Results matching “Christmas”

Each year over the holiday season, I enjoy visiting London to see the Christmas lights, the decorations, and the window displays. I posted a couple of weeks ago about London's Christmas Lights for 2016. This post is about London's Christmas window displays. I cover Fortnum & Mason, Liberty, John Lewis, and Selfridges. I don't often make it to Harrods to see their Christmas window displays. The clear winner this year was Liberty department store. 

Liberty Department Store's display this year featured "The Nutcracker". This type of window display was similar to the ones that I had previously seen on a visit to New York City, which I thought were done very well and had a very Christmasy theme. The pieces also moved with a man in a cape spinning around and a ballet dancer. There were also toy soldiers and mice that moved, and the mice fell down when 'shot' by the soldiers.

John Lewis's department store on Oxford Street used their theme with the woodland creatures and dog from the advertisement this year. The dog is above ground, looking into a hole, and most of the scenes take place underground with squirrels on moving trains full of gifts and hedgehogs and foxes with other gifts inside the underground tunnels.

Selfridges department store's window displays featured Santa and other costumed figures in different poses, such as on a ski lift, with a giant polar bear, in a hot tub, outside of a plane, and parachuting. In each display, Santa and the other characters are surrounded by gifts. In the large corner window, a giant item that looks like a Christmas cracker with a lot of sparks (made with neon lights) flying out of it is on display.

Fortnum & Mason's display featured characters, such as a wolf and turkey in festive poses. The wolf blows on a trumpet with sheep singing in chorus near him, and the turkey helps a characterised knife remove a cork from a bottle of bubbly. The windows on the side also feature their Christmas hampers. All of the pairings are unlikely as the characters join together for the festive season. The store used the tagline "together we're merrier" in order to bring people together after a difficult year.

Some of London's previous window displays are below:

2015 Christmas ligths and window displays

2014 Christmas window displays

2013 Christmas window displays

2012 Christmas lights and windows

2011 Selfridges Christmas window display

Last week, I visited the Dickens Victorian Village at Cambridge, Ohio. This is not too far from where my parents live. The last time we visited and walked around to see the statues was in 2009, and you can read my post about it here. The Dickens Victorian Village is an exhibit that has taken place since 2006 with local businessman Bob Ley creating the figures and dressing them in Victorian fashion; Ley's business was in men's clothing. The Dickens Victorian Village and the light show at the courthouse (I'll cover this in another post) draw crowds over Christmas, and we saw at least one bus in town on the day we visited. 

There are now over 180 life-sized figures in 93 different scenes on the main street of Cambridge, and a bronze plaque next to each one gives interesting facts and information about Victorian life. Some of these are in shop windows, and others are out in the streets. Mimicking our 2009 visit, we had heavy snowfall the day before; we'd planned to visit that day but were snowed in so planned to go the following day. The snow was on the figures and over some of the bronze plaques. (We took care to walk the pavements/sidewalks as it was very cold the day we visited and any snow that had started to melt had turned to ice in places.) 

Cambridge's main street has a lot to offer in terms of craft shops, coffee shops, supermarkets, specialist food shop, bakeries, antique shops, and restaurants. There's also an old-style theatre, and it had just finished a production of "A Chrostmas Story", based on the film. Cambridge is also known for its glassware with local companies Boyds (now closed) and Mosser glass. Some of the glass is sold in local stores or at its location a couple of minutes drive from the main street. It's also sold in the Discovery Center, where you can learn more about the Dickens Village. We did visit Mosser's and bought some nice glassware.

We walked up and down the street so that we could see the figures and had a meal at Theo's restaurant, which is a popular and recommended restaurant on the main street. After getting warmed up, we headed back outside to catch the Courthouse Holiday Light Show, which I will post about later.

Dickens Victorian Village runs from the first of November until the 2nd of January. For more information, visit their official website at http://www.dickensvictorianvillage.com. Worth a stop is Kennedy's Bakery, one of the best bakeries in the area. I love the Chinese tea cakes. Also do not forget to visit the antique shops (Penny Court) and Mosser's glassware (a short drive away), and stay for the light show on the courthouse in the middle of the main street; it starts at 5:30pm.

Every year for the past several years, Lego have unveiled a new sculpture for the holiday season at Covent Garden. This year, the sculpture was a little late as the new large Lego store opened up at Leicester Square. This year's sculpture is Santa's workshop and is a little building made out of Lego bricks and includes several other items (elves, Santa, gifts) and official kits that you can purchase on display.

The Santa's workshop comes with a fireplace and several Lego models, as well as wallpaper and pictures hanging on the wall, all made from Lego bricks.

The Lego exhibit will be on display until the beginning of January. Visitors can also get their photographs taken with it as done in previous years with the Lego sculpture. Last year's Lego sculpture was a Lego steam train. In previous years, Santa and his reindeer, a large snowglobe filled with London monuments made from Lego, and a large Lego advent calendar which was opened daily. Visitors could sit inside the sleigh and have their photographs taken and were encouraged to use social media to upload them.

On Saturday, I went to the Christmas Cookie Tour of Inns in Ohio's Amish Country. This is an annual tour that involves visiting twelve inns/hotels that make part of the trail. Different hotels sign up every year, but hotels on past tours also sign up to generate interest. At each stop, visitors look at various rooms that the hotels have to offer, and the hotels and rooms are decorated for the holidays. Snacks and drinks are also available at each stop, and visitors pick up their free wrapped cookie at each. 

The guide book that came with the ticket and contains information about the hotels on the route also contains a recipe for each cookie and information about the hotel. The theme for this year is "Songs in the Air, Christmas in My Heart" and is based on Christmas songs. I went on the tour a few years ago, and you can read about the 2013 Christmas Cookie Tour here. Continue reading to learn about this year's stops.

The Barn Inn: The Barn Inn is located near Millersburg, Ohio. It is a restored barn and serves bed and breakfast and where stories about the Amish are told at breakfast time. The hotel was decorated for the holidays with the rooms decorated. Also decorated was the breakfast room, which had the tables set with festive decorations and cookies created in the shape of vintage Christmas cards out of edible paper. This year, a goat dressed in festive dress was also present and at the entrance of the hotel. The rooms and decor here are are traditional. (Cookie: Oreo Cheesecake)

Guggisberg Swiss Inn: Guggisberg Swiss Inn, located near Charm, has 24 rooms and overlooks a valley. Horse and carriage rides are on offer, and breakfast is included. The inn resembles a Swiss chalet with high ceiling in the lobby, carved wooden cuckoo clock, and wooden bear. A few years ago, the hotel started a vineyard and creates its own wine, which can be sampled at the hotel. The rooms here are vintage-modern. (Cookie: Coffee Toffee Treasures)

Berlin Resort: The Berlin Resort, located in Berlin, has 77 rooms and a swimming pool, sauna, fitness centre, cinema, golf green, and trail. The rooms have a modern feeling, and we were able to explore a couple of the different types of room, including the bridal suite. (Cookie: Monster Marshmallow)

Comfort Suites: Comfort Suites is located in Berlin, Ohio. The hotel is a modern one with rooms that are decorated in a modern style. The lobby was decorated with a Christmas tree, and we got to see a couple of decorated rooms; blue was the colour used this year. (Cookie: Red Velvet Sugar)

Berlin Grande Hotel: The Berlin Grande Hotel, located in Berlin, is a four-storey hotel with modern urban design. The rooms were decorated for Christmas with modern-but-traditional decor. One room was dedicated to the cardinal and decorated with imagery of the bird. (Cookie: Rudolph's Chocolate Cherry Bar)

Carlisle Country Inn: The Carlisle Country Inn is located near Berlin and is a large house with seven rooms. Each room has its own unique style. The lobby has high ceilings, and a large tree and carol singers were amongst the decorations. (Cookie: Mocha Chip)

Garden Gate Get-A-Way: The Garden Gate Get-A-Way is located near Millersburg, Ohio. It is one of the newer hotels on offer in the Amish country and features two single cabins and additional rooms in the main building. We were able to see inside one of the cabins. (Cookie: Heavenly Ginger)

Oak Ridge Inn: Located in Walnut Creek, Ohio, is Oak Ridge Inn. Each room has a different wooden theme and colour. There are good views over the valley, and we were informed that the hotel is very popular. Due to limited parking, we parked at the Wallhouse Hotel and had a horse and carriage ride to the inn. The decor of the rooms vary, but they are traditional. Good views can be seen from some of the rooms. (Cookie: Chestnut Chocolate Chip)

Carlisle Inn Walnut Creek: This hotel is located at Walnut Creek and was decorated nicely for the holidays with plenty of Christmas trees and festive decor in the rooms that were open to visit. Each room has its own design. The rooms featured are more traditional in design, and they offer good views. When we were leaving, they put a horse out front with a sleigh of gifts. The horse and carriage rides are located near the hotel (Cookie: Chocolate Raspberry)

The Inn at Walnut Creek: This hotel, located near Walnut Creek, offers a selection of rooms in its main building or three larger jacuzzi rooms. The hotel is modern in style, and all rooms are on a single ground floor level. (Cookie: French Butter Madeleines)

The Inn at Amish Door: This hotel is located in Wilmont, Ohio. On location is a large and popular Amish restaurant and shops. The accommodation is modern-traditional and the rooms were decorated well for the holidays. The lobby is beautiful with high ceilings and a large tree. (Cookie: Bell Linzer)

Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek: Located in Sugarcreek and also close to another popular Amish restaurant is Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek. The rooms are modern-traditional and each have a balcony. Each room has a different style. (Cookie: Cinnamon Roll Sugar)

I recently visited "Forest on the Roof", a restaurant and bar located on Selfridge's rooftop. "Forest on the Roof" is the latest theme for the rooftop bar, which turned into a ski-lodge last winter and was named Le Chalet. Over the summer, it was known as Vintage Salt and was inspired by the typical British seaside town. This winter, the woodland winter forest inspired the decor of the restaurant with bright pink and purple neon lights and silver disco balls complementing the woodland theme. The festive Christmas and winter season fits the woodland theme very well.

The restaurant is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails.  

I visited for breakfast and had the "Candy Cane" cocktail, which contained a mix of lemon, lime, Koko Kanu, cream, egg white, orange bitters, and pumpkin puree. It came with a peppermint candy cane and photographed very well. It doesn't have much of a strong alcohol taste, which I enjoy. Blue sugar was put along the rim of the glass. 

I ordered the cinnamon French toast, and this was served with cream. It was very tasty.

I enjoyed my visit. For more information about visiting "Forest on the Roof" at Selfridges, go to http://forest-restaurant.co.uk

Last year, I published an article about where to see London's Christmas lights. This included a map and a trail of London's Christmas lights. This year, I closely kept to this trail in order to see this year's Christmas lights. This year brought some new Christmas lights to London, but I felt some of the areas were a little under-whelming when compared to previous years, but a couple of areas that had not impressed me much in the past I thought were better this year. 

I must start by saying that central London was the busiest that I have ever seen it. It was impossible to sit down to eat food or visit most shops anywhere in central London due to the sheer number of crowds. Walking was next to impossible; I managed to get around crowds by walking along the side of the street most of the time as the pavements/sidewalks were packed with people slowly heading in both directions with bottlenecks in some places (really, I don't think buskers should busk along Oxford Street). Quite a few tourists were out due to the cheaper pound; I'd like to know what the tourism percentage is now compared to last year at this time.

The map of the area that I cover in this post is below, with each number point as a stop-off to see Christmas lights. I started my journey in the mid-afternoon at the Covent Garden/Seven Dials area and finished at Selfridges department store at about 5:30. Note that I didn't take time to sit down to eat nor shop as the sheer number of crowds made this impossible. (I did actually arrive earlier with a view to get food, but every single place that I tried to get into had a queue out the door.) However, if you wish to start a bit earlier, make a reservation for a restaurant near to Covent Garden. Covent Garden's lights and decorations can be enjoyed before darkness sets.

1. Seven Dials

Just north-west of Covent Garden is an area known as Seven Dials, named after a roundabout with six points and a column in the middle (pictured below). For a few years, their Christmas lights were a colourful set. Last year, they introduced some new ones with white roses. This year, they've taken on a woodland theme with a mixture of colourful birds, foxes, bears, wolves, and other wildlife to turn the area into a woodland.

2. Covent Garden: 

For the past three years or more, Covent Garden has used their mistletoe light decorations inside the Covent Garden market and on the exterior of the building. This year, I also noticed the mistletoe decorations on the streets that meet at the four corners of the entrance to the market. Their Christmas tree was back again this year, but overall, it was disappointing with favourite decorations missing. The giant silver reindeer and the Lego sculpture was missing this year. The giant reindeer was missing due to a new restaurant being constructed on Covent Garden, and I assume that the people who were responsible for creating the Lego sculptures in the past have spent their time building for the new Lego store in Leicester Square. The live reindeer are also not on display (although they probably got tired/stressed of being looked at and petted). However, I did see a couple of nice displays in front of a couple of restaurants in the Covent Garden area. (At the time of publishing this, a Lego sculpture has been added to Covent Garden only a couple of weeks ago and after the new Lego store was open in Leicester Square. I will be posting about it at some point.)

3. Leicester Square

Leciester Square now boasts a giant Lego store along with the M&M store, but the queues to get into the new Lego store were long. I did not bother. For the past couple of years, Christmas lights were hanging from the trees in the square itself. This year, the square was boarded up with a Christmas market and circus inside. On the outside of the square, wooden boarding was put up. This was decorated by illuminated drawings that school children had submitted featuring festive scenes.

4. Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street:

The lights between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus are the same lights that have been in used for at least a couple of years. The statue of Eros in the middle of Piccadilly Circus used to be decorated festively, but it still has boarding around it. I do hope that they remove this. The road looking north onto Regent Street is worth looking at here. There's a good view of the Christmas lights on Regent Street, which are arguably the best in London this year with the past few years being a disappointment. The Christmas lights feature angels.

5. Picadilly Street for Fortnum & Mason:

There aren't any lights along Picadilly Street, but there's a nice market, bookstore, and Fortnum & Mason's. I like to see what the shop fronts look like and attempted to go into Fortum & Mason's, but the crowds inside were unbearable. These shops are worth a visit if it's not too busy and you have time.

6. Carnaby Street:

Carnaby Street has new Christmas lights every year in a unique design, and this year's features positive words of encouragement after what has been a difficult and disappointing year. Love, Hope, Wish, Joy, Kiss are some of the words formed in banners above the street. The centrepiece features the Carnaby Street name with "Carnaby Christmas Revolution" with birds and a design that reminds me of vinyl. Of course, Carnaby Street was made famous in fashion in the 1960s, so the design of the Christmas lights this year seem to be a throwback to that.

Don't forget that there are many nice restaurants/cafes/pubs here, and around the corner is Coccywoccydoodah. They always have a fascinating display of chocolates. The Liberty building is also worth a visit, and it's chocolate store is around the back (and Choccywoccydoodah is just around the corner from here.) Also, don't forget the window displays at Liberty.

7. Oxford Circus

Oxford Circus is a great spot to enjoy the view south down Regent Street (to see the angel lights mentioned above) and to see Oxford Street's lights. The past few years, Oxford Street have used silver and blue bauble lights. This year, their lights are joined by small stars in the same design. The NSPCC (children's charity) are raising money for charity for the lights. I always walk down Oxford Street toward Bond Street here in order to see the lights on the department stores. Also, don't forget to stop off at St. Christopher's Place to see the Christmas lights. It's a little hidden narrow street off the northern side of Oxford Street (a block from Selfridges). 

8. South Molton Street and Bond Street

Near Bond Street station, I take a diversion to walk down South Molton Street and see the lights at Bond Street, which are the diamond and peacock feather designs that they have used for the past few years. South Molton Street has replaced its purple arch lights with pillars of twinkling white baubles, which were a bit disappointing. 

9. Selfridges

After seeing the lights on Bond Street, walk back to Oxford Street and make sure to check out Selfridges Department store for nice window displays and the lights on Marks and Spencers across the street. Sometimes, Selfridges do have lights above the main entrance, but they don't this year.

This year, Cannaught Hotel have called on artist and sculptor Antony Gormley to create their Christmas tree. Last year, their Christmas tree was designed by Damien Hirst and contained medical equipment as decorations. Antony Gormley is a well-known sculpture whose work has been displayed all over the world. I recently posted about his famous 'Angel of the North' sculpture, which I visited last month.

The Christmas tree looks like a large pine tree with a white column of light shooting up through the trunk. Gormley says that the inspiration is from breaking from the norm of decorating the outside of the Christmas tree and (instead) illuminating it at its core (1). 

To visit the Christmas tree, head over to the Cannaught Hotel in Mayfair.

1) http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/arts/angel-of-the-north-sculptor-antony-gormley-turns-christmas-lights-on-their-head-a3403716.html

The Liberty department store's beauty advent calendar is one of the best value-for-money beauty advent calendars available. I purchased one this year, and instead of waiting until December to open the windows, I decided to be a little unconventional and open them throughout the month of November. December is always a busy month, and this year has not been the kindest, so I needed a little pick-me-up! Also, Thanksgiving is on November 24 this year, so it can be a countdown to the holidays. So, if you don't want to spoil the surprise, do NOT read on.

As in previous years, the advent calendar comes in a large box with small numbered drawers that can be opened to reveal the day's gift. Read below to see what I received on each day.

Day 1: Aveda hand relief moisturiser: Peppermint and rosemary help to wake the senses and heal tired hands. Aveda's products use a blend of natural plant ingredients in their beauty products. The cold, dry weather at this time of the year dries out my skin, so moisturiser is always a bonus.

Day 2: Aurelia refine and polish miracle balm: This balm brings life back to dull skin and also helps to keep it looking fresh and moisturised. It is moisturised into the skin with a little bit of water and then left for a few minutes before cleaning off. The brand Aurelia use bio-organic ingredients to prevent anti-aging products.

Day 3: Bobbi Brown pot rouge in 'Powder Pink': This full-sized blusher is a dark pink-salmon colour that would work with most skin tones. It is an award-winning product that can be applied on the go and comes in a case with a mirror.

Day 4: Kiehl's Amino Acid Shampoo: New York brand Kiehl's is a popular skincare brand. Their shampoo has a light coconut smell and uses ingredients to protect hair while cleaning it. This product felt like it cleaned my hair without being too aggressive.

Day 5: JINsoon nail polish in 'Coquette': Jin Soon Choi has gained much popularity with nail products, and these polishes are free from harsh chemicals. The colour received is a safe bright red colour that has been named 'Coquette'. It dries quickly and wears well.

Day 6: Laura Mercier hydrating primer: This primer is used as a base before foundation is applied and helps to create an even foundation coverage. This product is a well-loved one, and Laura Mercier is a brand that focuses on skincare. 

Day 7: C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve balm: This rose-scented balm comes in a tube that is easy to apply to lips, elbows, hands, or anywhere else where skin is dry. The product has a rose fragrance. C.O. Bigelow is a New York-based company that use herbal healing products.

Day 8: Malin+Goetz Vitamin E face moisturiser: This facial moisturiser is a popular product in skincare, and it's one I've used before. It nourishes skin without leaving a residue.

Day 9: Davines Oi All in One Milk: This product is designed to be applied to hair after it has been towel-dried. It helps to moisturise and add shine. Davines is a cult New York brand that use natural ingredients.

Day 10: Marvis toothpaste (in mint and liquorish flavours): I received two small tubes of toothpaste in different flavours. The toothpaste has a refreshing smell and is not too hard on teeth.

Day 11: Byredo Bal d-Afrique hand cream: Byredo create fragrances and skincare products. This hand cream is lightly fragranced and moisturises skin. It's another hand cream product in time for the drier winter months.

Day 12: NARS Mini Laguna Bronzer: The advent calendars came with this bronzer or a lip gloss. I don't often use bronzers, but this appears to be a standard one. NARS is a make-up company that pride themselves in using bright and wearable colours.

Day 13: Blink Brow Night Balm: This product helps condition the brow and protect it during the day.

Day 14: Eve Lom Cleanser and Cloth: This cleanser for skin also acts like a make-up remover and leaves skin feeling soft. It comes with a cloth that can be rinsed with warm water and left on the face to open up pores. 

Day 15: ODeJo perfume: I received a generous bottle of this fragrance, which was inspired by stylist Jo Levin. The perfume is considered a cult classic and marketed as a summer scent. I actually dislike the scent as it reminds me of a certain summer insect that has a bad smell when I was growing up in the country. Every time I smell the perfume, it smells bad to me.

Day 16: Trish McEvoy Lip Colour in Pink Nude: This full-sized lip stick is a very wearable colour and has a nice consistency. I also found the colour to last.

Day 17: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant: I've previously tried this product. It comes in a powder form, and mixed with a little bit of water, it becomes a nice paste that can be applied to the skin to take off the dirt and exfoliate the skin. My skin felt cleaner after use.

Day 18: Votary Facial Oil: This product is made from seed extract to help nourish skin, and it has anti-aging properties. It is fragrance-free and suits all skin types.

Day 19: Skin Laundry Gentle Foaming Face Wash: This facial wash is suitable for problem skin and is a gentle cleanser. The company are known for working with problem skin and creating products for it.

Day 20: Kai Body Lotion: I've previously used this body lotion. It is also lightly-fragranced and a cult favourite. I'm generally not too keen on body lotions, however.

Day 21: Dr Sebegh Serum Repair: This is a product that I have used before, and it's an award-winning product that helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Day 22: Surratt Blush: This is another cult beauty product in the form of a blusher. It is a wearable colour, and I can always do with more blusher. The brand pride themselves in creating bold but wearable colours.

Day 23: ESPA Overnight Hydration Therapy: This mask helps maintain a hydrated, youthful appearance and conditions the skin. This brand are known for skin-care and anti-aging products.

Day 24: Le Labo Santal 33 perfume: There were two choices of perfume, and I received the Santal 33, which reminds me of pine trees and is a scent for Christmas. The scent is also long-lasting, and I found wearing it enjoyable.

Day 25: Diptyque Mini Candle: I've previously received this brand's candles, which leave the room with a light fragrance. I also like the design of the branding and its simplicity. The scent is fig (figuier).

This year, I booked my Christmas party in for something a little different from the traditional afternoon tea that I have had the past couple of years. I had previously posted about having a meal at the Coy Carp in Harefield, near Uxbridge. (Uxbridge is outside central London on the Metropolitan line in Middlesex.) I'd been back a couple of times and picked up their Christmas season and festive menu during a previous visit and booked the festive meal for Sunday lunch time. I booked a taxi there (and back) so that we could drink. We were looked after well, and the staff gave us a Christmas card as we were the first festive meal booking that they had this year.

I'd ordered the most expensive champagne on the festive menu, the Mercier Brut. It was a good champagne.

Of course, the festive menu came with all the trimmings. This included a Christmas cracker each. We laughed at the bad jokes, and I received a bookmark, which will come in useful unlike most of what you get from crackers. The bloke received a card magic trick, which is something that I could care less about really.

We had an option of four different starters, including mushrooms with chestnuts, pork and fig terrine and prawn and lobster cocktail. We both had the spiced roast carrot soup to start, and this came with two slices of bread and a generous helping of butter. It was very delicious. 

After the soup, we had the roast. Slow-cooked beef rib, nut roast, or sirloin steak with a surcharge were the other three options that we could have. We both opted for the hard-carved turkey. It was served with roast potatoes, bacon-wrapped stuffing, sprouts, carrots, and parsnips. Gravy was served in a jug on the side. The meal was very good, and I managed to finish all of it.

Next up - desserts! Christmas pudding, winter-spiced plum crumble, and a cheese board (with a surcharge) were three of the options that we could have. However, the bloke opted for the chocolate and orange torte. This was served with cream. I had a bit of this, and it was tasty. I'm just not a big fan of mixing chocolate with orange. The torte came on a crispy cookie base and the texture of the rest of it was very creamy but not too rich.

I had the orange-scented crème brûlée, and this came with a mint and orange side and butter biscuits. This was delicious, and the butter biscuits tasted especially delicious.  

The Christmas trees and other decorations were on display and made the pub feel very Christmassy, even though it is a bit early in the season. 

The Coy Carp is part of the Vintage Inns group. The website is: http://www.vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/london/thecoycarpharefielduxbridge

I recently paid Lush a visit to see their holiday (Halloween, Bonfire Night, autumn, and Christmas) offerings, and it looks as though they have pulled out all the stops this year and brought back some original favourites, new products, and well-loved favourites with a twist. I will be covering their Halloween/autumn/Bonfire Night products and then taking a look at their Christmas products. 

For Halloween/autumn/Bonfire Night, we had a mixture of old favourites and new products. 

Autumn Leaf: This is a new product. This bath bomb is shaped like a leaf and coloured green, orange and yellow. The scent is grass-like and fresh and a beautiful colour is created with spirals of colour when placed in the bath. I bought one of these as I really loved the fresh scent. 

Fireside soap: This is a new product this year, and I loved the spicy scent of it so much that I had to buy a small bar. The soap has the appearance of a single flame - layered with red, orange and yellow. Clove and vanilla are the primary fragrances.

Lord of Misrule: This bath bomb made an appearance last year and has a spicy and herbal smell. When it is placed in the water, the popping candy crackles and it turns the water a green-pink colour. 

Goth Fairy shimmer bar: This soothing melt adds a slight shimmer to skin. 

Monster's Ball: I think this was a new product for this year's Halloween collection. This bath bomb is made using a blend of lime and neroli oil as well as other scents. The bath bomb looks like a little monster with tiny pointed ears and a single 'eye'. It creates a bath of pink and blue colours.

Magic Wand soap: This is a new product this year, and I thought that the soap had a slightly minty scent.

Sparkly Pumpkin bubble bar: The sparkly orange pumpkin bubble bar is back. I covered this last year.

Pumpkin bath bomb: This year, Lush have released a bath bomb shaped like a pumpkin (jack o' lantern). The pumpkin has a slight spicy smell with pumpkin scent. I had to buy one because I love pumpkin.

Boo Bath melt: This bath melt is a new product this year. These cute little meringue-like ghosts help sooth skin and smell beautiful - sweet but with a slightly spicy/crisp autumn scent.

Now, I'll cover the Christmas range.

The Father Christmas bath bomb, Golden Wonder bath bomb, Christmas penguin bubble bar, Baked Alaska soap, Luxury Lux Pud bath bomb, and the Magic of Christmas bubble bar stick were some items in the shop that I recognised from previous years. I will be covering mainly new items or items that I had not noticed before.

Santa's Postbox soap: This soap is shaped like a postbox. It has a refreshing and pleasant scent, and I had to buy a bar of it. 

Shooting Stars soap: This new soap has a refreshing lemon scent. 

Snowcastle soap: This year, my favourite Snow Cake soap scent has been transformed into a snow castle. I was told by the shop assistant that Snow Cake has been improved. It smells the same with the almond scent, but it makes skin feel cleaner and softer.

So White bath bomb: This is my favourite bath bomb scent, and this year has been updated to have a stronger crisp apple scent, and it also has a small green leaf design added to it.

Shoot for the Stars bath bomb: This bath bomb is blue with shimmery gold stars. The bath bomb has a citrus scent.

Snowie Bath Bomb: This David Bowie-inspired bath bomb has a citrus fragrance. The white bar has the iconic red and blue bolt on it.

Mistletoe bath bomb: This is a new product, and I loved the colour and design of the bath bomb, but the scent really put me off for some reason. It is meant to have a floral scent, but I could not really detect that. 

Igloo soap: Igloo soap is multiple bars of brightly-coloured and frosted soaps that have been arranged in the shape of an igloo (as snow bricks). The bars actually remind me of Turkish Delight candies or hard candies with the powdered sugar coating. The soap smells like lemon.

Santasaurus bubble bar: This new product is a bubble bar is shaped like a dinosaur with a Santa hat.

Reindeer soap bars: Last year's Christmas soap was reindeer soap. This year, the rainbow soap is being sold in bar form. The bars remind me of river rocks with primitive etched reindeer designs on them.

Do you have any favourites this year in Lush's autumn and Christmas range? I have bought a few, and I am hoping that the new Snowcastle lives up to Snow Cake.