I’M throwing a big Halloween party this weekend and just know it’s going to get loud. How do I ensure my neighbors don’t call me a monster the next day? —Matt M., Little Italy
For starters, have you invited their ghoulish selves to your little soiree? Even if they don’t come, at least they’ll be prepared for the devilish din. If they’re particularly noise-averse, perhaps they’ll even flee town for the night. Once you’ve made your intentions (and invitations) known, be sure you’re familiar with your building’s noise restrictions. If you have a doorman, leave a list of your party guests at the front desk so your costumed friends can be checked in quickly and not inconvenience others who are coming and going. Given that this is Halloween, you can expect some degree of leeway from even the crankiest of neighbors. But you shouldn’t take advantage of anyone’s good graces. In other words, unless you want to be on the hit list of your downstairs neighbor, save the “Thriller” dance contest for a year when you’re living in a ground-floor apartment.
My husband and I recently moved here from Wichita, and I’m trying to figure out how to let our kids enjoy trick-or-treating in Manhattan. It seems a pretty impossible prospect. — Wendy J., FiDi
If you live in a high-rise, chances are good that the residents’ children will go door-to-door, meaning your little ones won’t even need to don jackets to get their sugar fix. (Look for info in the lobby or a sign-up sheet.) Out on the street, many shops and restaurants give treats to kids in costume. You’ll also find some great block parties, which are open to residents and visitors alike. Check out the ones on West 69th Street (from Broadway to Central Park West), East 78th Street (from Third to Madison) or in Park Slope, from Seventh Avenue and 14th Street all the way to Fifth Avenue and Third Street. These thoroughfares close down to create an extravaganza attracting thousands of parents and kids, complete with haunted houses to visit and even outdoor performances.
In other words, just because you’re not in Kansas anymore doesn’t mean your kids will never again tote a pillowcase brimming with Snickers and Twizzlers.
I have friends who regularly invite me to dinner parties in their loft. I’d love to reciprocate, but I converted my dining room to a home office two years ago and don’t have a spot to entertain anymore. How can I let them know I’m not a big mooch? — Dina P., Flatiron
You might not have an open-plan layout and 20-foot ceilings, but I’m willing to bet you’ve got a sofa and a coffee table. Have your friends over for a casual gathering — cocktails and canapés — and head to a restaurant afterward where you’ll pick up the tab. Alternately, come back to your pad for dessert and cordials following a nice dinner out — again, insisting that the meal be on your dime.
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