CLARIDGE'S CHRISTMAS TREE

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

CLARIDGE’S UNVEILS ‘FOREST MURMURS’ CHRISTMAS TREE 2012

BY KALLY ELLIS FOR MCQUEENS

Heralding the arrival of the festive season, Claridge’s has unveiled its Christmas Tree 2012, an enchanting forest-inspired creation by Kally Ellis, founder of renowned British floral designers McQueens.

Ellis chose a natural forest theme with a contemporary twist to style this year’s eye-catching tree in the heart of Mayfair. Drawing on the natural world for its inspiration, the tree features magnolia branches and lichen moss studded with crystal and emerald jewel eggs in white, gold and silver that combine to form a canopy of colour and glamour, reflecting the hotel’s timeless Art Deco beauty.

Beneath the tree, McQueens have also created a wild and natural setting called ‘Forest Murmurs’, complete with a woodland floor of peat moss, lightly dusted snow and peeping white hellebore (Christmas roses) to provide a promise of wonder and beauty.

Commenting on her creation, Kally Ellis said: “With ‘Forest Murmurs’, we’re capturing the spirit of a traditional Christmas – the nostalgia that evokes – and combining it with the style and glamour associated with Claridge’s to provide a certain sparkle. It creates a freshness and warmth that we think sums up the season perfectly.”

“Over the last 10 years, Kally has revolutionised floral design and pioneered flower installations as an art form,” added Thomas Kochs, General Manager of Claridge’s. “We are very proud that her work can be seen and enjoyed in Claridge’s on a daily basis, and ‘Forest Murmurs’ is sure to play a big part in making it another truly memorable Christmas for our guests.”

An international force in flowers, McQueens was founded by Kally Ellis in 1990. They provide floral designs for high profile events across the UK and on an international stage for such events as the Vanity Fair post-Oscar party, the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, and the Wimbledon Finalists’ Celebration Ball. McQueens at Claridge’s opened on the ground floor of the hotel in 2012.

The Claridge’s Christmas Tree has long been a holiday sensation, drawing visitors and Londoners alike to marvel at its magnificent design. Now in the fourth year of inviting a longstanding partner to create the tree, past Claridge’s Christmas Trees have featured designs by John Galliano for Dior and Alber Elbaz for Lanvin.

The dramatic shadows thrown onto the ceiling add drama and festive flair

Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2012 – ‘Forest Mumurs’ – was created

by Kally Ellis for McQueens