Christmas 2017 showcase

Merry Christmas one and all! I hope Santa has treated you well and your belly is fit to burst after an overindulgent Christmas dinner! What better way to burn off some of those festive calories than with a traipse around the neighbourhood? And I'm not talking about any old neighbourhood here - this is my neighbourhood!

The showcase is in town, with five of my brilliant neighbours opening up their doors and beckoning us all in for a Christmas bonanza.

We commence the proceedings with a showcase debutant, Sugar and Spice...

Sugar and Spice

It's a pleasure to be able to offer up a glimpse into this fine establishment. Inside there are no shortage of nice spots to grab a seasonal bite to eat or a heart-warming drink, be it huddled around the Slate Fireplace, perched at the Fine Drinking Station or watching the Holiday Express snaking its way around the tree.

Two Candy Cane Trees have been lavishly decorated, and there's some enviable symmetry in force thanks to pairs of Snowflake Globes, Gingerbread Globes and Snow Globes. I really like how these are arranged in size order, in each case leading up to the immense Candy Cane Tree.

If you're feeling brave you can choose to head out into the cold where the Chill Barista is a pretty cool guy. With a Snowman Fridge on hand and the Snowman Chef assisting, the Hip Techie is efficient with the orders, so you won't have to wait long in the Snowman Sofa area before the Abominable Waiter makes his way over with some defrosted cups. I recommend the Ice Bar where I believe there are some tasty little canapes available.

Once all fed and watered, I suggest we investigate the noise across the way...

Outdoor action at Sugar and Spice

What a packed scene! The moment the snowflakes started falling every man and his dog was straight down to Sugar and Spice to make the most of the weather. The likes of the skiers and snowboarders taking on the Slalom Run are well equipped and clearly at ease with the slippy conditions, whereas it appears to me that the Snow Angels are only creating shapes in the snow because they slipped over. Despite the Monster on Ice being deeply concerned it's good to see the kids just styling it out!

Snowmen are of course in their element in this weather, but nevertheless Jack Frost is keep them nice and cool for good measure. The Snowman Cook is so cool that she's prepared a small cake for another Snowman, and that's left the Snow Family rather jealous.

Meanwhile the Elven Helpers are untangling a new superior set of fairy lights for the Tree of Lights. They don't seem to be coping very well with this task on the ice, and are under additional pressure from the Sled Dog who is watching closely. But they've already done a fine job with the two Snowy Holiday Trees, so I am very optimistic that they will successfully light up Sugar and Spice even more beautifully than it already is.

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Outdoor activity is also rife at our second stop, Fat Bear...

Fat Bear

As we stroll through the winding streets here there are festive sights and sounds all the way. In the top corner a talented artist has been busy Ice Sculpting, and has numerous works on display. They range from the diminutive Ice Penguin and understated Ice Bears through to the intricate Snow Dragon and outrageous Ice Unicorn.

Further along the cobbled path is daredevil country. There are some who have the courage to take on the Slalom Run under the watchful gaze of the judgemental Snowy Owl, some who have the bravery to go Sledding on a high and perilous hill, and some who dare to skate and pirouette on a Frozen Pond.

If you're not feeling quite as foolhardy as that lot then venture round to the Chill Barista who has a full complement of holiday refreshments. There's some quality character interaction at play here, with Gourmet Chef Santa having his turkey inspected at Grandma's Kitchen and the Snowman Chef in an argument with the Nutcracker Chef over the best utensil to use when taking the chicken out of the Rotisserie. Maybe they should both put their differences aside and accept that they're cooking the wrong meat for Christmas!

Elsewhere there's a touch of class as visitors get a high end holiday experience...

Outdoor party at Fat Bear

The proceedings are in full swing, with well-dressed partygoers enjoying the treats afforded by the Frosty Feast. There's even a Chestnut Roaster to ensure that your evening ends with a Christmas tradition. Meanwhile Key West Gran-Gran is her own free spirit, and has politely ignored the strict dress code in favour of a groovy Hawaiian shirt. A cocktail at the Crystal Fire Pit and she is set for Christmas!

The Ice Bar is a little less fancy - here woollen hats and thermals are not so much accepted as encouraged. Fat Bear has cunningly placed some tables, chairs and counters to make this seem like a larger piece, and of course that means the moving bots dropping by which gives it further status.

And as a final hurrah, the outdoor party is capped with a magnificent performance from the Holiday Choir. Accompanied by the Violinist, this group have the voices of angels and are working those vocal chords in splendid surroundings. I propose that we grab a seat at those elegant Holly Tables and just take in the wonderful chorus (and give the Christmas Reindeer a stroke if it passes our table). And the Snowman Waiter will no doubt pop by with his Cheery Cart to make sure we have a drink in hand as we unwind.

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Roaming the streets is also an option at our next destination, Nibble and Noms...

Nibble and Noms

It's much later in the day here, with most residents tucked up in bed and listening for the sound of reindeer hooves on a rooftop. But there are still plenty of stragglers out and about, and why not when the Winter Carriage is passing? Action Chef Lee has certainly paused to give it a wave as it makes its way down the road.

Of course the carriage is actually just the escort for the main event - coming up behind are Gourmet Chef Santa and the Girl Helper. And they're riding in style! Nibbles has done a grand job of combining content which individually doesn't amount to much but as a set creates a superb effect. Four Christmas Reindeer lead the way, with Sleigh Counters and Snowy Chairs used to help create Santa's sleigh. In the middle of the street! It is truly a privilege to witness Father Christmas in action!

Maybe he'll take a break while he's here and stop by My Fair Gran-Gran's cafe. After all among the Snowy Pine Trees there is a Reindeer Grove so Santa's reindeer will be well catered for. North Pole Fountains are lined up to quench his thirst, and who knows, he may even find love as the couple sharing a Mistletoe Kiss have done.

Now to focus in on the other side of the street...

House fronts at Nibble and Noms

Three neighbouring homes are situated here, each with their own unique front buzzing with characters. It's good to see that the Ice Skating Girl and Jock are still feeling the love at Nibble and Noms, with their latest meeting coming dramatically at the Snowy Fountain. Looks like the Jock has got her a Hungry Kitty for Christmas this year which is sure to go down well. Not sure what he'll make of his Holiday Bear - then again not sure what he'd make of any gift (such a scrooge!)

Next door Jack Frost is turning his icy hand to business with a Coffee Cart out front. Being an expert in the field, Barista Phoebe is helping out and has brought along a Bean Bag full of Gran-Gran's special beans. And the Hip Techie is all for a long macchiato so it looks like this business has legs!

The last house has kids and therefore unsurprisingly is also a hive of activity out on the snow covered front lawn. Here the kids have teamed together for once to Build a Snowman. Just the top hat is to be added and we'll have a prize winner. And don't take my word for it - the Snowman Chef is coming to inspect and he looks thoroughly impressed with the efforts of these talented snowman makers.

I really fancy doing a street scene some time at The Garlic Tree having had the opportunity to saunter along Nibbles'. So much variety and unique touches for each household.

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Snowman building is also a favoured activity at the Ali Cat Cafe, which is the next venue on our travels...

Ali Cat Cafe

But having built up a chill I think we should start inside. And when there's a Gingerbread Kitchen hard at work why not?! We can enjoy all the goodies the gingerbread chefs conjure up and then eat the chefs themselves! They're well set with appliances and machinery - a Freezer and Snowman Fridge keep everything fresh, and this is reflected in a really neat Refreshment Table. Just ask the Lounge Lizard who is tucking in early! It's certainly perked up the Light Up Penguin!

It's all much more serene along the way where present opening under the Holiday Tree is in progress. The Girl Helper is dishing out the Pile of Gifts, and consequently can take credit for some huge smiles. The Elf with Gift in front of the Holiday Fireplace is clutching a candy cane like it's a newborn baby while someone else has gotten an authentic Astronaut Suit and Toy Bag. but the pick is the May Dancer meeting her new pet puppy - such an ingenious inclusion for a Christmas scene by Ali there!

Down those classic (currently snow-covered) steps we now go to find those tireless kids once again doing what they do best - Build a Snowman. Looks like they've used up most of the snow in doing so, although there is just enough left for some Snow Angels. No need to let that get us down though - the shortage of snow allows us to construct the Holiday Train, much more exciting than a soppy Mistletoe Kiss!

Now if the Train Conductor gives us the nod I say we put on our ice-skates and get on the slippery stuff...

Ice rink at Ali Cat Cafe

Looks like a few others had the same idea. The Ice Skating Girl and Gingerbread Man are having a skate-off around a Candle Table, while the Mexican Dancer shows both of them how to display some rhythm. But the two skaters on the Frozen Pond have a secret weapon - they've got a Drummer Drumming to help them get in sync and take home the coveted title of the Ali Cat Cafe Star Dancer 2017.

It's some surrounding to have such a competition, with a pair of Miniature Empire States forming the backdrop. They're an unusual selection, but the cold blue tone fits in well with the rest, especially the Snowy Night wallpaper. And there's the smaller Empire States too which do a fine job providing pillars separating the ice rink from the rest of the restaurant. The Love Snow Globe and Snow Globe provide some glittery touches too which is always a must at Christmas.

And if skating isn't really your cup of tea, there's always a Monster on Ice worth paying a visit. The Elf Greeter is overseeing the queue, segregated with Velvet Rope. It's all very organised in that corner, but if the Mexican Dancer does any more twirls I fear she may topple over and set the monster loose. Then things will be organised no more!

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Before such an incident occurs let's take our leave and head over to the final player featuring in this showcase, The Azath House...

The Azath House

There's merriment all over here, right from when you enter in the top corner and take in the winter wonderland vista. Heading down the brilliantly crafted stairs you'll encounter a Nutcracker Elf, a Light Dancer, and even the Gingerbread Man running amok. And there are toys everywhere - the Elves at Work at North Pole HQ may be master toymakers but they are also very untidy, leaving the Holiday Train running in the middle of the floor and forgetting to put away their excess materials at the Wrapping Stations. No wonder Flying Santa is shooting out of there quickly - he doesn't want to tidy up!

Fortunately the revellers are not worried about a bit of mess. A Holiday Party is in motion, with the Carving Station forgotten in the corner as newly unwrapped musical instruments get played. All the Himalayan Cat wants is a nibble off a cookie!

Next door the Gift Opening is underway at the Holiday Fireplace, although it looks like Dad had too good a Cocoa Time and is conked out in his big red chair. Lucky then that Cookin' Mama is on the ball - she's got a proper roast ready on the Chic Stove and Santa's Helpers are straight over there to investigate the tantalising smells. Even passers-by are being pulled in by the smell, with the Snow Suit and his Frisbee Dog coming knocking.

They've just made their way across the rickety bridge that stretches over the frozen lake...

Frozen lake at The Azath House

The Lake Fisher and Lake Dog are on the bridge and watching on as a Light Up Penguin tries to find its feet on the ice. The bridge really is a magnificent feat of Restaurant Story engineering, with both Gingerbread Dividers and Stacked Wood Dividers placed to provide the maximum three-dimensional effect. The Monster on Ice skulking around under the bridge is a lovely inclusion to ensure that this is a fully developed winter bridge.

On one side of the lake a very enthusiastic young lad is making a Snow Angel in rhythm with the Elf Carolers. The Giant Snowman doesn't know the meaning of rhythm, but that doesn't mean he can't get involved by throwing his twig arms around his head.

On the other side of the lake is none other than Santa's Workshop. A variety of animals have travelled from far and wide to visit including some Snowy Owls and polar bears. The latter have even made themselves at home with an Igloo. They're hoping to learn how to fly from the experts - no, not the owls, but rather the reindeer. The Reindeer Stable is situated just behind the workshop and includes a Reindeer Grove. Looks like the reindeer are all doing some stretching after what was a very long but rewarding flight!

 Recent showcases

 31/10/17 Halloween 2017
 02/07/17 July 2017
 30/04/17 April 2017
 14/02/17 Valentine's Day 2017
 25/12/16 Christmas 2016

Oh I do love a Christmas showcase! The creative juices really do flow faster than at any other time of year, and that is very much reflected in the assortment of picturesque scenes and touching moments my fine neighbours have assembled this Christmas. I really hope you have enjoyed exploring the marvellous landscapes they've shared as much as I have. Great job folks, and once again - best wishes to all readers this festive season!