A global field guide to design, (life)style and secret finds est. 2007
Wee Christmas finds: Fortnum & Mason decorations
Every Christmas brings a proliferation of London-themed Christmas decorations, so you'd think it would be difficult to find something new - and a bit special. But this handsome collection of hand-stitched fabric ornaments by Fortnum & Mason is really rather splendid.
Some might shudder at the notion of a department store-themed ornament, but I like to think that the historic Fortnums is a wee bit different and deserving of special treatment.
Like many other Londoners, a trip to F&M in December was one of my most memorable Christmas traditions. There were the Christmas windows to be gawked at, Christmas crackers to be admired, and presents to be bought and posted to Australia (the tea and biscuits inevitably picked over by Customs). There were also essential Christmas supplies to stock up on: the creamy ceramic pot of Stilton, the most perfect clementines (individually wrapped in squares of tissue paper) and traditional mince pies.
These London - and Fortnums - icons (there is the historic clock, shopfront facade,Christmas hamper and tea caddy, as well as the ubiquitous red telephone box, black taxi and red bus) are decorated with gold braid, the F&M logo and Union Jacks. Sadly, no Potted Stilton ornament! They are priced from £12 from Fortnum & Mason.
Fortnum & Mason 181 PiccadillyLondon W1 Tel. 0845 300 1707Nearest tubes: Piccadilly and Green ParkClick here for a Wee Birdy map.Opening hours:Monday to Saturday 10am-8pmSunday 12Noon-6pmClick here for Christmas opening hours.
By the way, if you're interested, here are Fortnum & Mason's Christmas windows this year. It's a theatrical theme (very West End London) and was apparently inspired by the Pet Shop Boys' video for 'What Have I Done to Deserve This'.
http://youtu.be/go-YnPVg5Lo
What do you think? Who do you think has done the best Christmas windows this year in London?
Every Christmas brings a proliferation of London-themed Christmas decorations, so you'd think it would be difficult to find something new - and a bit special. But this handsome collection of hand-stitched fabric ornaments by Fortnum & Mason is really rather splendid.
Some might shudder at the notion of a department store-themed ornament, but I like to think that the historic Fortnums is a wee bit different and deserving of special treatment.
Like many other Londoners, a trip to F&M in December was one of my most memorable Christmas traditions. There were the Christmas windows to be gawked at, Christmas crackers to be admired, and presents to be bought and posted to Australia (the tea and biscuits inevitably picked over by Customs). There were also essential Christmas supplies to stock up on: the creamy ceramic pot of Stilton, the most perfect clementines (individually wrapped in squares of tissue paper) and traditional mince pies.
These London - and Fortnums - icons (there is the historic clock, shopfront facade, Christmas hamper and tea caddy, as well as the ubiquitous red telephone box, black taxi and red bus) are decorated with gold braid, the F&M logo and Union Jacks. Sadly, no Potted Stilton ornament! They are priced from £12 from Fortnum & Mason.
Fortnum & Mason
181 Piccadilly
London W1
Tel. 0845 300 1707
Nearest tubes: Piccadilly and Green Park
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 10am-8pm
Sunday 12Noon-6pm
Click here for Christmas opening hours.
By the way, if you're interested, here are Fortnum & Mason's Christmas windows this year. It's a theatrical theme (very West End London) and was apparently inspired by the Pet Shop Boys' video for 'What Have I Done to Deserve This'.
http://youtu.be/go-YnPVg5Lo
What do you think? Who do you think has done the best Christmas windows this year in London?
