Tag Archives: Christmas

The Nutcracker 2012, The Coliseum

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As ever the English National Ballet thrill and excite with their annual production of the Nutcracker. It is impossible not to enjoy the lyrical music, gorgeous costumes, romantic set and beautiful dancing in Wayne Eagling’s production of Tchaikovsky’s festive classic.

This year Daria Klimentova takes on the role of Clara, with Fabian Reimair as Drosselmeyer, James Streeter as Mouse King and Vadim Muntagirov as Nephew. It is an all star cast of brilliantly charming dancers. There is a youthful energy and excitement as they whirl energetically, taking on the lifts with precision and elegance. Credit is also due to the exceptional kids who play such a crucial role in this popular ballet. Annabella Sanders as young Clara and James Lovell as young Freddie are particularly impressive, commanding the stage as confident actors and dancers.

The orchestra follow the score with a fresh outlook, you’d never know they had been playing this ballet over and over. The music sizzles and sparkles, thanks also to conductor Gavin Sutherland who conducts beautifully. On stage there is always something to look at with a stunning set designed by Peter Farmer and glowing lighting by David Richardson. All in all this production of the Nutcracker reminds me every year of the joy of Christmas and leaves worries of presents and stress far behind.

There is constant competition between the Royal Ballet and English National Ballet, these grand Covent Garden theatres always rivalling for the top spot. With artistic integrity and creative genius the Coliseum masterpiece is the winner for me year after year.

Continues until Friday 30 December, book here.

A festive afternoon tea at Dukes Hotel, St James

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Afternoon tea is a wonderful way to enjoy the Christmas spirit and I can’t imagine anywhere more romantic and cosy than Dukes Hotel in St James. Indulgent but sophisticated, this beautiful spread is presented in the PJ (Perrier Jouet) Lounge. Sit in the beautiful pink and green chairs and admire the plentiful bottles of champagne that surround you.

I have already tried the refined and delicious menu at the Dukes Thirty Six restaurant, and I was delighted to be returning for this special festive afternoon tea. The hotel sparkles with decoration and is an inviting venue especially in the chilly weather. After a day of Christmas shopping it is the ideal treat.

The Dukes Afternoon Tea is available from 1st – 31st December and includes:

Sandwiches: Smoked Salmon, cream cheese & cucumber, turkey & cranberry mayonnaise and roast ham & tomato.

Fresh Scones, tea cakes, madeleines and fruit cake with strawberry jam and clotted cream.

Cakes: lemon meringue pie, chocolate brownie, plum pannacotta and chocolate eclairs.

A tea of your choice, and, of course a glass of Perrier Jouet champagne

All for £35 a person

I was very impressed with the freshness of every part of the Dukes tea. I find sandwiches are often a touch stale but these were delicious and soft with premium fillings. The scones were warm and smelt divine, just out of the oven I imagine. The picture perfect cakes were super sweet and I could only manage a few mouthfuls, I wished I could have taken them home and saved them for later, because it was all too delicious to leave.

The chilled glass of champagne was a refreshing and luxurious addition to the tea and my fresh mint infusion was soothing. Warm and comfortable, I could have stayed at the hotel all day.

Dukes Hotel may be small but it is just as special as the grandest hotels in London, and this festive afternoon tea proves it as a lovely venue, especially at this time of year.

More information here.

http://www.dukeshotel.com/christmas-afternoon-tea.php

Hot on the Highstreet Week 134

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Looking for a last minute Christmas present idea?

Most ‘modern folk’ don’t use more than 3 or 4 cards these days, so why do we carry around a massive, worn out old wallet that often doubles up as a grave yard for receipts?

LUX leather was started in the summer of 2012 by a young Londoner who saw a gap in the market. He purchased a slim card wallet while on holiday, and whenever it came out at the pub his friends asked where he acquired such a neat little thing. He had been searching for a similar card wallet for some time in the UK with no luck, so decided there and then to create a Brand specialising in slim money clips and classic card wallets made from real leather.

6 months later LUX has sold over 1000 wallets, has a range of 5 styles, and numerous different colours to choose from. They can either replace your rather large day to day wallet altogether or provide you with the perfect wallet to take on night outs / holidays etc

All products come in a lovely box and are dispatched within 24 hours of purchase, so make a great last minute Christmas gift… for boy or girl, man or woman.

Visit www.luxleather.co.uk to find out more.

LUX offer guaranteed Xmas delivery if orders are placed by 4pm on WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 19th (UK only)

Order now here and use the 25% discount under the code: MILLY