to hear sleigh bells in the snow ☆

[castledecorator.livejournal.com]

[ It looks like your resident Christmas fairies and tree angel have decided to go for something different this year. Something extravagant. Early evening, Christmas Eve, there's a path, a trail, just the same as usual, but this one bypasses the grand ballroom entirely, leading to a door much farther off. Large, with intricate decorations, the bottom of the door is frosted over, ice climbing in thin, delicate lines up the frame. Once the first party-goers arrive, the door opens to a large snowy trail. Branches curve and nest over it, and the trail is well-lit despite the night hours. It won't be long before the trail opens into a large snow-covered courtyard. There's an open gate at the very end that circles the area for the ball with a snowy, brick fence lined with lights; every twenty-five feet there's a small decoration, just to keep in the spirit. The area beyond the fence is thick with trees, glittering with ice and packed snow.

There's no snow falling this year, because this ball is taking place outdoors. Freshly fallen snow, smooth and untouched is everywhere, but don't worry; this is just as magical as the rest, and while there may be a slight chill in the air, it's at a temperature most comfortable for everyone without being especially warm, so coats and mittens are not needed. The snow? It's magic, of course. (Just magical enough, even, that the ladies won't have to worry about their heels getting caught.)

To the left is the dance floor, a large stone circle swept free of snow, with a few scattered, tall, thin trees completely devoid of leaves hanging their branches high, high above, leaving a large space above them so the stars can shine down on the dance floor. Icicles bubbling with small, glowing orbs hang from the trees to provide just the right amount of light, and music seems to float out of nowhere, loudest on the dance floor.

To the right guests can find the food and drink tables, dark cherry wood with white tablecloths and cloth-covered chairs with decorative golden trim. Golden candles are placed here and there, matching the plates and painted napkin holders, and the wrappings on the holders of the white poinsettias. The food this year seems to be leaning on the edge of sweet, with lots of chocolates wrapped in golden foil in large glass dishes, cupcakes, cookies, candy canes and a glass fountain with a clear drink that one couldn't quite name. It could taste of vanilla to one person, or mint to another, or warm white chocolate, or coffee. Who knows? One thing's for sure - it'll warm you from your head to your toes. There are, of course, light champagnes, cider, and eggnog, but the hot chocolate is mysteriously missing. Even aside from the sweets, the theme seems to be small foods; there are dishes of sandwiches and meat pies, sausages and cheeses, buttered rolls and sweet breads, fruits and vegetables, dips, chips, and fried cakes. (There are even some special sandwiches for the kids, each bearing their name.)

In the very center is the Christmas tree, larger and brighter than it has been in years past, mostly in thanks to the outdoor atmosphere. The real color theme this year shines brilliantly on it in gold and glass decorations, baubles, beads, and small silk bows. Traditional strings of white lights make it glow in the dark of the night, shimmering against the fallen snow. Solid stone benches curve around the tree in half-circles for anyone who wants to sit and admire it.

Finally, past the Christmas tree itself, is a much shorter trail leading to an easily visible, but small and cozy two-story log cabin with large glass windows. It smells faintly of chocolate, but the cabin itself is not edible. For anyone who finds the atmosphere just a little too chilly, they're invited to come inside and curl up in a blanket on one of the couches. There's a warm fire roaring inside the fireplace, and plenty of mugs of steaming, fresh hot chocolate piled on the table. ]