and request that in the future you could tell us what products you use on your hair to make it look so healthy, its gorgeous!
Vanessa x
Those crackers sound like so much fun-- paper crowns!! I know how you feel about a detox. I'm on day three of a green juice cleanse and I feel so much better after all the holiday eating and alcohol!
ReplyDeletexx Kait
ChickadeeSays.blogspot.com
Love the dress, you look faantastic as usual! xx
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous! How stunning is Phoebe? She has perfect eyebrows too!
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to see outfit posts with your Phantom. I've had a luggage for the past six months and have used it daily since (work/out for drinks/romantic dinner/popping to the shops/clubbing), despite having quite a few other lovely bags! One of my best purchases ever! I am now considering the Phantom too (in burgundy or green).
What size do you have?
I spent NYE snuggled up on the couch watching the bluray edition of the Dark Knight trilogy at the behest of my bf. I thought I would hate them because I'm not really into superhero movies, but ended up loooooving them! To a fellow nerd- watch them! Christian Bale's bod is def a motivation booster for a detox. That is all the useless info I have to post today. Cheers! :D
ReplyDeleteI hate NYE too! There's too much pressure to do something/get all fancy, etc. But you look like you had a wonderful night, LOVE your dress!
ReplyDeleteKeep calm and carry lipstick.
you ladies looked gorgeous! and dancing is a must on New Years eve! my favourite thing to do with my family!
ReplyDeleteand thank you for explaining what crackers are! I've been trying to understand them :)
Happy New Years!
xo
Phoebe looks so cute :)
ReplyDeleteAnd you.. Oh my.
May I once again ask about your make up stuff? Thank you.
Oh my gosh. So glad I am not the only person who think NYE is over-rated. Looks like you had a good time though. xx
ReplyDeleteHi Rose, I just recently started reading your blog after finding you on Instagram and I have to admit your blog (and you) are my new obsession! Im from Canada (originally Greek)and love reading your posts about fashion, baking (im an avid baker :D ), England and Greece. I go to Greece every single summer and can share your sentiments of longing to be there, especially in these dreary winter months! I plan on going to London and Greece this summer and cant wait to visit the places you reccomend. I also love that you have a job in marketing, as I am studying marketing in Uni. Just wanted to tell you to keep up your wonderful blogging and maybe ill be seeing you around London this summer! hehe xxxx
ReplyDeleteDemi
I spent most of NYE herding drunk friends around the city when I truly wanted to just stay at home, fall asleep, and drool on my dog, or have a low-key dinner with the boyfriend.
ReplyDeleteBut I did get tipsy after a few glasses of champagne and started a dance party at a bar, so that was fun. I was sore the day after, so I think it was pretty successful all in all.
Fabulous dress, love it, and you look amazing, lucky girl, you`ve got Barbie`s body honestly so pretty
ReplyDeleteHi Rose!
ReplyDeleteThat restaurant looks delish and so do you and Phoebe!
In Canada we have always had crackers since I was born anyways (41 years ago!)and Christmas wouldn't be the same without them!
For NYE we went to our first annual Hogmanay party in Ottawa. The Scottish Society of Ottawa put it on and have decided to make it a yearly event. We had Scottish beer, whisky, dancing, pipe bands and regular bands. Also an outdoor skating rink. I have always wanted to go to Hogmanay in Scotland so this was the next best thing :)
Happy New Year!
Hi Rose! I love your blog and reading about your (seemingly) perfect little life! I have a problem, and have for quite some time now... I love food and love trying new foods but I am NEVER EVER hungry! I haven't been for 2-3 years and it seems like my body just doesn't need food (or very little at least, type 200 kcal a day!) I have a skinny built so all the excess weight looks and makes me feel really bad. :( My doctor can't do anything and I workout 3-4 times a week.. It just sucks because I LOVE FOOD and making it so much! But I come here and feast my eyes on your delicious, tempting and various foods:) (PS: loved the honey roast peaches! And the dairy-free icecream! And now i shall leave before getting started on the slutty brownies....!!)
ReplyDeleteMaybe try smoking a joint? haha.
Deletei always end up going to bed on NYE at tennish!
ReplyDeleteAmericans have crackers! We just call them dinner surprises. :) Although your little tradition of linking arms before pulling them apart is really fun, we never do that in my family.
ReplyDeleteI don't really like New Years either, it always seems so sad :( I was so tired by New Years Eve, from staying up the previous night that I ended up falling asleep before 12 haha! Love your dress Rose! X
ReplyDeleteLove this post! your dress is amazing. I was wondering if there is any chance you could tell me what html you use on your pages (recipes, fashion etc..). I'm trying to get my pages to show all the post with that related label but I just can't find the right html. Thanks! x
ReplyDeleteI am cutting out the junk too! I cannot wait until your exercise post!
ReplyDeleteAlso, do you have any ideas of what to dip into melted Camembert (on my 20% naughty day) as I cannot eat wheat!
I hate NYE too!! That's why I always stay at home in my favourite onesie eating Pandoro with my cousins :)
ReplyDeleteYou both look gorgeous!! Phoebe looks great as a brunette!!
As always you both look amazing!
ReplyDeleteI cannot stand new years either! My new years almost matched yours, it consisted of a meal, my loubies and my boyfriend!
ReplyDeleteBrunette in Louboutins A fashion & lifestyle blog.
Overrated and so so much pressure to have a good time! But it looks like you got the right formula again Rose: good food and your best mate is always going to result in a fantastic night!
ReplyDeletecovered in cow poop - a veterinary student's blog
your. legs. go on forever.
ReplyDeletenew year's resolution = body like rose's
What a lovely NYE! You and Phoebe both look stunning!!!
ReplyDeleteGem x
http://www.gemmameansjewel.com
Looks like you girls had fun! We actually do have crackers in the US but I'm sure it's a tradition we copied ;) I actually just wrote a post about the crackers but we opened them on Christmas and New Years. Do you all open crackers for both holidays too?
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Natalie
TheEnchantingLife.com
I totally agree with you about NYE!!!!!! I'm so happy that you ended up having a good time- it looks like you manage to make the most of every situation and I love hearing about your adventures :)
ReplyDeleteMy first ever time clubbing was at the 2 & 8 club! Needless to say I had a flawless night and can't wait to be back in London town instead of sydney!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! It looks like you guys had a great time. I'm a bit superstitious about NYE so I try to stay home and do something that I'd like to do more of during the year.
ReplyDeleteAmazing shoes and dress!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a great NYE Rose, you and Phoebe both look beautiful - I love the red French Connection dress teamed with the Loubies, wish I looked as amazing as you after a Christmas of eating tonnes of food. I'm hitting the gym hard now it's the New Year and hope to look even half as gorgeous as you by the time my birthday comes around in February.
ReplyDeleteLx
swit swoooo!! i'm not a fan of NYE either...although an unexpected call from friends with a pack of cards it turned out to be a corker!
ReplyDeleteKiler dress might I add!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree about NYE normally being one of the biggest anti-climaxes of the year...which is why, no matter what I'm doing, I make sure I'm with my favourite people!
ReplyDeleteThat club looks incredible, definitely need to check it out next time I'm in London :)
Happy New Year!
http://jesuis-hannah.blogspot.co.uk
Hi Rose,
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog for the past 3 months and you lead the life I would love to lead once I finish school. I too live out in the countryside but am drawn to the City. Being a fellow good food lover I love your posts on restaurants. My reason for commenting is I am going to be 18 in March and would love to take a group of friends up to London for a really fun meal out to celebrate it. Most of my friends aren't quite as into food as me so I'm looking for a restaurant without too adventurous food but which is a really fun evening with a good atmosphere (and still good food because I still want to enjoy it)? I would really appreciate your help because I always prefer going to a restaurant that has been recommended to me.
I hope you have a wonderful Year!
Henrietta xx
Excerise post?? x
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI really like your blog - my favourite so far is the anti-diet. Before you opened your heart about New Year's you promised a fitness and exercise post, how about hurrying it up for those of us who need to know how to look like you, or at least better than we do now?
Kind regards,
Unfit Anon
um.... Julia Roberts in pretty woman would be jealous of your legs. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWhere is Pheobe's dress from?
ReplyDeletethanks
Its a French connection number too- the alexis sequins which is also on sale :)
DeleteYou guys look soo amaazing! x
ReplyDeleteK.
www.whatwelove.eu
Coulnd't agree more on the NYE thing! Love the dress and the loubies!!
ReplyDeleteHey Rose,
ReplyDeleteWhat DSLR camera are you using? Could you try to post the brand and # in a future post? Such smooth pics with a camera! I have a digital and it sucks in dark restaurants.
Love,
An American reader with a love for all things British
Rose, will you please do a hair post? I've been your biggest fan for so long and everytime Bloglovin says youve written a new post, I LOVE it of course (haha) but I always pray it will be a hair one! Itll make everyones year here :D :D xx
ReplyDeleteI love your blog i have one of my own on wordpress its PYMoms.wordpress.com i have a couple of your recipes up, I am a 21 year old blogger and i rarely find young bloggers as yourself so thank you for not be candid and showing the beauty of being young I am truly touched and motivated.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a lovely night! No boys, just good fun. And you look gorgeous as always.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know most American's didn't have crackers! I like in the USA and at my big family Christmas we always have them! I have ton's of pictures from years wearing silly paper crowns with my cousins and playing with the little knick knacks that come inside.
xx
Cassie
First of all....stunning dress and absolutely love the Loubies! It is a sad state of affairs, as I have a huge shoe-a-holic problem but no Loubies! Some day!
ReplyDeleteLove your NYE. We were wandering around downtown ourselves (Ottawa, Canada) thinking how over rated the evening events were and agreed that next year, we were shunning the festivities for a great night at a fabulous restaurant! Looks like you 2 were on the same page! Have a great 2013!
You're right spontaneous nights are the best, glad you had a good new years and best of luck to you for 2013!
ReplyDeleteHannahMayxo
Hi Rose,
ReplyDeleteLooking lovely as always.
Strange question, but I was just wondering how tall you were?
I'm 6ft and would love to wear heels like you but don't quite have the confidence.
You always look great and gazelle-like!
xx
Hi Rose
ReplyDeleteI've read your blog for the past year or so now and I absolutely love it. I know you (and your followers) give great advice & I am hoping you can help. I apologise in advance for this comment being so long.
Over the past couple of months I feel like I have lost my "spark"...instead of being my enthusiastic and happy self, I have been going through phases of feeling really down,just want to stay in bed / or sleep, want to cry / do cry...and I don't know what is causing it or what to do. I am also finding it hard to motivate myself to do university work, even though I love my course.
I have also ended up getting a really complicated "relationship" with a guy which I assume doesn't help my emotions. Him & I met beginning of June, went on dates a few days after we met and before we knew it were in a relationship. However he works away (month away,and a month at home) so communication was difficult at times. We broke up in Sept but somehow stupidly began seeing each other again in November. I know this "friends with benefits" relationship is unhealthy for me and it needs to end but I am finding it difficult to do so...not because I am going to miss him but because I will miss the attention and having someone to talk to. I hope you know what I mean...I'm sorry if this doesn't make much sense but I just needed to tell someone about it and I thought that you would give the best advice. :-(
Thanks,
xxx
Poop so should have read this earlier!! I want to go eat at mortons haha!! It looks delicsious and i so agree with ya nye is foolish. I havent had a really good, till this year which consisted of dinner with the family, listening to my mums boyfriend play us some sweet tunes on the piano and playing guesstures (which if you havent played i strongly reccomend doing so!). Happy new yeaaaar to ya. Hope to meet you again some time :)
ReplyDeletehttp://blaiseruby.blogspot.co.uk/
@BlaiseDyer
x
Hahhaha I was just talking with my mother this morning about how NYE is so overhyped! And I think it's so funny that the crown doesn't fit on your head (they never fit on mine either...)
ReplyDeleteHey could you make a hair and beauty post please? (it can be considered as a first and new thing ;) ) and also about Phoebe's beauty habits (i love her complexion)
ReplyDeleteThank you!xoxo
Maya
Hi Rose,
ReplyDeleteI'm turning 21 this year and don't have much money. I still want to celebrate my birthday and have some nice memories, what are your suggestions? I would be so so happy to hear from you!
It looks like you had a wonderful NYE. You really suit red, that dress is gorgeous, such a fashion inspiration!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.and-kate.blogspot.com
Love the dress! I went for a low key dinner and a movie this year for NYE, it was fabulous! We also have crackers in the states! My grandparents buy them every year and we do them with our whole family at our Christmas. The paper crowns are my favorite part! :)
ReplyDeleteReally enjoy your blog. Find it really easy to read and enjoyable. Happy New Year - you both look sickeningly gorgeous!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004771840353
ReplyDeletehave you seen this?
Amazing dress. When are you moving over to wordpress? I think you mentioned that you were?
ReplyDeleteDo y'all across the pond say y'all now? You're the third british person I've heard/saw use the worlds most convenient contraction, and it makes a southern girl very happy.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you ha a blast! I just wanted to let you know that my new years resolution is to be a happier, healthier person and in order to help motivate me, I've pinned the anti-diet up on the bulletin board on my desk! So far it's been a great help! Thanks and happy (belated) new years!
ReplyDeleteOMG. Gorgeous New Year's celebration!!! I linked to Phoebe's dress, and it's completely unavailable in that gorgeous blue colour! Love love love!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dresses www.adoramehitabel.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteAmazing!! Who knew that reading a blog could get you non-member access and free bubbly :) Will defo have to check that place out per your recommendation, thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteRose-Please do a video for us. I want to hear your accent! xoxo
ReplyDeleteokay wwoowowowowooowowww you are gorgeouss! im a teen and when im older i seriously want to look like you and phoebe! hehexxx
ReplyDeletejust randomly thinking of you penguin
ReplyDeleteYou look absolutely stunning in that dress! X
ReplyDeletehey i am a huge fan of your hair can you post your daily routine?
ReplyDeleteHi Rosie, you might want to amend your bit on the Mortons booking. Apparently, it was only valid for January-February. That's what I've just been told.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your blog.