This showcase kicks off at A Quilted Café who is making a fourth showcase appearance.
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| A Quilted Café |
If you don't find love here you won't find love anywhere! Regular readers will be familiar by now with the famous quilt woven from all manner of tables which stands as one of the iconic landmarks in the game. And yet it is little more than a backdrop at present, with some truly brilliant combinations of decor in front grabbing the attention.
First and foremost there's the Fine Drinking Station and Crystal Room, two classic items, which have been merged together into one outstanding piece. I'd never have considered combining them, but once you see them side-by-side it seems like an obvious move to make. There's a high end tone to both decorations, and having smartly dressed staff in both helps make the fusing work.
But this is just one example of innovative decor melding. There are a fair few others, with my favourites being the Romantic Park Bench, Love Birds and Grape Pergola uniting beautifully in the left corner and the Ring Barker and Love Pug eyeing not each other but a Fresh Berry Basket - so adorable!
However the pièce de résistance comes in the near corner.
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| Dance floor at A Quilted Café |
A Quilted Café has its very own Black and White tiled dance floor, where there's plenty of passion pouring out in a steamy competition. The Fancy Waiter can only look on in awe as a number of couples compete to be the leading pair. They say it takes Two to Tango but here we have four! My only concern (at least for the guys' sakes) is that the girls seem to be making eyes at one another!
Meanwhile the Mexican Dancer may curry favour with the judges thanks to having the most striking dress and her partner, the Rose Seller, isn't far behind with her floral headband. The Violinist and Trumpet Player are supposed to be the only musical accompaniment, but the Flamenco Dancers have other ideas. In order to score as highly as possible they have got their own guitarist strumming - that must be breaking the rules!
But at the end of the day, who cares about the rules?! We've got Cupid Statues and Valentine Candelabras exuding class and a Romantic Pond which everyone will be throwing themselves in at the end of the night, if for nothing else to cool themselves down. Keep on dancing folks!
After that exhausting night of boogie a tranquil and soothing walk is called for. Lucky then that we can pop round to Dingo Diner.
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| Dingo Diner |
This is a third showcase cap for the Dingo, and sees us taking our loved ones on a peaceful trip to the zoo. We're not alone in doing so, with a vast array of couples flocking to this wildlife refuge. There are some intriguing pairings to be seen, with the one catching my eye most featuring Key West Gran-Gran - it seems she has finally found love in the form of Gourmet Chef Santa!
There's no shortage of habitats for us to visit, making this a lovely location to take your date this Valentines. For example the Sloth Tree pulls in plenty of punters, including the Fall Owl, as he clings hard to a thick branch. Across the way we have the Giraffe Pair who are on a date of their own. Okay, it's not the most riveting of dates - they're even lazier than the sloth, with the main event of the day being a good chew on some sticks. However there are a few blue butterflies living dangerously by fluttering nearby - their futures may be in doubt if they're not careful!
Then there's a the winter enclosure, which boasts a variety of animals. The Herd of Seals, Snowy Owls and Winter Rabbits all provide an element of love appropriate for the time of year, and are all enjoying the snow. However nobody enjoys the snow more than the Young Penguin who has a smattering of snow on her head.
Now to focus in on the final exhibit, where there's an array of creatures milling around.
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| Panda habitat at Dingo Diner |
The Panda Pen is a favourite with visitors mostly because it's a rare opportunity to view a complete family of pandas hanging out together. They do enjoy their bamboo, and are tucking in rabidly. My worry is that their pen seems to be made out of bamboo - prepare for free roaming pandas!
Behind them we have a wonderful scene capped by the Koi Pond. From the red bridge you can see a wide range of wildlife including Flamingos, Harmony Tile fish and a Crane. But it's the Frog Log that is the most amusing, as our amphibious friend surveys the scene from the comfort of a dark wood log. Surrounded by River Lily floor tiles, the frog is right at home here and has plenty of company.
The overall colour scheme at Dingo Diner is really warming. Applying the Autumn Slate flooring in a chequered pattern prevents it being overpowering, while this alternating effect is repeated with the table arrangements. I do love a bit of orange, and it's particularly refreshing to see it at this time of year when it generally tends to be restricted to the autumn months.
And now this Valentine's Day showcase moves in a different direction. There are a number of events at this time of year which because of Valentines are often overlooked, so let's travel back a couple of weeks and take in Chinese New Year.
And we do so at Garden Party who I am delighted to say has returned to the game after a lengthy hiatus in 2016. Her fourth showcase appearance once again demonstrates that there are fewer more remarkable places when it comes to creativity. Upon entering this restaurant you'll first be struck by the sheer elegance. The Baroque Columns flanking the host stand radiate grandeur and the Fancy Vases only serve to add to this.
Into the eating area, and it's no surprise to see the Chinese Table and Chinese Chairs in place. But the Ruby Red wallpaper is less orthodox, and yet works seamlessly. I generally find that patterned wallpapers don't cooperate very well with hanging decor, and yet Garden Party has successfully integrated a number of Paper Lanterns and Action Scrolls. Plus there's a superb Fireworks Celebration going on outside, with Red Curtains cleverly used to give the impression that we are looking at something outwith the establishment.
Now we get to what I describe as 'long distance' designs which need to be viewed from afar in order to fully capture their magnificence. Down the left side we have '2017' spelt out in Golden Squares floor tiles. Placing it on a Ruby Red Mosaic flooring gives a really glittering appearance which is ideal for a celebratory theme.
But let's get to the rooster in the room.
In four-and-a-half years of playing this game I've seen some pretty special 'long distance' designs, but this one trumps the lot. For the record 2017 is the year of the rooster in the Chinese Zodiac, hence why a giant rooster has taken over at Garden Party.
Tables are a standard constituent of these creations, with a Crescent Moon table, Gran-Gran's Tables and Love Tables forming the eye, body and wattle respectively (yes I'm learning of the rooster anatomy as we go here!) After that it's all about remarkable creativity, starting with a beak made up from a Sweetheart Table and Juicy Apple table. It's good to see that the rooster is being fed!
Then we move to the tail which ingeniously is made up entirely of Fur chairs. They are orientated in two different directions in order to give two different tones and thus the impression that the tail is swishing. But for my money the best is saved for the leg which combines Fast Food Tables with a Torch. It really shouldn't work, but yet it does, and excellently too!
We've got one last destination in this showcase, and it sees us shift from the past to the future as we get set for Mardi Gras at the end this month at Nibble and Noms.
This is a record-breaking sixth showcase slot for Nibbles, and sees another terrific restaurant design which has clearly had a lot of time and effort invested in it. There's such a sparkling and luxurious tone throughout, with the dining area loud and proud. Wicked Floor, Golden Squares and Harlequin tiles have all been used to great effect to convey a real festive atmosphere.
The menu is very attractive too, with Gumbo, Jambalaya, Frog Legs and Beignets among the New Orleans classics available for visitors. And being Mardi Gras the dining experience wouldn't be complete without some entertainment - the Jazz Band oblige with some catchy local tunes.
Out on the street the Mardi Gras parade is in full swing. Action Chef Lee and the Playful Parasol are the krewe's honoured guests, getting the ultimate view of the goings-on from the Wicked Thrones. Flanked by Trumpet Players and Mexican Dancers, they are set for a properly immersive experience.
Let's get a closer look at the parade, which has so many participants and onlookers.
The Riverboat Railings have been placed magnificently by Nibbles in order to create a trio of balconies upon which some very lucky parade watchers can savour the scene. Three dimensional structures are easier said than done, and in this case Nibbles has done a quality job of pulling it off. The balconies are also a smart way of fitting in appliances, which can otherwise be a nuisance to slot in at times.
Out on the street sprinkled with a Gold Glitter Floor, the krewe's King and Queen are toddling along in the Romantic Carriage, taking in the adulation of the crowds. Ahead of them there is some proper dancing going on, with the Flamenco Dancers synchronised to perfection and the Two to Tango mesmerising with their quick feet. And at the very front are the Drummers Drumming. They're in formation and leading the way as the parade winds through the streets.
It just goes to show that you don't need a plethora of content to make a theme work. We've had Mardi Gras themed updates before, but not often enough to decorate a complete diner. And yet Nibbles has managed to make use of so many pieces which fit snugly into a beautiful New Orleans display.
The first showcase of 2017 has not disappointed! As ever creativity was around every corner with some really inspiring and original concepts and designs. It was also intriguing to see Valentine's Day not being covered quite as extensively around the community as we've perhaps seen in the past. Maybe this reflects badly on the range of content available for this seasonal theme, although I tend to think it is just a casualty of there being a number of other events at this time of year that our pioneering players were keen to explore.
So whether you're taking your partner for a dance at A Quilted Café, going on a date to Dingo Diner's zoo, commemorating Chinese New Year with a massive rooster at Garden Party or having a Mardi Gras shindig at Nibble and Noms, you're sure to have an excellent start to 2017. Great work folks!
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| Garden Party |
And we do so at Garden Party who I am delighted to say has returned to the game after a lengthy hiatus in 2016. Her fourth showcase appearance once again demonstrates that there are fewer more remarkable places when it comes to creativity. Upon entering this restaurant you'll first be struck by the sheer elegance. The Baroque Columns flanking the host stand radiate grandeur and the Fancy Vases only serve to add to this.
Into the eating area, and it's no surprise to see the Chinese Table and Chinese Chairs in place. But the Ruby Red wallpaper is less orthodox, and yet works seamlessly. I generally find that patterned wallpapers don't cooperate very well with hanging decor, and yet Garden Party has successfully integrated a number of Paper Lanterns and Action Scrolls. Plus there's a superb Fireworks Celebration going on outside, with Red Curtains cleverly used to give the impression that we are looking at something outwith the establishment.
Now we get to what I describe as 'long distance' designs which need to be viewed from afar in order to fully capture their magnificence. Down the left side we have '2017' spelt out in Golden Squares floor tiles. Placing it on a Ruby Red Mosaic flooring gives a really glittering appearance which is ideal for a celebratory theme.
But let's get to the rooster in the room.
 |
| Rooster at Garden Party |
In four-and-a-half years of playing this game I've seen some pretty special 'long distance' designs, but this one trumps the lot. For the record 2017 is the year of the rooster in the Chinese Zodiac, hence why a giant rooster has taken over at Garden Party.
Tables are a standard constituent of these creations, with a Crescent Moon table, Gran-Gran's Tables and Love Tables forming the eye, body and wattle respectively (yes I'm learning of the rooster anatomy as we go here!) After that it's all about remarkable creativity, starting with a beak made up from a Sweetheart Table and Juicy Apple table. It's good to see that the rooster is being fed!
Then we move to the tail which ingeniously is made up entirely of Fur chairs. They are orientated in two different directions in order to give two different tones and thus the impression that the tail is swishing. But for my money the best is saved for the leg which combines Fast Food Tables with a Torch. It really shouldn't work, but yet it does, and excellently too!
We've got one last destination in this showcase, and it sees us shift from the past to the future as we get set for Mardi Gras at the end this month at Nibble and Noms.
 |
| Nibble and Noms |
This is a record-breaking sixth showcase slot for Nibbles, and sees another terrific restaurant design which has clearly had a lot of time and effort invested in it. There's such a sparkling and luxurious tone throughout, with the dining area loud and proud. Wicked Floor, Golden Squares and Harlequin tiles have all been used to great effect to convey a real festive atmosphere.
The menu is very attractive too, with Gumbo, Jambalaya, Frog Legs and Beignets among the New Orleans classics available for visitors. And being Mardi Gras the dining experience wouldn't be complete without some entertainment - the Jazz Band oblige with some catchy local tunes.
Out on the street the Mardi Gras parade is in full swing. Action Chef Lee and the Playful Parasol are the krewe's honoured guests, getting the ultimate view of the goings-on from the Wicked Thrones. Flanked by Trumpet Players and Mexican Dancers, they are set for a properly immersive experience.
Let's get a closer look at the parade, which has so many participants and onlookers.
 |
| Parade at Nibble and Noms |
The Riverboat Railings have been placed magnificently by Nibbles in order to create a trio of balconies upon which some very lucky parade watchers can savour the scene. Three dimensional structures are easier said than done, and in this case Nibbles has done a quality job of pulling it off. The balconies are also a smart way of fitting in appliances, which can otherwise be a nuisance to slot in at times.
Out on the street sprinkled with a Gold Glitter Floor, the krewe's King and Queen are toddling along in the Romantic Carriage, taking in the adulation of the crowds. Ahead of them there is some proper dancing going on, with the Flamenco Dancers synchronised to perfection and the Two to Tango mesmerising with their quick feet. And at the very front are the Drummers Drumming. They're in formation and leading the way as the parade winds through the streets.
It just goes to show that you don't need a plethora of content to make a theme work. We've had Mardi Gras themed updates before, but not often enough to decorate a complete diner. And yet Nibbles has managed to make use of so many pieces which fit snugly into a beautiful New Orleans display.
The first showcase of 2017 has not disappointed! As ever creativity was around every corner with some really inspiring and original concepts and designs. It was also intriguing to see Valentine's Day not being covered quite as extensively around the community as we've perhaps seen in the past. Maybe this reflects badly on the range of content available for this seasonal theme, although I tend to think it is just a casualty of there being a number of other events at this time of year that our pioneering players were keen to explore.
Recent showcases
25/12/16 Christmas 2016
31/10/16 Halloween 2016
27/08/16 August 2016
02/07/16 July 2016
30/04/16 April 2016
31/10/16 Halloween 2016
27/08/16 August 2016
02/07/16 July 2016
30/04/16 April 2016
So whether you're taking your partner for a dance at A Quilted Café, going on a date to Dingo Diner's zoo, commemorating Chinese New Year with a massive rooster at Garden Party or having a Mardi Gras shindig at Nibble and Noms, you're sure to have an excellent start to 2017. Great work folks!
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