Sweet Little Treat

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house was the smell of ginger, cloves and cinnamon...Well, not in my house but that did indeed happen somewhere to create this marvelous creation I stumbled upon. I so love D.C. during the holidays. The lights and decorations are completely captivating. The historic Mayflower Hotel was no exception. Among a colonnade of beautifully decorated trees was this sweet little treat.

Not a gingerbread house but a gingerbread mansion!

Gingerbread houses are filled with things I love about the holidays...baked goods and fantasy. 

More on this scene at flickr.com

This delicious feast for the eyes is filled with loads of ideas for the miniaturist. Why is this?Because alternative purposing for the familiar was practically invented for this pastry art.  Let's just begin with snow made of icing. There's plenty more...

'Silver' dragee (think Jordan Almonds) embellish 
each facade and yogurt covered pretzels as cast 
iron roof cresting crown the mansion.

Chex cereal roof shingles

Stacks of cinnamon 'logs'

So here is wishing everyone the very merriest of Christmases. May you be blessed with PEACE, JOY and HOPE in abundance!

Perhaps, the most delicious pine needles ever?!?

Baby It's Cold Outside...but bring in another log for the fire!