Remember that you can expand any of the photos in this post just by clicking on them, and I strongly urge you do so or you'll miss much of the brilliance exhibited by these wonderful players!
We'll start the feast with a feast at A Chilly Corner.
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| A Chilly Corner |
Normally known as A Quilted Cafe, there's been a festive name change here! Yet the mounds of food in the near corner looks anything but chilly! There's everything from Roast Turkey and Braised Pork to Plum Pudding and Snowflake Cocoa, so you certainly won't go hungry!
Away from the recipes on offer, A Chilly Corner includes a snowy setting full of clever touches. My favourite is probably the use of the Deluxe Birdhouse from the May Basket as a carriage for the Dogsled Team, but I also adore the Snowman standing next to the Candy Cane Statue - he's waving the customers off!
Moving indoors, the two versions of Holiday Tree floor tiles give a loud and proud outlook, which is only added to by the very cheery Blanket Fort and Holiday Train. There's more close detail in here too with a Festive Frenchie seemingly chewing away at the Gingerbread House! And over at Grandma's Kitchen I really like how the Woodburning Stove is not only accompanied by the tower of Modern Firewood but also the Wood Logs wallpaper. We won't be running out of wood this Christmas!
Let's now home in on the top corner which is really packed out.
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| Toys section of A Chilly Corner |
A Chilly Corner has demonstrated the productivity of Santa's elves here, with the North Pole HQ surrounded by presents. Some such as the Pile of Gifts and Bag of Gifts are already wrapped and ready for delivery, whilst others still need to be readied.
Over in my place I've only got the really obvious as presents (for example the Holiday Bear) but A Chilly Corner has sourced so many items that make for good gifts. There's the Flower Pinwheel, the Pinball Machine, the Steampunk Globe and the Robo Dog, among others. They all work as presents, and together paint a picture of just how much work Santa and his elves get through!
Our second stop also features the North Pole HQ in the top corner, but at Mexi's Diner it has been utilised very differently.
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| Mexi's Diner |
In this case it forms part of a more celebratory area, with the Holiday Party also included. Both decorations have bright colours to help convey the glee that goes with Christmas. The musical revellers are enjoying a festive tune while the elves are celebrating their completion of the almighty task of preparing all those presents.
All five players in this showcase have reserved some region of their restaurant for an outdoor scene, and Mexi's is really well executed. The Ice Rink is in situ, but in an original twist, there's a space alongside it for skaters to put their bike. Both the Teal Vintage Motorbike and Phoebe's Bike have been used as modes of transport, and really help make this scene more realistic.
Meanwhile next to the Ice Rink is the giant Snow Globe Fountain. But it's nothing more than a distraction from the stuff going on in front of it - if you look carefully you'll see that among the Fallen Trees are most of Santa's presents! The Sled of Gifts and Bag of Gifts are both there, along with some of his Christmas Reindeer.
With no sign of Santa himself, he certainly hasn't crash-landed there. I'd be willing to bet that he's covertly stopped by for a bit to eat at Mexi's two-tier diner.
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| Tiered section of Mexi's Diner |
You have to be pretty brave to take on a two-tier restaurant, especially at Christmas. Mexi has done an excellent job of bringing it together, making use of three key elements that create the three-dimensional effect. The first is the staircase - using two different colours of floor tile, she has successfully created that link between the two levels, Then there's the balcony up on the upper tier - this is beautifully occupied by the Family Feast who have a great view out over the Winter Wonderland.
The last ingredient in this structural work is in my opinion the most impressive, and comes under the balcony where Mexi has formed an archway. Placing the Winter Couple and Christmas Cookie Table inside of the arch really helps give the impression of two levels, and makes for a quality achievement in architecture.
Time for our third destination, which is the immovable Fat Bear.
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| Fat Bear |
Those who have read the Halloween showcase will recognise that Fat Bear's general layout is unchanged. Much like myself she tends to keep the same overall format all year round. And with a concerning passion for Halloween, Fat Bear has got some spooky favourites placed permanently, especially in the kitchen.
There are some delightful festive touches though, chief among which is the covering of snow. This has been achieved not only by implementing the Reindeer Tracks flooring but also by including such content as the White Christmas Tree and Cloud Loveseat.
There are some rather rare items can also be found among the woods, not least Santa Claus himself. This particular version of Santa was originally available in the Holiday Gift Box which is one of the oldest boxes in the game. Also spot uncommon décor like the Ice Sculpting at the entrance to the main dining section, and the Snowman Waiter who is adorably pushing the Cheery Cart.
For our focus, we're going to zoom in on the ice rink Fat Bear has fashioned up.
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| Ice rink section at Fat Bear |
The Frozen floor tile is the main basis for this scene, with the Ice Skating Girl and Frozen Pond providing the users of the rink. It's nice to see the Frozen Lake wallpaper in use in it's true environment, while I really love the way that two Frozen Lake Tables and winter Jacket Chairs have been positioned to allow those not keen to take to the ice to have a prime view of the regular falls.
The Snowy Fountain is clearly the perfect centrepiece for the ice rink, but it's the Riverboat Railings which really make the section for me. I've seen some ingenious uses of these railings, and we have another here! The way that one has been placed perpendicularly to the others in the centre to form an ajar door is magnificent, and gives the impression that the ice rink is closed off from the rest of the surroundings, just as most rinks are.
From the ice rink at Fat Bear's we travel to the stretch of ice at the Ali Cat Cafe.
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| Ali Cat Cafe |
More on that icy corner shortly! But first I want to draw your attention to the main zone. Here it is Ornament Ball Tables and Balloon Stools which provide the seating. Whether it is by coincidence or not I do not know, but this is the combination I have used in the past to avoid splurging gems on the Ornament Ball Chairs - whatever the case it's a very good pairing!
Elsewhere in this area you'll find a wreath at the entrance thanks to the Autumn Door, while there's also a Sparkling Tree from this year's Holiday Crate. Ali's choice of the Red Mounted Skis and Green Mounted Skis against a backdrop of Carnival wallpaper is clever - both are long and elongated, meaning that it's a perfect marriage in design. Plus the Carnival wallpaper is akin to the traditional candy cane pattern.
Christmas 2015
25/12/15 The Garlic Tree celebrates Christmas
23/12/15 Last update
16/12/15 Box update
15/12/15 Goals content report
09/12/15 Goals
09/12/15 Goals update
02/12/15 Initial update
23/12/15 Last update
16/12/15 Box update
15/12/15 Goals content report
09/12/15 Goals
09/12/15 Goals update
02/12/15 Initial update
Then over on the right there's some musical entertainment courtesy of the Irish Band. From the Lucky Chest box added in 2014, this is another item I have not seen in many places. At the Ali Cat Cafe the band are accompanied by the Drummer Drumming for a really loud Christmas! There's even a Piano Cake to really get that music inside you, although you'll need to squeeze past the Lounge Lizard and Mexican Dancer first!
Now to take a closer look at that slippery section.
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| Ice rink section of Ali Cat Cafe |
Right from the moment I first saw this area I loved it! Ali has brought together a number of memorable Restaurant Story characters, but they are all strategically placed to give both a fascinating and at the same time amusing scene.
The Gingerbread Man and Ice Skating Girl are in the centre and both look to be having the time of their lives. Not sure about the morals of falling in love with a biscuit, but this girl does look very interested in those iced features! Then there's the Train Conductor who is cracking down on the Snow Angels. An ice rink is no place for messing around on the ground, and he's about to give those four woollen-clad kids a mouthful!
Throw in the romance of the Mistletoe Kiss and the innocence of the Light Up Penguin watching on and you've got a classic Christmas image. A special mention should also be made for Ali's innovation with the Empire State, here used so smoothly as a fence post!
Our festivities are almost at an end. But I'm proud to be able to introduce one last diner in this Christmas showcase, and that is Creme.
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| Creme |
There is such a plethora of seasonal content on show at Creme, all arranged in three distinct zones. Firstly there's the main eating section where tables are arranged around the Christmas banquet. Whether you fancy Sleighbell Stew with Cranberry Sauce or Roasted Pheasant washed down with a Holiday Smoothie, there's something for everyone, and the Wedding Caterers will ensure you're glass is always kept full. Plus with all manner of festive décor placed around the walls, there's no shortage of items to look at. Sounds much like me at Christmas!
Previous showcases
Meanwhile the kitchen seems to be an evergrowing aspect at Creme. The Chef's Station is at the hub of proceedings, but there's much more besides. Grandma's Kitchen is in full operation to deal with the deluge of punters, while the Panini Corner and Pizza Toss give alternative choices for those who want a break from tradition. The Gnome and Female Gnome are a hilarious inclusion in here as well - they appear to just be following Gourmet Chef Santa around without providing any actual help.
Now into the great outdoors, and specifically the upper area.
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| Winter Wonderland section of Creme |
Like Mexi before her, Creme has chosen to include the Ice Rink, and has surrounded it with cheery content. The Reindeer Stable is especially dazzling with its lit up roof and cute reindeer. In fact the whole shot is awash with joy, be it the Ice Skating Girl enjoying the attention she's drawing from the Christmas Reindeer or the meeting of the Snowman Chef and Giant Snowman.
But perhaps the most warming sight is saved for around the Ice Rink itself where there are three curious onlookers. On the right is a Snowy Owl wishing there was a pair of skates that would fit it, on the left is a Little Helper looking gleeful, and in the middle a Hanging Monkey is dangling behind the Ice Rink and watching on serenely. Yet on closer inspection I just wonder if the Little Helper is actually grinning madly at the Hanging Monkey?! So much love in here!
So there you have it. There's no time of year quite like Christmas for bringing the best out of everyone when it comes to decorating their diners spectacularly. I hope you've enjoyed this peek into some of my finest neighbours' restaurants as much as I have enjoyed providing it! The next showcase should be swinging your way in February as we ramp up the heat for Valentine's Day. Until then let's hope for some inspired updates and very happy New Year for us all!
I want that Irish band but the box isn't for sale anymore! :(
ReplyDeleteMy usual set up revolves around music because I'd love to own an actual venue/restaurant. Right now I'm setting up my tea room though.
Thank you and I'll never forget the first meeting too! It is a great honour and privilege to be included in The Garlic Tree's Christmas showcase, and alongside your wonderful neighbours. The creativity in their restaurants is truly inspiring, and your delightful write-up of the highlights is unbeatable :)
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm better at 'virtual' cooking anytime, I've really enjoyed being a part of the year-end festivities here. Thank you again for this treasured opportunity! :)
It's a pleasure to include you in the showcase - I should have done so before now! :)
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