Not feeling Christmassy yet?
Well not to worry, I’ve got MORE than enough Christmas sprit for everyone!
This was only increased thanks to a huge helping of cheer from the clever lot at Fortnum & Mason.
Fortnum’s is one of London’s oldest department stores. Founded in 1707 they have an incredibly beautiful shop on Piccadilly and it’s stuffed full of… well, goodies. Every type of tea you could imagine, chocolates, cakes, mince pies, clothes, homeware, the lot.
And now they’re hosting the skating rink at Somerset House.
If this place doesn’t fill you with Christmas cheer, nothing will!
The launch party sparkled with all the magic you could hope for.
You strolled through the huge archways of Somerset house and along the cobbled passageway, flanked by Red Coats bearing cocktails.
Having busied yourself choosing the right one, orange martini glass or steaming mulled wine?
Steaming mulled wine, obviously. You take your cup and walk into the courtyard.
Looking up you couldn’t help but let out a childlike “ooooh!” at the size of the twinkling tree.
A huge Fortnum’s hamper turned on its side, was filled with dapper staff handing out thick hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream, nuts and spiked with cognac.
^ An inadvertent photo of the TVlegend that is Bruce Forsyth. Bit of a Brucey Bonus!*
Well, it’s always nice to see him, to see him nice!*
(*If you didn’t grow up in England, or you’re under 20… you probably wont get these jokes, don’t worry they’re terrible.)
Back to the party!
Waltzing masked giants peppered the crowd around you,
music playing over head, only adding to the feeling that perhaps it was all a dream.
After a couple more mulled wines (and a little hot cider) you took to the ice!
Spun your way around the frosted pond like a gazelle. Wowed the crowd with your elegance and skill.
Or you just grabbed a polar bear and held on tight! I can’t remember which version of events is more accurate.
None the less, you had a ball.
A snow ball!
You watched in wonder as sugar plum fairies danced, not to Christmas songs anymore, but to 1980’s hip hop and Kanye West, oddly enough.
Somerset House had been (and still is) well and truly stuffed with all things Christmas.
So of course you snooped your way through the lot.
Falling particularly in love with this wooden advent calendar.
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Filled with Fortnum’s sweets, but it’s one you could reuse it forever and fill it with your own surprises!
Put a scavenger hunt clue behind each door that leads to a pressie hidden somewhere…
Or just little trinkets and home-made treats.
Someone suggested that door 25 would be a good place to hide an engagement ring!
Which is just adorable.
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The corridors smelled like a mixture of hot buttered toast, cinnamon, spice and candle wax.
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Outside magicians played, actors danced and fairies teased the crowd.
You tucked into cheese on toast,
washed down with hot chocolate.
Took yourself for one last stroll of the square.
Watched the last of the skaters slice up the ice.
And if you’re anything like me, tried desperately to grab a cheeky hamper on the way out!
The perfect Christmas kick off!
There’s so much more than ice lined up this season; films, fondue, yuletide treats, carol singing, and even club nights. Find the schedule and ticket stuff here.
Go as a family, go on a date, go with friends, just go.
It’s only open until January 11th, so you’d better get your skates on!
