Everything we’re eating, buying, watching and experiencing this month. The ultimate inspiration for a fun-filled and festive December.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
STAY At The Setai Miami. This is where I’m headed for my winter getaway, featuring a laid-back Sunday jazz brunch and plenty of pool time. BUY I’ve got my eye on Johanna Ortiz’s collection; this printed linen robe is ideal for lounging and good enough to roll straight from home to beach. WATCH She Said, about the two New York reporters who helped break the story about the MeToo movement; and the documentary Made You Look: A True Story About Fake Art which highlights one of the largest art frauds in history. EAT Maria G’s in Fulham transports you to a sleepy Italian fishing village with perfectly cooked fish, fresh daily made pasta, and plentiful use of Amalfi lemons. TRY The Chanel Rouge Allure lipstick in Rouge Selѐne. A drop-dead beautiful red that just glides on, good for any time of the day. This is my handbag essential this season.
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Gemma Louise Deeks, Contributing Fashion Editor
STAY I’ve booked a pre-Christmas treat to The Newt in Somerset for a much-needed countryside escape, and I’m particularly looking forward to trying the Garden Café for its vegetable-led menu. BUY I’ve been looking for the perfect travel steamer, and Steamery’s chic and compact design is a total winner. I’ll be packing it for my trip to Stockholm this month. WATCH It’s the time of year for classic Christmas movies, so I’ll be watching The Holiday for the 100th time. Pass me the tissues. EAT I can’t wait to try Mallow’s festive menu, this plant-based restaurant in London’s Borough Market has been a favourite since it opened last year and I’ve booked it for Christmas Eve. TRY Sisley Paris’ Exfoliating Enzyme Mask for an instant glow. With radiance-boosting ingredients, it works its magic in less than two minutes.
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Lucy Halfhead, Content & Partnerships Director
STAY I’ll be curling up in one of six recently refurbished rooms at seaside boutique The Suffolk in Aldeburgh, whose restaurant Sur-Mer is big on local producers including Fen Farm Dairy, Sutton Hoo Chicken, and Dingley Dell. BUY It’s time to pre-order a Christmas hamper from the iconic north London deli Panzer’s, loaded with champagne, smoked salmon, sticky toffee pudding, and a selection of special cheeses. WATCH As a massive Florence Pugh fan, her new performance as English nurse Lib in Netflix’s new period drama, The Wonder, based on Emma Donoghue’s novel of the same name, is on my watch list. EAT The Connaught Grill is the place to dine this December, with a menu of comforting grill classics such as baked Somerset brie and a delicious chicken, artichoke, and lemon pie. BEAUTY If, like me, you’re in need of an immunity boost at this time of year, take a trip to Lanserhof at The Arts Club for an IV infusion of vitamin C, amino acids, and zinc. VISIT Frameless, a digital immersive arts experience featuring the works of Cézanne, Monet, and more.
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Katie Silcox, Deputy Editor
STAY The Harper, Norfolk. The hotel opened last year and its sauna is the perfect place to come back to after a bracing December walk along the north Norfolk coastline. BUY With festive season in full swing, making sure we get our beauty sleep is more important than ever. I’m counting on this luxe Olivia Von Halle eye mask to help me achieve it. EAT I’m looking forward to visiting The Kitchen at Chewton Glen (one of my favourite hotels in the UK). I’ve booked a pre-Christmas lunch and plan on making my way through their three-course festive menu. WATCH I’m waiting for Season Two of Firefly Lane on Netflix, it’s being released on the 2 December. TRY As one of the many people who took up roller skating as a pandemic hobby, I’m excited to try out the Skylight Ice Rink on the roof of Tobacco Dock, followed by a warming drink in one of their heated igloos.
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Alexandra Carello, PR Director
STAY At home! I love Christmas in London and, having grown up here, being at home with my Christmas tree and my children is just perfect. BUY One of my favourite brands is Maria De La Orden and I’ve just ordered this jumpsuit, it feels so festive! WATCH Emily in Paris is finally coming back to Netflix! I can’t wait to see how they up the fashion stakes. EAT & DRINK I cannot wait to try Bacchanalia – the new restaurant from the Caprice Group. This looks like the ultimate place to be for festive indulgence. BEAUTY I’m looking forward to a spa day at the Aman Spa at The Connaught – it’s the best place for some downtime in Mayfair.
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Becki Murray, Contributing Beauty Editor
STAY I’m visiting Switzerland for the first time this month, hoping for the three ‘Cs’ – cheese, chocolate and Christmas markets. I have my eye on a room at The Dolder Grand in Zürich, one of the best hotels for art lovers. BUY I can’t be without an oversized teddy-bear coat that feels like a fluffy dressing over the festive period. I’m basing my search on MaxMara’s cosy camel version. LISTEN Did you know that a local London library membership gives you free access to thousands of audiobooks? It’s changed my commute. EAT As well as hoping for a Jo Malone London candle in my stocking this year, I’ll be booking a seat at Aubaine inspired by the British fragrance brand’s fabulous seasonal scents. TRY 111Skin x Aman Essentials’ new revitalising under-eye sheet masks are my (not-so-well-kept) secret for post late-night Christmas parties. Tired eyes will thank me in the morning.
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Lucrezia Motta, Editorial Assistant
STAY Milan is always the right choice for an elegant weekend getaway, and staying at the Bulgari Hotel Milano in the charming neighbourhood of Brera will transport you into the luxury heart of the city. BUY I’m always on the lookout for the perfect pair of golden earrings, and the Farah 22 Elegant metal earrings by Satellite Paris have made it onto my Christmas wishlist. READ I’ve just finished The Lying Life of Adults by the sensational Italian writer Elena Ferrante. This poetic coming of age novel with the backdrop of Naples in the 90’s is a gripping read. As a bonus, Netflix is releasing a series based on this work on January 4th, 2023. EAT Chisou is an intimate restaurant in Knightsbridge where you can explore the best of Japanese cuisine in the city. The luxurious minimalist setting and the Blue Finn Tuna Nigiri are an ideal combo for a date night. LOVE the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Supersize Serum, a must-add to my skincare routine during these harsh winter days.
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Morag Turner, Contributing Editor, Citizen Enfants
STAY I’ll be heading to the Scottish Highlands for Christmas with my family, travelling overnight on the Caledonia Sleeper train. Waking up to beautiful scenery makes the journey so special. LISTEN Ronnie Scotts is the most amazing place for live music, and we are off to see Natalie Williams and the Soul Family perform one of their famous Motown nights. EAT I’m visiting The Savoy for a festive afternoon tea with my girlfriends. It’s an annual Christmas tradition which we all love. WATCH Every Christmas I take my children to a Westend show. This year it’s Elf the Musical. BUY With lots of Christmas parties coming up, I’ve got my eye on a few sparkly dresses from Rixo. You can’t beat sequins at this time of year.
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