A leisurely brunch with girl friends, followed by an afternoon spent decorating gingerbread houses - while sipping mimosas sounds just perfect, doesn't it? The best part was that the Dana Hotel did all of the work. You just need to make a reservation at hotel's restaurant, Freestyle, for their Gingerbrunch, and the hotel will have everything ready for you. The #Gingerbrunch is just $30 and it includes a brunch entree, a mimosa, and the materials to build your gingerbread house - doesn't that sound more fun that making the gingerbread from scratch at home?
We started things off with brunch. I had the Short Rib Hash with Poached Eggs and Hollandaise. You can get the eggs any style, but I am sucker for poached eggs - especially when hollandaise is involved. The hash was just the perfect size and it was loaded with fall apart tender short rib, potatoes, and peppers. It was a hearty meal that gave me the energy I needed to get to work building my gingerbread house.
After brunch was cleared away, the pieces to the gingerbread houses and the frosting was delivered - along with mimosas. A large selection of candy was available for us to choose from. Making gingerbread, and frosting, and then spending an hour or two assembling everything would be a major project. I felt so spoiled because we got to just straight to the fun part - decorating the houses. I thought that the holiday wreath on Anne and Jennie's house was just darling.
I had never decorated a gingerbread house before, but I loved it. I might have taken it a bit too seriously, adding so much candy that the house became quite heavy. I used gummies to decorate parts of the house, which was a dangerous decision since they are my husband's favorite candy. I am doing my best to save my gingerbread house from its inevitable destruction.
The elf on the shelf came over the check out my house. I am fascinated by the elf on the shelf trend, and am tempted to get one just so that I can use it to take funny photos. I thought it was funny to pose the elf with my mimosa. The restaurant staff giggled as they walked by.
The girls and I had so much fun. Building the houses was a great, and somewhat relaxing activity to take on while we caught up with each other. Thanks to Lauren, Erin, Anne, and Jennie for joining me!
The Dana Hotel is located at 660 North State Street, and the Gingerbrunch is $30 and available on Sundays this month. You do need to call and make a reservation.
Thank you to the Dana Hotel for hosting us for brunch!
