So, what’s on your own Christmas gift list? In the frenzy of shopping for everyone else, don’t forget to treat yourself in our BrandAlley sales and Outlet! There are loads of savvy bargains with guaranteed Christmas delivery, so what are you waiting for? Of course, you could always point your loved ones in the direction of your favourite sales to make sure Santa brings you exactly what you want.

Pop-up Christmas Arcade at Somerset House

Check out the new luxury pop-up shopping mall in the beautifully renovated West Wing of Somerset House, overlooking the ice rink. The Christmas Arcade celebrates the best of British design, so you can pick up everything from jewellery and accessories to artisan furniture and decorations from exclusively British boutique brands. Highlights include top designers and makers like Handmade in Britain, Tatty Devine, Electrum Gallery and Monster Supplies.

Meet Santa and his reindeer at London Zoo

Santa has found time in his incredibily hectic schedule to pop into London Zoo to keep an eye on his beloved reindeer. So, it’s the perfect opportunity to take the kids to visit  Father Christmas at his winter lodge in London Zoo’s memorial gardens. And do make sure you stop to say hello to the VIP herd in their festive paddock preparing for their big night.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Start your festive celebrations early by a trip to the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, which opened its gates on Friday. The Wonderland itself is free, so you can simply go along to soak up the atmosphere and stroll around the picturesque Christmas markets. But you will have to pay for many of the attractions like the Magical Ice Kingdom with its amazing sculptures made from ice and snow or a ride on the Giant Observation Wheel with its absolutely superb views.

Made 12 – Brighton’s Design and Craft Fair

If you’re in Brighton today, head over to Made 12 – Brighton’s Design and Craft Fair in the Corn Exchange by the Royal Pavilion. 120 of Britain’s most innovative and original makers will be there to sell their work directly to the public. It’s a brilliant place to browse and snap up unique Christmas gifts and beautiful things for yourself.

Stir-up Sunday Christmas pudding and cake recipes

Today, the Sunday before Advent, is historically known as Stir-up Sunday – the official day to start making your Christmas puddings and cake. If you want to know more about this quirky British custom, take a look at this BBC Food blog. And if you’d like to start your own festive tradition, you can choose from nearly 40 deliciously easy cake and pudding recipes on All About You.

 

Happy Sunday

Jo x

Picture credits: © Image of reindeer herd via pracob.blogspot.com; © Hyde Park Winter Wonderland; © Pop-up Christmas Arcade image via  Somerset House website; © Image of reindeer from London Zoo website © Made 12 poster from Brighton Made website; © Christmas cake montage from the All About You website.