The festive season is now in full force, and with it, hotel halls from London to Washington, D.C are decked with one-of-a-kind trees in collaboration with top fashion houses, interior designers, and more. Take a peek at these beautiful festive displays below…
Claridge’s
Imagined by the extraordinary Kim Jones, Artistic Director of the Dior men’s collection, Claridge’s Christmas Tree recalls the emblematic haute couture of Ateliers’ Toile with the outstanding creation of The Celestial Snow Globe. Fusing together classic winter decorations with a subtle Holographic projection using a white Toile, Jones’ pays tribute to the Dior savoir-faire.
Additionally, in homage to the House’s heritage, the tree displays floating Christmas baubles that recall iconic Dior emblems. For the cherry on top, Jones has perched his faithful canine companion, Cookie, atop the tree delicately hugging Monsieur Dior’s lucky star. The unique, contemporary tree – luminous and crystalline in its transparency and purity – tells a Christmas story woven from emotions and dreams.
The Claridge’s Christmas Tree has long symbolized the start of the festive season in the capital, drawing visitors and Londoners alike to admire its magnificent design. This is the 11th year that Claridge’s has invited a distinguished guest to reinterpret the tree in their own distinctive style.
The Connaught
Marking the sixth year of The Connaught Christmas Tree, which has previously been designed by various celebrated artists including Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Sean Scully and more, The Connaught was delighted to unveil their 2021 Annie Morris and Idris Khan duo design.
The magnificently designed Nordmann Fir tree stands proud at 9 meters tall and is surrounded by three interpretations of Morris’s iconic stack sculptures. The playful stack sculptures have been reimagined in 2D specifically for The Connaught Christmas Tree, having first been free drawn by Annie and then handcrafted into painted wood. From top to bottom, the artist duo has also ensured every detail is magnificently festive and unique.
Atop the tree is a shining figure representing one of Morris’s ‘Flower Women,” a recurring motif that appears in her work. At the bottom, surrounding the base, is a two-way infinity mirror illuminated in Khan’s signature blue, which is featured in his recent paintings. Engraved on the mirror are the words ‘Merry Christmas’ translated into over a hundred languages, representing the importance of the coming together of all throughout the festive season.
The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
Revered as one of D.C.’s most magical destinations for the holiday season, this year The St. Regis Washington, D.C. is pleased to present an even more spectacular holiday atmosphere with the introduction of the St. Regis Presidential Christmas Tree. Located in the hotel’s grand lobby and in homage to its prestigious address and Presidential legacy, the tree is designed by the White House Historical Association and features official White House Christmas ornaments and a stunning gold eagle tree topper.
Throughout the holiday season, guests can join in front of the tree daily at 6pm for the hotel’s legendary Champagne Sabering ceremony and toast the evening with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. For the most spirited stay, book the White House Holiday Suite featuring festive decorations and stop by the Holiday “Cheers” Champagne Brunch or the Presidential Holiday Afternoon Tea. The lobby will also boast a stunning Gingerbread House replica of the hotel created by the St. Regis pastry team.
The Dewberry Charleston
Bringing the North Pole’s wintery mix to the warm climate of Charleston, The Dewberry hotel has partnered with Van Wyck & Van Wyck, the internationally renowned event firm who have thrown parties for everyone from Madonna to Beyoncé. Founded by celebrated designer Bronson van Wyck and his sister and Charleston resident Mimi Van Wyck, they have been tapped to transform the midcentury modern gem into an icicle wonderland.
The lobby is anchored by a lived, flocked icicle tree in the hotel’s Living Room featuring hundreds of icicles made of glass and silver beads alongside hand-painted glass lights. Bronson has also crafted a signature cocktail for the hotel’s Living Room bar, Dio – a festive riff on a margarita that effortlessly blends notes of chocolate and blood orange.