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| A window display at Fortnum & Mason. |
I have just returned from something of a Grand Tour of Europe: I was lucky enough to spend time in England, the Netherlands, France and Germany. Whew! It was all hop, hop, hop. And I lapped it all up like wine in a box at a family reunion.
The first stop on the trip was London. If you are a devoted Jet Set follower (and you certainly should be if you aren’t already!), you know that I am passionate about England and simply adore London. John and I checked into the just-opened St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel, and it was divine. (More on my stay at this historic hostelry in another installment.)
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| A mannequin shoots for the stars at Selfridges. |
The real highlight of my London visit was the holiday decorations. The British capital was kitted-out with garlands, wreaths, Christmas trees and twinkling lights. The city was packed with holiday revelers and shoppers, and there was a delicious energy in the air.
London’s wonderful department stores had just unveiled their holiday windows, and the results were simply delicious and fantastic. My favorite department store, Fortnum & Mason, featured leggy mannequins decked out in Vegas-style costumes as they scampered about rattan picnic hampers proffering epicurean delights and bottles of bespoke booze. Selfridges looked fantastic with its white-on-white and splashes of silver color scheme, while Marks & Spencer had draped itself in cascades of lights. And eternally chic Liberty of London boasted rainbow-hued marionettes scampering about while Harrods was aglitter with Swarovski crystals and uber-luxe merchandise. Meanwhile, that temple to high fashion Harvey Nichols featured decorations crafted of Styrofoam and packing materials, and the results were surprisingly inspired and innovative.
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| A gaggle of marionettes create a holiday-time ruckus in the windows of Liberty of London. |
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If you have a chance to hop across the pond during the holiday season, get ready for an exuberant spirit. There’s no better time to visit London for some Brit wit brilliance.
Photos by Jason Oliver Nixon.
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| The twinkling façade of Harrods. |