A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-08-04....A Bracebridge Christmas Revisited

Mama_Bear

[Mama_Bear]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

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We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_Bear, dutchess, dansangel, Aquamarine ~

Some Mannheim Steamroller Christmas music
to accompany today's Christmas presentation.

Veni Veni (O Come, O Come Emanuel)
I Saw Three Ships
Pat A Pan
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Still, Still, Still
O Come All Ye Faithfull
(Aquamarine, thank you for finding
this music for our holiday enjoyment.)

One of the most creative transformations of an English Christmas story is the annual Bracebridge Dinner in Yosemite National Park. Sheer granite cliffs serve as the backdrop for the Bracebridge Dinner at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Valley each Christmas. The granite face of Yosemite Falls is framed in frost and the meadows are blanketed in glistening snow.

The Hotel has hosted a recreation of the Bracebridge Christmas Dinner almost every year since the hotel opened in 1927. While traveling in England in the early 19th century, famous American author Washington Irving (1783 –1859) was a guest at the country estate of Squire Bracebridge. Irving wrote about his experience in “The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon” published in 1820. The Bracebridge Dinner is a re-enactment of Irving’s account of Christmas at Bracebridge Hall. Christmas dinner at Bracebridge Hall dated back to the 17th century.


Ansel Adams, renowned photographer and naturalist, made Yosemite his home. He orchestrated Irving’s description of the 17th century feast with period music and verse and played the role of the Lord of Misrule for many years. The Adams’ version of the pageant is still used today at the Ahwahnee.

In the story, Squire Bracebridge has invited family and friends to his ancestral home to celebrate Christmas Dinner. The players are dressed in vibrantly colored period costumes. The Ahwahnee Dining Room, already one of the most breathtaking in the world, is transformed into a 17th century English Manor Hall with evergreen wreaths and colorful banners hanging from the massive ceiling beams high above the floor. The entire dining room is the backdrop for the dinner performance. A large alcove at the end of the dining room serves as the dais for the Squire and his guests.

The program is an elegant and artistic three-hour pageant of classic carols, Renaissance rituals, Middle Age music and sumptuous food. Chimes and trumpets herald the Squire’s arrival as everyone rises to pay him honor. The Bracebridge Singers add their voices to the pageantry as each course is presented to the Squire for his approval prior to serving his guests. There are four presentations: The Fish, The Peacock Pie, The Baron of Beef and The Boars Head, and The Pudding and The Wassail. Chimes, trumpets, and the Bracebridge Singers herald the presentation of each course. The props are elaborate recreations of 17th century food presentation. Each presentation is marched through the Grand Hall by costumed servants and presented to the Squire. Once the Squire has approved each course, white glove servers serve the guests.

The Lord of Misrule plays the part of a jester and juggler and entertains the Squire and his guests during the meal. Operatic singers, minstrels, and the housekeeper perform solos throughout the pageant. A band of paupers from the village arrive and Squire Bracebridge invites them to partake in the feast, true to the Christmas tradition. After the elaborate affair the Squire and his company exit the Hall greeting their guests as they leave.

The Bracebridge Dinner has been presented every year except during the Second World War when the Ahwahnee served as a rehabilitation hospital for the U.S. Navy. This unique event has become a National Treasure and a California tradition.

"There's such a magical feeling to being in Yosemite at that time of year," said Andrea Fulton, the producer and director, who has been performing in the event for the past 52 years. "It's quiet, the valley is usually filled with snow, and you walk into the most incredibly beautiful room at the Ahwahnee Hotel."

Cameras are not allowed in the Ahwahnee dining room
during the performance. This is one of the few photos of the cast
available and was copied from the cover of a 1985 menu and program.

The centerpiece of the event is the seven-course feast that is prepared by the Ahwahnee's world-class culinary staff and planned months in advance. Rich and wondrous dishes delight the eye and palate.




A feast for the Body and Soul



Mushrooms a la grecque, Medley of Cured Olives, Marinated Baby Artichokes,
Pickled Baby Carrot Trio, Pickled Quails Eggs, Caviar


Roasted Butternut Squash “Mulligatawny”
Tart Apple, Pumpkin Seed Cracker


Chilled, Herb Grilled Gulf Coast Jumbo White Prawns
Cucumber Seaweed Salad
Fresh Tomato Horseradish Coulis, Parsley Emulsion


Wild Mushroom Ragout
Truffle Julienne, Pheasant Dumplings, Seared Squab Breast


Pistachio Crusted Angus Beef Tenderloin
Sweet Potatoes Dauphinoise
Haricot Vet, Orange Glaze Baby Beets
Béarnaise Demi-glace


Baby Spinach, Frisee, Baby Red Endive
Poached Crimson Pear, Sonora Gold Mineshaft Aged Blue Cheese Custard


Plum Pudding with Hard Sauce,
Hot Mulled Cider, Assorted Holiday Cookies and Chocolates





Although there are only eight seatings of 335 people, as many as 15,000 people request tickets for the highly coveted seats (yes, even at the $275 per person ticket price). Previously awarded by lottery due to the high demand, seats are now available on a first come, first-served basis.

Listen as Robert Anderson,
the Executive Chef,
describes the Ahwahnee kitchen.

The Ahwahnee ~ A World Class Hotel....
any time of the year.

As a National Historical Landmark and one of the most distinctive resort hotels in North America, The Ahwahnee is well known for its great granite façade, striking beamed ceilings, massive stone hearths, richly colored Native American artwork, and finely appointed rooms.

Grand Hotel, Grand Design

Completed in 1927, The Ahwahnee features a unique blend of design influences including Art Deco, Native American, Middle Eastern and Arts & Crafts Movement. These elements can be seen in every aspect of the hotel including stenciling, woodwork, lighting fixtures and china patterns. Every room is finely appointed for comfort and visual delight and reflects the natural surroundings and Native American influence of Yosemite

Some of the most well loved aspects of The Ahwahnee are its grand public spaces featuring giant stone fireplaces, massive hand-stenciled beams, rich tapestries and elegant stained glass.

Yosemite and the Ahwahnee Hotel provide the perfect snowy backdrop for this story of Christmas Day at Bracebridge Hall in Yorkshire, England.

I hope you have enjoyed this presentation
of the Bracebridge Christmas.
This unique event has become a
National Treasure and a California tradition.

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 12-06-04 Military Monday 12-07-04 Aloha~Mele Kalikimaka

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

Click on the photo to view the album. To
submit your photo, please contact dansangel or .45Man
at
danbh59@yahoo.com
and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

CLICK

[Mama_Bear]

Lovely thread, MB!

Thank you, Molly. It's always a special day when you stop by. :-)

Thanks so much, and a merry Wed. to all at the Finest!

And to you!

[Billie]

Good morning,Sistah Lori! Bracebridge was lovely last year, but the new table borders are even more beautiful this year, and that heading is outstanding! I love your beautiful winter pledge graphic.

It really is does look like Christmas at the Finest. :)

[Mama_Bear]

It's very pretty and interesting!

Thanks so much. This is a re-run from a post I did last year, but there are many new people who visit the Finest, so I thought I would run it again. (Besides, I had nothing else prepared to post today. LOL)

Have a great day, tuliptree.

[Mama_Bear]

Bracebridge was lovely last year, but the new table borders are even more beautiful this year, and that heading is outstanding!

You noticed?! I should have known, if anyone would, Billie would. Thanks, I think the additions were an improvement too.

Good morning, BillieBlue. :-)

I need to make a ton of peanut brittle today, in between tending to the thread. It's something I do every December and family and friends have come to expect it. Don't want to be hearing...."What? No peanut brittle this year???" LOL

[Mama_Bear]

Wow, what an appealing place..

Yes, it was a beautiful performance and dinner. We went to the Bracebridge Dinner on Christmas Eve many years ago. If you ever have an opportunity to go, I recommend it.

Thanks so much for your compliments, Dolly. You always make us feel so appreciated here. :-)

[Aquamarine]

Good Morning MB, this Post is gorgeous! Would love to go to Yosemite National Park one day.

Had to take Daisy dog to the vet this morning for her annual shots, need to go work on John's essay now.

Have a lovely day!

[crabbie]

Mama_Bear...gorgeous thread!

Mayor, thanks for the good words for today.

[ST.LOUIE1]

Morning, darlin' fuzzy. Merry Christmas. : )

Beautiful thread....again. LOL

[tuliptree76]

I didn't know about FR this time last year, so it's new to me. ;-)

[lonestar]

That's me!!!!!!!!!

I'm Santa Paws!!!!

Weinie

[DollyCali]

well, re: being appreciated. i think the one thing WRONG with this daily thread is that it is SO good that people just take for granted the graphics, material , display.

Now I participate on a few other daily threads & visit others now & then. I may have not found it yet, but this thread IMHO is without match.

There are here several great contributers & several great graphic artists (whether professional or not, you are graphic artists)

Most on FR are NOT into HTML at all. at all. That is okay but once you start dabbling(and that is all I am at this point, a dabbler) you understand all the work it takes to put together a beautiful offering like you did this morning.

It isn't just copy paste like emailing a picture!!!!

I try to each day send a copy of the link to my non FR friends/family. I often get a note back with appreciation.

[Mama_Bear]

Morning, darlin' fuzzy. Merry Christmas. : )

Morning, charmin' wolfie. Merry Christmas to you!

Beautiful thread....again. LOL

Thank you again. I know how much you enjoyed that yummy menu last year. LOL

I just took some peanut brittle off of the stove. Care to sample some? It's whiska-lickin' good, if I do say so myself. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

Good Morning MB, this Post is gorgeous!

:-) Thank you. You know, I didn't ask the Bracebridge people if it was okay for me to present this and use their name. If I had, I might have gotten the same answer you got from the Biltmore. That's too bad that they wouldn't cooperate.

I owe you mail from yesterday, and I will answer it by the end of the day. I hope Daisy gets a clean bill of health from the Vet. So sorry to hear about her epilepsy. I didn't know that Beagles were prone to that aliment. At least hers isn't too bad at this point.

BTW, did you notice that all the links you found to the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas music are still good? I love "Pat A Pan". It fits so well with the theme of the post.

HUGS!

[Mama_Bear]

Mama_Bear...gorgeous thread!

Thank you so much! I hope, along with Billie's Christmas in Hawaii post yesterday, it helps put everyone in the Christmas spirit. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

Awww........you just made my day, ((((((((((Dolly))))))))). :-)

I am going to copy your comments and ping my sistahs, brothahs, and some of the others who do such a fantastic job contributing here at the Finest. I know they will appreciate what you said also....

well, re: being appreciated. i think the one thing WRONG with this daily thread is that it is SO good that people just take for granted the graphics, material , display.

Now I participate on a few other daily threads & visit others now & then. I may have not found it yet, but this thread IMHO is without match.

There are here several great contributers & several great graphic artists (whether professional or not, you are graphic artists)

Most on FR are NOT into HTML at all. at all. That is okay but once you start dabbling(and that is all I am at this point, a dabbler) you understand all the work it takes to put together a beautiful offering like you did this morning.

It isn't just copy paste like emailing a picture!!!!

I try to each day send a copy of the link to my non FR friends/family. I often get a note back with appreciation.

[dansangel]

Thank you ((((((Mama_Bear))))))) for a beautiful presentation and an inspiring story. Very little seems to be putting me in the Christmas spirit these days. However, after Billie's wonderful thread yeasterday and your lovely offering today, I feel the stirrings of Christmas spirit coming to life.

Have a blessed day!

[JustAmy]

Thank you for the beautiful Finest Thread, MamaBear.

Merry Christmas to everyone at the Finest!!
Hey .... I said Merry Christmas!

[Mama_Bear]

Hey .... I said Merry Christmas!

And I will say it again.......Merry Christmas!!! :-)

I can hardly bring myself to say "Happy Holidays" anymore, not since it has become "politically correct".

Are you feeling better today?

[Mama_Bear]

Very little seems to be putting me in the Christmas spirit these days.

Oh, I'm sorry, dansy. I've had some Christmas' when I had a hard time getting into the spirit of the season too. I hope things start looking brighter for you very soon. (((((((((dansy)))))))))

[jwfiv]

Thanks, Mama_Bear ... you've definitely put me in a Christmas kinda mood ... )