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Monday, December 8, 2008
Want to see the Festival of Trees? Log on ..
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Welcome to the Festival of Trees! Kitty Correll, from left, Cheryl Watson, Ron Hedgepeth, Angie Chesin, and Glenn Wallace with one of the trees decorated for the Children’s Holiday Gala. Photo by Dane Sponberg
The Festival of Trees has gone green this year.
Really green.
If you didn’t attend the Dec. 5 gala at SCAD-Atlanta, your viewing opportunity will be an online experience.
The 31-year-old event, which has raised some $17 million over the years for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, was hosted for years at the Georgia World Congress Center. Last year’s event was nearly scotched due to scheduling conflicts at the GWCC.
The Atlanta History Center, which happened to have an opening in its calendar, stepped in to save the day and hosted the festival and preview-night gala that preceded it.
Last year’s Festival of Trees was at the Atlanta History Center. Photo by Todd R.McQueen.
This year the festival moved again, to SCAD-Atlanta. The school hosted a preview party in November, and a Dec. 5 gala. The $150-per-person event featured an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a silent auction of designer decorated trees, wreaths and table top displays.
The 30 trees decorated in honor of Children’s patients were on display during the gala, and are now being delivered to patients’ homes so the youngsters and their families can enjoy them over the holidays.
We’re told SCAD will post a gallery of the trees on its Web site. For longtime fans of the festival, who recall the acres of greenery and children’s rides at the GWCC, it might not be the same.
A photo from the 2001 Festival of Trees, by Lynn Siler
The 1999 Festival of Trees featured a Fun Slide. Photo by Charlotte B. Teagle.
This photo from the 2002 Festival of Trees gives you an idea of how big the event was. Photo by Charlotte B. Teagle.
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Where do you find luxury for less?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Oysters and champagne at the XO Bar: an elegant bargain
Given the state of our economy, we’re all hanging on to our wallets these days. But it’s nice to take a break amid the holiday rush, and indulge just a little.
Here are a few ideas for enjoying a bit of bling in Atlanta - without going broke.
Seafood pairings for just 10 clams at XO
The marquee drink at XO Bar at the InterContinental Hotel in Buckhead is Le Reve des Anges, made with Hennessy Ellipse, a dash of Chambord and topped with Dom Perignon. At $550, it’s a bit of a splurge.
But for $10, enjoy white wine paired with two jumbo shrimp or three oysters paired with champagne. The oysters are freshly shucked, the shrimp are seasoned with Cajun spices and the wine is selected daily.
It has to be the most elegant bargain in town.
Burgers at the Ritz-Carlton’s Lobby Lounge
Executive chef Arnaud Berthelier’s culinary mastery in The Dining Room, the Buckhead Ritz-Carlton’s top-drawer restaurant, isn’t cheap.
In the Lobby Lounge, the gourmet burger menu includes the $16 classic, featuring Vermont cheddar with applewood smoked bacon and sherry mayo, served with fries.
Pair it with a $7 brew from the beer menu for serious comfort food.
3434 Peachtree Road, Buckhead; 404-237-2700.
Creations at the Art Institute of Atlanta
Creations, the restaurant staffed by upper-level culinary students under faculty supervision at the Art Institute of Atlanta, is a sparkling jewel in the bargain-hunter’s crown.
We’re talking a a six-course dinner for $33, or lunch from $9 to $18 (not including beverage, tax or tip).
It’s serving this quarter through Dec. 12 and then takes a holiday break. Reservations are required.
29 Spa at the Mansion on Peachtree
If you don’t have the $2.5 million to $12 million to buy a pad at the Mansion on Peachtree, book a 29 Spa package from $175 and enjoy access to the super luxurious lounge, fitness center and locker room areas, with signature tea and wine to further refresh. Individual spa services range from $55 for a manicure to $175 for a 90-minute grape skin treatment.
Speaking of spas
For an even greater bargain, students at the Atlanta School of Massage will work you over for as little as $30. Since this is a school, the facility lacks the over-the-top luxury of 29 Spa, but is clean and comfortable.
Do you have luxe-for-less secrets to share? What are your best tips for minor indulges during less-than-perfect economic times?
