OH.MY.GOODNESS....if only my family thought it acceptable to ONLY eat dessert on Christmas Day! I would head straight to 'Cannelle et Vanille's' blog for some sweet-toothed inspiration. I don't think I've come across a food blog that has been so sumptously photographed & put together. Food-publisher Donna Hay should seriously give these guys a job!


cannelle-vanille.blogspot.com

Christmas Cupcakes (Part 2)

'Hello Hanna' is the US-based design house responsible for creating these gorgeous, economical embossed cupcake stands. I think serving guests their own Christmas cupcake on their very own cupcake stand would be very impressive. In fact, I might bookmark this sudden flash of inspiration so I don't forget to do this at my family Christmas celebration this year!

www.hellohanna.com

Kirov Ballet's 'The Nutcracker'

OK. So I've been banging on about Ballet most of this year. I guess I'm newly-addicted. I went to see the Kirov Ballet's 'Nutcracker' screening today at Cinema Nova in Carlton. It was the most spectacular performance I've seen of this Christmas story so far. Lavish sets & amazing costumes. The snowflakes in 'Waltz of the snowflakes' were the best. Black tutus instead of the traditional white but heavily jeweled with glistening white snowballs. Wonder when the Russian Ballet plans to tour Australia again? Soon I hope....

www.kirov.com

Christmas Investment

At the start of 2010, I bought these antique Christmas decorations from a US collector. While collecting is (for me) more a weakness than a business venture, it's nice to know the things sitting in my house are an investment & are gaining in value!

channelnine.ninemsn.com.au/antiquesroadshow

I remember seeing this Dutch graphic designer's take on an "alternative" Christmas tree in a lifestyle magazine several years ago. By chance, I stumbled upon her site a few days ago. How cool is this idea? Great for people who are short on space! I also love the retro treasures for sale on her site. Think I'll buy a few things from her & get them posted to my uncle in Holland to keep for me until I see him next!

www.alltheluckintheworld.nl

Holiday Sweet Shoppe

What kind of an awesome mum creates a Holiday Sweet Shoppe for her daughter's 8th Birthday party? US-Based marketing manager Suzanne Hopkins, that's who! I saw this cute party idea on Suzanne's S.HOP TALK blog the other day & was enchanted. There was marshmallow toasting, gingerbread house decorating, story-telling & lolly skewer-making to be had. Wish I was 8 again!

shoptalkbuzz.blogspot.com

Christmas Shoes?

'The Red Shoes' ballet movie will be screening at 'The Astor' theatre in Melbourne from March 21st, 2010. Granted, it's not a Christmas movie, (anything but actually, as the protagonist ends up quite badly at the film's conclusion!) but I think Moira Shearer's outfit looks very festive. How much do the Red Pointe shoes stand out in contrast to the cream outfit? It's a really striking image...

www.astor-theatre.com

Home-made Christmas Garland

This glittery & very cute Christmas garland is care of 'A Field Journal' blogspot. The design is so simple yet effective. The online tutorial provided will come in very handy when my thoughts turn to organising a Christmas in July party here in Oz this year. Sometimes, in winter-time it snows up here at my place in the country. This glittery, snowy garland will be a little nod to that very cosy time of year I think!

afieldjournal.blogspot.com/2008/12/homemade-christmas-garland-tutorial.html

Rosanna Inc

A few years ago a chef buddy of mine put me onto Rosanna Inc. tableware. The US-based company also produces a gorgeous range of children's crockery. Their products are hard to come by in Australia but you can sometimes snap up their goodies (post-season) on E-Bay for a fraction of the price if you're lucky!

www.rosannainc.com

Christmas Records

I love Christmas LP's because they always seem to have such nostalgic & playful graphics on their covers. I've collected about 10 vintage Christmas records over the past 2 years, mostly from thrift stores across Victoria such as 'Vinnies'.

www.vinnies.org.au

Christmas Ballet

I just did something very indulgent & booked a premium seat to see 'The Nutcracker Ballet' in Melbourne this September. I saw this ballet performed twice in Melbourne & once in NYC last year. I always love seeing how different choreographers interpret the same story a little differently. It's a magical Christmas tale that I think enchants children & adults alike! Can't wait...

www.australianballet.com.au

Pixie Land

I saw this adorable red pixie for sale on an overseas antiques web store. It's from the 1950's & was made in Japan. I sometimes purchase ceramic Christmas pixies from Chapel Street Bazaar in Melbourne but have never found one as comical or cute as this! What fun!

Christmas Decorations

This collection of gold, silver & red decorations sat proudly on my 2008 Christmas table. The display also contained family heirlooms such as my nonna's ceramic deer ornament & her wooden cooking spoons. There's a cute rusty cow-bell my friend sent me one Christmas from rural South Australia & a glass tree topper my mum bought in Switzerland over 25 years ago. I love blending old & new - it always works a treat!