Nightlife

Hi, Holidays

The Hot List: 2012 Holiday Parties

A lot is against you. Grinches from HR. Corporate sexual-harassment handbooks. But you soldier on, determined to make this year’s holiday party the yardstick all others are measured against. Herewith: six party rooms ready to turn your magnificent dream into reality.

SAKE BOOM ROOM

UpBar at Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar

You Require: All the splendor of Tokyo in December.
You’ll Receive: A hyperkinetic mezzanine where you and your fellow partygoers can learn the finer points of sushi and sake pairings from a certified sake sommelier. Or just do an open bar and hire a DJ to school you in Rihanna’s finer points.

WHISKEYTOWN

The Library at Untitled

You Require: Bourbon eggnog. Without all that eggnog.
You’ll Receive: A Prohibition-style venue. You’ll cuddle on leather chesterfield sofas, snacking on pork-belly lollipops and making mental notes on 12-year bourbon you chose from among 300 American whiskeys. Sample note: whiskey = good.

PARLOR GAMES

The Parlor at Tortoise Club

You Require: Something that screams “Santa.” But please, no screaming. Or Santa.
You’ll Receive: An extremely, extremely red room with lacquered walls shinier than Rudolph’s nose. It’s perfect for conjuring the ambience of a private men’s club in the 1960s—thoughtfully updated with all the women you care to invite.

PARKER CAN’T LOSE

The J. Parker at the Hotel Lincoln

You Require: To see the ZooLights. At a safe distance.
You’ll Receive: A sweeping panorama of Lincoln Park—and someone who keeps handing you canapés and refilling your cocktail glass. Squint to see the twinkle of the holiday lights below—but remember, everyone looks so cold and champagne-less down there.

JINGLE BELL ROCK

The Karaoke Den at BellyQ

You Require: To bust out a rousing rendition of “Feliz Navidad.”
You’ll Receive: A karaoke machine to whip everyone into a state of unbridled jolliness. Bill Kim makes your traditional holiday Thai-style fried chicken and lamb ribs. It’s the best teamwork since that John Travolta/Olivia Newton-John Christmas album.

BUBBLING

RM Champagne Salon

You Require: Simplicity. Just a fireplace, lobster and massive champagne bottles.
You’ll Receive: Some crystal chandeliers, too. This will do—especially since so many guests these days require double magnums of champagne to wash down their lobster deviled eggs.