29 Ways To Make Your Christmas Memorable

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