A lavish Christmas in London

A banquet table bedecked for Christmas at Rosewood London. Photo courtesy of Rosewood London.

The holidays are not far off and time has a way of ticking faster as Christmas and New Year’s Day approach. Slow it down with a bit of dreaming, then plan a holiday like no other for you and yours in beautiful London. Some presents are too big and bold to fit under a fir tree, but can be wrapped up with a bow and stored as a magical memory. Lucky for you, dear Reader, I’ve done all the work and found the best.

Father Christmas stops for tea during his rounds at Rosewood London. Photo courtesy of Rosewood London.

Best of the best

Since Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol, a setting with any similarities to Victorian England in the winter has become the standard for an idyllic Yuletide. To craft the perfect holiday in this tradition, I took a look at luxury-class hotel wintertime celebrations to find the most unique range of offerings with the ability to suit a couple, a family, several families, a group of friends, a reunion or any size corporate event. Rosewood London, the city’s most elegant hotel, handily won.

Top 5 ways Rosewood London makes it magical

A garland, ornaments and stockings adorn the fireplace. Photo courtesy of Rosewood London.

1. Backdrop and ambiance. It’s impossible to understate the importance of setting in any travel scenario. With the hotel’s gracious Edwardian design as a foundation, the festive way the hotel is set for the season is beyond compare. Carefully placed stockings above a roaring fire, garlands, ornaments, huge glittering trees, icicles, fairy lights, pine cones and an appearance by Father Christmas complete the look.
2. Festive tea. A staple for any afternoon, tea can amp up holiday anticipation or serve as an exclamation point to the big day itself. Rosewood’s legendary take on a holiday-themed tea begins in mid-November and runs through January 1st.
3. One-of-a-kind pop-up experience. Rosewood’s courtyard terrace is transformed into a cosy Swedish chalet open through February 29th after 4 PM daily. A lodge feel created in partnership with Absolut Elyx complete with velvet throws and elegant Nordic holiday decor perfectly complements a seasonal menu and inspired drinks.
4. A Christmas package that includes a tree. Leaving the family tree behind may possibly be the hardest part of a holiday away — an issue sorted by Rosewood London. For couples or a small family (add rooms for larger families), a McQueen’s Christmas tree set and decorated in the room, along with an English breakfast and Christmas Day lunch for 2 is included.
5. Ah, the food! Christmas may be all about the presents or it may be all about the food, depending on stage of life. For me, the cuisine is the gift, especially if its a decadent dip into a five-course meal sourced inside the British Isles and preceded by canapés on Christmas Day.

Plans for the Elyx Chalet, Rosewood London. Rendering courtesy of Rosewood London.

You can learn more about my list above by visiting Rosewood London online. If you’re not close enough to drive, flights this year are priced exceptionally well and availability is good, but don’t delay to avoid disappointment.

Gratitude

My thanks to Jackie Martin for the loads of information and help she speedily sends at the drop of an email. Thank you, Jackie!