Karen's blog: Things to do in London this week and Country and Townhouse Christmas guide

With thanks to Country and Townhouse:

My name is Lucy and I’m a… Actually, I’m not really into labels but I am having a break from the booze (I know, most people think I’m mad not drinking in the festive season, but hey). My best friend’s done nearly a year now and cannot talk about it more enthusiastically. And without sounding like a really pesky non-drinker, I’m going to share that I’m really enjoying it too. For now. Maybe not forever, but for now will do. Bottoms up.

Plus, a quick note to let you know that we scooped the PPA award for Independent Publisher of The Year 2022!

Have a great week.

Photo: 'Grandiflora Rose' wallpaper design by Designers Guild

WHAT’S EXCITING ME THIS WEEK

JOURNEY TO ZERO
We loved hosting some of our readers last Tuesday to hear Arizona Muse, Anya Hindmarch, George Lamb, Anabel Kindersley and Dahlia Nahome talk about why luxury and sustainability should go hand in glove. We learnt and we laughed.

CHRISTMAS TV
I keep notes of everything I want to binge over the festive season. On my list is Happy Valley (so excited), the new Lady Chatterley with the gorgeous Jack O’Connell (watch this space) and Charlie Mackesy’s heavenly The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse, animated for Christmas Day.

FOODIE TRENDS FOR 2023
Want to know what will be on your plate next year? Ellie Smith reveals the big food trends you can expect from kelp popcorn to dates (the fruit type) popping up in unexpected places.

FIVE THINGS NOT TO MISS THIS WEEK

Feast on Swiss-inspired cuisine at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, which has launched a pop-up festive restaurant, Off Piste. Set within a teepee among the woodland, it’s serving fondue, charcuterie and mulled wine.

Swerve Christmas party hangovers at the UK’s first low and no tasting room in Covent Garden, hosted by Club Soda, which is serving up mindful cocktails and hosting sober-curious events.

Head to Jermyn Street on 10 December, where twinkling lights, live music, stilt walkers, craft workshops and street food, combined with pedestrianisation for the day, will create a Christmas shopping heaven.

Rufus Norris directs the National Theatre’s big Christmas show this year, which is a dark musical version of Sleeping Beauty – focused not on princess Aurora, but the fairy who is summoned to the palace to help her sleep.

Wondering where to watch today’s England game? Here are some of the pubs and terraces screening the World Cup in London.

WHAT'S TRENDING ON C&TH

Stay cosy with our 2022 winter scarves edit

Craving a spot of sunshine? Get inspired with these dreamy Caribbean hotels

Where to party in London this New Year’s Eve

How champagne is going green

Win a Two-Night Stay at Dukes London

Here’s your opportunity to win a quintessential escape in the heart of the capital: DUKES London is offering one lucky winner the chance to experience two nights of luxury and delicious British cuisine.

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CULTURE FOOD & DRINK TRAVEL STYLE INTERIORS PROPERTY

We’ve got Christmas wrapped up with our dazzling guide, from bicycles, jewellery, watches and handbags to a pair of beautifully scalloped pillow cases or an elegant set of clothbound Penguin classics. Choose from our selection of scents, gins and teas or splash out on a James Bond anniversary ‘The Assignment: Europe’ suitcase. For foodies, we’ve picked the most tantalising hampers and for wine connoisseurs, help them celebrate with our choice of English sparkling wines. Finally, we’ve suggested ways you can have a sustainable Christmas, sourcing your turkey ethically and not wasting a single shred of it. Our ultimate motto this year? Buy less, buy local, buy better.

Have a wonderful Christmas.

C&TH CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2022
Beautiful British presents to give (and add to your wishlist)

LUXURY CHRISTMAS HAMPERS
The best foodie treats for festive feasts

ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE FOR CELEBRATING
Raise a glass to the year just gone

BARBOUR TEAMS UP WITH PADDINGTON
The two British icons have joined forces on a festive flick

HOW TO HAVE A MORE CONSIDERED CHRISTMAS DINNER
Shop local and choose more ethical options

Great British Brands podcast

Listen to the Great British Brands podcast, and discover Michael Hayman in conversation with Alexandra Llewellyn, award-winning designer of luxury board games that are perfect for Christmas. Tune in today

Best of British Q&A with Araminta Campbell

Favourite British brand? Tor Workshop: beautifully handcrafted pieces that will become heirlooms, made from materials with a story and known provenance. Hero? Anya Hindmarch. For her honesty and openness about maintaining the truth behind her brand and the challenges that come with it. Weekend? Spending time with family: my parents, sisters, husband and children. All being together at my parents' house in Aberdeenshire for a long breakfast, dog walk and afternoon in front of the fire before a noisy evening with more friends and supper. Meal? Roast beef, crispy roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, silky gravy, roast root veg and fresh green veg, followed by lemon meringue pie. Shop? The Fife Arms Hotel shop: so many beautifully crafted items with real thought about the collection and how things are made. Undiscovered gem? Ardanalish Weaving Mill on the Isle of Mull. True Scottish weaving in the most stunning location, using sustainable Scottish wool. You can see the weaving and tiny shop with products of fantastic quality. Idiosyncrasy? Our love of dogs and animals. And a good cup of tea. Band? Fleetwood Mac. Car? The wonderful Land Rover Defender – its design, its heritage and its versatility. It’s so very British. Book? Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.