Christmas is around the corner and we’re feeling very festive. This is the Citizen Femme team’s list of things to do this December.
Including places to eat and stay, plus things to buy, watch and try – this is the ultimate inspiration to see you into the new month.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
EAT At a whole host of fabulous restaurants in St. Barths, but I’m particularly looking forward to the truffle pizza at Eden Rock – after which I’ll require a long swim in the ocean. WEAR While I’m still in the winter weather, I’m always in my Forever New cardigan, its so smart and wearable. Come evening, it’s time for my A by Anabelle denim slingbacks, that are perhaps some of the most comfortable heels I’ve ever owned: they’re coming with me in my St. Barths-bound suitcase for beachside dinners too. BUY These teacup and lacquer saucers from Mariage Frères are a real favourite and are on my Christmas self-gifting list. VISIT Curtain Bluff in Antigua whilst I’m in the Caribbean. It’s a five-star all-inclusive in every sense and I’m very excited to take a few days out with my family. SEE I’m grabbing tickets to see Lyonesse before Christmas, featuring Kristin Scott Thomas.
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Gemma Louise Deeks, Contributing Fashion Editor
STAY It’s not Christmas without a cosy weekend break to the Cotswolds. The very stylish Cowley Manor Experimental is on my list of places to stay while there, for mind, body and soul rejuvenation. EAT At Pied à Terre, a Michelin star restaurant with an award-winning vegan menu. The intimate, sophisticated setting makes it perfect for date night, and the food is exceptional. Visit for a culinary experience that you won’t forget in a hurry. BUY This Varley Wilkins sherpa puffer is exactly what I need for my cold walks to Pilates, now that the weather has turned. TRY The Sleepwave app, a smart alarm and sleep-tracking technology that uses motion sensing to gently wake you up at your optimum time, resulting in an improved wake-up experience – making mornings less of a struggle. VISIT The Gucci Cosmos exhibition, an immersive experience that presents era-defining pieces from the House of Gucci, from 1921 to the present day.
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Katie Silcox, Managing Editor
BUY It’s time to start sprucing up the home for Christmas and I love a novelty bauble; this fun collection from Fortnum & Mason has caught my eye this year. I want them all but, if I had to choose, I’d go for the embroidered teapot or the cake stand decoration. VISIT The new Maria Callas Museum in Athens, Greece; the American-Greek soprano was born 100 years ago this month, and this museum explores her iconic life. SHOP At the nearby hotel, Mona Athens. They’re holding a festive pop-up market on 9 and 10 December, selling rare art books from Paris Image Unlimited as well as ceramics, jewellery, fashion and Christmas-inspired baked goods. WATCH Stamped from the Beginning on Netflix, a documentary sprung from Dr. Ibram X Kendi’s book about structural racism against Black people in the US and beyond. EAT Anything from this cookbook dedicated to honey, but the Honeyed Chipotle Lamb Tacos look particularly enticing. TRY To build on my sustainable travel habits; the reusable cleansing mitt, body concentrates and shampoo bar in this article by our beauty editor will be with me on my next trip.
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Becki Murray, Beauty Editor
STAY In the UK for a festive spa break with friends, complete with limited-edition massage treatments, cosy treats, and heated outdoor swimming pools to remedy the cold, dark evenings. BUY A Le Creuset Cast Iron Round Casserole Dish, as a practical but much-needed touch of self-gifting; I’m hurrying to get my new kitchen fully kitted-out in time for Christmas. TRY The stress-relieving mindfulness techniques I learned from leading wellness experts at the Longevity Hotel in the Algarve. I’m hoping they – plus my favourite Neal’s Yard Remedies De-Stress Aromatherapy Blend – will help if the festive period gets stressful. LISTEN To traditional carols sung at their best (due to the spectacular acoustics and joyful atmosphere) at the Royal Albert Hall’s Christmas Carol Concert 2023. VOLUNTEER with Crisis for Christmas, to help bring a smile and a warm meal to individuals experiencing homelessness in the run up to the big day. It’s the first time I’ve been in London and able to do it.
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Morag Turner, Citizen Enfants Editor
WEAR We are off to stay with family in Wiltshire for a pre-Christmas weekend in the countryside. I’ll be keeping cosy in a gorgeous fairisle from Toast and a cashmere snood from Johnstones of Elgin. EAT Every year my husband and I go Christmas shopping together and start off with a lovely brunch. It’s one of my favourite traditions. This year we’ve booked Chiltern Firehouse which is always beautifully decorated in December. SEE I grew up singing along to Madonna’s hits so I can’t wait to see her in concert this month. I know all the words to every song! BUY I always throw a big Christmas party at home and I love the Christmas collection from Mrs Alice and the embroidered cocktail napkins from Zara Home. The perfect things to dress up any festive table. DECORATE It’s time to get the decorations up and I’ve added some beautiful faux garlands from The White Company to my collection. They are pre-lit and perfect for wrapping around bannisters or draping over fireplaces.
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Bibiana Obahor, Head of Graphic Design
WEAR As party season sweeps in, so does my excitement for finding the perfect party dress. This year, I’m super into the idea of satin and sequins. My eyes are set on this Satin Midi Dress from & Other Stories, and I’m planning to rent this dazzling Pink Sequin Mini Dress from Selfridges. SEE I’ll be wandering through Christmas by the River at Tower Bridge and planning a festive visit to Covent Garden. VISIT I’m eyeing the Private Spa London for an exclusive retreat. It’s a luxurious hideaway where you have the whole spa to yourself. Picture this: a Turkish steam room, a Finnish sauna, and a lounge pool – all in total privacy. BUY Every year, my sisters and I compete in a fun challenge of “best gift wrapping.” As the holidays approach, I’m turning to Cox and Cox for their luxury and varied range of wrapping papers. TRY Finally, I’m excited to dive into a pasta-making class at Eataly London. Ideal for a romantic date night or a fun day out with girlfriends.
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Grace Robson, Partnerships Director
STAY I’m very excited to enjoy a festive weekend in Paris, staying at the brand new Hôtel Des Grands Voyageurs. The hotel is inspired by the golden age of travel and is designed to replicate the vibe of a private residence of a Parisian art collector. READ The Last Devil To Die, the latest book in the fantastically heartwarming and hilarious series, The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. I’ve loved every single book in the series and couldn’t recommend them enough. BUY I’m obsessed with my new silver cowboy boots from Dune. They are perfect for the festive season, jazzing up any outfit and they’re incredibly comfortable. TRY Spinning at 3 Tribes in Crouch End. There’s no better place to balance out all the Christmas indulgence than a Rider class. EAT At Joyau in Forest Gate. Tucked under the arches, this local wine bar very much lives up to its name – ‘joyau’ means ‘gem’ in French. The menu is a beautifully-curated collection of French wines and small plates.
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Ella Mansell, Editorial Assistant
VISIT I’m off to Paris around Christmas to visit family and can’t resist an enriching trip to one of my favourite galleries, Fondation Azzedine Alaïa. A one of a kind gallery – architecturally for its fusion between the traditionally-Parisian glass café foyer and warehouse exhibition spaces, plus for its unmissable collections. WEAR My new favourite style of shoe, the square toe ballet pump is all I will be wearing this winter; this gold pair from Zara is so fun and will keep me on the dance floor thanks to its flat heel. BUY I’m dreaming of this vintage Fendi Embroidered Baguette Bag to carry me through winter soirées. EAT At Dalla, the boutique restaurant created by three Italian friends and focussing on regional Italian dishes has just arrived in my London neighbourhood, and I cannot wait to try the porcini lombrichelli. TRY I’m looking for a new scent for the season and I found Passport Amour by CRAY-ON during a recent trip to Stockholm. Back in London I’ve seen it on sale in Liberty… one for a self gift?
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