Jubilee Buzz

There's a lot of buzz going on around London. Today the girlfriends and I took a stroll around town to see some of the preparations. We were disappointed when we got to Buckingham Palace to find that it was entirely closed off with only one little peek through the fence to see the giant stage set up for the Jubilee Concert. Musicians from the past 60 years of rock, classical and pop will be performing Monday night. Expect to see some real crowd pleasers including Sir Elton John and Paul McCartney. In the States, ABC has the broadcasting rights and will show it on Monday evening.

We hit Harrod's as well, since they are all decked out for the occasion.

The windows are full of virtual party scenes

with plenty of tea,

scones,

and sweets.

Tea time cupcakes--how regal!

There was even a children's party with a cake for a centerpiece

and lots of accessories and decorations made by the kids

and for the kids.

A beautiful replica of the queen's gown from 60 years ago adorned one of the windows.

The other windows featured special crowns that had been created by various designers. Which one do you like the best?

This cake crown created by Fiona Cairns, who created the wedding cake for Kate and William?

This candy confection by Mulberry?

Carr's crackers designed this crown which has everything you would need for a cheese board.

By Erno Laszlo

Wedgewood with a teapot

Harrod's Chocolates by Demarquette

If feathers are your style, then how about this one by Erno Laszlo?

Or Roberto Cavalli's creation?

Lanvin design

Even Tiffany & Co.

And one of my favorites--this crown by Jo Malone.

Did you find a favorite? 

Stay tuned--hope to have more Jubilee fun ahead!

Harrod's is Ready for Christmas

It's Christmas time in London, and the lights and festivities abound. I've blogged about many of those in the last three years, and they can be found by "Search the Blog" on the right sidebar should you choose to get a flavor of what Christmas in London is all about.

Harrod's, of course, does Christmas in a big way. They opened their Christmas World in July this year, with over 8000 square feet of ideas to make your Christmas even more special. Summer tourists were excited to see they could find "Christmas in July."

Daily Mail

This year Harrod's paired with Swarovski Crystal to create an enchanting Crystal Forest in their store windows.

Daily Mail

The woodland scenes were dripping with crystal gems and sparkling trees.

Inside the Christmas department, the extravagance continued.

Ornaments and decor

to make your Christmas sparkle with bling.

Of course, the traditional themes were there as well

with plenty of British themed ornaments to choose from,

like this Union Jack Santa

 Christmas balls,

and landmarks of London.

Perhaps you'd like to pick up some London themed cookies,

to enjoy with your tea.

Someone on your Christmas list probably needs these salt and pepper shakers,

and Grandma needs a Chrismas Pudding,

little nieces or nephews would be fascinated by their own snow globe,

and I'm sure everyone has a Princess Kate doll on their list this year!

I'm always fascinated by English crackers, and Harrod's always has some of the most beautiful ones. These are Silver Bling and sell for £599 or $940. Wonder what treasures you would find inside?

These red lace ones are nice

or you could spring for the super deluxe for £1299 or $2040. Inside you would find pearls, silver, crystal, silk and leather!

My favorites were these!

And Harrod's always has such nice touches, like this in-house opera singer, Marika Rauscher, who sings to customers as they take the Egyptian elevators up and down. Just a touch above the piano player at Nordstrom's.

I leave you with one of Harrod's Christmas videos which feature clips from their "Security Cam" showing Santa up to a little mischief!

Whoopie!

Whoopie! Harrod's is selling Whoopie Pies. Move over cupcakes, there's a new pastry on the scene in London.

Having become fairly popular in the US recently, these mound shaped cakes filled with a creamy frosting and sandwiched together are quite tasty. Picture an Oreo on steroids. Originally from the New England area of the US, they seem to be the newest import to several British bakeries. Food historians say that Amish wives would pack these desserts in their farmers' lunch boxes, and when they opened their boxes, of course they would say, "Whoopie!"

Flavors currently available at Harrod's are cherry, red velvet, classic chocolate and butterscotch toffee. Which one has your name on it?

Just as sweet is the blog award that I received a few days ago from my blogging friend, Natasha, in Australia. Treat yourself to a visit to her blog, 5 Minutes Just for Me.