
Christmas is a time for indulgence and shopping and the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of London's West End can be found along the refined and luxurious streets of Mayfair and St James. With more royal warrants than anywhere else in the world you can be sure that you are in excellent company when it comes to selecting Christmas gifts.
Start by giving yourself plenty of time to make the Christmas shopping experience a truly luxurious one and stay overnight in one of the finest hotels in the world. Book either the Family Heaven or Holiday Sparkles packages from Claridge's to be truly looked after. The second you enter your suite you will be greeted with either a bottle of fine champagne, a hamper of delicious Christmas treats, or a surprise Christmas present, with love from Claridge's.
Enter into the spirit of all things festive and start the day with a stroll along beautiful, wintery Bond Street. This year sees the unveiling of spectacular brand new Christmas lights along the world famous street, with the ultimate in luxury brands showcasing their flair and innovation in spectacular window displays. From the cutting edge fashionista displays in Miu Miu or Gucci to the kitsch and indulgent windows in Ralph Lauren's children store, each window tells a Christmas tale.
Asprey remains one of the most exclusive and in demand brands on Bond Street, especially at Christmas time as its a veritable treasure trove of delightful luxury items for Christmas. Particularly in demand this season are their precious skin accessories such as the Python and Alligator bags. Order yours personally tailored with initials or engraving, for a truly unique heirloom piece.
Calleija
Calleija is a newcomer to Bond Street but has certainly carved a niche with its stunning pink diamond jewellery. Now they they look set to impress as designer John Calleija turns his skills to bespoke glassware. The award winning designer has created a stunning pair of Champagne coupes, each individually made from hand-carved quartz rock crystal, platinum, 18ct white and rose gold, embellished with a total of 1700 rare pink and white Argyle diamonds. Rumoured to be the most expensive champagne coupes in the world, they are definitely worth a look.
Georgina Goodman
New Brit on the block Georgina Goodman has a small but beautifully stocked boutique on Old Bond Street. Her stunning shoes are not only art for the feet but are butter soft and feather light to wear.
Mulberry
Mulberry offers the ultimate gift emporium and the flagship store on Bond Street will never disappoint. Book an appointment with the world class personal shoppers. You can even "post a wish" for one of the gorgeous Mulberry items… one lucky shopper will be sent their "wish" item as an early Christmas present with love from Mulberry. Gift-wrapping is also available in-store for all those wishing to impress loved ones with their stylish bow configurations.
Lalage Beaumont
Lalage Beaumont are making the whole Christmas shopping experience truly personal with the "wish list". Switched-on shoppers drop into the store and leave their "wish list" with a personal shopper. Then loved ones hoping to pick out the perfect gift will then be "guided" to pick out the wish list for a Christmas without any disappointments. The store will also arrange gift-wrapping and deliveries, so the beautiful gifts arrive sparkling on the doorsteps of the ones you love.
Ralph Lauren
When choosing gifts which will be universally adored Ralph Lauren offers two fabulous stores on Bond Street for you to enjoy. Sit back next to the real log fires and let personal shoppers pick out this season's hottest gifts in Ralph Lauren's signature rainbow of colours. Then hot foot it over to Ralph Lauren's Children's store for the most beautifully made children's wear- all hand wrapped. Perfect to dress them beautifully for the holiday season. A gift for the little ones as well as Mum's and Dad's. The store also has the most fantastic display of Christmas lights- sure to get you into the spirit of things.
Sketch
Time for a spot of lunch? Conduit Street's Sketch, the amazing creation from Momo serves anything from afternoon tea, cocktails and Michelin starred cuisine in a setting that epitomizes glamour.
Elemis Spa
A day of treating those you love has certainly earned you the right to some deluxe pampering. For the only way to truly treat yourself Elemis offers the most fantastic range of treatments available. Combining the most premium products with the highest quality therapies you will instantly feel at home in your own private sanctuary. From anti-ageing facials to detox programmes and even therapies to suit mothers-to-be. Perfect pick-me-ups for the Christmas Party Season.
Mount Street
Feeling reinvigorated and ready for another batch of Christmas indulgence? Head to Mayfair's Mount Street –a must for serious London lovers. Here, in this old world elegance you can find the grand classic of tradition sitting side by side with the fashionista's of modern lux. Gunsmiths Purdy, and Allens of Mayfair, famous for its grouse and Scots beef now rubbing shoulders with Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga and Christian Louboutin. The newly revitalised Connaught Hotel is among one of the hippest new hang outs for cocktails and Scotts is high on the list for the chic dinner set.
So with the pampering, shopping (don't forget to call your Claridge's bell boys to collect your purchases throughout the day) and delicious treats you have indulged in, the Christmas preparations have been a truly social experience. London's luxury quarter has Christmas all wrapped up.
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