Bergdorf's Does Wonderland Windows for Christmas

    

photo from Bergdorf-Goodman

     

     Last week, I discovered the most fabulous blog, The Well Appointed House. Despite my penchant for literature and yoga, and my passion for green living, most of the blogs I devour are devoted to lifestyles and interior design. Over the past year, I've been schooled in Chinoiserie and Southern design, and I've watched a young couple decorate their gorgeous new home (props, Averill). I even had the opportunity to make a virtual entrance at a Blog Ball wearing Stella McCartney!

     That's the beauty of the blogosphere: I'm surrounded by cornfields, Walmart art, and seasonally-costumed concrete porch ducks, but I have friends in every major metropolis who can subdue my craving for big cities and the West Coast. It's been years since I've been able to go to State Street after Thanksgiving to see Chicago's Christmas windows - hell, Fields isn't even there anymore! But blogs like The Well Appointed house bring Manhattan and SOHO and Michigan Avenue right to my screen, rekindling my childhood memories of posh, sparkling, magical mechanized department store windows.
     This year, TWAH featured Bergdorf-Goodman's nod to Alice in Wonderland. Visit the original post. And then shop their eponymous store. OOOh la la! If I had the time this holiday season, I'd totally go to NYC just to see these amazing dioramas.

Merry Unbirthday: Get Your Peace and Love Here!

Did the holidays drive you mad? It's bloody starkers out there! 

Better go Get Your OM On! Click here for some peace & love content from me to you!

Have a Very Merry Un-Birthday (or whatever you're celebrating over
the next few weeks!)

Love, Kitty.

PS If you need some free domain Mad Hatters, click on our crazy little friend 

above to get the links.

Printable Alice in Wonderland Coloring Pages

I found this today, a link to printable Alice coloring pages. Perfect for keeping children entertained when the weather outside is frightful! Now if I can just figure out a way to cordon off the dining room from dudes and dogs to keep my Alice Christmas trees safe...

New and Improved Alice in Wonderland Christmas Trees

     As promised, I'm posting my newly redesigned Alice in Wonderland Christmas Trees. For the last several years, I've done an Alice tree with glass hearts, golden keys, little mushrooms and a collection of resin ornaments (of indeterminate provenience). This year, however, I discovered the wonderland that is Ebay, and scored some delightful Polonaise pieces.
     The new ornaments include Alice herself (who is very pretty but arrived broken-curses!), the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit and Red Queen. Once they arrived, I knew they needed their own place without their resinous counterparts (which are cute but not nearly as interesting). They were given pride of place on my tallest spiral topiary, and the old collection was moved to a smaller bush across the room with blue and silver pieces. Now there are two Alice trees to complete my Winter Wonderland! I'm actually working on a third as well! My newest quest is for the perfect fabric roses.
     Unlike so many of my blog friends, I'm not much of a photographer so I know you'll forgive my less than perfect pictures. I haven't finished the dining room completely, but I'll be displaying little vignettes containing other pieces from my Alice collection to create a whimsical holiday scene sure to enchant all the children in my family from now until January. Please feel free to throw in your ideas, or tell everyone about how yooouuu roll at Christmastime! Oodles of Toodles, Your Kitty.

My brother and my nephew think these ornaments, especially the Hatter are "creepy."

I had to tuck Alice and her flamingo into the tree strategically; the bottom of her dress broke in transit. Apparently, I'll just have to deal with it and spend the rest of my life looking to replace this lone piece of the set. Bollocks!

The Red Queen of Hearts is my favorite; this old girl is bigger than my palm.

The blue and silver Alice tree with my old resin ornaments.

These Alices feature a tiny, glittery red bottle. I love the way she falls off the branch with her dress billowing as if she's headed down the rabbit hole!

I haven't found a perfect Cheshire Cat yet, so I'll leave you with this mysterious grin for now. Meow!

Alice in Poetry

Are sweet the dreams of much, of much to do,
So more are they after which does accrue,
Simply be put, so such sorrow be cast,
Welcome morrow today, it’s Alice —
A thing is she, to speed, to shop, fully
For us, and those with time most spare, is key
Wherefore without so lost be these precious,
Oh family and thine own happiness.




I've been trying to figure out Digg. It's confounding me. When I queried "Alice in Wonderland," this fabulous poem titled, "No Wonder" by The Internet Lauriate appeared. I think it's apropos of Black Friday. Don't youuuuuuu?!? Personally, I spent the day hauling out the holly... stay tuned for pictures of my new & improved Alice tree! 

Alice and Censorship

    

     Did you know Alice in Wonderland is notorious, a banned book? The Chinese government censored Carroll's classic in 1931 because animals shouldn't be anthropomorphicized. According to The File Room, a site that catalogs banned books, the Chinese government did so because "Animals should not use human language, and that it was disastrous to put animals and human beings on the same level." Wonder what they'd think of Spongebob?!?

Enjoy this trailer for Burton's Upcoming Alice Masterpiece

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Alice in Wonderland Syndrome

     Also known as Todd's Syndrome, Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS) is a neurological condition which alters perceptual abilities and causes sensory disorientation. In other words, those who suffer from the syndrome may temporarily see things as smaller or larger than they really are.
     According to Wikipedia, [AIWS] "... is often associated with migraines, brain tumors, and the use of psychoactive drugs. It can also present as the initial sign of the Epstein-Barr Virus. Anecdotal reports suggests that the symptoms of AIWS are fairly common in childhood, with many people growing out of them in their teens. It appears that AIWS is also a common experience at sleep onset." 
     When I was just a kitten, I had a serious bout with Epstein-Barr. I've totally had the above-mentioned experience. It hasn't happened since I was a teenager, but I remember thinking it was funny. Does this ever happen to yoooouuuu???
     Begs the question, did Carroll suffer from migraines or epilepsy? There's a lit paper topic for you. Now discuss.

The Alice in Wonderland Christmas Tree

     I just can't wait to put up my Alice tree. Forgive my photos from last year. These pictures don't do it much justice; it's adorned with red glass hearts from around the world (mainly compliments of Bebe) weird keys, smaller topiaries from my wedding 13 years ago, glass mushrooms, and very intricate Alice ornaments. It's also the place where I hang MIL's lone surviving antique ornament from her own childhood. Because of the red hearts, I stack red, white and green gifts under this tree. I can't put them under the main tree, obviously because that room is brown and tiger striped and neutral. Christmas morning is always a little treasure hunt through the house for all of us!

Update: I just scored the sweetest glass Alice ornaments on Ebay! They're from my favorite year, 1996, and each is palm sized. I'll be receiving Alice, the Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and the White Rabbit. Although Radko made Alice in Wonderland ornaments that are somewhat rare and very cute, these are waaaayyy better and I can't wait to get them and put them up! You'll all be the first to see them!

Alice in Wonderland Party Part 4

*This post originally appeared on Shindigs last summer. It has been edited for length here*

    

     I'm amazed by the amount of interest garnered in Shindigs & Soirees' coverage of Alice in Wonderland entertaining. Queries come in from all over the place, and I am heartened to know imagination lives on in gagillions of other girls who favor adventure to princess parties and riddles to rhinestones! Whether you want to create a Wonderland for children or adults, Kitty has you covered! Don't lose your head!

What is an Alice in Wonderland Party without an Alice? With Wonderland popularity on the rise, it's getting easier and easier to create Carroll's characters (see the Alice shop below for numerous options and costume links).

If you have a Wonderland wedding in mind, how adorable would a flower girl be in a handmade, elaborate Alice dress?!?

The Victorian-era illustration at the top of this post depicts everyone with head adornments. Even the little knave wears some sort of heart-shaped headband, and Alice's giant bow is so haute this season! Why use regular party hats when you can provide an array of fabulousness for boys and girls alike! Throw in some daisy chain headbands, bunny ears and jaunty tophats and you've got one curious, curious tea party!

Recently, I was jawing with a dear friend who ground-scored some giant lawn-sized chess pieces for a medieval knight's party she's setting off over the holidays. I thought they would be equally amazing at a Wonderland party. As we brainstormed our imaginary Alice party for you, she said she would make each table's centerpiece different in some way to add vibrant color to the room. When she ran out of chess pieces, we thought of the Queen's croquet Flamingoes, a giant pocketwatch, a mushroom, a tea cup, roses and topiaries... the list went on and on. The gigantic Kings and Queens would be awesome on the lawn of your venue or beside the party's entry.

Alice in Wonderland Party Post 3: 21st Birthday Party Ideas

*This post originally appeared on Shindigs & Soirees last summer. Love, kitty*

I have a cool widget on this blog that not only tells me the location of readers, but what they might have searched for to land on my little blurbs. Earlier this month, I posted a couple of Alice in Wonderland party ideas (see August 09 posts). Some hip cat from Australia recently searched for "Alice in Wonderland 21st Birthday Tea Party Ideas." Anonymous kitten, I thank you. Now I get to dream up an Alice party with a mischievous, cheeky edge. Me-ow!

These red and white fabric rose light strings bring the Red Queen's garden into your Alice party. Whether your event takes place outside or indoors, interesting lighting will set the mood. I wouldn't go too crazy with these, though. Just a few strings in a strategic place such as a banister. This isn't going to be your grandmother's kind of Alice party!

I hate balloons. I think they're totally played, allergenic for some people, a problem in the landfill and a general party nuisance. They invariably fall down, then some fool starts popping them. But I love the idea of things hanging from the ceiling. The problem is solved: an array of paper and/or silk Chinese lanterns! Grouped en masse in your color scheme, these will be Mad indeed!

This lantern reminds me of Alice's blue dress!

If you can pull this off (costume below), you definitely should! Love her flamingo croquet mallet! I would love to have cocktails served by cheeky versions of the story's characters! I've seen these get-ups representing the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit and Alice herself. You could position the characters strategically at check-in, guest book, and coat stations.

If there are doors leading into your event space, you could decorate them to look larger and smaller, and include large and small doors alongside the real entrance. Let Mad Hatters lead them into the party, pressing small bottles (you know, like airplane sized) into their hands. Label them "Drink Me."

I think this breathalyzer is a good thing for a host to have at a 21st birthday bash. You might need to prove to someone just how much fun he or she had, and prevent them from driving anywhere. Especially with young, inexperienced drinkers who may not be aware of their own limits!

Fancy cookies are a must at all Alice parties. These are my choice -- "Where my hippies at?!" Am I wrong to assume those who choose a Mad Tea Party for a 21st birthday may be amused by psychedelia and other 60's iconography? Anyway, these are from one of my favorite vendors, Organic Bouquet.

You should have some cookies or petit fours proclaiming "Eat Me." Recently, I saw chronicles of a fantastic Alice Party on Lark and Lola. At her party, she expressed this idea in take away boxes with tiny cakes and Chessmen cookies available at practically any store.

What is a Kitty style event without flowers? No Alice in Wonderland party is complete without roses - red and white. Roses are one of my favorite flowers to work with at events because of their staying power. They're easy to work with and can be revived by recutting the stems and soaking them in water. Cut the stems off and float them in water, group them in tiny vases, and use petals wherever you like. If you're sentimental or a hoarder, roses dry nicely and lend themselves to keeping. If your budget allows, please consider using organically grown.

Only music trumps my love of fresh flowers at parties. At my own wedding 100 years ago, I gave the DJ a specific playlist and instructed him to take no requests because I am so serious about music that I would have ditched my own reception if I had to listen to the Macarena or some similar such foolishness. Maybe you're not such a bridezilla stickler, but an Alice party has to have some staple songs.

iTunes (the greatest invention on the planet, in my opinion second only to the wheel, without which we would have to click slowly through our playlists) has the soundtrack to Disney's Alice in Wonderland. If you have a great mixmaster (DJ AM, rest in peace), you can work these soundbytes into your party playlist to lend authenticity to the evening's long strange trip. 

Another song you must have include: Jefferson Airplane's classic, "Go Ask Alice." "Off With Your Head," by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs will delight your Alt rock guests. If you're a Jazz person, there are tons of options on iTunes; just type "Alice in Wonderland" into the search box and you'll get some great songs.

I've mentioned my loathing for party games, but Dizzy Bats is more fun than a barrel of monkeys. For an Alice party, adapt the game to croquet. For those who didn't have quite as much of a ball in college as Hubbs and I, Dizzy Bats is a game in which a baseball bat (croquet mallet) is held upright on the ground. Players touch their foreheads to the top of the bat, then turn themselves in circles (usually wearing large floppy shoes or flippers or bear slippers- whathaveyou) then try to race down to the end of the playing field, chug a drink, then race back. Dizzy and falling down. 

The running part can be omitted; instead, try to guide the players through a croquet course. It's hilarious and apropos for a 21st birthday, but by no means does your Kitty condone binge drinking. Please drink responsibly and have plenty of sober drivers/taxi cabs available for your guests.

Alice in Wonderland Party Post 2

     Like the first Alice party post, this story appeared last summer on Shindigs & Soirees. I hope you enjoy it this time around, as well! Love, kitty.

     There is so much in the way of Alice-esque stuff. Recently, I was perusing Urban Outfitters and I saw some crazy Wonderland glassware. Naturally, I ordered it. Enjoy this sequel to my first post on a Wonderland party. Hopefully, you'll find some ideas here that will prompt you to bring your next afternoon gathering into the garden for tea!

I can't decide which place card holder I love more: the tiny chairs or the little teapot. At a truly mad tea party, I suppose I could use them both! And then I saw this wacky little set, looking rather Hatter indeed:

I've posted these favor bags already (see Hippy Chic), but if your party is more brightly colored (a la the Disney version), these would be perfect - so much nicer than cellophane or plastic. A Wonderland party is great for little girls who like stories but aren't into the whole princess thing!

Alice had a locket, and so should your guest(s) of honor! At under $37, this sterling silver locket is a perfect, memorable party gift that will be even more special if you have it inscribed. It even holds 2 pictures (I'm not ashamed to admit I have my two beloved Bostons inside my favorite locket). Below, more of a splurge version (just under $3000) of a Victorian locket:

If your party is only inspired by Alice, and your brainstorms morph into an afternoon garden tea, the card below is subtle, feminine and timelessly classic.

I love huge teacups. They lend a surreal bit of kookiness to your tea party!

I am NOT a collector of figurines, but how cute would this be on top of your little Alice's cake? *Update: recently a reader asked how to find the Cheshire Cat above. It's a Disney piece; most of the items above are hotlinked for further information and your shopping convenience. Hope I don't beat you to it!*

*Just wanted to add, after I put this post together, I clicked on one of the cakes in my original post's collage. It took me to this blog, specifically devoted to Alice in Wonderland weddings. she's got some beautiful pictures of Mad Hatter cakes. What Wonderland soiree is complete without petit fours and fancy cookies proclaiming, "Eat Me!"

Curiouser and Curiouser!

  
Dear Kittens,
   Through a cursory analysis, I noticed my most popular posts on Shindigs are the Alice in Wonderland features. They're certainly the most fun to construct! I've decided to organize them and expand them on this new blog, Of Cabbages & Kings. I hope you enjoy reading the posts as much as I enjoy writing them. I've had a penchant for Alice since early childhood, and I've been collecting ever since.
     I've never been much of a fan of princess crap, preferring instead to live in a Wonderland of sorts, gawking at the absurdity of life the way Alice herself learned about reality. Alice in Wonderland is as existential as Camus or any dharma book I've ever read. In fact, if there is one work of literature that has run like a sutra thread through my life, it is Alice in Wonderland. I just love it. And from the looks of it, so do you!
     Here you'll find reprints of Shindigs & Soirees party planning posts, my Alice collection, special features and shopping links. In fact, from November 1, 2009 to January 1, 2010 we will donate 75% of our advertising revenue for the Innerspace Yoga Seva Project 09. Please click here for more information. Meanwhile, please tumble down this rabbit hole with me...and do drop a line. I want to see your Alice stuff, too! Oodles of Toodles,
Your Kitty, the Duchess of Bucquette.

Alice in Wonderland Party Post 1

Go Ask Kitty by kittymagazine featuring Gucci bags

Alice in Wonderland is the first book I ever remember reading. A child of the 70s, I was naturally acquainted with the psychedelic Disney version of the classic Victorian Age tome. I became intimately more enchanted with the film much later, in college, ahem... but my favorite rendition to this day remains the stage production I saw sometime before 1980 in some Chicago theatre (possibly THE Chicago theatre).

Alice has inspired so many things I've created, from derivative skits, to my own wedding, and even a collection of ornaments and porcelain doodads and such. She shows up in my dreams, on my Christmas tree, and on my pages. She has certainly made many appearances at parties! It is her absurd and fanciful journey through the looking glass that fuels my love of Victorian gardens, red heart motifs, and tea parties. Herewith, I present you with inspiration for your own Wonderland. Click on my rad Polyvore collage above, or peruse the party favors below!

First, I'll delineate several icons of Alice's world that can serve as inspirational jumping points to get you brainstorming. Think gardens. English gardens: topiaries and formalities such as roses. Daisies, yes, but mainly red and white roses ("We're painting the roses red/Who's been painting my roses red"). This setting lends itself to girly tea parties, showers, rush parties, and that sort of thing. Croquet and crumpets, perhaps a nice ladylike game of cards.

Now red hearts and black spades for the Pack of Cards that tends the Queen's garden. There are wonderful illustrations in the free domain since this story is so old. A simple Google will pull up Victorian Mad Hatters, frantic rabbits, and menacing caterpillars you can use as clip art or whatever. Sub-icons may include doors & keyholes, pocket watches, and mushrooms. Bottles labeled, "Drink Me" and cookies proclaiming, "Eat me."

Although an Alice in Wonderland birthday tea party (or Un-birthday party) would be beautiful in the garden for a little girl, I know this isn't a theme tangible or beloved by all. Of course with Tim Burton's version coming out in 2010, I'm sure a whole new generation of dreamers and daydreamers will get hip to this classic tale.