There’s a sense of nostalgia in the air this November as we gear up for Christmas. Playful winter bonnets, Christmas markets, and open fires are leading the way.
Perhaps a winter getaway in a luxe motel with the family this season? Start adding to your presents list, book your family holidays and wrap the kids up in this favourite fashionista brand.
BUY THIS KHAITE x BONPOINT
For the chicest child you know, fashionista favourite KHAITE has launched a collaboration with the iconic French children’s wear label BONPOINT for a limited run collection that combines the elegant charm both brands embody. Distinct KHAITE style with a little la Francaise courtesy of BONPOINT, the 11-piece capsule collection offers sweaters, leggings, skirts, onesies and voluminous tops for babies, toddlers and children, ranging from ages three months to 10 years old. Our favourites within the collection include a sweater highlighting a KHAITE signature fair isle pattern with a side button closure, elastic- waisted leggings with ribbed ankle detailing, and a playful pom-pom bonnet, paired together for an ultra-soft ensemble. KHAITE’s founder and creative director, Catherine Holstein, crated the collection while she herself was about to become a mother. Holstein shares: “Designing this collection, in collaboration with BONPOINT, while I was pregnant was very meaningful. It is exciting to be able to offer our customer something special, and personal, like this collaboration.”
VISIT THIS Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
The UK’s most iconic festive event ‘Hyde Park Winter Wonderland’ opens its doors to celebrate its 15th edition and is set to be the most magical one yet. Zippos Christmas Circus and Cirque Berserk! have jaw dropping aerial acrobatics and laugh- out-loud clowning, a feel-good show fun-packed from start to finish at 45 minutes, the perfect length for families. The Magical Ice Kingdom returns with over 500 tonnes of expertly crafted ice and snow, journeying through a mythical land complete with secret passageways, a snow-tunnelled ice slide, and a crystal carriage drawn by unicorns. With plenty of rides, the Christmas market, ice sculpting workshops, Santaland with Santa’s magical Grotto and 4 Santaland rides, and the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, for date nights to play dates, this is one Christmas activity you can’t miss.
EAT HERE Walmer Castle, Notting Hill
This week, the Walmer Castle pub on iconic Ledbury road in Notting Hill reopened after a top-to-toe refurbishment by interior designer Isabella Worsley. There is a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere with open fires, wood panelling, reclaimed furniture, low lighting and plenty of comfortable seating brought together in an earthy colour palette of warming yellow and brown hues. This effortlessly chic new hangout is an ideal spot for relaxed drinks at the bar as well as a Christmas lunch or dinner in one of the two private dining rooms upstairs. The food menu is a tempting mix of unfussy yet delicious seasonal British dishes including north Yorkshire venison carpaccio; halibut with samphire, smoked tomato and corn risotto; a dry aged beef burger with raclette cheese; and mulled apple and blackberry crumble. Run by husband and wife Jack and Poppy Greenall who are also behind the much loved Surprise Pub in Chelsea, we have no doubt that this will become a favourite new watering hole in the neighbourhood. – Laura Normanton.
STAY HERE Mollie’s Motel & Diner
Mollie’s, the Soho House-designed motel & diner, has just the right amount of festive spirit for you and your family, at its Bristol and Oxfordshire locations. Between 16th November and 30th December, Mollie’s famed, retro-inspired diners will be launching their festive dishes including a Festive Flip ‘n’ Dip Burger, Buttermilk fried turkey with sage, red onion and cranberry relish and flip & dip gravy, and a signature Sherry Trifle Soft Serve, raspberry, jelly, custard and sherry sponge. The ideal treat for all the family is Mollie’s hand spun and indulgent Milkshakes. Alongside, classic flavours, limited editions festive orders include Gingerbread and Candy Cane Milkshakes. Book a Mollie’s Family Sleepover including a night for four in one of the motel’s famous bunk rooms, with plenty of exciting nearby activities, from crazy golf and ninja warrior challenges to inland surfing, and using Mollie’s rentable bikes with Bikeable, any family will have a blast exploring the area.
GIFT THIS Banwood
Thinking ahead for Christmas gifts? From next-level energy and improved attention to the ability to play on their own and their enhanced imagination, bikes, trikes and scooters are an all-encompassing fun way to capture the attention of little kids. Banwood is the classic children’s active lifestyle brand, with Scandinavian-inspired cycling products for children. The tricycle comes with a softly padded oak seat, vegan leather grips, wooden oak pedals, a removable push handle and a cute wicker basket in front to bring along their favourite toys. The brand also has helmets and very comfortable and minimalistic carry straps, so you don’t have to carry both your little one and their ride in your arms. This is one brand that provides all the nostalgic feels as it sits in your entrance hall.
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