The Arbuturian was delighted to attend the switch-on of the Burlington Arcade’s Christmas lights earlier this week, a wonderful excuse for a party and an annual event that is always well attended. This year saw flowing fizz from the South of France, a live rock band, and an Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland theme to mark 150 years since the publication of the book. It certainly didn’t seem to phase any of the guests who bumped into the Mad Hatter on stilts, trailed by a flame-haired Alice – after all it is Mayfair.
Most of the shops extended their opening hours for this exclusive evening, and after window shopping at many of the numerous jewellery and watch stores, we popped into Frederic Malle for some fragrance advice, La Perla, where my husband found a rather decadent Japanese-inspired silk smoking robe (now on his list to Santa), and the new Chanel boutique who were offering ladies some super snappy make-overs. A sing-song of ‘White Christmas’ followed the switching on ceremony and the arcade is now suitably decked out with frosty and shimmering white trees.
For more information on the Burlington Arcade’s Christmas opening times, and for further present inspiration, visit the website.
