As the calendar flips to November we turn our attention to all things wintery and festive in the run up to Christmas. Here the Citizen Enfants team and their mum friends share what they are up to with their children this month.
It’s officially winter and time to enjoy all things cosy with the kids. From cute afternoon teas, seasonal days out and catching new movies to Christmas prep, our favourite shopping finds and fantastic family-friendly hotels – plus some stylish tips for mums (and mums-to-be) – here is all the inspiration you’ll need for a wonderful November with your children.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
BUY On a recent trip to New York, I discovered the cutest little store called Pink Chicken where I found tons of goodies for my kids. One particular brand I found is called 7am Enfant with the cosiest, sweetest cosywear for little ones. SEE The Christmas lights are slowly coming on and I love to take my kids to see them, starting with the Merry Marylebone Village event on 13th November, which is always filled with a Santa’s Grotto, a Ferris Wheel and plenty of treats for a festive family afternoon. DO THIS RIBA (Royal Society of British Architects) always has great one-off events for toddlers. On the 9th, there is a Family Fun Day called We Built This City where kids can design and build their own buildings and structures, but keep checking in if it gets booked out as they have exciting complimentary days for kids regularly. TREAT MYSELF ilapothecary is a favourite little spot for massages, the therapists are excellent, a real hidden sanctuary. BOOK From November, London is filled with plenty of exciting shows and I manage to fill up weekends with tickets to lots. From The Snowman at Sadler’s Wells to Room on the Broom at Lyric Hammersmith to Huddle at The Unicorn Theatre. ENJOY The first Festive Wonderland at The Dorchester by The Birley Clubs and The Caring Family Foundation on November 24th. They will transform the venue into a mesmerising winter wonderland, with a gingerbread village, a life-size polar bear, dancing elves, and seasonal crafts and entertainment and I have no doubt in how magical it will be. Plus, all their ticket proceeds will go to to the Foundation’s “Food From The Heart” Campaign fighting against food insecurity and child hunger. SIGN UP TO My daughter loves books and is starting to recognise and read letters so I’ve signed up to The Bear Can Read with monthly activity and book deliveries which shadows a nursery or school curriculum. TRAVEL WITH I always manage to spill milk when I go out and about of travel. Now I use the 750ml Ocean Litre bottle which keeps it warm for up to 9 hours, ideal for days out and plane journeys.
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Morag Turner, Citizen Enfants Editor
STAY I’m taking my youngest son to the Peninsula to try out the hotel’s amazing new Children’s Adventure Quest experience which involves a secret-agent-style treasure hunt across London. It’s a surprise treat and I can’t wait to see his little face! BUY As soon as the Halloween decorations come down I turn my attention to Christmas. On my shopping list this year is the Daylesford Advent Calendar for my boys, a pretty festive doormat from H&M, wrapping paper from the White Company and this embroidered decoration from Fortnum & Mason – I buy a new one for my tree every year. ORDER I do pre-printed personalised Christmas cards from Papier (saves me writing ‘Happy Christmas from the Turners’ a hundred times!), but I couldn’t resist these gorgeous Scribble and Dabb cards too. WATCH We are off to Twickenham to watch the England vs South Africa game. The Autumn Internationals are such fun and a great way to let kids see some of best rugby teams in the world. TAKE No one wants a sniffle before Christmas so my lot are all taking vitamins from Wild Nutrition while I’m loving the Morning and Night supplements from Lumity Life and NAD Complex from Artah. WEAR I’m a pilates addict and I’m about to start one-to-one reformer classes again with my amazing instructor so I’ve picked up a few more pairs of my favourite Sweaty Betty Power Leggings in various colours – the full length ones are perfect for cold winter mornings. GIFT If you are looking for an easy but beautiful gift for a little one then check out this lovely Baby Box. Carefully curated by mum-of-three Charlotte aka The Little Stylist, it’s packed with independent brands. BOOK The Haymarket Hotel are welcoming two much-loved children’s authors Lauren Child (Clarice Bean, Charlie & Lola) and Cariad Lloyd who will hosting a festive story telling session for little ones on 24th November. Kids can enjoy hot chocolates and cookies while adults can relax with mulled wine and mince pies. Such a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
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Gemma Louise Deeks, Contributing Fashion Editor
STAY We have booked our babymoon for the end of November, and are staying at the beautiful Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire for a long weekend of good food, indulgent spa treatments and cosy autumnal romance. BOOK It’s the final countdown for the impending arrival of my twins, and I’m excited to document my pregnancy with Studio Bust at their bespoke pregnancy sculpture studio – it will be such a lovely keepsake and memory of growing my boys. BUY I’ve been packing my hospital bag and thinking about what I’m going to wear to leave the hospital. I want something cosy yet chic, and absolutely love this cashmere tracksuit set from Whistles. I have also packed myself a lovely nightie to wear post c-section from British brand IF ONLY IF, who said hospital fashion had to be uninspiring? ORDER I have been looking into meal delivery services for when we get home with the babies and will have zero time to cook! Pow Food does a new parent bundle catering to different dietary requirements, so for me the 7 day bundle with a week of deliciously healthy chef prepped frozen ready meals and one handed snacks is perfect. PREPARE I’m working with London’s first post-natal concierge service The Fourth to find a postpartum doula for the early days when my partner goes back to work. They offer emotional, mental, physical and practical support leading up to and after your birth with a variety of packages to make the transition less overwhelming.
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Lucy Halfhead, Lifestyle Partnerships Director
STAY Cotswolds gem Calcot & Spa is fully geared up for kids, with incredible Family Suites, four hours free childcare a day in the Playbarn and a children’s tea at 5pm each day. BUY It’s officially puffer coat weather and I’ve fallen in love with the ice-cream colours on this number from Marks & Spencer. BOOK As well as a magnificent house and garden to explore, Blenheim Palace’s Adventure Play is the ultimate day out for little ones, with a huge playground full of tunnels, zipwires and swings, a butterfly house, maze and miniature train. EAT For a cosy Sunday lunch try Il Gattopardo in Mayfair where the emphasis is on Italian, family-style cooking that’s designed to be shared. VISIT The Young V&A is such a joyful day out for all the family, including toddlers who have their own fenced-off sensory section to explore. LISTEN We have just introduced a Toniebox to the nursery and love the new Classical Music with Sleepy Rabbit at bedtime.
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Rachel Story, Style and Commerce Director
SHOP I recently stumbled across children’s boutique Hop Like a Bunny in Holland Park and it was such a great find. It has the perfect curation of clothes, toys, lifestyle and gifting for little ones. I couldn’t walk away without buying a raffia storage box with hand stitched dinosaurs by Danish brand RICE. BUY In the same boutique, I also discovered Hartford boys clothes. Inspired by the classic American wardrobe, expect vintage-style flannel shirts, great knits and relaxed slogan sweaters that are all seriously cool. STAY The Grove is on my list of places to stay for a UK break with my family. I went for lunch this summer and couldn’t help but check out Anouska’s kids club, nestled behind the walled garden. It looks like the perfect spot for entertaining little ones, while grown-ups take advantage of some well-earned downtime in the spa. VISIT Bicester Village will transform into a winter wonderland from mid-November with twinkling lights, snow cannons, and live performances from carol singers and gospel choirs. To get in the festive mood, children can send their wishes to Santa, with every letter supporting DO GOOD charities. DO Enjoy a Paddington Bear themed afternoon tea on a vintage 1960s Routemaster bus tour as you and your family take in the sights and landmarks of London. Let Paddington and Mrs Bird be your tour guide, while you tuck into cakes, scones and, of course, marmalade sandwiches.
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Holly Rubenstein, Founder of The Travel Diaries Podcast
CELEBRATE My daughter Isabella recently turned two, so we planned a birthday celebration including a trip to Bocketts Farm in Surrey, which is fabulous for kids. We also have tickets to return to the Paddington Bear Experience at County Hall on the South Bank – it was that magical. BUY I have my eye on the exquisite kids’ shoe collection from Danish brand, Wheat, especially their fur-lined boots, the cutest Peppa Pig dungarees from MORI and Mini Rodini’s preppy new Agatha collection – buying clothes for my daughter is far more exciting than for myself! PAMPER Going into autumn I’m focussing on self-care and I’ve just splurged on a HigherDOSE Infrared PEMF Mat, which grounds you in earth’s magnetic field for a full-body reset – I hope it will ease my aches and pains, and help with relaxation. TRY It’s time to tame my wild locks, and my friends convinced me I needed to invest in a Dyson Airwrap. So far it has cut my styling time in half, and, with a bit of practice, has left me with a bouncy blow-dry look every time – I’m a convert. STAY I’m ready to hunker down for some hygge with the family, and the Lakes by Yoo in the picturesque Cotswolds have some beautiful self-catering apartments overlooking the water that have my name on them. LISTEN Season 13 of my podcast The Travel Diaries is out now, with guests including Alexander Armstrong, Jay Rayner and Monty Don coming up, as well as a Family Travel Special.
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Alex Carello, PR Director, Citizen Femme
SEE I am booking to see the Christmas lights at Kew Gardens. The whole experience looks magical and such a great day out for kids of all ages. My girls will love wrapping up warm, watching the light displays and hopping on the rides at the pretty, traditional funfair. VISIT Mars at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. My children love learning all about the solar system and planets and this huge new installation will mesmorise them I’m sure. Plus we can make a day out of it in Greenwich and explore the local parks and cafes. The perfect outing. BUY Flabelus x Papouelli look so cute on mini feet. While these Mary Janes look gorgeous, they also have a practical and hardwearing rubber sole so are great for running around in. Ideal for the fun festive parties that are coming up. EAT Alley Cats on the Kings Road has become our Friday go-to after school because pizza is always a good way to start the weekend no matter what age you are. WATCH The new Paddington in Peru movie arrives in cinemas this month. The perfect cosy after-school treat on a cold November evening. I’m just as excited to see it as the children are!
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