London: Tea Time in Wonderland

Rushing to find the very last presents, crossing options from your list. Inevitably, you end up loaded with way too many bags. Inevitably too, it seems you are going against the crowd flow. Sympathetic random thought for salmons. You ever-so-adorable high heels prove to be ever-so-unstable as gravity and the weight of the purchases try to take you down. Mission Impossible of the day: slalom through obstacles on your way as you have doubled in width, each boutique insisting on an extra bag. Pinks getting rosies, wrists getting whiter.

And then, finally, Selfridges is in sight. Your steps guide you, instinctively to the Wonder Room, all dressed in white, ceiling, floor, shelves, presents. Shelves are lit up, such luminosity you just stare at them for a while, objects looking surreal. Sudden need for white cotton sheets, cosy cushions, snow, ethereal clouds.

A whole mix of gift ideas -  some very affordable, others signed by Victoria Beckham, Givenchy, Chloe, Mulberry, Vivienne Westwood, Burberry… It may be time to revise your Xmas wish list.

Selfridges
Wonder Room
400 Oxford Street
London W1A 1A

How about doing something different before the year is over? Like, maybe, not just buy the Big Issue to have a clear conscience but stop and chat, ask whether they would like a coffee, make it just a little bit more human than erasing them from your mind after walking past. Or join an Unseen Tour, strolls through London led by homeless guides who therefore know the neighbourhoods like the back of their pocket. Even the most blasé will learn fabulous facts from them. You can also take part in a Sock Mob – volunteers go round with sandwiches and socks, chat with homeless people, try to cut through the isolation, a few minutes that can make a difference. Christmas is not just about buying gifts but sharing, even with total strangers.

The Christmas touch:
* Last week, Santas were racing through London. This Saturday, they will be skating in Hyde Park.
* See a festive movie in a deconsecrated church, all decorated for the occasion. Even better, it is for a good cause.

That’s art, baby:
* Not pop TV but punch TV.
* For the Andy Warhol fans -  the last chapter.

Yummy time:
* Your mouth will water at the only sight of this Sunday Roast.
* Warm up with a flamed cocktail at the One Aldwych. And check in on Four Square too – you will get a mini mince pie crumble with your drink.
* Test a mozzarella bar.
* Now, here is a fab idea-  an afternoon tea with a selection of mini-cocktails rather than just a normal sized one.

Take the little ones along:
* Inspired by Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, the London Museum proposes kids workshops.

Stocking fillers:
* Pop-up boutique + theatre = fun
* Add a little Beatles touch.

Hum along:
* Join the Xmas carols at the Borough Market.
* Dance, rock and twist at the Royal Festival Hall. It’s free!

A touch of magic:
* Share. At least your time and help prepare community meals.
* Don’t follow the trend, get a hula hoop and dance yourself happy.
* A stroll through London. Christmas-themed. Yep. In a kayak.

After a few days in India, the British rain had quite faded my cheerfulness.

A visit at Carom painted my day in bright colours. This bar, right in the heart of Soho, mixes the most exotic cocktails with ginger, rose, litchee, cumin, jasmin, lemongrass… Sun in a glass. Let me warn you -  there is no stopping at one either so do come with (many) friends to sip through quite a selection. My favourite -  love at first sip – remains the Bangalore Cooler,in which fresh cardamom is crushed then mixed with whisky, pear, maple syrup. A little marvel and a wwonderful occasion to taste an Indian whisky too – Amrut. Golden, warm, fruity. I ordered a bottle online on my way back home -  say it all.

And if you’re looking for a festive time -  ask about their cocktail masterclasses. How wonderful to see the bar from the other side, learn a few tricks, invent your own signature cocktail. Mine was a dance of saffron gin, rose syrup, lime and orange juice. A liquid Turkish Delight. I was so taken in the atmosphere I was slightly disappointed not to see any palmtrees in the street…

The Christmas touch:
* Beware, Santa invasion!
* Be generous too! Bring your unwanted gifts at the Etsy grotto. They may well make the happiness of another kind heart.
* A Christmas tree by Lanvin? Wow.

That’s art, baby:
* East Berlin steps in Shoreditch.
* Rediscover Dickens.
* Space Invaders invasion at the Outsiders.

Yummy time:
* Fancy a pint of cider?
* Add a slice of Caraibean in your winter.

Take the little ones along:
* A wonderful atmosphere: the Somerset House organises free storytelling under the gorgeous Tiffany Christmas Tree.
* Skate for free at the Scoop -  slide along!
* Nostalgic moment: a Muppet Show movie.

A touch of magic:
* Moomins arrive in Covent Garden.
* For gentlemen who prefer to wait the very last minute to do their Xmas shopping -  book now!

My advice of the week? Go for a Christmas afternoon tea at the Mandeville hotel. They had already won my heart (and my stomach) with their traditional version and I fell for that one too. Tangerine tartlet with a touch of gold, light but delicious Stollen the best scones in town, mince pies to die for, cupcakes decorated as a Christmas tree, a brownie teaxture to the chocolate cake with a touch of mint… What better way to celebrate the season before, during or after a shopping session? Even better, match it to one of theur fantastic cocktails -  the Via con me is a drink-it-up tiramisu version and the Dragonfly is very Turkish Delight like… You will be back for more!

‘Tis the season to be jolly:
* The Xmas tree dresses up in Legos at St Pancras.
* Don’t forget the Pudding Race!
* Woodlands get enchanted.
* Celebrate Xmas with a Swedish touch -  gorgeous food and drinks, ski lodge atmosphere and soft furs…

That’s art, baby:
* Open space and green!
* Robots invade the Science Museum.

Yummy time:
* Shhh -  a secret place for Whisky lovers.
* The Real Food Market gets festive.
* Learn to cook Tudor style at Hampton Court.

December, your best excuse to do some shopping:
* Do your shopping at this night market. Chinese lanterns and DJ – what a lovely atmosphere!

Out of the ordinary:
* Turn back the clock and head for a sensational Victorian evening.
* Brave the cold.
* Fingercross for a chance to see the Cointreau Cabaret.
* Beat that winter-blues with a ray or two of light.
* Discover Mrs Marmite Lover’s London.

Each year, rather than adding yet another toy to the house, I take my daughter to see a musical. Girly time and fabulous memories. The Cirque Invisible, the Lion King, the Wizard of Oz. This year,  Wicked put a spell on us. The theatre in itself is already magical, a different universe. Do take the binoculars (£1, one between each seat) to better see the details of the decors and costumes. The story? A different version of Oz, each role being reversed, sprinkled with formidable humour. Quick, go and see it!

Christmas is coming to town:
* Go gift hunting on that adorable Finnish market.
* Plenty of ideas at the Chelsea Physic Garden fair too.
* On the craft side, you will find real wonders at the Merry Magpie pop-up.

That’s art, baby!
* Nothing better than 4D projection to bring life back into a building.
* Is art really rubbish?

Yummy time:
* Burger revolution.
* It is winter time and Dickens then rhymes with punch and Courvoisier.
* Still on the Dickens’ theme -  opt for the pub crawl!
* Food allergies? Go and enjoy this free from festival.

Shopaholics, beware:
* Remember Upper Street? Great news -  they are having a sample sale of unique models this Saturday, up to 50% off the original price. Just go to Upper Street Studios, 1A Clarendon Buildings, 11 Ronalds rd, London, N5 1XJ. From 10.00 to 16.00, payment by card only.

Take the little ones along:
* Especially for adventurers-to-be: a tour of the HMS Belfast with a hot chocolate.
* This adorable kids festival in South Kensington should make the whole family happy.

Out of the ordinary:
* Le Cool and Fiji Water have thought of a wonderful winter stroll along a forgotten river -  click here to see the app / map, it’s all free!
* Underground tales, this way.
* Discover London… aboard a kayak.
* Manga fans, rejoyce: this one takes place at the British Museum.
* One of the mysteries of London…

My mind is elsewhere this week. Partly in endless Xmas shopping lists, partly in the mountains of leaves in the garden that I keep jumping in with my daughter and partly in packing a suitcase. I will be enjoying the sun of New Delhi next week. A few days with spices and exotic colours…

We wish you a merry Xmas (no, it’s never too early)
* Bond street lights will be switched on on the 17th – the shop windows always are worth making a special detour…
* Also on the 17th – 20% reduction in Carnaby street!

That’s art, baby:
* Tip your hat to Terence Conran‘s genius at the Design Museum.
* With birds… or without?
* Art vs postcard. Love at first sight, buy one and learn at the very end who did it. You may well have a Tracey Emin or an Anish Kapoor!

Yummy time:
* Say no to food waste. On Trafalgar Square Friday evening, learn to cook a better way and nibble delicious treats.
* Indulge in delicious breakfasts.
* Coffee or tea?

Out of the ordinary:
* You knew speed-dating. The new trend is speed listening – ipod music sharing with a cocktail.
* Try a less known park.
* Sleep in an Ikea.
* Give aquatic siatshu a try – you can’t get bored in this town!

Well if it is going to get all chilly and wet, I might as well go winter cocktails hunting. You’ll find a few celebration ideas here. Mulled ciders, toddies, buttered rums, here I come!

That’s art, baby:
* Go and see Leo. Not the one from Titanic, the other one.
* Hogarth’s house (the famous painter) is opening again to the public. Even better, entrance is free.
* Discover little secrets of your daily household objects…
* You will be in awe of this photo exhibition at the Royal Festival Hall.
* Do you have a lucky charm? There is a whole collection here.

The music touch:
* Dance, sing, play along the Thames with the Merger festival.
* Jazz it up!

A little fresh air:
* Street lights are pretty much the same from one year to another these days. Yet Carnaby street‘s always are particularly colourful. They’re switched on Nov 10. Oh, and Covent Garden has digitalised the Nativity scene. Not to be missed!
* Keep fighting and garden.

Kids-friendly:
* See (real) reindeers at Covent Garden.

Yummy time:
* Falling for cupcakes? Meet Lola’s founders Thursday at Selfridge’s.
* The Make Lounge offers lovely workshops – this week-end it is all about chutneys and jams.
* To decorate your cakes as if they were works of art, have a look here.
* Oh, a new supperclub, Spanish style…

Out of the ordinary:
* Fancy being  foxy? I mean, really?
* Express yourself and get a free haircut.
* Less known but still worth a detour: the mayor’s parade.

Psst, try your luck, we have two competitions on the blog at the moment:
*5 Time Out Eating and drinking guides for foodies.
* You live in the UK? Great – you might win £400 worth of flights to Europe.

Hotel Chocolat always captures the spirit of a season quite nicely – whether by delicious taste associations or playful presentations. They are, I have to say, my favourite source for gifts – I regularly take some back to France for friends and family.

Their Christmas collection is always a treat. I always indulge in one of their advent calendars (why go for tasteless supermarket ones? The shapes are adorable too) or their crackers (better a chocolate than a useless plastic toy). Winter flavours, chocolate wreaths, stocking fillers, who said Xmas shopping was tough? Sweets for everyone, I say!

The favourite this year? No hesitation:  the orange and chilli chocolate log (£8). It will pull a spell on you as soon as you open the wrapping – impossible to just put it down, the Gianduja aroma is irresistible, it will take all your will to put it down. A little praline effect, melts immediately in the mouth, a touch of chilli waking up the tastebuds. All this decorated generously with almonds, hazelnuts, and sugared orange zests. Ending, always, with this warm spiced note. Never open it when on your own: you would finish it in no time. I speak from experience.

The good news? Hotel Chocolat has given us one for you to win. How to get it? First, follow Teatime in Wonderland on Facebook or/and Twitter. Then leave us a comment below: which treat would you choose in their Xmas collection and why? You have until Sunday, midnight to join in. The winner will be announced Monday morning.