Yes, I would have to agree with you on that one. Simple and cozy would be the way to go. And pie. THERE MUST BE A CHRISTMAS PIE. Or else… *menacing glare*
(Note: the pie (or two, if we feel like it) would be for eating, not for throwing. No, Kokopelli, of course we’re not going to throw pies at a formal MA event!)
“Cozy” says “hot chocolate” to me. The real stuff, made with scalded milk (or soy milk for the vegans out there). Served in sterling chocolate cups, of course, if you’re going formal. Steaming hot to warm your hands after coming in from the cold. Oh…just a thought, maybe people should arrive by sleigh.
That sounds good. Large, roaring fireplaces, armchairs, big dark green trees with red baubles and gold garlands and candles. People wearing Christmasey velvety things and drinking tea. I like this idea.
Ha! Ha! Christmas in Doctor Who season 1 was the last anyone saw of peaceful, happy, christmases… Let’s see, we’ve had alien invasions, killer christmas stars,flying ships attempting to crash into buckingham palace and cybermen in victorian england
Evil santas and evil angels. Creepy arachnid aliens (what were they called? Arachnods?) and the Titanic! Yup, Christmas in London is definitely not the place to be. Can’t wait to see this year’s Christmas special…..
I figured out what to call the theme I proposed: Victorian Christmas. Lots of gold and similar warm tones, with rich, dark reds and greens as accents. Rather soft lights–preferably candles/torches. Everything old-fashioned, nostalgic, and cozy, but at the same time beautifully ornate. By way of food, there should be various roast beasts (goose, ham, etc.) as well as a plethora of scrumptious sweet things. Oh, and there has to be mulled cider.
But of course this seems most suited to us Christians. But alas, that’s what I associate with the holidays, so that’s what I’m proposing. I’m finding a few pictures that show what I’m picturing, which I’ll send to the GAPAs once I’ve found the ones I want.
When I think of cozy and traditional, I automatically think of long, formal ballgowns and tuxedos, but that’s just my suggestion, and you know how those are.
I’m for semi-formal. Those who like to dress up can come in gowns or tuxes, those who like things more relaxed, like me, can come in corduroys and turtlenecks.
I, too, like the traditional idea… big Christmas trees, fireplaces, hot chocolate. I’m for semi-formal wear, too, I think (someone will probably change my mind pretty quickly).
We shall have mistletoe. Because I want people being in uncomfortable situations.
Yeah, let’s have an anonymous gift exchange again! I’ve still got…um…a wung, and an living origami animal. That I think is a dog.
People who would be more comfortable with mistletoe (see comment 8.3) can always supply their own. (“Dear Mom and Dad, — Please send mistletoe in your next package.”)
Nargles were referenced in the book, just at a different time, I think, and under different circumstances than the movie……But they were referenced in both.
It was in book 5, at christmas, in the book. During a DA meeting. Or before it, anyway. I don’t know when it was in the movie, I have yet to watch that…
Anyway, that was probably useless and mostly unnecessary. Leaving now…
Dukcy–Yup, that’s the way to go. Although you’ll probably hate the movies, as you’ll be comparing them to the books the whole time….That is, if you’re at all like me. Which, for you sake, I hope you’re not.
Yeah, I was fairly certain you would know, hence my ‘probably useless…’ comment, but it didn’t exactly look like a life-shattering spoiler to me. Forgive me if I’m wrong, Ducky.
4~ Christmas is a Christian holiday, why shouldn’t it be suited to Christians? In case anyone thinks this is narrow-minded, might I humbly ask why a non-Christian would be celebrating the birth of Christ? An atheist doesn’t believe in God, and so, I would assume, wouldn’t have anything to do with Jesus either. Jews and Muslims don’t think he was the messiah, so why would they make a big deal about his birth? And none of the other religions that I can think of really make a big deal about Jesus either.
I don’t mean to offend anyone, so please don’t take this the wrong way.
Except this isn’t a Christmas party. Many traditions, religious and otherwise, ancient and modern, have found reasons to celebrate at this time of year. We’re not being exclusive. That said, the most specifically Christian suggestion so far has been Christmas carols, but there’s no reason other seasonal songs couldn’t be sung in addition to carols, many of which are themselves mixtures of pagan and Christian elements.
Foods suggestions:
Leg ‘o lamb
Lamb ribs
Lamb- *stops suggesting various lamb parts*
Smoked salmon
Ham w/ maple syrup
*looks at list of non- vegetarian things*
Um… *tries to think of vegetarian dishes* *fails*
Not that I’ve been here very long but it just seems to me that most things (parties cities ect.) are based around old fashion Victoria (4) / places revolving around England 1600. I’m not complaining, just pointing out.
How about we have a small Old Gothic corner to this party, with spiky, black castle spires painted on the wall, (assuming that the festivities will be inside) for those of us who think there should be more of an aspect of despair. I also suggest that if no one else agrees with this comment, you should all gang up on me and toss me out of the nearest window.
Hem, hem… “And a merry season to all, and to all a good MBing night!”
What if there was some kind of ice cave (with icicles hanging down) where the cold drinks are stored? Ice is still part of the theme, and any food or drink that needs to be kept cold/frozen is there. Would that be good?
We can have it behind a glass wall. The cave could be the polar camp, with things being stored on/in coolers camoflaged as old crates. There could be sleds and hurricane lamps and other equipment lying around for “flavour”.
*Gets tossed out the window for teasing that we have no ice; while quoting The Big Bang Theory* *Saves self with pocket grappling hook*
*Goes back to lurking in the inky shadows*
I agree that it should be cozy and elegant, with giant roaring fires in brick fireplaces but really, Big Huge Christmas Tree and hot chocolate are my only musts. Semi-formal attire also sounds like a good idea too, though how exactly does one describe semi-formal? When will this take place? How does the anonymous gift exchange work, and what sort of gifts do people usually anonymously exchange? Sorry, this is my first Holiday Party. *is excited*
I think semi-formal entails a certain amount of dressiness, but not so that we are wearing tuxedos and ball gowns. Simple cocktail or floor-length dresses for girls, and dress pants, shirt and tie for boys should do the trick.
Hup, hup, Cat’s Eye the party organizer reporting for duty!
Love idea of Victorian Christmas! Like in Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” and Terry Pratchett’s “Hogfather”! But I’m still wearing my enormous menorah hat.
However, although we’re having a Victorian Christmas, it would be completely silly to miss out on all the wonderful food that comes with other cultures’ winter solstice holidays. May I suggest Hanukkah-themed Christmas cookies (yes, they ARE possible); challah; latkes with sour cream and applesauce; jelly donuts; and other goodies. I will suggest more as more ideas arrive in my brain.
Oh, and some generic winter foods such as hot chocolate and cinnamon apple cider, without which no winter would be complete. And I suggest a roaring, crackling fire taking up one wall somewhere near the Tree where cold travelers can warm their frozen fingers.
*walks off whistling holiday tunes*
(14, 14.6) Well, there was a Victorian gothic, although I wouldn’t call it an aesthetic of “despair.” As an aspect of Romanticism, it was more a quest for emotional intensity and the experience of the sublime (including but not limited to thrills and chills).
Regarding mistletoe: I didn’t want it because I was concerned about people getting into uncomfortable situations, but that appears to be a good thing to some of us.
I don’t mind it too much, if it’s wanted, but only if people won’t go, “Oh, look, mistletoe! Kiss, you two!” all the time (or, better yet, ever). Either way, I’ll be avoiding it.
Regarding food: We must have warm soups. Oh, and homemade bread, fresh from the oven! Maybe some things like wild rice and green bean casserole! Things with peppermint! Things with cranberries!
Definition of semi-formal: To me, it means that we dress up more than usual, but not as much as for a ball.
I’m fine with that. Although honestly, you’re the one controlling yourself. So if you get stuck under some mistletoe…well, then you’re the one to blame! (Or congratulate? Either one.)
18- Well, maybe “despair” wasn’t exactly the right word to use… I was in the middle of some exasperating Social Studies homework… so I guess my brain imploded a bit. (What exactly is the Muse Academy? I probably should know this, but having not been on the blog very long, I don’t.)
*walks up behind those who attempted to catapult me out of the window, and shouts “BOO!” very loudly*
Hi! I just arrived on my flying reindeer! I think that we Musers should only play tricks involving catapults, pie, etc., and not the so-called “uncomfortable situations”. That isn’t very funny. So, I’m fine with the mistletoe as long as people disregard its reputation. And I want to make this place HPB- free. You never know when they’ll dress up like Arctic hares or put on reindeer antlers and a Santa hat….
Hrrm, sounds fun! Poltergists! (spelling is most probably wrong).
Little trickster ghostie type thingys who go around pieing and generally doing random pranks.
So, how long is the party going to last? Perhaps it could start on the solstice and end on New Years? (a long party, I know… but the longer the more time for muse holiday party related fun…. as long as there’s endless food..)
Maybe we could through some other countries in with the Victorian England theme.. Germany, Norway, Iceland, Italy… we could have an appropriately decorated area for each w/ similar color schemes (gold for instance) to tie it all together…They could all be themed off the 1800’s to tie back in to the victorian era.
I can’t wait to figure out what I’m wearing!
*never has been active enough during holidays to go to holiday party*
*realizes that was very long and very stupid*
*pouts*
It’s sort of a sauce made mostly with breadcrumbs and milk/cream/butter, but also with spices and stuff such as pepper, cloves, salt etc. Usually served with roast meat, generally poultry such as turkey, chicken, goose etc.
For some reason I was under the impression that butterbeer tasted like really hot root beer. Is it legal to drink as a thirteen year old if you’re a wizard?
Important question:Do you have to have previously posted on/gone to Muse Academy thingies before the actual Muse Academy Holiday party to do it? (Still a ‘phyte so I really have no idea whatsoever…)
No, but you should probably know what it’s all about before you join in (in other words, read this thread and visit part MA ball threads to see what they’re like.) Everyone’s welcome to join in!
It’s almost a pity that we’re not going for the despair theme, because I found the perfect music for it. Moving on…What kind of music are we going to have anyway? Will there even be any? Should it be dancing type music, nice music to listen to, music to sing along to, or a mix of all three?
A mix of all three. The musicians and singers amongst us can perform some traditional and/or well known Christmas songs, such as Silent Night, Jingle Bells, Joy To The World, etc.
Yes, a mix, including lots of familiar songs so that people can sing along if they wish.
I would really like to hear Sarajevo/Carol of the Bells by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, although I think that might be a lot of instruments to bring in.
I know I’ll probably be up onstage the whole dance, as it is my favorite place to be. The mix of musicians will probably choose something traditional, like Ducky said. I’m excited!
I know this has already more or less been stated, but I would just like to say that let’s not forget that this is a Holiday party not a Christmas one! Decoration and music that are not just fitted for a Christmas celebration but a general Holiday one would be most appreciated. And no, I’m not saying that because I don’t celebrate Christmas because I do actually….
Regarding the holiday gift exchange: It is a good idea, but it kind of exploded last year. I am proposing the addition of a few rules:
1. Each MuseBlogger may only post ONE present.
2. Each MuseBlogger may only take ONE present.
3. A MuseBlogger may only take a present if en has posted one.
This should clear things up nicely. Last year there were a lot of random presents that did not get taken. This way nobody gets disappointed and there are no extra presents.
Yeah, two is fine I was going to type something like that but I couldn’t word it correctly.
I do believe that there should be a limit on how many presents you post becasue if someone posts ten and then takes ten there’s a lot of other people who have to take a present from that person. Everyone needs variety.
What I’m trying to say is that there should be a set number of presents that someone must post and take. Whether it be one, two, or ten I don’t care.
I say old-fashioned Christmas would be a good theme. Cozy, classic. More along the lines of gold than red and green. Y’know?
Yes, I would have to agree with you on that one. Simple and cozy would be the way to go. And pie. THERE MUST BE A CHRISTMAS PIE. Or else… *menacing glare*
(Note: the pie (or two, if we feel like it) would be for eating, not for throwing. No, Kokopelli, of course we’re not going to throw pies at a formal MA event!)
“Cozy” says “hot chocolate” to me. The real stuff, made with scalded milk (or soy milk for the vegans out there). Served in sterling chocolate cups, of course, if you’re going formal. Steaming hot to warm your hands after coming in from the cold. Oh…just a thought, maybe people should arrive by sleigh.
I agree with Piggy, something formal sounds nice. Classy, but not stuffy.
……I’m no help with these threads
That sounds good. Large, roaring fireplaces, armchairs, big dark green trees with red baubles and gold garlands and candles. People wearing Christmasey velvety things and drinking tea. I like this idea.
Wungs curled up in front of fireplaces, an orchestra playing Christmas carols, warm gold lights, bells jingling,
evil robot angels…Thanks, Rainbow*Star for my best laugh of the evening.
Ha! Ha! Christmas in Doctor Who season 1 was the last anyone saw of peaceful, happy, christmases… Let’s see, we’ve had alien invasions, killer christmas stars,flying ships attempting to crash into buckingham palace and cybermen in victorian england
Evil santas and evil angels. Creepy arachnid aliens (what were they called? Arachnods?) and the Titanic! Yup, Christmas in London is definitely not the place to be. Can’t wait to see this year’s Christmas special…..
Racnoss.
I figured out what to call the theme I proposed: Victorian Christmas. Lots of gold and similar warm tones, with rich, dark reds and greens as accents. Rather soft lights–preferably candles/torches. Everything old-fashioned, nostalgic, and cozy, but at the same time beautifully ornate. By way of food, there should be various roast beasts (goose, ham, etc.) as well as a plethora of scrumptious sweet things. Oh, and there has to be mulled cider.
But of course this seems most suited to us Christians. But alas, that’s what I associate with the holidays, so that’s what I’m proposing. I’m finding a few pictures that show what I’m picturing, which I’ll send to the GAPAs once I’ve found the ones I want.
will….rabbit be served?
I like this concept though! I may even partake in the festivities if this happens. Of course, I do always say that…hmmm
And an enormous tree. That’s a must
Victorian Christmas is a good theme.
I second (Third? Fourth? Fifth? Sixth?) Piggy’s idea of a cozy, traditional party. Something elegant yet small and sweet at the same time.
And Christmas pudding!
I agree with Piggy and bookgirl_me. We need a huge decorated tree.
When I think of cozy and traditional, I automatically think of long, formal ballgowns and tuxedos, but that’s just my suggestion, and you know how those are.
“Though maybe we should avoid mistletoe.”
I’m for semi-formal. Those who like to dress up can come in gowns or tuxes, those who like things more relaxed, like me, can come in corduroys and turtlenecks.
Good idea. That way, we can all be happy.
Avoid mistletoe? But…. why?
I think there should be at least a little mistletoe…
I, too, like the traditional idea… big Christmas trees, fireplaces, hot chocolate. I’m for semi-formal wear, too, I think (someone will probably change my mind pretty quickly).
Will we have an anonymous gift exchange again? That was fun.
Seconding that idea!
Thirded!
We shall have mistletoe. Because I want people being in uncomfortable situations.
Yeah, let’s have an anonymous gift exchange again! I’ve still got…um…a wung, and an living origami animal. That I think is a dog.
Somebody’s got my three kittens, too.
Uncomfortable situations abound elsewhere. An official Muse Academy party is a place to get away from them.
People who would be more comfortable with mistletoe (see comment 8.3) can always supply their own. (“Dear Mom and Dad, — Please send mistletoe in your next package.”)
But…..the Nargles. Do you really want a Nargle infestation to break out at MA as a result of students importing mistletoe?
Hee hee.
Heavens no. That’s why if we want to bring mistletoe, we must also give everyone a free necklace of butter beer caps.
I have yet to figure out what those are- I’m only on page 533 of HPATOOTP
It might be only referenced in the movie, but I’m not sure.
Nargles were referenced in the book, just at a different time, I think, and under different circumstances than the movie……But they were referenced in both.
It was in book 5, at christmas, in the book. During a DA meeting. Or before it, anyway. I don’t know when it was in the movie, I have yet to watch that…
Anyway, that was probably useless and mostly unnecessary. Leaving now…
I haven’t watched the movie either; I’ve decide to read the books first, then watch the movies.
Yeah, I know where it was in the book….I just was avoiding stating explicitly, as Ducky had just finished saying she hadn’t gotten their yet……
Dukcy–Yup, that’s the way to go. Although you’ll probably hate the movies, as you’ll be comparing them to the books the whole time….That is, if you’re at all like me. Which, for you sake, I hope you’re not.
Yeah, I was fairly certain you would know, hence my ‘probably useless…’ comment, but it didn’t exactly look like a life-shattering spoiler to me. Forgive me if I’m wrong, Ducky.
By the way Ducky, your avatar is amazing. Especially if I’m correct in my identification.
Sorry, I’ve been wanting to say that for a while.
Errata–No, it’s not a life shattering spoiler, to the best of my humble *coughyeahrightcough* knowledge of HP.
Shall we take this somewhere else? I see a prolonged discussion starting. Errata- If you think it’s a black hole, then you are correct.
Ducky–Prolonged discussion starting? Drat. And here I thought it was over……But, yes, if it continues, I am more than happy going elsewhere with it.
I’m afraid I dont’ see your new avatar, just a pretty blue sky with fluffy clouds? Which I’m assuming aren’t supposed to represent a black hole.
“uncomfortable situations”
How does that work? I wasn’t here last year…
4~ Christmas is a Christian holiday, why shouldn’t it be suited to Christians? In case anyone thinks this is narrow-minded, might I humbly ask why a non-Christian would be celebrating the birth of Christ? An atheist doesn’t believe in God, and so, I would assume, wouldn’t have anything to do with Jesus either. Jews and Muslims don’t think he was the messiah, so why would they make a big deal about his birth? And none of the other religions that I can think of really make a big deal about Jesus either.
I don’t mean to offend anyone, so please don’t take this the wrong way.
Except this isn’t a Christmas party. Many traditions, religious and otherwise, ancient and modern, have found reasons to celebrate at this time of year. We’re not being exclusive. That said, the most specifically Christian suggestion so far has been Christmas carols, but there’s no reason other seasonal songs couldn’t be sung in addition to carols, many of which are themselves mixtures of pagan and Christian elements.
Aha, forgive me, I was mistaken.
Foods suggestions:
Leg ‘o lamb
Lamb ribs
Lamb- *stops suggesting various lamb parts*
Smoked salmon
Ham w/ maple syrup
*looks at list of non- vegetarian things*
Um… *tries to think of vegetarian dishes* *fails*
Gingerbread! Don’t forget gingerbread! And maybe some Greek pretzel cookies, like at the Halloween Ball.
I would also like to add:
ENTREES:
-Turkey (or fresh turkey slices)
– Freshly tossed salad
DESSERTS:
-Melomacarona cookies
-Candy canes
-Mince pies
-Pumpkin pies
-Pavlova
DRINKS:
-Hot chocolate
-Eggnog
-Hot cider
Not that I’ve been here very long but it just seems to me that most things (parties cities ect.) are based around old fashion Victoria (4) / places revolving around England 1600. I’m not complaining, just pointing out.
How about we have a small Old Gothic corner to this party, with spiky, black castle spires painted on the wall, (assuming that the festivities will be inside) for those of us who think there should be more of an aspect of despair. I also suggest that if no one else agrees with this comment, you should all gang up on me and toss me out of the nearest window.
Hem, hem… “And a merry season to all, and to all a good MBing night!”
*prepares tossing arm*
*opens the window very wide so as not to damage Keiffer on himmer’s way out*
*attempts to prevent Keiffer from being tossed out the window* *gets thrown out of the window as well*
*sets up a trampoline under the window so no one gets hurt* Whee!!!
*ambivalently watches throwing squad, debating whether to join it or not*
*agrees with Keiffer’s comment and also wishes a bit of Old Gothic-ness at the party* *prepares to be defenestrated*
Everything suggested so far sounds good to me. I feel like ice should be incorporated into this theme somehow though.
13 – We like old-fashioned stuff.
Maybe we can have the entrance look like a polar explorer’s camp. Captain Scott’s expeditions were right at the end of the Victorian Age, so it fits.
(Plus, I’m a polar nerd.)
What if there was some kind of ice cave (with icicles hanging down) where the cold drinks are stored? Ice is still part of the theme, and any food or drink that needs to be kept cold/frozen is there. Would that be good?
Would the ice cave be closed off in some way so that the cold air wouldn’t get out?
We can have it behind a glass wall. The cave could be the polar camp, with things being stored on/in coolers camoflaged as old crates. There could be sleds and hurricane lamps and other equipment lying around for “flavour”.
I agree that it should be cozy and elegant, with giant roaring fires in brick fireplaces but really, Big Huge Christmas Tree and hot chocolate are my only musts. Semi-formal attire also sounds like a good idea too, though how exactly does one describe semi-formal? When will this take place? How does the anonymous gift exchange work, and what sort of gifts do people usually anonymously exchange? Sorry, this is my first Holiday Party. *is excited*
I think semi-formal entails a certain amount of dressiness, but not so that we are wearing tuxedos and ball gowns. Simple cocktail or floor-length dresses for girls, and dress pants, shirt and tie for boys should do the trick.
Hup, hup, Cat’s Eye the party organizer reporting for duty!
Love idea of Victorian Christmas! Like in Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” and Terry Pratchett’s “Hogfather”! But I’m still wearing my enormous menorah hat.
However, although we’re having a Victorian Christmas, it would be completely silly to miss out on all the wonderful food that comes with other cultures’ winter solstice holidays. May I suggest Hanukkah-themed Christmas cookies (yes, they ARE possible); challah; latkes with sour cream and applesauce; jelly donuts; and other goodies. I will suggest more as more ideas arrive in my brain.
Oh, and some generic winter foods such as hot chocolate and cinnamon apple cider, without which no winter would be complete. And I suggest a roaring, crackling fire taking up one wall somewhere near the Tree where cold travelers can warm their frozen fingers.
*walks off whistling holiday tunes*
(14, 14.6) Well, there was a Victorian gothic, although I wouldn’t call it an aesthetic of “despair.” As an aspect of Romanticism, it was more a quest for emotional intensity and the experience of the sublime (including but not limited to thrills and chills).
Jet jewlery and Egyptology and all that?
Regarding mistletoe: I didn’t want it because I was concerned about people getting into uncomfortable situations, but that appears to be a good thing to some of us.
I don’t mind it too much, if it’s wanted, but only if people won’t go, “Oh, look, mistletoe! Kiss, you two!” all the time (or, better yet, ever). Either way, I’ll be avoiding it.
Regarding food: We must have warm soups. Oh, and homemade bread, fresh from the oven! Maybe some things like wild rice and green bean casserole! Things with peppermint! Things with cranberries!
Definition of semi-formal: To me, it means that we dress up more than usual, but not as much as for a ball.
17 (Cat’s Eye): Mmmm, latkes…
Cranberry muffins?
We can hang the mistletoe in some out-of-the-way spot where people can find it if they want it but won’t have to worry about it otherwise.
Hee hee, I think I’ll lurk near the mistletoe while growling at anyone that comes near. The mixed messages! Oh, the mixed messages…
I’d probably come and growl right back!
Hm, this could get violent.
Yes, and then I’d probably start scratching you- I sharpen one of my fingernails.
I’m fine with that. Although honestly, you’re the one controlling yourself. So if you get stuck under some mistletoe…well, then you’re the one to blame! (Or congratulate? Either one.)
18- Well, maybe “despair” wasn’t exactly the right word to use… I was in the middle of some exasperating Social Studies homework… so I guess my brain imploded a bit. (What exactly is the Muse Academy? I probably should know this, but having not been on the blog very long, I don’t.)
*walks up behind those who attempted to catapult me out of the window, and shouts “BOO!” very loudly*
Hi! I just arrived on my flying reindeer! I think that we Musers should only play tricks involving catapults, pie, etc., and not the so-called “uncomfortable situations”. That isn’t very funny. So, I’m fine with the mistletoe as long as people disregard its reputation. And I want to make this place HPB- free. You never know when they’ll dress up like Arctic hares or put on reindeer antlers and a Santa hat….
Hrrm, sounds fun! Poltergists! (spelling is most probably wrong).
Little trickster ghostie type thingys who go around pieing and generally doing random pranks.
Yes? No?
Not like Peeves, I hope? Even then, that’d be pretty messy.
Can someone please explain the anonymous gift exchange? Thanks! *wasn’t here last year*
We change our username and describe the apearance of a wrapped gift we are leaving under the tree.
Ooh! Fun!
*and a partridge in a pear tree…*
OK, thanks!
So, how long is the party going to last? Perhaps it could start on the solstice and end on New Years? (a long party, I know… but the longer the more time for muse holiday party related fun…. as long as there’s endless food..)
Maybe we could through some other countries in with the Victorian England theme.. Germany, Norway, Iceland, Italy… we could have an appropriately decorated area for each w/ similar color schemes (gold for instance) to tie it all together…They could all be themed off the 1800’s to tie back in to the victorian era.
Actually, last year the party went all month. Personally, I think that was a little bit too long – maybe from the 10th or so until New Year’s?
And I like the idea of multiple countries… maybe we could have multiple ballrooms, each themed for a different european country in the Victorian area.
Saint Nicholas’s day is on the sixth-we could start then… a whole mounth does seem a little too long
The 6th sounds nice.
The 6th sounds great!
The 5th, I think. That’s when my band is going to freeze our fingers off on a trailer while playing Christmas songs.
I’ve already drawn out my dress. It’s going to be red again!
I think we should have Christmas crackers to go with the whole “Victorian”, “Traditional” etc theme.
Also, to add onto the food list (which may include aforementioned items):
MAIN
Turkey/Ham
Goose
Roast beef
Yorkshire Pudding
Creamed potatoes, potato croquettes
Bread/bread sauce
DESSERT
Plum pudding (complete with coins, thimbles, rings etc inside)
Mince pie
Cranberry pie
Baked apples with cream
Yule log
Sugar plums
Toffee
DRINKS
Mulled wine
Wassail punch
Also I think we should do the whole Advent thing, and Boxing Day. But that’s just an idea.
SFTDP but I forgot gingerbread houses/cookies, and eggnog.
Um, what’s bread sauce?
I can’t wait to figure out what I’m wearing!
*never has been active enough during holidays to go to holiday party*
*realizes that was very long and very stupid*
*pouts*
It’s sort of a sauce made mostly with breadcrumbs and milk/cream/butter, but also with spices and stuff such as pepper, cloves, salt etc. Usually served with roast meat, generally poultry such as turkey, chicken, goose etc.
Wassail Punch! But Wassail is alcoholic.
So is butterbeer (supposedly), but that hasn’t stopped us. We even had fire wine at some previous ball or party.
For some reason I was under the impression that butterbeer tasted like really hot root beer. Is it legal to drink as a thirteen year old if you’re a wizard?
Just a little revival of the thread.
Important question:Do you have to have previously posted on/gone to Muse Academy thingies before the actual Muse Academy Holiday party to do it? (Still a ‘phyte so I really have no idea whatsoever…)
No, but you should probably know what it’s all about before you join in (in other words, read this thread and visit part MA ball threads to see what they’re like.) Everyone’s welcome to join in!
No, you don’t. Many students first arrive at Muse Academy during parties.
It’s almost a pity that we’re not going for the despair theme, because I found the perfect music for it. Moving on…What kind of music are we going to have anyway? Will there even be any? Should it be dancing type music, nice music to listen to, music to sing along to, or a mix of all three?
A mix of all three. The musicians and singers amongst us can perform some traditional and/or well known Christmas songs, such as Silent Night, Jingle Bells, Joy To The World, etc.
Yes, a mix, including lots of familiar songs so that people can sing along if they wish.
I would really like to hear Sarajevo/Carol of the Bells by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, although I think that might be a lot of instruments to bring in.
I know I’ll probably be up onstage the whole dance, as it is my favorite place to be. The mix of musicians will probably choose something traditional, like Ducky said. I’m excited!
I know this has already more or less been stated, but I would just like to say that let’s not forget that this is a Holiday party not a Christmas one! Decoration and music that are not just fitted for a Christmas celebration but a general Holiday one would be most appreciated.
And no, I’m not saying that because I don’t celebrate Christmas because I do actually….
This is the foods list as it stands thus far:
ENTREES:
-Turkey (or fresh turkey slices)
– Freshly tossed salad
-Goose
-Holiday Ham
-Lamb (and various parts of lamb)
-Smoked salmon
-Roast beef
-Yorkshire Pudding
-Creamed potatoes, potato croquettes
-Bread/bread sauce
DESSERTS:
-Melomacarona cookies
-Candy canes
-Mince pies
-Pumpkin pies
-Pavlova
-Plum pudding (complete with coins, thimbles, rings etc inside)
-Mince pie
-Cranberry pie
-Baked apples with cream
-Yule log
-Sugar plums
-Toffee
DRINKS:
-Hot chocolate
-Eggnog
-Hot cider
-Butterbeer
-Mulled wine (non-alcoholic)
-Wassail punch (non-alcoholic)
I assume that everyone on this thread has also RSVP’d to the ball, so I don’t have to make a “guest list”.
Figgy pudding, the real stuff, not some wierd, soggy imitation. *drools*
How did mulled wine get on the list? I mentioned mulled cider and fire wine, but not mulled wine.
I think I said it.
Yeah. I decided to add the “non-alcoholic” bit just because there are people here under the legal drinking age…even though it is virtual…
Well, the drinking age varies from country to country. For instance, in Italy and Greece both there are no minimum drinking ages.
Well, we don’t want anybody acting crazy. Let’s keep things sober.
I could argue about this, but whatever. Some matters related to drinking ages irk me.
Yay! The ball starts today!
Why do I have the feeling that, for the hundredth time, I missed something?
*pokes head in*
Regarding the holiday gift exchange: It is a good idea, but it kind of exploded last year. I am proposing the addition of a few rules:
1. Each MuseBlogger may only post ONE present.
2. Each MuseBlogger may only take ONE present.
3. A MuseBlogger may only take a present if en has posted one.
This should clear things up nicely. Last year there were a lot of random presents that did not get taken. This way nobody gets disappointed and there are no extra presents.
Post two and you have to take two. Half the fun is thinking them up.
Or just take as many as you post, but you can’t take your own.
Yeah, two is fine I was going to type something like that but I couldn’t word it correctly.
I do believe that there should be a limit on how many presents you post becasue if someone posts ten and then takes ten there’s a lot of other people who have to take a present from that person. Everyone needs variety.
What I’m trying to say is that there should be a set number of presents that someone must post and take. Whether it be one, two, or ten I don’t care.
Well, I think three’s a good number.
If you post presents, post three, and then take three before the party ends.