Who Doesn’t Love A Holiday Treat?

Alon’s first 1,300-square-foot bakery opened in 1992 in the Virginia Highland area. Today, a second location can be found on Ashford-Dunwoody Road, across from Perimeter Mall. The Dunwoody store has about 11,000 square feet to provide treats for every holiday taste imaginable.

Locations:

1394 North Highland Avenue, Atlanta 30306, 404-872-6000

4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta 30346, 678-397-1781

More info: alons.com

Douceur de France introducing them to Alon’s Yule log. This special pastry can fit on a Hanukkah buffet, a Christmas table or serve as a special treat for Kwanza.

Once you taste the luscious passionfruit chocolate mousse with a mango cream (or creameux, in French) center, the almond cake and buttery shortbread, you may relinquish homemade cookies forever. The log should arrive about the time mistletoe gets hung.

Perhaps you’d rather bring a special treat home. In that case, a multitude of bakeries will be pleased to help you out. For example, Douceur de France (Sweets of France) has two metro locations, one in Marietta and the other in Roswell. Each offers French specialties galore.

The owner, Luc Beaudet, says his mother was his inspiration. His formal training took place in France, where he learned the art of patisserie. Later, he studied with an organization dedicated to touring France and other European countries while learning specialized pastry techniques.

Beaudet grew up in Le Retail, a small village in western France. Fortunately for the northern Atlanta suburban population, he began selling his famous pastries in Marietta about 20 years ago. The Roswell location opened in 1999.

Locations:

1173 Alpharetta Street, Roswell 30075, 770-650-1173

277 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta 30064, 770-425-5050

More info: douceurdefrance.com

The

Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta

One exceptional event on anyone’s list might be a visit to the Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta Hotel. The Ritz is celebrating their third year of a “Naughty and Nice” tea. These festive affairs are planned for Fridays, Dec. 6, 13 and 20 with seating choices at either 2 or 4 p.m. Reservations are recommended. The cost is $45 for an adult and $30 for a child aged 3 through 5.

Grandchildren will sip seasonal teas or apple cider paired with classic afternoon tea offerings, such as traditional egg salad, tea cookies and warmed scones.

Grandparents, however, might choose to indulge their naughty side with PerrierJouët, strawberries marinated in Grand Marnier and topped with whipped cream. Christmas décor is an added experience for all to enjoy.

“Toys and Tea,” another Ritz-Carlton event, is set for Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21 and includes storytellers, carolers

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Continued from page 11 and a visit with Santa. Cost is $50 for an adult and $30 per child.

That’s not all. Visit the website for details on more family-friendly ways to enjoy the holiday, like “Christmas Day Brunch” and personal “Santa Tuck-Ins,” an evening visit from Saint Nick to the children of families staying at the RitzCarlton, Atlanta.

Location:

181 Peachtree Street, Atlanta 30303, 404-659-0400

More info: ritzcarlton.com/en/