Best places to see Christmas decorations in London

London looks amazing any time of year but with all the Christmas decorations it is particularly charming! The decorations are put on very early, already in October, with most of the official lights switch on happening in mid November. London knows how to do Christmas well - so if you are thinking of visiting London in winter - think no further!

Here is a list of my favourite places:

Oxford Street and Regent Street if you are ready for the biggest crowds!

Bond Street where you will find festive Tiffany and Cartier and colourful Royal Arcade (not to forget that the lights over Bond Street are spectacular too)!

Another area that always looks great - Covent Garden. Go there for Covent Garden Market baubles and beautiful Christmas tree, huge mistletoes above the streets and charmingly decorated Seven Dials.

Liberty - check out their ever changing flower display and Nutcracker themed windows + Carnaby Street decorations inspired by V&A's exhibition 'You say you want a revolution?'.

Leadenhall market often gets overlooked as it's a bit more off the beaten track but for me that's one of the most beautiful places at Christmas time. The market itself is one of the oldest markets in London, dating from the 14th century, and it looks even more magical with a Christmas tree.

Don't forget about ice skating - rinks near Natural History Museum and Somerset house are the most beautiful ones.

Everything and everyone is just getting Christmassy, dog outfits included.

Don't forget to look at the doors as the colours of wreaths are really pretty too!

A day in London with The Duke

Just wanted to share with you some images I took for Penhaligon's character The Duke, who is part of newly launched Portrait's collection

The Duke starts his day with a breakfast in the Riding House Cafe.

Filling refueled, he is ready to hit the stores. He decides to go to Liberty first to check their new textiles and rug collections.

Doing shopping is so tiring! He feels that he needs a break. The Duke stops at Said for a cup of their amazing hot chocolate. 

Now he is ready to continue. Being a huge art admirer he goes to check out newly opened exhibition at Tate Britain, one of his favourite museums.

Now time to visit his tailors and shoemakers on Jermyn Street.

All the alterations are done and he is almost ready for the evening. On the way to dinner he pops into Hatchard's, London's oldest bookshop, to get some more books about art as he is getting ready to attend an auction in a few days. 

Now the business in done and it's time to relax. He has dinner at Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill.

As evening is coming to London he crosses Picadilly and heads to see the latest play at the theatre.

*In collaboration with Penhaligon's London.

Columbia Road Flower Market in December

I love coming to Columbia Road Flower Market any time of the year. If you are visiting London in December a visit to the market would be at the top of my list. Even if you are not looking to buy anything just having a stroll around will get you into festive mood!

It's only open on Sundays though (till 3 pm) so you have one last Sunday before Christmas to go there!

Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty at V&A museum

I was very lucky to be invited to visit Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty exhibition in Victoria & Albert museum this morning. You don't have to be a fan of McQueen or into fashion to admire the beauty of the designs and setting.

Spinning mannequins, stunning holograms and interactive backgrounds. No picture can express the whole beauty of the show. You have co come and see it with your own eyes!

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Special thanks to Victoria & Albert museum for the tour.

You can find more information here: www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/event/3373/alexander-mcqueen-savage-beauty-4777