While Visions of Sugar Plums Danced In Their Heads

.....well they aren't exactly sugar plums but just as good, if not better.  Several world renown patisseries and chocolatiers in Paris have created their yearly Christmas offerings to inspire and delight.  As always, the French can take the every day and elevate it to "haute whatever" as they pursue the art de vivre.  This beautiful cake is the Marie Antionette created by Ladurée in honor of France's premier fashionista.  

Traveling this holiday?  You wouldn't want to leave home without grabbing your Buche de voyage created by JP Hévin .  Perhaps this will become the "it bag" for the new year.

Anyone who knows me will not be surprised that this escarpin en chocolat would be one of my favorites.  For some,  a Cinderella shoe like this would be saved for special occasions. Not me.  I'm on a quest for winter snow boots that look like this, keep my feet warm and save me from falling on my ass.  Another fabulous creation by Monsieur Hévin.  

Plaza Athenée's pastry chef, Christophe Michalak, combines the refined elegance that he feels is evident throughout this illustrious hotel and his award winning pastry skills to create his version of the bûche du noël; a commode complete with candelabra and Christmas packages. I would never cut into this.  It would be a tchotkie that I'd keep forever or until mold got the best of it.  

Animal rights friends-- even you have to acknowledge the incredible artwork that went into this chocolate masterpiece.  A handbag made to look like snow leopard skin is the holiday creation of Castelanne.

Last, but certainly not least, this incredible serpent necklace was created by La Maison du Chocolat in honor of Boucheron's 15oth anniversary. This French jeweler is responsible for designing some of the world's most amazing baubles.  The serpent is indeed made of chocolate while it's tongue would be nothing less than a 20 carat tinted yellow diamond.  The necklace was made this past July and is on a world wide tour in hopes of finding just the right buyer.  Yes, this little goodie could be under your tree on Christmas morning for a mere $881,487.40 at today's exchange rate.  Who's been naughty and who's been nice???

Photo credit:  lefigaro.fr