Spirit of Christmas Fair 2016

Yesterday I was invited to visit the Spirit of Christmas fair* at London's Olympia, home of over 750 independent retailers and designers which is described in a nutshell as the UK's biggest high-end Christmas shopping event. A vast number of boutique brands with products ranging from the eye watering expensive to the more affordable, all offer something different than you will find in your typical shopping centre. I defy you to be unable to find a gift for even the trickiest person on your list and if you're looking for something different, unusual or truly special you will find it here.

In addition to being a shopping mecca you will find interactive workshops offering advice on everything you might need to know at Christmas from flower arrange and gift wrapping to champagne tasting. You really could spend a couple of hours or a whole day walking round and taking everything in. I saw many people taking advantage of the seating areas around the hall laden with bags even so early in the day.

There is also a food market and I could've become quite tipsy walking round from all the booze samples on offer, from gin to flavoured vodkas and all manner of cheese and meat offerings to liven up your festive dinner table. Keeping along the alcohol theme if you need to take a break from all that shopping there are a number of Louis Roederer Champagne bars located around the floors as well as coffee shops and Mosimann's exclusive pop up Winter Restaurant. 

I arrived at the Spirit of Christmas fair an hour after it's 10am opening time on a Thursday and whilst busy it was still a pleasant environment to shop in, although do expect some bustle at particular stalls. I imagine it gets busier throughout the day and also over the weekend (you still have until Sunday to attend).

So what are my thoughts on the Spirit of Christmas fair and is it worth a visit? If you're happy to pay £20 for what is essentially a shopping venue and you like to buy from boutique brands then this is perfect for you. It is a lovely day out and if you're so inclined Westfield Shopping Centre in Shepherd's Bush is 5 minutes away by train if you want to have a full day of shopping.

My mum and her friends often go to these types of events and will spend the whole day shopping and enjoying some lunch and I did text both my mum and the BFF on way round and said we should visit next year.

Despite an abundance of Christmas trees decorating the venue and hanging from the ceiling it didn't feel as 'Christmassy' as I'd have liked and also a lack of Christmas decor available to buy. Both maybe a plus point for many and that does me more varied choice of items to buy that other Christmas fairs I've intended. Nonetheless perhaps a little more emphasis on the season or 'spirit' would've been good.

Prepare for photo overload as I give you a walk through some of the great items I saw for sale and I've tried to include links where I can. Starting with the gorgeous clutches from Tea & Tequila Trading which really caught my eye. If I opened one of their gorgeous clutch bags on Christmas morning and saw a sequinned flamingo or pineapple staring at me I'd be very happy.

Next to catch my eye was Proud Couture and the amazing fashion illustrations available as prints or cards. If I didn't want to damage the print carrying it around for the remainder of my day in London I would've made a purchase there and then. Proud Couture's website is currently under construction but you can find them on Facebook and Instagram and just drop Rosie an email if you'd like to make a purchase.   

For my beauty friends there were only one or two sellers from the well known brand Elemis to LouLouBelle London, a boutique aromatherapy brand founded by Magda Thompson who was herself manning the stand on Thursday. Abandoning work as a PA Magda retrained at London Esthetique Beauty College, trained further with a number of well know brands before she developed her own skincare range.

If anyone is feeling generous this Christmas and needs an idea of what I like for Christmas then please see Rosanna Lonsdale and treat me to one of fabulous Flamingo lamps. I was able to meet Rosanna and she talked through the process of making these lamp bases; how each is hand made through a process of both painting and decorating glass vases using an 18th Century technique called Decalcomania.

The prices are high but when you realise you're purchasing a piece of art that can be bespoke to your requirements you realise they're worth every penny and would be a real talking point in any home.

If like me you're not a fan of the hype surrounding beauty advent calendars (see last years post on the topic here) then you might be as taken with The 12 Days of Christmas handcrafted wooden advent calendars as I was. I love the idea of something you bring out year after year and can fill with treats for children. 

Don't we all love anything with a monogram so of course Apatchy caught my eye straight away. Whether you want to pick a personalised 'ready made' item such as these cosmetic bags or pick from the range of patches (including Liberty and Sequinned variations) and personalise your own item the choice is yours. 

Louisa Elizabeth was creating quite a stir as I walked past with people expressing what a wonderful idea she'd had and what perfect gifts they would make. Louisa actually designed her first map as a gift for a man who had everything. Drawn by hand and personalised as you wish they would make an excellent wedding gift. 

Mackenzie & George

Culinary Concepts

I'd love to know your thoughts on the Spirit of Christmas Fair if you have been before, or if indeed its somewhere you'd like to visit.

*I received complimentary tickets for the Sprit of Christmas fair