Christmas in London, 2021
I was contemplating doing an ‘Art of gifting’ post in the lead up to Christmas because I love giving gifts. Not sure if anyone else does this, but I even have a photo album in my phone titled ‘gifts’ where I take screenshots and pictures of things as I go along so I have a backlog of ideas.
I started drafting this post but abandoned it the next day as it looked a bit too messy for my liking. Instead, I thought I’d share what I call my 'Christmas rounds'; every year I like to visit certain places in London to enjoy the festive spirit (see what Christmas was like in London 2020 in the midst of the pandemic). Usually there is one festive afternoon tea involved which this year was at the Brown’s hotel (last year the Peggy Porschen afternoon tea at The Lanesborough), and the ad hoc roaming, eating and sightseeing in my own city.
I must admit, this was the first year where I felt London may have lacked lustre, even though in all fairness nothing was really done differently than the previous years but something still felt a little bit off (might’ve been my sleep deprivation after having my first born in September; Cyrus Rumi Anver. More on that in the new year.)
Below, I share:
One of the places we had lunch in the lead up to Christmas.
Christmas Prep
Not an exhaustive list, but a look at things I bought from presents to home decor.
Christmas Day
I don’t have a lot of images to share but a glimpse into what I do have.
Christmas in London
There were quite a few places I wasn’t able to make it this year, but here’s a snapshot of where I did.
Lunch at No. Fifty Cheyne
Previously a pub, No. Fifty Cheyne is an intimate, cosy place hidden at the back roads of Chelsea. The coffee was terrible, I’m reluctant to admit (then again that was expected as very few restaurants serve good coffee) but the food itself was lovely - especially the truffle scrambled egg - honestly the best I’ve had. Truffle can either be overbearing and becomes sickening, or underwhelming and has no taste to it. But this had just the right balance of flavours (with all the places I’ve tried truffle dishes, Francos also did the best truffle pasta I’ve ever had).
All things considered, I really loved this place. The service was impeccable, as if you were at some fine dining Michelin star restaurant. The place was also filled with lovely (and interesting) locals (I mean… we bought our son, Cyrus, in a pram and one lady bought her puppy in a dog carrier. Also not forgetting to mention the uber sharply dressed gay couple and their stylish son.)
Christmas Prep
I once saw a Christmas tree with pink and red decor and I fell so in love with it. Since then I always wanted to try that combination. True to form, it looks nothing short of enchanting. Most of the Christmas decor I bought last minute from Southwood Christmas Shop.
A lot of personalised baubles can look really tacky, I managed to source these tasteful hand-painted Christmas baubles upon my travels across the Internet.
3D holly candle from Anna + Nina (though various retailers were re-selling these at various prices) and Nutcracker candles from Talking Tables.
Delightful teddy bear nutcrackers from Mrs. Alice. A rather elegant twist on the classic.
Loved Cadbury’s Christmas edition wrapper. Too tempting not to buy.
Rosemary & olive oil chocolates from William Curley. I love artisan chocolatiers, especially unusual concoction of flavours and these were lovely. A little Christmas party in my mouth.
Wrapping and presenting gifts is a dying art. Not sure how many people actually enjoy it as much as I do; dare I admit I even have a gift wrapping draw where I collect materials as I go along. This again is partially so I have a stack of stuff I like ready for when needed, as opposed to having to buy any old thing at the last minute. And partially for my own pleasure as the prints, designs and colours stationary can come in are just so gorgeous.
The thought and intentions behind a present is definitely more important, but that doesn’t mean you can’t shop well as well. And shopping well needn’t have to be expensive; as we all also know money can’t buy taste. It’s simply about having a good eye (and strong sourcing skills). Especially in the age of eCommerce, there are more opportunities to track down unique, beautiful gifts than ever before. But it is hard work.
Receiving and unwrapping can be just as exciting as the gift hidden within. And it should made to be quite an event.
Festive Dolce & Gabbana Baci chocolates. They also do yummy pannetone and spreads.
Classic, vintage inspired wrapping stationary from Caspari.
I made home made cards with my Cyrus’ footprint to give to our parents.
Gorgeous collection of poetry pamphlets to give in replacement of a card from Candlestick Press. I ordered a couple of Christmas poems to send to friends.
Christmas Day
Funnily enough, I have the least amount of picturs of Christmas Day. (Maybe it’s a sign of a fabulous evening? Or complacency. Maybe both.) As it was Cyrus’ first Christmas, we celebrated with both my family and my in-laws.
Christmas in London
Albemarle St.
Claridges
Every year Claridges present a Christmas tree designed by a creative powerhouse. This year it was by Kim Jones, Artistic Director of the Dior men's collections. Ironically I took pictures of the surroundings but not the tree itself! See here this years tree as well as their previous Christmas trees.
Annabels
I must admit, out of all places in London Annabel’s is one of the few who really go all out to put on a fantastical display. This year in collaboration with Swarovski.
Elizabeth St.
A beautiful quaint street in Belgravia with niche and novel retailers.
Mount St.
The Boltons, Chelsea
Somewhere close to home
Outside Thomas Goode.
Next up…
