Let Christmas Begin at the Market
Like most of you, I am thrilled with the arrival of December 1st. It is official --we are finally allowed to be excited about Christmas and all its tinsel-clad glory!!
Covent Garden Market in London
Yes, I know --Covent Garden Market is open year-round. But there is something distinctly magical about giant, glittering baubles hanging from its Victorian structure, that injects a sense of joy into your soul.
You can find truly unique gifts here, or simply enjoy an afternoon of meandering through the many stalls.
Warm yourself by the fire..
No afternoon of exploring around Covent Garden would be complete without stopping by one of the many neighbourhood pubs. A glass of warm mulled wine near a roaring fire --yes, please!
Skate yourself festive!
This is one of the only years whereby Christmas has come and gone and I haven't found myself at the theatre. Last year, Kiss Me Kate at The Old Vic was a highlight.
That said, this year I couldn't miss an opportunity to skate at one of London's many charming outdoor ice rinks --all conveniently located at majestic historic venues. Somerset House and Kew Gardens are my favourites.
Somerset House
I'm all wrapped up and ready to skate. (Inside, I was channeling my inner Wayne Gretsky.)
A Salvation Army band in Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Don't be mistaken into thinking only the larger cities shine at Christmas time.
Beautiful little towns like Cobham, Guildford and Henley are bursting at the seams with old-world charm, and only a short distance from London by train.
In the above picture, shoppers on the high street in Marlow were treated to classic Christmas carols by the Salvation Army Band. (Come on! Could it get any quainter than that?)
The Dome in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is such a handsome city with a decidedly masculine tone to it's architecture. I think Christmas highlights a slightly softer side.
No trip to George Street can be made without a visit to The Dome. This impressive building was originally designed as a bank, now it's a glittering social palace.
All that glitters...
The festive interior of The Dome gives Paris's Les Galleries Lafayette a run for its money. Put simply --this is Christmas at it's grandest.
Lord Frewbe in Edinburgh
(I could have happily tucked myself under that tree, with a glass of prosecco, and waited for Santa.)
Le Bon Marche
When in Paris, go to Le Bon Marche for all things gorgeous! As you approach the building, you can not help yourself --you have to take a few minutes and look at the magnificent window design.
Le Bon Marche
You'll find the most fabulous fashion-finds positioned perfectly in a glamour-worldly display of Christmas.
It remains me of the movie HUGO, set in 1930's Paris. (Check your IMDb phone app.)
Les Galleries Lafayette
Not to be out-done, Les Galleries Lafayette portrayed a miniature mascaraed ball in their windows.
Dior
Lets peek into the windows of famous couture house Dior and see what Christmas looks like...
Somehow, I can't imagine a giant turkey on the dinner table -can you?
Bras d'Or, Cape Breton
Lets move swiftly from one French fashion capital to another --Bras d'Or.
(Still don't know it? Again --I say shame on you!)
Lets shake off all the glitz and glamour of the European cities and settle in for a down-home Christmas, complete with mountains of freshly fallen snow.
(I can tell you the snow is fresh, as it hasn't let up for nearly two weeks. ekk!)
Could Narnia at Christmas be more perfect?
A country Christmas has a lot to offer.
You can bask in the comfort of a warm home with a glass of wine, casually gazing at twinkling Christmas tree lights, whilst listening to a raging winters storm howling outside.
New Year's Blizzard
I wasn't kidding when I said raging winter storms or mountains of freshly fallen snow.
Christmas 2013 has seen an abundance of both.
Lord Frewbe and The Sisters MacAulay
The best part of my Bras d'Or Christmas Finale was a great time spent with Family and Friends.
The above picture was taken on New Year's Eve in Blues Mills.
Have you spotted my trendy new haircut?
(As it was nearly midnight, this gorgeous child is fast asleep --but still remains a must-have accessory for our photo!)
Happy 2014 Everybody
Yours truly,
Lord Frewbe
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