Christmas 2016 showcase

Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas one and all! I hope you are all having a fine old time on this chilly Christmas Day, with stomachs fit to burst and glasses routinely topped up! My gift to you this year is a five star showcase, with a quintet of my inspiring neighbours given a place in the limelight at this most wonderful time of the year.

We begin with a trip to a restaurant making a third showcase appearance, bittersweet.

bittersweet

There are three distinctive areas this festive season at bittersweet, and all three are packed with fun and joy. The customers enter into a long Feathered Floor which stretches right through the space and is where the Flamenco Dancers and Mexican Dancer can be found. The Violinist is ensuring that it's a traditional type of dance, although with the grand Holiday Tree nearby I'm sure they'll be rocking around it before long.

At the end of the long hall is the kitchen, where Gourmet Chef Santa is poised to present the punters with a delicious roast turkey. Of course this is really Grandma's Kitchen, as it is she who is the culinary king. On the other hand the Hot Dog Vendor likes to think that he is helpful but really all he does is cause Lobster Mayhem. It's Christmas though so instead of getting a bollocking he gets some tips from Grandma.

Over the way is a serious cosy space home to lots of happy faces. The Holiday Party is in full swing - I'm just trying to decide if the Little Helper's longing grin suggests he wants to join in the fun or lock his jaws around the goodies on the Christmas Cookie Table! More kids are causing mischief in the Blanket Fort while it's getting a little hot at the Cosy Fireplace. I really like bittersweet's use of a number of gingerbread items here - there are quite a few of them, and thanks to the beige tone of the Blanket Fort and Wood Logs wallpaper they blend in seamlessly.

And talking of gingerbread, the ultimate gingerbread decoration isn't far away!

Santa's estate at bittersweet

Towering over all else, the Gingerbread Castle is one of the most revered Christmas items in the game, and it is seen in all its glory at bittersweet. People don't tend to know this, but Santa Claus himself actually lives in a Gingerbread Castle. He had the ingenuity to add an extension to the front so as to give his reindeer a place to stay and uses the front lawn as a runway for his sleigh.

But wait! That's exactly what we're looking at here! Bittersweet has combined classic decor together to form a magical and picturesque image, capped by Flying Santa about to disembark on his annual voyage. I just hope he doesn't crash into that Snowy Pine Tree...

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Winter wonderlands are a common theme in restaurants around the community at this time of year, and cafe lula is another who has dedicated an area to it.

cafe lula

Exhibiting in the showcase for a second time, Lula has spared the right corner of her place for a snowy scene. The Reindeer Tracks flooring couldn't be more apt as a herd of reindeer trot around, wearily keeping clear of the Giant Snowman. Some are situated in the Reindeer Grove whilst others are hanging out in the beautiful Reindeer Stable. Among them all is the Drummer Drumming as he tries to gee up the reindeer ahead of their long overnight journey.

Presents are the order of the day in the adjacent section where there's a very special Christmas Visitor. Guarded by an imposing Nutcracker, Santa has promised to see all the children in town, so could be in for a long day. Fortunately his other guard, the Nutcracker Waiter, will bring him plenty of biscuits to keep him ticking over.

Speaking of food, the place to eat is undoubtedly the red and white area to the left. There's a really clever use of the Romantic Dinner Table here alongside the Candy Cane Table, and with Santa wallpaper and Santa Hat floor tiles you won't forget what time of year it is! In truth I think the wallpaper and flooring individually are quite vulgar, and yet Lula does a fine job of making them work by going all out on the red and white theme. Santa will definitely eat here!

But before he does, our bearded friend needs to stop by the toy workshop and check up on progress.

Toy workshop at cafe lula

Never have I seen such a brilliant array of fun decor ready to be wrapped and delivered. The elves at the North Pole HQ have been hard at work all year and the results are clear for all to see. Whether it's a Teddy Bear, Mini Golf set or Bronze Telescope you're after, it looks like those smart elves have it covered. Stuffed animals are a particular speciality, with a Ring Barker and Sled Dog among their most noteworthy creations.

Some of the gifts are already wrapped - the Pile of Gifts and Gift Pile are set to go, while others have been stowed in Santa Claus' sack (I'm led to believe that this is not the real Father Christmas folks!) This is such an innovative section and really fun one to look at, with the only drawback being that it's giving me the urge to re-write my own list to Santa!

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That was all very nice, but for one of the most stunning Christmas presents of all, we need to traipse over to the home of another player making a second showcase appearance, Chef Camz Cafe.

Chef Camz Cafe

On the upper floor here we have the Gingerbread Express. A gorgeous array of mechanical biscuits, this train set is very special indeed, and given the jolly jig she's doing with her dog, it looks like the May Dancer is the lucky recipient. Of course she may just be prancing around to the sound of the Holiday Jukebox! There's a fine nod to Hanukkah up here, with the Hanukkah Bush looking resplendent with it's glittering branches. Apparently there were some leftover decorations so the Ugly Sweater has been made a little less ugly with some sparkly baubles.

Downstairs you can see the continuation of what is now a tradition at Chef Camz Cafe - the staff are operating on the lower tier and can be seen between the Riverboat Railings. The Snowman Chef is in charge of cooking, the Gourmet Chef Santa is overseeing the presentation and the Abominable Snowman is tasked with getting everyone merry. I adore the way that Camz pulls off the two level building effect. And the fact that it has become a mainstay of her place only earns it further respect.

Out in the open air there's a really enticing Ice Rink in the right corner. The kids are well wrapped up, and they may need to be to ward off hypothermia as they create Snow Angels. They do seem to be having a raucous time on the Frozen Pond, but nobody skates quite as well as the darling Ice Skating Girl. One day I'm going to marry her!

Enough of my love life, let's take a glimpse at some others.

Romantic corner at Chef Camz Cafe

The near corner of Chef Camz Cafe is a romantic space for the lovers among us. You've got the couple cuddled together on the Romantic Park Bench, the Winter Couple enjoying some stimulating expresso and a Mistletoe Kiss under a Holiday Lantern (who needs mistletoe to get smooching, a lantern will do!) But of course there's a fourth couple too - the two reindeer in the Grove are made for each other, although with the nearer one looking the other way it appears to be playing hard to get!

Praise must be given for Camz's decision to not go all out with snow in her outdoor area. Most of us do, but to only apply patches of it requires fine handiwork and a touch of courage. Luckily Camz has both by the bucketload and has given us hope that the cold weather won't last forever!

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Stop number four sees us move away from romance and instead indulge in some outright fun at Creme.

Creme

This is a third showcase visit to Creme and perhaps the most enthralling yet. There's so much to see, and it's the little things which make this a fantastic place to come. The kitchen is packed with staff working hard to guarantee that everyone has a good time, and going by the smiles from the Snowman Cook and Snowman Chef it appears that they're having a good time too.

You'll notice the Witch's Kitchen tucked into the bowels of Creme's kitchen, and this provides a teaser of what's to come. You see, throughout this magnificent diner are a plethora of nods to what I would describe as the greatest work of literature the world has ever seen - Harry Potter of course! You've got the Hogwarts Express at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters and an excitable Action Chef Lee (Harry!) pushing his trunk on a Shopping Cart. There's also the Mad Chemist (Snape!) giving a potions lesson to the various Phoebe students (lots of Hermiones!) and Gourmet Chef Santa (Dumbledore!) is about to deliver a tasty meal as well as a welcoming speech. And, oh my days, you've got Harry's Patronus, the iconic stag, lit up via the Reindeer Display.

The originality is spellbinding, and there's also some more traditional festivities in the snow.

Winter wonderland at Creme

Creme's winter wonderland features all manner of chilly content, including some real gems such as the Snow Fort and Build a Snowman. Every space has been filled by something eye-catching, and there are some very clever combinations of decor to be spotted.

For instance, the Snow Dragon is chilling serenely under the Hannukah Bush. The Ice Skating Girl is keen to get a closer look at the Winter Clydesdales. The Christmas Reindeer is keen to get a closer look at the Ice Skating Girl! And the Abominable Snowman is at his admirable best as he offers a chilled drink to the thirsty reindeer gathered at the Reindeer Stable.

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From the Hogwarts Express we turn our attention to another train as a couple of Trolleys arrive at Fleet Street.

Fleet Street

Fleet Street is the creation of Jantiene Witzen, and what a creation it is. This is a third showcasing for her, and snow has taken over the famous street. Among the areas overcome by the white stuff is a graveyard - this is an unusual choice for winter time but has been crafted so intelligently, with the darkness of the Haunted Clock Tower and Evil Spirit Tree standing out all the more against the pureness of the Reindeer Tracks floor.

Meanwhile the shopping outlets remain a steady and reliable constant on Fleet Street despite the weather. We can enjoy something hot in the deli, find the perfect flowery gift in the florists and browse the clothing store to our heart's content. The last of these is completely new this festive season, with Jantiene having made outstanding use of the shopping themed update last month. Clothes Racks and Tea Hat Stands pack out the place, with the Hip Techie sure to find the perfect outfit for the Christmas party.

Over on the opposite side of the square is a homely space where smiling faces are all around. The Flamenco Dancers are twirling to the sound of the Violinist's strings and the Fancy Waiter and Fancy Waitress provide a sleek and polished service. And with the Treat Trolley in attendance too there's no doubt that this establishment will be doing plenty of business this Christmas.

It's outside though where I'd like to zoom in.

Reindeer pen and train station at Fleet Street

There we see the two Trolley carriages lined up on the Train Tracks. Railroad Railings and Sleigh Stools have been strategically placed to give passengers a spot to sit while they wait, and it looks like one traveller is giving a last minute Mistletoe Kiss before departing.

However it's next to this station that we see perhaps the ultimate Christmas scene. Enclosed by Magic Dividers is a Reindeer Grove, with Christmas Reindeer dotted around. They've got Harvest Haystacks to chew on which may just be the cutest thing I have ever seen in Restaurant Story. Captain Phoebe makes sure that only the nice kids get to come in and pet these wonderful creatures, while the Elf Carolers provide a poignant backdrop to a truly beautiful scene. I have witnessed some remarkable feats of design down the years at Christmas (who can ever forget Garden party's unbelievable rooftop in 2013!) but this may just top the lot!

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I'm so humbled and honoured to have such inventive and inspiring neighbours. They really do pull out all the stops when Christmas comes round, and most of them now benefit from having years of decor to pick from. It's testament to Storm8's own creativity that they continue to churn out new festive content when it seems as if they've exhausted everyone's favourite seasonal theme. We are quick to criticise but really when you look at the greater picture they do a stellar job.

But there's only so much that the game's developers can do. Bringing those millions of pixels to life is down to the players, and you all do it in such amazing and unique ways. Having played the game for nearly four-and-a-half years now there are times when I begin to tire of it, but only until the next showcase rolls around and I remember how special you all are!

 Previous showcases

 31/10/16 Halloween 2016
 27/08/16 August 2016
 02/07/16 July 2016
 30/04/16 April 2016
 14/02/16 Valentine's Day 2016

And so we have reached the end, not just of this showcase post but also 2016. Well, almost. We've got two more posts to go - on Wednesday we'll enjoy or endure the final weekly update of the year before New Year's Eve brings the annual Year in Review where I do my best to summarise the last 12 months in under a million words (and inevitably fail!)

For now I will leave you all to your other family and wish you a very merry Christmas!