<center>





The Banquet Hall </center>

The Banquet Hall glowed with the spirit of the season and the warmth from the roaring fires. The room itself was very long and also quite wide. Magnificent oak tables ran the length of the room, and each table was furnished with many high backed and very comfy golden chairs with purple seating.

There were three fires in the Banquet Hall. One at the far end of the room and it was much larger than the others. This area was at a different height to the rest of the room, and half a dozen stairs were required to reach it. Banisters overlooked the main eating area, and these were entwined with garlands. When guests had finished their meal, they could go to the fire, which was also surrounded by many comfy chairs and stools. Two smaller fires faced each other, on opposite sides of the room. All the mantelpieces were decorated with bunches of holly, berries and pine cones, which were placed upon them, with gold candles and purple candlesticks amongst all the foliage to create a traditional display. All the fireplaces were supplied with a healthy amount of logs and pokers, and in case the heat was too much, fire screens.

Opposite the large fireplace, were the huge oak doors that opened out into the entrance hall. The doors were finely carved, depicting the history of the house and the highly polished brass handles, gleamed in the light of the fire. Hanging above the door were bunches of mistletoe, which would be difficult to be avoid. On either side of the entrance doors, were two fairly large Christmas trees. But these particular trees were black and both were decorated with glittering gold and purple baubles.

On the left hand side of the room, were several large windows. Each allowing lots of light and excellent views of the snow covered landscape. In the evenings, the velvet purple curtains would d be closed and the beautiful chandeliers that twinkled and sparkled woul light the room instead, causing kaleidoscopic patterns to form on the ceiling. In every available space there were candelabras holding dozens of gold candles.

The walls were also strung with thick garlands, with purple and gold bows attached, and these went all the way around the Hall and made everywhere look very festive.

But the most magnificent decoration was the black tree. It stood in the corner of the larger fireplace area, and reached almost to the ceiling. It was laden with gold and purple decorations, garlands, beads, bows, flowers, everything you could possibly think of. And the clear lights twinkled and reflected off the gold and purple decorations and so at times, it looked like it was lit with gold and purple lights.

The banquet tables themselves were well lit with candelabras and little candles were dotted around everywhere. Each plate and cup was of gold, and everyone had a place name, written onto a gold holly leaf and placed in front of each setting. Napkins were folded in elaborate designs, and a whole array of cutlery was provided for the different courses. Each guest had two crackers, so as not to leave his or her seating partners left out, and party poppers that twisted open and scattered fine metallic streamers were also provided.

The dinners themselves would leave the tables groaning beneath the wait of the food. With butlers on standby to clear the dishes and to bring more crockery, they would also assist any guests who needed it. Tureens, bowls and plates of hot steaming carrots, sprouts, peas, cauliflower, parsnips, asparagus, mashed and roast potatoes, pork, turkey, lamb, beef, sausages, and all kinds of vegetarian dishes. As well as selections of sauces such as gravy, apple, cranberry and mint. All within reach of the guests, to serve themselves with as much or as little as they want. And then for the desserts. Selections of sliced cakes and mini cakes. Chocolate cake, lemon meringue, apple meringue, apple pie, rhubarb crumble, raspberry roulade, lemon cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake, baked Alaska, all served in large slices or portions. And then all the varieties of ice cream to add to any of the cakes or just to eat on its own. And with the mini cake selections there would be ice cream chocolates, éclairs, cream horns and custard slices. With jugs of hot custard and different types of cream to add to whatever guests wanted. Plus the Christmas cakes, and the Yule logs, mince pies and Christmas pudding. And not forgetting a steady flow of fruits drinks, fizzy dinks and hot drinks.

Such would be the menu in the Banquet Hall.


<center>Come and eat drink and be merry in the Banquet Hall! Then pull up a chair by the fire and recover from the over-eating!</center>








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General Yule Ball Information

Ball Dates:

- Friday 19th until Sunday 28th December

Pre-Ball threads:

- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19529" target="_blank">Who Are You Going With?</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19532" target="_blank">What Are You Wearing?</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19531" target="_blank">Garlands & Baubles: Decoration Discussion</a>

Ball Room Threads: (to be posted)

- Banquet Hall
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19643" target="_blank">Ballroom</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19645" target="_blank">Gardens</a>

Ball Planner:

- Friday 19th: Introduce yourselves and familiarise with the surroundings
- Saturday 20th: Masquerade
- Sunday 21st: Snowball Fight
- Monday 22nd: Snowball Fight
- Tuesday 23rd: Decorate A Tree
- Wednesday 24th: Decorate a Tree/Build A Snowman
- Thursday 25th: Build A Snowman
- Friday 26th: Reveal Secret Santa's
- Saturday 27th: Reveal Secret Santa's/Masquerade
- Sunday 28th: Say goodbye to fellow guests

Event Threads: (to be posted)

- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19641" target="_blank">Masquerade</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19640" target="_blank">Snowball Fight</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19642" target="_blank">Decorate A Tree</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19639" target="_blank">Build A Snowman</a>
- Reveal Secret Santa (Kitoky)

Your Guide To Each Event:

- Masquerade: From midnight on the stated Masquerade days, if you are taking part, you change your username and signature so no-one will know who you are. You can even disguise your partner if he/she is fictional by changing their name to something else. The idea is to a) confuse people and b) be someone else for a day. You can post in the Masquerade thread or any of the ball threads, as long as you keep your real name a secret. At the end of each day, return to your normal Yule Ball name. When both Masquerades are over, reveal who you are in the Masquerade thread.

- Decorate A Tree: On the correct days, find the Decorate A Tree thread and choose from a multitude of trees and decorations to create your own very unique tree.

- Snowball Fight: On the appointed days, go the Snowball Fight thread and join in with the mayhem and madness in a special area of the Gardens.

- Build A Snowman: Let your artistic talent shine, as from the objects provided, build your snowman and then decorate it with POTC, LOTR, HP themed accessories as well as many, many more.

- Reveal Secret Santa's: Let all of AU know, to whom you gave tour gifts.

Special Events:

- Caroling: As you move around the forum, bring some Christmas cheer, and with each post, write one line from any carol you wish.

Contests:

- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19557" target="_blank">The Photography Contest Round 3: Christmas Baubles</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19556" target="_blank">The Photography Contest Round 4: Christmas Decorations</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19555" target="_blank">The Photography Contest Round 4: Christmas Food & Drink</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19554" target="_blank">The Photography Contest Round 6: Christmas Lights</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19553" target="_blank">The Photography Contest Round 7: Christmas Foliage</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19561" target="_blank">LOTR Christmas Contest</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19560" target="_blank">Christmas Writing Contest</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19559" target="_blank">Christmas Carol Contest</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19558" target="_blank">Decorate An Edible</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19563" target="_blank">Christmas Cracker Contest</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19565" target="_blank">The Great Christmas Graphic Contest</a>


Any questions? PM me or post <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19498" target="_blank">here</a>

_________________




^ By me and my SS *squiggle hugs*

_________________
Even In Darkness [Updating]

Nuilanwen cast a wary glance into the banquet hall. Her 'escort' was not to be found as of yet and she was rather nervous as well. She let out a soft 'uwa!' when she saw the inside of the Banquet Hall.

"I wonder when the food will be arriving." she said quietly as she walked over to her place at the table and studied the place settings, smiling nervously and remembering the phrase 'work your way in' when it came to plates with a million things of cutlery.

_________________

Banner made by Nurr!
[!~^$%=#?&:;]

Faramir entered into the banquet hall with a lot of courage seeing as how everybody did not show up as of yet. And he felt compelled him to make such an early timed entrance, surely he would not wanna make her date for the night upset or angry. As he passed through the gate decorated in a waspishly manner with all christmas related ornaments, Faramir saw also that the trees would not fight back which stood on either side of the door, stood as he passed the gate by, as bold looking the whereabouts of his date. Then he saw Nuil facing the dinner table, later on approaching the buffet with her gentle hands.

Faramir smiled, approached her reassuringly. "Hey, do you mind if I keep you company?"

_________________


Will be going to London on March of the 30th

_________________




^ By me and my SS *squiggle hugs*

TT hurried in, with Faramir trailing behind her. She stopped suddenly, and surveyed the room. The decorations were beautiful, but that's not what had made TT stop. She was shocked to see that she wasn't late this year! Excited, TT squeezed Faramir's arm. "We're actually on time!"

Nurrantiel trotted up to the house, breath misting in the cold air. Well, she thought "house", but --

"What is this place? Looks like a bl- a king's palace or something." Her escort, Mat, only looked slightly sheepish at cutting off a curse.

"JF certainly outdid herself," Nurr replied. "I bet the inside is just as gorgeous!"

She was not disappointed. Walking into the banquet room, she admired the large oak doors, the decorated trees, and the food. "OH, it smells so GOOD!" she couldn't help but exclaim. "Hot cider!" With a gleeful shout, Nurr raced across the room toward the drink table. Only then did she notice the other people in the room. Her face turning red, Nurr slowed to a walk. "Hi Thainy, JF, Captain, Nuil, Enno. How are you?"

_________________
going on a journey through my old claims

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^ By me and my SS *squiggle hugs*

TT smiled as Nurr rushed for the cider. "By all means, go for it", she laughed.

Elenya walked up the lane towards the house with her escort. "Ash, quit dragging your feet." she told him, sounding just a touch exasperated. "It's going to be fun."

"But you said there are lots of people." Ash said, hanging back as he looked at the huge house.

"They're nice people. You'll love them." She grabbed his hand and marched up to the front door with him. "Remember to be polite." she whispered as they walked inside.

Lenya stopped just inside the door and stared around the warm, light-filled room. "It's beautiful!" Tugging Ash forward again, she walked towards the other people in the room. "Hello, everyone! How are you all?"

Her arm linked with Walter's, Nerissa cheerfully bounced toward the door. "I can't wait!" she exclaimed. "There are people here already!"

"Well you'll have to wait for just a few more seconds, dear," Walter replied dryly before opening the door.

"Oh just go on and open it, will you?" Nerissa was beginning to grow impatient in her excitement.

The door swung open, and the pair stepped inside. Their breath was swept away by the utter gorgeousness that met them. "Why... look how pretty this all is... JF must have spent hours... days... weeks even! just getting this ready." Seeing all the people that had already arrived, Neri's stomach began to do its customary somersaults of nervousness and excitement intermingled. She pulled Walter a little further into the room, and then looked around.

_________________

Banner from Nellie

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^ By me and my SS *squiggle hugs*

Paddy walked up the lane, enjoying the feeling of snow crunching under her feet. This was just about her favorite time of year - the snow, lights, and feeling of peace, always envoked a quiet calm that could never quite be captured any other time of the year.
As she got closer to the entrance she noticed that there were a good number of couples going in. She sighed. This year she had chosen to come alone, and -up untill this very minute- she had been happy with that. Oh it won't be that horrible. Besides, I know almost everyone here, and I highly doubt they'll mind if I come in without a date for this event. she thought to herself, a wry grin tugging at the corner of her mouth.
Lost in thought, she walked up to the door and let herself in. She hadn't taken more than two steps inside before she stopped and gasped. The brillance of the room was almost more than ones senses could take. Eyes wide, she took in her surroundings. "This," she breathed, "is simply beyond words."

Seeing a small group of people she headed in their direction. "Hello all!"

_________________

Secret Evil Twin of Aranel Faelwen
.World Domination since 2008.

"Good evening Padawan" cried JF as she spied another cold guest entering, ans rushed to find a spare hot drink which she thrust into Padawan's cold hands. "Glad to see you here" she said with a smile.

"The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown. Of all the trees that are in the woods, the holly bears the crown"

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^ By me and my SS *squiggle hugs*

"Oh, well, alright then!" Nurr continued to the drink table and poured herself a large mug of spiced cider. Hearing new arrivals come in, she looked up in greeting. That man....he couldn't be! Rushing back over, Nurr dragged Mat along with her. "Lenya, hello! This must be Ash, right? It's so nice to finally meet you! I've heard quite a bit about you," she said in a conspiratorial whisper. "Oh, and this is Mat." She gestured to the man beside her.

"So kind of you to remember," he mock-grumbled. "Elenya, Ash. I don't suppose you like gambling?" He ignored the glare Nurr shot him - women were like that.



all the stockings were hung by the chimney in care, in hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there

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going on a journey through my old claims

Lenya looked up as Nurr hurried towards her. "Hi Nurr! Yes, this is Ash." She glanced at him and nudged him in the ribs.

"Oh." Remembering his manners, Ash gave Nurr a half-bow. "Good to meet you both." His face brightened a bit at the mention of gambling. "I like it, when I get the chance to play, at least."


<i>Hark how the bells, sweet silver bells all seem to say throw cares away</i>