Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Coastal Christmas: A Photographic Review

Disclaimer: I am not a very good photographer. My apologies.

Christmas at the Cloister



We attended 7:00 pm church services and then headed to the hotel for dinner in 100 Hudson.
During dinner, the Yule Log Ceremony began in the Lobby. It's quite the event usually, but this year there were significantly fewer guests. (I think we all know why...) See the program below.


Yes, the yule log ceremony would have made for a great photo op - but I was three vodkas deep and well, you know how that goes.


The tree in the lobby was gorgeous. My pictures definitely do not do it justice.




The tree in the solarium was my favorite - decorated with nutcrackers and beautiful handpainted balls.



There was a massive gingerbread house in the center of the lobby. It was adorable, but wasn't nearly as over-the-top as what they have had on display at the Lodge in years past.


(Somebody was hungry.)


The nativity scene is pretty close to being life size and is really beautiful - especially at night when illuminated.



Ahhh...Christmas Eve on the marsh's edge.




Christmas Day Beach Bound

Christmas morning, my mother-in-law invited me (read: dragged me out of bed at 8:00 am)
to her rumba class at the Cloister Spa. Have to say - it was awesome. We shimmied and shook to Rhianna, Britney and Madonna. Made me feel a lot better about my cheesecake from the night before...


(Lucy is wearing a shirt that said "I ate Santa's cookies." Kinda cute.)

Putter and her cousin, Lucy donned their matching collars and were looking for a little more excitement. To the beach!


I just loved this garden gate on our way to the beach. Casa de encanto - House of Enchantment.



Looking down the beach toward the new beach club.



You have never seen a happier dog than this exhausted, water logged Lab with her sandy tennis ball.


Santa shops at the Infamous Sea Island Sale

In early December Sea Island has an insane sale where they offer everything from linens and silverware to golf club covers to clothing and shoes at a 60 - 80% discount. Basically they unload all their excess - first to employees and members, then to the general public.

My mother-in-law has scored some great buys in years past and usually these purchases end up underneath the tree. (I'm not complaining.)

While admiring her holiday tablescape, I noticed some new additions - in particular beautiful gold and green chargers.




Ummm...hello...fabulous. Wedgewood. $1.00 a charger at the infamous sale. (Mr. News Readin' has already staked claim for estate purposes.)

She also picked up these beauties for $4.00 a glass. They're heavy and gorgeous.


Oh, the table runner pictured...that would be one of the wraps my bridesmaids wore. Interesting re-purposing, no?



And to all a good night!

Coming soon: TIBI outlet scores and an inside look of Frederica's new clubhouse. (It's to die for...)

3 comments:

a. said...

Looks like a wonderful time!

Melissa @ I Pick Pretty said...

Gorgeous gorgeous!! Glad you had a great Christmas, despite the 8 am in-law and exercise (!) incident.

What Kate Wore said...

It all looked just fabulous, and the tablerunner is an outstanding touch! We are insanely jealous about the chargers, but will find a way to get over our own bad selves!

Grins & Giggles for your new year,
tp