A Palm Springs Gingerbread House

Christmas Dinner at my house is a nice long relaxing day. I decided to plan an activity with my guests to kill time while dinner was cooking! I decided on a Gingerbread House project. This photo is the finished result--looks pretty good, huh? I've never done one before, so it was all new to me. I had all the goodies ready in bowls for us to pick and choose:

• Gum drops in two sizes
• Spearmint gumdrop leaves
• Sprinkles
• Christmas cookies
• Assorted hard candies
• Candy Canes
• Colored sugar sprinkles (red and green)

After mixing up a batch of confectioner's sugar for the icing/adhesive, we went to work:

Here is the basic structure of the Gingerbread House, sitting on a cake pedestal for ease of decorating and access. I actually like the simplicity of this as it is, but that would have defeated the purpose of this being a time-filler activity!

We started using a pastry bag to squeeze the confectioner's sugar icing. But soon we realized it was easier to just use a spatula to just smear it on! One trick I learned "on-the-go" was that the confectioner's sugar needs to set up a bit or it slides off, or doesn't work well as an adhesive. When it is a little crusty in the bowl, you know its ready to use.

Here is the finished Gingerbread House, from the other side. Check out the awesome Santa sugar cookie we put on the back, I think it rocks! Surprisingly, neither Sheldon or Duncan (pictured) showed much interest in it. I thought for sure the gumdrops would go missing. It turned out to be a really fun way to spend some time waiting for dinner. Maybe it will be a new Christmas Day tradition for us in Palm Springs!

Christmas at Melvyn's!

For Christmas dinner, we went to the famous Melvyn's restaurant at the legendary Ingleside Inn here in Palm Springs. Rated by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous as one one the top destinations, Melvyn's restaurant offers a taste of old Hollywood glamour. It's one of my favorites for the food, atmosphere and stellar service. We arrived early to relax in the lounge for a martini and to enjoy the live music. The staff take excellent care of me, and are so charming. "Nino" was performing at the piano, and in no time I was humming along to the festive Christmas songs. In this photo I am sitting at the piano bar, before any of the other guests filled the lounge. Shortly thereafter we were whisked away to my usual table, which is known as the "Sinatra Table", named because Frank himself dined here for many years. Melvyn's has such a great history, loads and loads of famous people have passed through these doors over the ages.

above: I stopped in front of the entrance to Melvyn's by the Christmas tree for a quick photo.

Another "Glamor Shot"

above: I was trying to get a photo without the flash reflecting in the mirror- it was tough to do with the cheesy camera I have. As a side note, I'm wearing one of the new ascots I bought in Venice a few months ago- it matches this velvet jacket perfectly!

Christmas Eve....

above: Christmas Eve was a cozy night- we spent it with friends and enjoyed the glow of the fire by the tree.

above: It was also the birthday of a friend- here is the cake served in his honor, isn't it fantastic? Bee, since you love cake too, this is for you! Christmas turned out to be a wonderful holiday this year. We are truly blessed in so many ways. I hope your holiday was enjoyable too.
-Rick Rockhill

How About Christmas Dinner in Palm Springs?

We had some snowfall in our mountains this past weekend. This is my idea of snow. I like snow, but only around 8,000 to 10,00 feet , but not lower! This is my view of the snow-covered San Jacinto Mountains, here in Palm Springs. Several people e-mailed me this past week asking for ideas about spending Christmas in Palm Springs. If you have snow below 8,000 feet and are already over it, why not come to sunny Palm Springs for Christmas. Relax at a spa, shop for bargains at the outlets, or huge diamonds at Tiffany's. Check out the Christmas Show at the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, or visit the casinos. Quaint churches, exquisite golf, super-private resorts, ultra-chic mid-century modern boutique hotels. Go ahead, get away from it all and come to Palm Springs for a care-free, relaxing Christmas. What about Christmas Dinner, you ask? Well here are a few perfect places to consider. As a reminder, with everything on my blog, this is NOT a paid post, just me sharing...

above: Spencer's At the Mountain

above: Spencer's at the Mountain's fabulous patio

above: Copley's on Palm Canyon has the best patio dining in the desert!

above: Johannes has more contemporary cuisine

above: the legendary Melvyn's at The Ingleside Inn-you may see a star or two...

above: the fun Mister Parker's at The Parker Palm Springs

above: traditional dining at Riccio's Restaurant. There are plenty of other places, to suit every budget. So if you are whining about the cold and snow, do something different and celebrate Christmas in the California desert. Christmas dinner in Palm Springs will be memorable for sure.
-Rick Rockhill