29 Ways To Make Your Christmas Memorable

29 Ways To Make Your Christmas Memorable

When it comes to feeling festive, there’s nothing quite like Fortnum & Mason’s intricate Christmas window displays to get you in the mood. Following the lifting of lockdown restrictions, the famous London department store has reopened the doors to its much-loved food hall – and launched two festive experiences to get shoppers ready for Christmas. From must-have gift ideas to a seasonal afternoon tea and a pop-up lodge serving fondues and hot cocktails, here’s why you need to plan a visit this month…

CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FORTNUM & MASON

THE STORE

Think Fortnum & Mason, and most people’s minds will turn to its famous monogrammed wicker hampers – especially at this time of year. Typically filled with treats from Fortnum’s food hall – such as champagne and themed confectionary and sweets – once emptied, these stylish hampers often go on to be transformed into handy toy boxes and pantry storage solutions in kitchens across the country. For now, though, the department store is open for Christmas and selling a huge selection of these festive favourites, from hampers focused on wines, teas and picnic essentials to new additions to the collection aimed at four-legged friends and those who’ve just moved house.
 
This year, the Piccadilly institution has filled its eight store windows with scenes from Christmas displays past – all 313 of them – from a sleigh scene in 1930 to modern depictions of cheery Beefeaters, a nod to the store’s position as a royal warrant holder. This month, the store will also be celebrating the countdown to Christmas on a grander scale than ever before, as the team has transformed Fortnum’s façade into a gigantic advent calendar – giving customers no excuses to leave their Christmas shopping to the last minute…

THE AFTERNOON TEA

After an afternoon exploring the halls of Fortnum & Mason – which are currently dressed in eye-catching festive decorations – guests can opt to head to the department store’s beautiful Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. For the first time in the tea room’s history, this year the team is offering a festive afternoon tea menu to make seasonal celebrations feel extra special. The ‘Christmas Savoury Tea’ consists of cheddar truckle scones with truffle mustard butter; venison and apricot sausage rolls; classic finger sandwiches, a selection of festive scones and classic patisseries. Meanwhile, the ‘Classic Afternoon Tea’ includes fruit scones and classic finger sandwiches. Both will be served with afternoon tea cakes that celebrate festive icons, including: 

• Silver Bauble: A white chocolate dome filled with caramelised pear and cinnamon, with a ginger financier base.

• Dark Chocolate Christmas Candle: A dark chocolate cylinder filled with mandarin ganache and candy red pulled sugar.

• Éclairs: Filled with rose & violet crème diplomat. 

• Red Velvet Parcel: Layered red sponge with red mascarpone buttercream, and a raspberry-flavoured glazed red box with a gold edible bow.

• Barquette of Blackcurrant & Cassis Meringue: Fortnum’s blackcurrant & cassis curd in a barquette tart and an Italian meringue topping finished with gold leaf.
 

For more information on the teas, and to book your table, visit FortnumAndMason.com

Glimmering Gold Crackers, £175
Glimmering Gold Crackers, £175
After an afternoon exploring the decorated halls of Fortnum & Mason, guests can opt to head to the department store’s tea salon.
Afternoon Tea At The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon
Afternoon Tea At The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon
After an afternoon exploring the decorated halls of Fortnum & Mason, guests can opt to head to the department store’s tea salon.
The Fortnum's Classic Christmas Hamper, £175
The Fortnum's Classic Christmas Hamper, £175

THE FESTIVE POP-UP

For 2020, the Fortnum’s team has transformed its 3’6 Bar into The Lodge. Formerly the go-to destination for the après-skate crowd at Somerset House, this year The Lodge will bring festive cheer to visitors at 181 Piccadilly. Here, guests can enjoy a selection of festive favourites, from feasting dishes such as a whole baked camembert; and cheese and chocolate fondues, to small plates such as scotch eggs and pigs in blankets. Drinks on offer will include hot chocolate and a menu of hot cocktails, champagnes and classics such as espresso martinis.

For more information on The Lodge, and to book a table, visit FortnumAndMason.com

THE HALLS

Still in need of some inspiration when it comes to your Christmas shopping? Fortnum’s famous food hall, and its many floors of interior accessories, wine and gifts, is the quintessential festive shopping experience that has something for everyone – from toys and themed sweets for children to books and beautiful homewares. From a full-blown Christmas Day hamper – filled with the likes of Scottish smoked salmon, champagne, potted stilton and panettone – to luxe finishing touches such as candles and cashmere socks for the women in your life, here are some of the store’s bestsellers…

Inspired? Shop Christmas at Fortnum’s here or visit the flagship store at 181 Piccadilly, St James's, W1A 1ER.

Visit FortnumAndMason.com

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