My outfit for the Nutcracker last Saturday, bare legs, no coat - well hard!
I have now been to the Nutcracker 43 times and still gaze in wonder at the music and movement.
You know it's almost Christmas when people and buildings wrap themselves up like beribboned boxes.
Drinking during the day is positively encouraged.
Winter Wonderland Hyde Park.
Grown ups have a licence to thrill.
T: I want a polar bear
Hubs: No, no one wins, I'm not doing it.
T: I want a polar bear that comes up to my waist.
Much sighing, nervy to-ing and fro-ing from foot to foot, ok then.
Hubs: I won you a British Bulldog!
T: I don't like bulldogs, I wanted a polar bear.
Hubs: You wretch, no one wins, no one, I beat the carnies, they shot lasers into my eyes, I won a dog for you.
Fear not a wee boy went passed and I offered him my pooch, he snatched it but I'm telling you, his eyes went to those big fluffy white polar bears.
I gave away a puppy at Christmas, feel free to call me Cruella.
Misteltoe bundles at Fortnum & Mason.
British people are seen kissing in public.
I use my Smysthon Antonia bag, with its oh so spectacular shagreen clasp for the second time and discover it has a padded ipad section. Handy.
I make my bi annual pilgammage to The Wolseley.
And have my usual hissy fit with foreign staff in every shop in London over Scottish money being, or not being, legal tender.
Currie Kirk
There are more people than bibles in our churches.
Down here in the southern hemisphere, you know its nearly Christmas because it is so hot and humid and everyone is trying to clear off to the beach.
ReplyDeleteClaire - do you still have a roast beast and trimmings but with all of the windows open?
DeleteAh you probably have air conditioning!
Nooo! We tend to eat cold roast turkey with salads. Fear not though, we have plum pudding and brandy sauce.
DeleteCold seafood is the choice of many for Christmas feasting.
Yeees, air conditioning but it only goes on when things are hot, hot, hot!
Wish I had that problem this year! Spent last Xmas on a beach and it was fantastic... Elle x
DeleteMy old neighbors (here in Texas) always wanted a fire in the fireplace Christmas morning; more often than not this required air conditioning, to make it bearable. We gave up on fires years ago, and just put candles in our fireplace!
Delete---Jill Ann
Lovely photos. I wish you a Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteLSS: And to you to and your growing family.
DeleteI know it's Christmas when the Mr. starts ordering mulled wine - one of the few alcoholic drinks I can't bear. Love the Cartier building, gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteSulky - I made that for mum, I'm not much of a wine drinker at the best of times, but if I'm outside and freezing then its the perfect winter warmer.
DeleteActually Scottish pound notes are not legal tender in England, although they can be accepted. I too had an altercation with a bus conductor when I tried to pay for my fare with a Scottish fiver. I now always change my Scottish notes when I leave Scotland, although the bank at the airport is very stingy and usually only allows ten quid.
ReplyDeleteColumnist ; I know, I don't understand it at all, apparently they aren't even 'legal tender' in Scotland! I need someone to explain it all to me it's baffling.
DeleteI enjoyed seeing the ballet so much I think I will try to make this one of our Christmas traditions. It would give me an excuse to have a posh frock. You look lovely in that first photo. I love the details in the bodice of the dress and the pearls, and the shawl... Let's face it, you dress beautifully.
ReplyDeleteShelley - the wrap was thrown on at the last minute because the shoulders sit out in odd points - without it I look like Star Trek character.
DeleteYou look stunning...I would have wanted the polar bear as well, I understand your sorrow ;) I think the people rig it so you don't win the prize you want really!! I think it's silly that they put up such a fuss over the Scottish money to the English notes, they are the same thing, just the writing is different, yet we're all suppose to be GB!! haha!! Makes no sense. Strange ones!! Hope you are having a wonderful week petal xx
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm in England handing over Scottish notes to the general bemusement of the person on the receiving end is one of the things I quite enjoy. Sad, I know! I just don't understand it either and I don't get the whole they're not legal tender thing. I need to have explained to me, preferably in words of one syllable.
ReplyDeleteYou look lovely in your outfit for the ballet. I also adore the Nutcracker, last time I saw it it was the Northern Ballet Theatre production. I hear they are doing The Great Gatsby next year and I'm hoping I can get tickets for it. Went to see White Christmas at Pitlochry Festival Theatre at the weekend and it was magical, made me feel all Christmassy.
I would have wanted the polar bear too. They never let you win the things you want!!
Scottish Ballet are doing the Rite of Spring next year, I cannot wait to see it. And that's so funny, i saw that White Christmas was in in Pitlochry and if it hadn't been for London I would have been there, I really am Mrs Christmas.
DeleteAmazing pictures Tabs, you look beautiful. The Scottish money....don't get me started on this issue. When I visit London the Scottish money and being Asian with a Scottish accent, londoners find it strange.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Christmas.
The money thing is quite baffling, I tried to look it up on Wiki but it's not even legal tender here - do not get it, I suppose we can't blame the English too much then!
DeleteA lovely Christmassy post - you look beautiful going to the Nutcracker, so elegant as ever. That is very curious about the Scottish money, after all you are all in the U.K. together. Puzzling. And a very cute story about the polar bear. Have a Very Merry Christmas, from Australia!!
ReplyDeleteMy dear, don't you look elegance personified in your Nutcracker outfit. The last time I attended a performance here in NYC (at the Met, natch) there were far too many there in jeans and fleece. Glad to see someone is holding up the standards!! I must admit I am a bit green eyed at your visit to the Wolseley. Will have to make do at lunch at the Yale Club later today with an old (figuratively and increasingly literally) friend and college classmate. Cobb salads for everyone! Reggie
ReplyDeleteReggie - the Yale Club sounds like the stuff of dreams to me.
DeleteDo so agree with Reggie,you are a wonderous sight to behold even the London theatres are populated with the torn jeans set urrgh! Ida
DeleteThis post has made me so happy. I hope everyone else at the ballet was dressed as well as you, properly so, Reggie's report here from the Met makes me want to cry. I would like to burn all the fleece in the world except that we would choke from toxic smoke!
ReplyDeleteThe dress in champagne is just stunning on you. I don't have that colour in that style but I might have to buy one, copying you!
Dani - I'll have to send you a shoulder pic, it seems that only mine sticks out at an odd angle, oh and I saw a few people dressed up but there was one row - phew....I don't have words.
Deleteoh what a wonderful tour tabitha! you look so amazingly beautiful! i know you say you spend most of your life in comfy lulu melon but when you step out...you step out! i love the glamorous you too. xoxo
ReplyDeleteYou always make me crack up. Love your take on Christmas. I too want a Polar Bear - Such a cute exchange. British people kissing in public? It must be a holiday!! xo
ReplyDeleteYou look stunning! I absolutely love your blog, so happy I found it (through another blog I follow). If I was not trying to reduce my spending, I would by absolutely everything you blog about; you seem to have excellent taste. But most importantly, you seem to be a very intelligent woman.
ReplyDeleteCiao Cruella!...it sounds nice!...hahaha
ReplyDeleteso interesting that Restaurant "Main courses"...never did eat those dishes
It's Christmas so...Buon Natale!
Auguri, FelicitÃ
Ciao
Those pearls! Bleep. Gleep. You see? They have rendered me into a cartoon character--the Road Runner? Such a beauty you are, I don't mind repeating it.
ReplyDeleteWhat does it say about me that I have been trying to decide what I would order at the Wolsely? And that if I could get Mulled Wine in a bottle here in Provence that I would be a goner?
Gros bisous,
H
i love your pictures! you look stunning and i loved that exchange about the polar bears! we are getting tons of snow in the next few days. that's my big sign christmas is around the corner.
ReplyDeletemay i ask you how you sized in the evelyn pumps?
xox P
Phiphi, my usual US size, 7.5.
DeleteI don't think we are getting any snow, and I really want a white Christmas.
thank you for this tip! i'd happily send you some snow from Canada. we are expecting 30 cm in the next 2 days.
DeleteTabitha you are the epitome of elegance in that top pic. Absolutely stunning look. I hope you didn't get frostbite on your legs. This entire post is a holiday treat. And that Smythson bag...adding another shopping destination to my list.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful outfit (I think white is definitely your colour) and I agree, isn't the Nutcracker wonderful?
ReplyDeleteLovely Christmas photos. The weather has been so blah here that it is all you can do to get through the week! This week has been so draggy for some reason.
Wonderful Christmas post Tabitha appropriately ending with Currie Kirk. 4th Presbyterian Church is my favorite Chicago building adding solemn majesty to the Magnificent Mile's glitz.
ReplyDeleteGSL, I just looked it up, it is standing there like a noble elder amongst all of the skyscrapers.
DeleteHave a wonderful Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you & yours (esp. dear Mum) Tabitha! The 4th Presbyterian Pastor is a very charming Glaswegian (Calum MacLeod) whose deep rich brogue could fill Wembley unaided.
DeleteYou look stunning for the Nutcracker. I took my daughter every year until she left for college, then we all stopped going. I miss it, and will begin again next year. Scary how they dress for it in LA now. Every year around this time, I get a hankering for large stuffed animals. Almost bought a giant piggy at the Brentwood Country Mart yesterday.
ReplyDeleteKathy, it's one of the best family rituals, I love traditions.
DeleteI adore your bag! I'm sure Grace Kelly would approve.
ReplyDeleteAha! Right you've been! I believe I was promised a piece of Battenburg. What d'you mean it got squashed??!!! *folds arms in a huff*
ReplyDeleteEventhough I'm in England (technically), I don't have a problem with the Scottish money thing. Some of our cash machines dispense it. When I was in London, yes...I did get annoyed. I guess you'll be wanting all of your money back soon anyway (or rather Mr Salmond will). Such a shame!
I went to Winter Wonderland last year and, no; I didn't get a polar bear either.
*sigh*
ReplyDeleteYou look lovely.
Sally most folk take it, it's usually only foreign staff who look at it like it's monopoly money I've coloured in myself.
ReplyDeleteI bet they gave Prince Harry a polar bear!
Take a bow, dear one! Your posts have been the best gift ,,, you've open up new worlds and shown us how to live in them. Elegant, classic with a twist of "edge" ..... I am already looking forward to the next one! Happy happy Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, anon.
DeleteYou have made my day - what with your personal gloriousness in that ensemble, your polar bear/bulldog story, and the pictures - all goodness itself!!! You are like the Snow Queen in that outfit!!! did hubs shoot rug you are standing on in first pic????? :-)
ReplyDeleteHa, I'm the great white hunter of the family.
DeleteWhat a perfect look and so appropriate for the ballet. You look so beautiful...as always and so elegant! Christmas looks pretty idyllic in your part of the world!
ReplyDeletexo
annie
Lovely outfit and bag! I thought ours was Monopoly money. :)
ReplyDeleteA winter wonderland goddess . What a great way to start my day.So festive and you sure do clean up well.
ReplyDeleteMarsha, I'm wishing you a Merry Christmas now just in case you are running around frazzled on Christmas Eve.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteYou Scots must be very religious 'more people than bibles' we have NO people and 1 bible per church,well unless it has been stolen....might be a tad different for the carol service tonight.
ReplyDeleteTry changing Scottish money down here in the sticks,you will be clapped in irons for passing counterfeit money!! Ida
That was my point, all of our churches are empty aside from one day of the year!
DeleteI tend to be a bit slow on the uptake!!!! Ida
DeleteLove your ballet outfit! and no tights wow! hope you had a stiff drink before entering the cold air?
ReplyDeleteI too love the shagreen Smythson uses - pure luxe,
Have a wonderful Christmas Elle x
Elle, it wasn't that cold last week, about 43 degrees, that's quite summery for us Scots.
DeleteYou look lovely as ever. It is chilly here and unusually rainy so no fancy shoes for me. Your bag is absolutely gorgeous! Have a fun weekend!
ReplyDeleteI'm hyperventilating from laughter (British people kissing in public) and from scrolling up and looking at you again. SOOOO Stunning!!!! Where is that dress from? I want one exactly like it. You are so incredibly gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteLove that furry cape- you look wonderful!
ReplyDeleteCannot wait to go to the Woseley!
Luff a wrapped buildng!
Yes that problem with money also happens with sterling from Northern Ireland it is so annoying. You looked super by the way.
ReplyDeleteWill you be going to the German Market in Princes Street Gardens? I can't go this year, and would love to see it. Apparently there are even Reindeer in St Andrews Square! Auld reekie is such a wonderful place to be for Christmas and Hogmanay. Lucky lucky you Tabs!
ReplyDeleteVery nice pearls. Was there a swig o Pappy to go with, and reduce the need for thermals?
C: I missed the reindeer by a few hours two Saturdays ago, I'm in Edinburgh tonight for a Christmas night out, who knows where that will all end.
DeleteYour conversation with hubby had me busting out laughing - that would be so me, except I would have kept the bulldog and still wanted a polar bear, hehe!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful holidays!
Your husband is right, no one ever wins...and you look lovely!
ReplyDeleteGood on your husband for taking on the Carnies, and wining a bull dog to boot! No, definitely not a polar bear, but still, a good effort. But he should start Carnie training for next year. x.
ReplyDeleteLove your outfit - you look stunning as always. I have an ongoing argument with a male friend who is of the opinion that if the jeans are expensive, then it's perfectly acceptable to wear them anywhere, as he believes its far better to wear something lux/ designer, than the dress code correct, but cheaply made attire. He took this to the extreme by wearing a brown suit with no tie to a Black Tie wedding. I was appalled, he, unrepentant as the suit was an Armani. He would definitely wear jeans to the Ballet/ opera etc. I like to dress up - the tickets are so expensive, why would you wear boring everyday clothing to attend? Sorry for the ramble. Pet hate of mine..... xx
ReplyDeleteHeidi - my father in low wore ...a sports jacket to my wedding whilst all the menfolk were suitably attired in morning suits, I was appalled so I am firmly with you!
DeleteIt's so frustrating about the money problem.
ReplyDeleteYour outfit is stunning. I've gone to see The Nutcracker growing up many times, but I appreciate it so much more now every year as an adult. I also also would have wanted that polar bear, but at least he won something! :)
I know, I wonder do they still give away goldfishes in plastic bags or is that banned now?
DeleteT.
ReplyDelete- Is that a/ your Tunnock's mug? I want one of those more than the tea cakes!
- Can't believe you didn't know Antonia's secret. That's precisely why I want her (Shagreen clasp just bonus.)
- Should have had your outfit at Nutcracker prem over here few nights back, all dowdy, dull as dust except the kids.
- Didn't realise it's difficult to get your notes accepted in the south. I thought that was just a temporary thing until vendors got used to what they look like.
BTW, Champagne Lexa is true you - well at least your scrubbed up and heeled senator wife self - so must deal with those sleeve peaks.
DeleteGet Fresh - yes, it's a Tunnock's mug, I'll get you one, let's hope it survives the journey.
DeleteOh for anyone with a proper job, the Antonia is perfect, style and function.
Oh I checked it's the Lilabeth - long sleeves, will send The Holy Trinity a pic of my pointy shoulders.
You're the best. And you look wholly gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteTabitha, so happy to see your gorgeous self dressed for the theatre! As it should be! Where did you get that glorious wrap?
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Oh I can't remember, I'll look it up and add a link under the pic.
DeleteHi! I love your outfit...you remind me of a creme de fleur, the little pastries at Au Bon Pain...I have spent the last week rolling around eating too many sweets and watching cartoons...then going on long walks to justify my sudden intake of treats. The skies are gray here...but the twinkle of Christmas lights make it as pretty as any sunny day....Have a merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteP.S I love bulldogs...I think their wrinkles are layers of fleshy wisdom:)
First, I love your ballet outfit too. Bah, so what if ankles and legs get a bit chilly when you look that fabulous!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for sharing all those wonderful, festive mood evoking photos. :)
Have a very Merry Christmas! :)
DeleteIt all seems very festive, even the public smooching. Have a merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteYou look stunning in that ivory silk dress and fur trimmed wrap! Thank you for all the lovely photos (I am eyeballing the Wolseley's menu, it all looks incredibly delicious). The Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park looks like so much fun. Happy holidays!
ReplyDeleteoh that outfit, heavenly. I love polar bears, the one that lives closest to us gets a lot of visits.
ReplyDelete