From Ralph Lauren's illuminated flagship frontage to the sparkling window displays at Tiffany & Co, Cartier and Chaumet, Bond Street comes alive at Christmas. With all things bright and beautiful in mind, this year marks the arrival of yet another spellbinding Christmas lighting installation on this most festive of streets. As for the humble fir, pine or spruce tree, prepare to be wowed as our world-class hotels pull out all the stops to create some of the most twinkly showstoppers in town.
Christmas is a special affair at The Biltmore Mayfair, which this year enchants guests with a spectacular transformation that embraces the spirit of The Nutcracker and unveils a “Land of Sweets” theme. Inspired by the much-loved Christmas ballet, the hotel will delight guests with candy cane champagne cocktails, spiced espresso martinis, candy-themed displays, chocolate desserts and beautiful décor. And at its heart, a magnificent Christmas tree festooned with lavish decorations.
For the ultimate Christmas-tree fix, head to The Ritz, where the beautifully dressed Christmas tree takes its place on The Ritz Restaurant Terrace. There are smaller trees on display in suites. Also, as part of its annual festive makeover, the hotel's iconic Palm Court restaurant will be transformed into an Edwardian winter wonderland, adorned with opulent red and gold trimmings. The Ritz choir singing classic Christmas carols while you indulge in the new Festive Afternoon Tea, is the cherry on the cake.
Jane Wadham, the interior designer best known for sprucing up Annabel’s, Harry’s Bar and the Burlington Arcade at Christmas, will be sprinkling her festive magic at The Beaumont this season. Says the designer: ‘Our aim when designing the Christmas decorations here, including their many trees, is that they should evoke warmth and a strong link to a bygone age of elegance and beauty that The Beaumont exudes.’ Expect plenty of eye-catching decorations and a rich green and gold colour palette as the hotel celebrates its Art Deco influences.
At Brown's Hotel, the tree and other interior decorations take their cue from its latest collaboration with Golden Goose, the Italian sneaker brand best known for its signature star motifs. And finally, all eyes will be on the most famous tree of all when it is unveiled at Claridge's later this month. Each year, the celebrated hotel hands over the creative reins to a fashion-world visionary to design a unique tree to stand at the foot of its famous Art Deco staircase. In recent years, it has seen brands including Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin and Dolce & Gabbana reinterpret the tree and add their own distinctive style. As for the creator and theme of this year's masterpiece, well, you will just have to watch this space!