Christmas makeover at The Garlic Tree

It's Christmas Eve, and that means restaurants all over the community are preparing a special dinner which is sure to make the customers very happy. My diner, The Garlic Tree, is no exception, with the fuse lit on the party several weeks ago. The staff are still hanging on in there though, and I'd like to offer a tour of the festive shenanigans going down at TGT this Christmas.

When we first enter the restaurant we're greeted by a pair of towering Nutcracker guards and a right merry tune from the Carolers.

Foyer at The Garlic Tree

They're something of a tradition at this time of year in my place, but on this occasion they've got company (or competition perhaps?) in the shape of the Elf Carolers. There's no doubt that these new singers have gone the extra mile with their outfits, and with six sets of vocal cords being stretched your experience in the foyer is sure to be a rousing one.

Along the Red Carpet we go, past the Drummer Drumming (when will he learn that drumming isn't really suitable for caroling?!) and on to the Pine Host Stand manned by Action Chef Lee. He's nabbed the ideal spot in the diner, with the Fine Drinking Station adjacent; here is where we can grab a refreshing drink before our meal. It looks like the Lounge Lizard has already made a start without us - no surprises there!

So we've arrived in the main section which is glittering in gold.

Main section at The Garlic Tree

There's a sense of class everywhere you look, with Fine Tables, Gold Columns and French Wood flooring guaranteeing that your Christmas meal is enjoyed in swanky surroundings. Cozy Chairs ensure you are comfortable (after all we'll be eating for some time!) and the Fancy Waiter, Fancy Waitress and Treat Trolley guy will strive to provide the best possible service.

There's music too, with the Holiday Choir clearing their throats out as we speak ahead of an evening of classic carols sure to warm your heart. The Little Helper looks keen to join in - give her a copy of the words off the Lyrics Sheet Stand.

At the centre of this vast area is the Gilded Tree. It glows eternally, and with a floor of Golden Squares and bank of Ornament Ball Counters, it is the ultimate showstopper.

We could stand and gaze at the tree all night, but we need to visit the happy family off to the side.

Happy family at The Garlic Tree

It looks like Mum and Dad are indulging in a Mistletoe Kiss at the Holiday Fireplace. It's such a romantic scene, completed by the Holiday Piano which they acquired as a cheeky earlier Christmas present.

Further along the kids are supposed to be sleeping but it's Christmas Eve, so there's far too much excitement for that! A Blanket Fort has been built and the kids are having a whale of a time. Even the family dog is joining in the frolics. This family certainly knows how to spoil one another - the Holiday Train is packed with gifts waiting to be unwrapped in the morning, plus a Toy Bag and Holiday Bear ensure that everyone is going to be up to their eyeballs in presents.

After the relative tranquillity of that festive family let's traipse back across the golden zone and investigate a noisy commotion emanating from somewhere behind the Holiday Choir.

New Year party at The Garlic Tree

It looks like some folks are getting down with the boogie a little early with some premature New Year celebrations. The New Year Party is in full flow with a massive cake lit with dazzling sparklers. Bots surrounding the cake are blowing toy trumpets or wearing silly party hats - it's all good-natured fun.

But not everyone is letting their hair down. The Crooner and Violinist are professional as ever as they perform a stunning duet way past midnight. They've got the Island Drummer for company who is kindly providing the background rhythm, and it all makes for the perfect dancefloor opportunity. The Flamenco Dancers and Mexican Dancer are strutting their stuff on the specially installed Gym Floor Tile flooring, and plan to shake those hips right through till morning.

From the hustle and bustle of the New Year shindig I reckon a peaceful stroll outside is called for.

Christmas fair at The Garlic Tree

The cold may be nippy but there's plenty to do outdoors, not least a ride on the bright Ferris Wheel which towers above. The Christmas fair is winding down for the night, but the Ice Rink is still open and we can spend a jolly old time slipping and sliding on the smooth surface. The Ice Skating Girl will hold your hand if you're not feeling very confident!

Beyond Jack Frost (who is a little preoccupied with animating a snowman!) is the train station, where the Train Conductor is doing overtime this Christmas. But why? Well, it looks like a Christmas Reindeer was stranded on the platform and looking rather lonely, so the Conductor has organised a special Locomotive to take the reindeer home.

But where will our little friend be headed for?

North Pole at The Garlic Tree

The North Pole of course! Situated among the Snowy Pine Trees is the Reindeer Grove whose occupants are very concerned that they're one short just hours before Santa entrusts them to guide his sleigh. We are able to deliver the good news that the missing reindeer is on her way, and so there will be a full complement for the long night ahead.

But before we head back, I have to wonder why the Mad Chemist, Lab Assistant and Robo Dog are here? They don't tend to leave the basement of The Garlic Tree without good reason (such as the chance to take an adventure through time and space), so to see them congregated at the North Pole is suspicious.

 Want to visit The Garlic Tree?

 Invite the Storm8 ID 'lorettasapron' and visit the wall

The Robo Dog has been in discussion with another Christmas Reindeer, and from what I hear it sounds like they're offering Santa some help! You see, even with his very dedicated reindeer and magical sleigh, visiting the homes of millions of lucky children around the globe in one night is a tough ask. The Chemist and Cat have decided to loan Santa their Time Machine, thus allowing the bearded wonder to bag some extra time to get the big delivery done. How thoughtful of them!

We've already eaten in the main section, but that train journey has built up my appetite again, so we should tiptoe to the kitchen in hope of grabbing some leftovers.

Kitchen at The Garlic Tree

It turns out that The Garlic Tree's kitchen has had a face-lift, and the Chic Chef has been hired to oversee the operation. He's got a couple of Chic Culinary Stations set up where only exquisite dishes will suffice, while the Culinary Artist has some eye for detail. All the ingredients being chopped, boiled and fried at the Chef's Station have been sourced from the Chic Fridge, and with the Snowman Chef aiding the Classic Chef and 50's Chef during this busy period, the kitchen seems to be in great shape.

I do feel a little sorry for the staff at my restaurant working through Christmas. You may remember that last year they all left their posts to attend a wild New Year celebration, but here they are 12 months on slaving away. But what is this room accessed off the kitchen?

Christmas banquet at The Garlic Tree

Here is why the staff have agreed to stay on during the festive season - they wanted to create a special Christmas banquet to thank the recurring guests for continuing to make their jobs such a joy. Ten familiar faces are attending, ranging from the Life Coach and Lake Fisher to the Jock and Referee Waitress. Even the Trick or Treat Ghost is present despite his crimes at Halloween - the Playful Parasol coaxed him into coming, hence why they're holding hands (so sweet!)

They're just about to sit down to a true feast - they're starting with Potato Soup and will then have a a choice of Glazed Ham or the old favourite, Roast Turkey. A Gushing Cheesecake will follow for dessert, and throughout there is Spiced Cider for sipping between mouthfuls.

The Mad Chemist is sneakily trying to make off with some cider in a lab flask, while it appears that the Cowboy Greeter may have drunk a little much as he attempts to make a move on the Rose Seller on the other side of the table! After My Fair Gran-Gran has overseen Gourmet Chef's Santa's delivery of more food I'm sure she'll be having words with the cowboy!

At least they're all enjoying themselves, and are all welcome to return to The Garlic Tree in 2017. It's been another successful year for the restaurant - may the story continue...

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I do love decorating for Christmas. This is the fifth Christmas I've experienced in Restaurant Story, and the big festive makeover has almost become my official starting point for the festive period.

Since I've done Christmas decorating so often now it's difficult to come up with new innovations. Most of what I've just presented to you has appeared in previous years, but each time I try to up the ante, usually utilising the array of content which has been introduced over the last 12 months.

The golden themed area is the perfect example of this. I did something similar in 2015, but thanks to the high end dining goals update in May I was able add some further touches such as the Gold Columns and Golden Squares floor tiles.

 Recent posts from The Garlic Tree

 29/10/16 Halloween 2016
 17/09/16 TGT Presents... The Team Take a Beach Break
 16/08/16 Olympics 2016
 13/02/16 Valentine's Day 2016
 25/01/16 Winter 2016

The second high end dining update also left a big impression on me. That was the Chic Crate's release, and it is a box I'd had my eye on ever since. It was only during the Black Friday sale that I splashed out with six openings. In truth my results weren't great, but that didn't stop me changing up my kitchen. What you see here is a permanent alteration, and I hope that one day I'll be able to add some of the top end prizes from the box.

Well, that does it. I've spent long enough talking up my own diner, so now it's the turn of the readers. Tomorrow may be Christmas Day but that won't stop me from providing you a showcase brimming with festive cheer. Five of my neighbours are set to be featured, with each bringing something original and striking to the Christmas table.

Watch out for that tomorrow then - Happy Holidays everyone!