Little London December/January 2018

YOUR ULTIMATE GUI DE TO PARE NTING IN STYLE

CHRISTMAS CALENDAR

london

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 • £3.99

Sienna Miller “Having a child helps you focus”

FUN & GAMES TO SEE YOU THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS

happy families

HOW TO NURTURE POSITIVE SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS

MEET THE WINNERS

2017 PRESENTS MADE EASY

YOUR MUST-HAVE GIFT GUIDE

WIN! A KIDS’ B

WORTH O IKE VER £ 30 0

T h e m ag i c o f

CHRISTMAS DAZZLING PARTY LOOKS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY FESTIVE FUN WITH CAROLE MIDDLETON BEHIND THE SCENES AT LAPLAND UK

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

30 Bruton Street W1 91-95 Fulham Rd SW3 Shop Kids at stellamccartney.com

FROM A SELECTION WILDANDGORGEOUS.CO.UK

WELCOME Hello and welcome to Little London’s Christmas issue – a chance to celebrate all the fun-filled joy of the festive season!

This year I am quite determined to avoid my usual last-minute dash to the shops and present wrapping on Christmas Eve in favour of a more organised and leisurely build up to the big day. I’ll get the cards written early, buy and wrap the presents in good time, pre-prep the food, and giggle to myself when I’m dashing down the Kings Road on Christmas Eve buying last-minute presents again. Even with the best laid plans, there’s so much to do in the advent countdown, we hope this issue of Little London can save you some precious time. Check out our Agenda for plenty of pantos and festive excursions (p.91), we cherry pick the best Christmas books your kids will love (p.36), our shopping pages are jam-packed with beautiful clothes and interiors inspiration (p.25), and we have a stunning occasionwear shoot full of party outfits guaranteed to wow (p.46). We have a selection of brilliant parlour games for all the family (p.65) and go behind the scenes of one of our favourite Christmas haunts, Lapland UK (p.58). We were also lucky enough to speak to Sienna Miller about motherhood, films and life away from the press (p.54), we catch up with comedian Tim Minchin about his new children’s book (p.35), Denise Van Outen reveals her Christmas plans (p.30) and Camilla Ridley-Day puts together the best festive fashion for mum (p.66). Our Christmas gift guide is full of fabulous ideas, and Carole Middleton shows us how to throw the ultimate festive party (p.68). And last but not least, Rosy Edwards extols the benefits of letter writing for kids (p.89) so getting them to write those thankyous come January should be a breeze. Merry Christmas, everyone!

K ATE F R E U D, E D ITO R

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

A n d a fe w of my favour ite th ing s at the mom e nt…

COTTON AND TULLE DRESS £199 MANEGE-EN-SUCRE.COM

COTTON-BLEND TIGHTS £22.16 BEETLESANDBUGS.COM

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

LEATHER BAG £525 MELIMELO.COM

5

GOLDEN GOOSE X BONPOINT TRAINERS £189 BONPOINT.COM

COTTON SWEATER £34.95 JOULES.COM

KURT S.ADLER DECORATION £30 AMARA.COM

C O N Tdecember E N Tjanuar S y 2 018 FE ATU R ES

T R AVEL

30 MY LITTLE LONDON

81 TRAVEL NEWS

Presenter Denise Van Outen shares her love

Our favourite winter wonders for

for the capital at Christmas

globetrotting families

35 MEET THE AUTHOR : TIM MINCHIN The musician-comedian gives the lowdown on his new children’s book

36 TALES OF JOY The best festive books to enjoy this season

82 POSTCARD FROM CORNWALL Rebecca Moore and family report back from their south west adventure

EDUCATION 86 EDUCATION NEWS Keeping you in the know with everything

38 LITTLE LONDON AWARDS 2017

going on in the classroom and beyond

Meet our winners and go behind the scenes of our fun-filled party

89 TAKE NOTE How we can encourage our children to

54 SIENNA’S SECOND ACT How Sienna Miller graduated from ‘It girl’ to devoted mother and serious actress

58 SEEING IS BELIEVING Kate Freud meets the brains behind the

explore the art of letter writing

R EGUL A R S 13 LITTLE NEWS The latest on all things big in kid world

magical world of Lapland UK

32 DIARY 65 LET THE GAMES BEGIN…

Dates to note for the next two months

Traditional parlour games guaranteed to bring a little cheer to Christmas day

44 INSTA INSPO Say hello to interiors blogger and mum of

70 A LOVE FOR LIFE

two, Hayley Stuart

How to encourage close sibling relationships that last well into adulthood

SHO PPING

68 PARTY TIME WITH CAROLE MIDDLETON Easy-to-plan ideas for the ultimate Christmas celebration

23 LITTLE LOVES Let your walking do the talking in this winter’s ultimate après-ski boots

73 INTERIORS NEWS Stylish finds and inspiring updates for your home

25 SEEING STARS Sequins, velvet and novelty festive finds reign supreme in our seasonal gift edit

74 GET CRAFTY New winter activities to enjoy from Leonora Bamford and Nanny Anita

66 MOTHER STYLE Get the festivities under way with these standout party pieces

PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH WINBORN MODEL: COBEY SUIT, £1,130, GUCCI AT HARRODS. SHIRT, £16.99, ZARA. NUTCRACKER ORNAMENT, £399, KURT S. ADLER AT HARRODS. WREATH, £35, NEXT.

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

ST YLE

79 FOOD NEWS The newest offerings for young diners

91 AGENDA London events in December and January

46 COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

98 THE BUSINESS

Perfect party fashion for a celebration

We meet Charlotte Melia, founder of

they’ll never forget

Dazzle & Fizz

7

THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS ROSY EDWARDS

DANIELLE WILKINS

Journalist

Features editor Where do you live?

Where do you live?

Balham – it’s the best.

Lots of independent restaurants and coffee shops, great pubs and green space all around.

South-east of the river, in Lewisham.

What do you love about this time of year? Being cosy and

drinking wine with people I love. And knowing that Christmas is around the corner still makes me giddy.

What do you love about this time of year? Brisk walks

around Blackheath or Greenwich Park with friends; the excuse to splurge on scented candles for my flat, and I’m looking forward to my first mulled wine of the season, too.

What are your plans for Christmas?

What are your plans for Christmas?

I’m heading to Scotland to spend it with my boyfriend’s family. It will be my first away from my own family, which I consider both a blessing and a curse.

I’ll be putting on my out-of-office and driving home to Kent to cram in seeing as many friends and family as possible.

Rosy explores letter writing on p.89

Danielle chats to musician and comedian Tim Minchin on p.35

little london EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KATE FREUD MANAGING EDITOR REBECCA MOORE FEATURES EDITOR DANIELLE WILKINS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ANNIE QUINTON

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS LEONORA BAMFORD, MARISSA HERMER, CAROLE MIDDLETON, EMMA FREUD

DESIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR CHLOË COLLYER DESIGNER NATALIE DOURADO

PUBLISHING PUBLISHER CAROLINE SCOTT FINANCE DIRECTOR VICKI GAVIN DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER JAMES DOBSON CIRCULATION MANAGER DANIEL WEBB

ADVERTISING SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE JAMES WALDRON SALES EXECUTIVE CAROLINE KIMBER DIGITAL AND CREATIVE SOLUTIONS MANAGER BEN LEEK SPECIAL PROJECTS TRISTAN COATES MANAGING DIRECTOR PAUL DOBSON DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR STEVE ROSS

JOIN US ONLINE Dip in and get your daily digital fix

#LLloves

LITTLE LONDON IS PUBLISHED BY THE CHELSEA MAGAZINE COMPANY LTD, JUBILEE HOUSE, 2 JUBILEE PLACE, LONDON SW3 3TQ WEB: LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK EMAIL: EDITOR@LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK TEL: 020 7349 3700 FAX: 020 7349 3701

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unique

Books as

as your little one

Astonishingly personalised stories, specially created for every child Discover the perfect Christmas gift at wonderbly.com

E M I T D E B WINNING BATT LES qui et.

Som etim es we all like a litt le peace and ked full of natu rally der ived pac , ser uri ist mo r ou y wh s at’ Th . calm ing little on es down ingr ed ients, is pe rf ect fo r s ev en su itable It’ s so mi ld an d ge nt le , it’ ro ne skin . fo r se ns iti ve or ecze ma-p er bedtim es, So if yo u be lieve in calm revolu tio n. jo in th e ch ild re n of th e ch ildsfar m. co m

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LIV & LOTTIE PHOTOGRAPHED BY JULIA BOGGIO

Sisters Liv, seven, and four-year-old Lottie live in Clapham, south-west London.

They both enjoy dancing, gymnastics, arts and crafts, horse riding and going to the theatre together. They also love Christmas!

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

11

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NEWS

little NEWS Updating you on all things big in kid world

THE DANISH GIRL

Growing steadily since 2013, By Clara’s gorgeous clothing for girls combines Scandinavian sensibility with a touch of luxury. Inspired by the nature surrounding the founder’s Danish farmhouse, the new collection features smart pieces for a stylish winter, as well as special outfits for Christmas – pleated metallics, anyone? byclara.dk

Public Health England is urging parents to protect kids against flu this winter.

Children between two and three, and those in Years 1, 2, 3 and 4 are eligible, with vaccines administered via a nasal spray rather than injection. nhs.uk/staywell LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

13

NEWS

La dolce vita

Harrods is set for a truly fabulous festive season thanks to its partnership with Dolce & Gabbana. The effervescent duo behind the label have decked out the department store with a traditional Italian street market and spectacular window displays. Shop exclusive readyto-wear collections for men, women and kids, as well as accessories and make-up. harrods.com

DO U B LE TAKE

Good news if you want twin outfits for your baby and toddler this Christmas – Bebe Bombom has extended its size offerings, with pieces now available up to three years. Its traditional styles are made using the softest pima cotton – ideal for sensitive skin – and feature hand-smocked details and delicate embroidery in sumptuous red, white and navy. bebebombom.com

SET THE SCENE

Teach your child about the original Christmas story with the new wooden nativity set from Great Little Trading Co. The ritual of setting it up every December is sure to become a much-loved Christmas tradition, and is a delightful way to explain how it all began. The set features 12 hand-painted wooden figures, all smooth and sturdy enough to withstand playtime with little hands. £50, gltc.co.uk

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LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

THE SOUNDTRACK 1. It Must Be Christmas Time 2. Dig, Diggedy Dig (The Digging Song) 3. The Christmasaurus 4. Thin Ice 5. Someone More Than Me 6. The Nice List 7. I’ve Been a Good Girl 8. I Believe It Could 9. I Ho, Ho, Hope It’s Santa 10. I Love Creatures 11. Christmas Makes Me Sick 12. Afraid of Heights 13. Don’t Know What It Is 14. If You Believe

NEWS

MINI MISS KG TRAINERS £69

PAPERCHASE LUNCH BAG £15

TY BEANIE BOOS SOFT TOY FROM £7

TRUNKI WHEELED SUITCASE £40

BIRD IS THE WORD

Sleepy Doe has revealed a new print for the new season. The whimsical swan pattern, created by US-based artist Kate Zaremba, adorns PJ sets for mum and child, bedding and even wallpaper.

Another special addition is its first children’s bed, crafted with love by independent Dorset carpenters J Smith Woodwork.

Clothing from £30, sleepydoe.com

PICTURE HANGING CLIPS £8

HANSA LIFE-SIZE UNICORN £3,600

P O P P I N G CAN DY

JOULES SLIPPERS £15

Count down to the big day with a bang! Bubblegum Balloons’ innovative advent calendar is unlike anything you’ve seen before – simply pop the reindeer’s red nose each day to reveal a hidden chocolate treat. Each balloon comes pre-stuffed, but you can always add more before inflating to make it even more personal. £24, bubblegumballoons.co.uk

UNICORN SPARKLES NAIL POLISH £6

Magic moments

Just when you thought we had reached ‘peak unicorn’, Selfridges unveils its Unicorn Universe – a haven for fans of the fantasy animal. The mini magical world of iridescent and glitter features everything from plush toys to stationery, onesies to party accessories. And, if you’re in the mood to blow the budget, how about Hansa’s exclusive life-sized moving unicorn? selfridges.com

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

The big draw

Lacoste has teamed up with fellow French brand Omy for a kids’ capsule collection this Christmas. The iconic crocodile motif features alongside other playful graphics on t-shirts and sweaters. Each piece comes with its own canvas tote and a mini colouring poster, too. From £55, lacoste.com

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NEWS

Prints charming

THAT ’ S TH E S P I R IT

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has been retold for a new generation in Michael Rosen’s book, Bah! Humbug!.

Brought to life by charming illustrations, it tells the story of a young boy playing Scrooge in his school production, whose father could do with a little Christmas cheer himself. £10.99, Scholastic

It already has a cult following, and now Swedish childrenswear brand Newbie has come to the UK, with a new store in leafy Richmond. Its super-soft organic cotton clothing for babies and children starts at a very affordable £12, with accessories coming in at even less. newbiestore.com

FLOWER POWER

Do your bit for charity this Christmas with a festive wreath from Floom. For every one sold, the online company will make a donation to the Make A Wish foundation, an incredible organisation that grants the wishes of seriously ill children. Choose from a variety of wreath designs created by florists in your local area. From £45, floom.com

F L AS H FOOT WE AR

Brighten up the school run with the latest kids’ trainers from Geox. The ‘Kommodor’ style features light-up soles; the inbuilt LED lights have four flashing sequences to amuse little ones, with seven styles in a variety of colourways for boys and girls. Plus, don’t worry – there’s an ‘off’ button if you need to be more discreet. From £50, geox.com

More than a third of parents opt to cut their child’s hair themselves instead of visiting a salon. The study, conducted by SME Insurance, found 21% do such a bad job, they’ve had to take them to a professional hairdresser to get it fixed!

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LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

DEEN LO N D O N

COUTURE HOUSE FOR CHILDREN

www.deenalondon.com

COMPETITION

WIN this bike WORTH MORE THAN

£300

F PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

rom weekend woodland trails to riding to school, kids have a passion for pedaling. And to help get your child cycling this winter, Little London has teamed up with Frog Bikes to give away one of its Frog 55 Hybrid bikes. The Frog Hybrid collection is a range of great all-rounder kids’ bikes, with researchled designs that ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. They feature rapid-fire gear shifting, meaning the

rider can change gears using just their thumb, as well as the brand’s patented Frog cranks which benefit from reduced distance between pedals to increase efficiency and comfort.

This 20-inch bike makes a great geared bike for kids aged six or seven, and mini cyclists can choose from a range of colours and prints for their new favourite set of wheels. Find out more at frogbikes.com. L

To enter, visit littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/competitions SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. COMPETITION CLOSES ON 18 JANUARY 2018

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

21

little loves…

Kids: let your walking do the talking in this winter’s ultimate après-ski boots.

Made from super lightweight, water-resistant materials and lined with cosy foam to keep little toes snug, this statement comic book print from the junior range at Moon Boot is sure to stand out on the slopes. So what are you waiting for? Snap these up and take the chilly season in your stride.

MOON BOOTS £65 MOON-BOOT.COM/EN

Handcrafted Natural Dolls www.ciaobimba.com /ciaobimbadolls

@ciaobimba.dolls

/CiaoBimbaDolls

FROM A SELECTION KIKKI-K.COM

IL GUFO COAT £228 ALEXANDALEXA.COM

WOODEN LORRY ADVENT CALENDAR £49.95 LIBERTYLONDON.COM

Seeing stars MOLO WOOL-BLEND HAT £18 ALEXANDALEXA.COM

Glittering sequins, flashes of velvet and novelty festive finds reign supreme this season

GOKI TIN DRUM £17 ARKET.COM

COTTON DRESS £64 LACOQUETAKIDS.COM

SEQUIN SHORTS £55 GUESS.EU

WOOL DUNGAREES £62 PEPAANDCOMPANY.COM

DR MARTENS BOOTS £70 ALEXANDALEXA.COM

IL GUFO SWEATER £41 YOOX.COM

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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SHOPPING

ALIMROSE SUPERHERO RUDOLPH SOFT TOY £35 LILYANDFRED.CO.UK

WOOL-BLEND SWEATER £24 JOJOMAMANBEBE.CO.UK

GUCCI WOOL CAPE £560 MELIJOE.COM

COTTON PYJAMAS £22.50 CYBERJAMMIES.CO.UK

BURBERRY CASHMERE SCARF £225 SELFRIDGES.COM

CALAFANT BUILD-YOUR-OWN CARDBOARD CASTLE £65 NUBIE.CO.UK

VELVET DRESS £215 CARAMEL-SHOP.CO.UK

WOOL FELT WREATH £34 HEDGEHOGSHOP.CO.UK

FAUX FUR GILET £47 JIGSAW-ONLINE.COM

FAUX SHEARLING BOOTS £54.99 TOMS.CO.UK

TAMBERE WOOL SWEATER £85 MABELCHILD.CO.UK

VELVET DRESS £94 PEPAANDCOMPANY.COM

COTTON FLANNEL SHIRT £40.50 JCREW.COM

PADDED PUFFA JACKET FROM £345 STONEISLAND.CO.UK

HAIR CLIPS £6 ROCKAHULAKIDS.COM

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LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

NI NE I NTH E M I R R O R .CO M

all this & more at

Ollipops

products we love at prices you’ll love from people who care www.ollipops.com

SHOPPING

FROM A SELECTION OLIVIERBABY.COM ARISTOCRAT KIDS OSTRICH FEATHER DRESS £685 CHILDRENSALON.COM

WOOL CARDIGAN £79 BRORA.CO.UK

WOOL MITTENS £55 MARNI.COM

VELVET DRESS £220 MARIECHANTAL.CO.UK

COTTON-BLEND SWEATER FROM £18 NEXT.CO.UK

VELVET PLAYSUIT FROM £40 BODEN.CO.UK

FABLE HEART SEQUIN WINGS £50 MARIECHANTAL.CO.UK

PLEATED SKIRT £35 OUTSIDE-THE-LINES.CO.UK

COTTON CUSHION £16 CATHKIDSTON.COM

LEATHER WOOL-LINED BOOTS £52 BOBUX.CO.UK

MAILEG PENGUIN SOFT TOY £23 POLARPOST.CO.UK

VELVET JACKET £36 MARKSANDSPENCER.COM

ORGANIC COTTON DRESS £30 WELOVEFRUGI.COM

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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INTERVIEW

Denise now lives in Hampstead with Betsy

With her partner, Eddie Boxshall

“We love putting mince pies out for Father Christmas!”

The presenter says she, Lee and Betsy still ‘celebrate together as a three’

Denise made her name presenting The Big Breakfast in the nineties

On stage as Chicago’s Roxie Hart

With her Irelands’s Got Talent co-stars

The family will head to Marbella for New Year with friends

School of Rock

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LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

INTERVIEW

My Little London

D E N I S E VA N O U T E N THE PRESENTER AND WEST END PERFORMER REVEALS HER LOVE FOR THE CAPITAL AT CHRISTMAS, AND WHY SHE’S RECENTLY GIVEN UP COUNTRY LIFE Denise is back in town and enjoying London life

makes you less selfish. It’s an unconditional love you can’t get from anyone else.

Where is home for you?

In September I moved back to Hampstead from Kent with my daughter, Betsy [seven], for the new school term. She loves it here.

She has dyslexia so we found a specialist school that really caters for that extra support in class. I’d also started on Loose Women and work was dragging me back to the city, and I have to say, I’m loving being back.

INTERVIEW: DENISE MARSHALL. PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK; SHUTTERSTOCK; REX/SHUTTERSTOCK; REX/KEN MCKAY

What is it you particularly like about being back in London?

Having done all the teashops and farms, I just needed to get back to city life. It was nice to step away for a bit and then come and appreciate all the things I’d forgotten I loved about London. Hampstead is quite hilly so I’m walking more and getting fitter. I had a nanny in Kent who went above and beyond to help me out, but I’d often be sitting on a motorway wishing I could be putting Betsy to bed myself. Being here allows me to do that. You definitely have more access to kids’ things in London, too. They really need that, and I need it! I bumped into my friend Angela Griffin on Hampstead high street the other day and she said the same of country life – “I can’t do it!”

What are your favourite mother and daughter days out?

We recently went on the London Eye. Although Betsy’s been learning a lot about London, having grown up in the countryside, she wanted to see some of the landmarks herself. We also went to see Annie and School of Rock – both are great shows. Over the winter we’ll be going to Lapland UK, and we love walking along the Southbank.

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

You’re one of the few celebrities to speak honestly about what a shock motherhood can be…

Where do you head out to eat?

You can get a really good roast dinner at The Stag pub in Hampstead on Sundays.

We always bump into people we know while we’re there, and they sometimes have a live band playing. As Betsy is only seven, she loves family friendly places like Carluccio’s and a Pizza Express – anywhere that offers colouring pens.

What are your plans for Christmas?

Betsy’s dad, Lee [Mead], and I do Christmas morning together with her. One year we even had lunch together, as we all get on. My mum might book a last-minute lunch somewhere.

When I was in Kent, everyone came to me, but now I don’t really have the room! For New Year’s Eve my friend has an apartment in Marbella so although it won’t be really hot, we can all enjoy a long walk on the beach and a nice meal together.

What’s your favourite thing about the festive season?

Being a mum just makes Christmas. We love putting out all the mince pies and carrots, and milk and marshmallows for the elves. It’s always magic when they still believe!

How has motherhood changed you?

You definitely have to learn patience, and it 31

It is hard in the beginning – nothing can quite prepare you no matter how organised you feel. And then, obviously as they get older, it’s adapting to things like the chaos of the school run.

As an ambassador for Spabreaks.com, you’ve talked about the importance of maintaining a healthy work/life balance. Where do you like to go to switch off?

Betsy and I had our nails done together for the first time at the Portmarnock Hotel spa in Dublin over the summer, and I’d love to find somewhere in London to do that regularly.

Right now I’m a judge on Ireland’s Got Talent so I’ll probably try to squeeze in a spa break just before Christmas – there’s an amazing hotel near Belfast called the Galgorm Resort, or there’s The K Club in Kildare. If you go with friends you can talk and talk like you can’t at home because life just takes over.

Do you feel like you get enough time to yourself?

Not really, but I’m getting better at it. It’s so important to take time out – even if that means just one day with family and no phones or emails. We live in a world that’s moving 100mph at the moment, especially with social media. It feels like when I started out in this business there were only four TV channels and no weekly magazines! L

roller disco, plus a live adaptation of Mimi & The Snow Dragon, fun is definitely order of the day.

Today is your last chance to go. winterville.co.uk

Give their wardrobe a festive makeover

6

Panto season is drawing to a close but fear not, today is your last chance to see Jack & The Beanstalk at the Lyric Theatre, complete with zany characters, live music, dancing, singing and lots of laughs.

APPLIQUÉ COTTON TOP £50 STELLAMCCARTNEY.COM

DIARY

Tickets from £15, lyric.co.uk

What to do and where to go in the capital over the next two months

7

December

17

3

Grab your reindeer onesies – no matter how big or small – as Monski Mouse's Christmas Baby Disco Dance Hall takes centrestage at Christmas in Leicester Square. Little ones under five and their carers can expect an afternoon of disco-dancing fun, featuring seasonal hits and a tinselled-up cast bopping away to the beats. Tickets from £8.50,

monskimouse.com

If the thought of doing your festive food shopping fills you with dread, today is your last chance to order a special edition HelloFresh Christmas Box. With premeasured ingredients, easy-tofollow recipes and useful hacks, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. From £70 for a family

A5 LEATHER DIARY £24 KIKKI-K.COM

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Eric Carle’s classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar makes its way off the page and onto the stage with the help of 75 magical puppets from today. Tickets from £15,

of four, hellofresh.co.uk

25

The big day has arrived! A very Merry Christmas from us all at Little London magazine.

theambassadorstheatre. co.uk

15 Stick on a silly sweater and donate this Christmas Jumper Day

Festive knits at the ready; today is Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day so be sure to don your favourite winter warmer, and don’t forget to donate!

Drop in at Recce Racers at the National Army Museum and discover how the army uses vehicles for its reconnaissance missions. Kids can make their own mini vehicle to take home, and work together to create their own rubber-band powered vehicle. How fast will it go on the track? nam.ac.uk

27

Does your child have a good set of lungs? Get them in tune at A Cappella: Next Generation! It’s set to be a musical day like no other, with everything from beatboxing to jazz arrangements. Tickets from £5.50, london acappellafestival.com

January

Explore the market at Christmas by the River, London Bridge City

1

There will be no time for boredom after Christmas as Winterville on Clapham Common continues. With an ice rink, cinema, fairground and

savethechildren.org.uk

LONDON’S CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN WATCH A FESTIVE FLICK Popcorn, check. Traditional Christmas film, check. Cosy blanket and oversized beanbag, double check.

Head to the Backyard Cinema at Borough and Clapham Common for enchanted viewing of classic films such as Home Alone and Elf. By

far the cosiest cinemas in town. Tickets from £17, backyardcinema.co.uk

HAVE A SING-ALONG The Little London Music School’s annual Family Christmas Carols events

SHOP THE MARKETS Looking for that perfect present? While away the hours at one of London’s Christmas markets and savour plenty of seasonal fare while you’re there.

32

in Notting Hill and Knightsbridge are the perfect way to get in the spirit, with traditional and modern festive favourites lead by professional singers and a live string trio.

Friday 15 and Thursday 21 December, from 4pm.

Children, £20; adults go free. kidsorted.com

GRAB YOUR SKATES The capital is home to some spectacular pop-up ice rinks. For the sweetest skate, the Natural History Museum has teamed up with Hotel Chocolat to run kids’ chocolate decorating workshops every Saturday.

Adults, £12.65; children, £8.80. nhmskating.com

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

ADVERTORIAL

THE TWELVE DOGS OF CHRISTMAS

Alison Ritchie and Marisa Morea Christmas day has almost arrived and one little puppy is very excited about his first ever Christmas. But with three drooling Dalmatians, six sausage-snaffling Scotties and every dog in town helping out, the festive season is a shambles!

Will everything be ready in time for Christmas Day? A riotous, rhyming countdown to Christmas with adorable dogs leaping from every page.

Little ones will love picking out their favourite dog and spotting the puppy in each hilarious scene

THE GIFT OF READING These three new releases from Simon & Schuster make perfect stocking-fillers

SUPERTATO: EVIL PEA RULES!

Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet It’s all very well being a superhero and saving the day, but what if there was no one there to cause the chaos, to provide these heroes with their chances to shine? Fortunately, the Evil Pea – nemesis of Supertato – is back! And this time he has his biggest, most dastardly plan yet to take over the supermarket…

WORDS AND YOUR HEART

Kate Jane Neal A very timely picture book about the power of words – and how we use them. Told through the eyes of Pip and Cat, this book beautifully demonstrates the importance of what we say – both positive and negative.

Thoughtful and heartwarming, with a universal message for a world that always needs a little more kindness.

WIN ONE OF FIVE BOOK SETS!

You could win all three of these books. Simply enter online at littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/competitions. Plus, if you love books, sign up to The Book Den at bookden.tumblr.com – the dedicated newsletter and platform from Simon & Schuster Children’s Books.

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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For whoever they want to be...

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Working with

RUNNING HEAD

MEET THE AUTHOR

Tim Minchin

The award-winning musician-comedian, Matilda The Musical lyricist and father of two tells all about his new children’s book, and his own writing heroes Who came up with the idea to put the lyrics of When I Grow Up to a picture book?

It’s one of those things where I, admittedly, haven’t had to do very much! When the publishers approached me and asked if we should see if there was anyone who was interested in illustrating the lyrics, I thought it was great.

Scholastic showed me Steve Antony’s work and it just seemed perfect. He’s a talented guy.

short [film] that he had written, called The Lost Thing, which he later won an Oscar for. Now I would say he is one of my top authors, along with Julia Donaldson and Oliver Jeffers.

Are your children, Violet and Caspar, fans of the song?

Caspar [now eight] was my deadline for Matilda, so he was born around the time I was writing those lyrics. I can’t remember what Violet thought of the song when she first heard it – she would have been just two at the time – but I’ve shown them the book and they think it’s cool.

I really should talk to Violet more about my work – she’s 10 now…

Would you like to write more for children?

I would love to. I’d especially love to write poems. When I Grow Up has that disarming thing about it, where on the surface it’s just about childhood aspirations, but it also has the power to make adults cry. I think that’s also why I love Julia Donaldson’s The Snail and the Whale too – because while the kids see a story about a snail that hitches a ride on a whale’s tail, the adults are seeing a story about what it is to live and have adventures.

There is a particular page which I obsess over – ‘She gazed and gazed, amazed

What did you read when you were growing up?

I was a massive Roald Dahl fan.

In terms of picture books, the ones that come to mind are the Thomas books by Gunilla Wolde.

Oh, and Miffy. Weirdly, my relationship with illustrated books came back round when I went to university with [Australian illustrator] Shaun Tan. Years later he contacted me and asked if I wanted to voice this animated LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

35

by it all / and she said to the whale, I feel so small.’ The idea that the snail needs to see the world to feel small is amazing.

So yes, I would love to write more things that are both fun for kids and beautiful for adults.

You live in LA now, are you back in London much?

Not as much as we’d like. We miss London so much. It’s kind of been the great turmoil of our lives – our kids were born there and our dearest friends are there.

We always knew we would leave but it was incredibly difficult to do so. And now LA’s kind of… [groans]. We’ll be moving back to Australia soon, which was always the plan.

London is our great, lost love, really. L When I Grow Up by Tim Minchin (£12.99, Scholastic) is out now

INTERVIEW: DANIELLE WILKINS. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES/E AMONN M. MCCORMACK; INSTAGRAM.COM/TIMMINCHIN. ILLUSTRATIONS: STEVE ANTONY

Tim and his wife Sarah met when they were just 17

The dad has previously admitted his family inspire his work

BOOKS

2-4 YEARS

5-7 YEARS

8-10 YEARS

Merry Christmas, Hugless Douglas

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

BY KATHERINE RUNDELL AND EMILY SUTTON

One Christmas Wish

BY DAVID MELLING

BY DR SEUSS

There are snowballs and Christmas cuddles aplenty in this brand new Hugless Douglas adventure.

This luxury collectors’ edition celebrates 60 years of anarchic mayhem brought to us by the ghastly Grinch.

Capturing the true innocence of Christmas through a child’s eyes, this heartwarming tale is a great go-to for sharing on Christmas Eve.

£6.99 • Hodder Children’s Books

£14.99 • HarperCollins Children’s Books

£14.99 • Bloomsbury

Last Stop on the Reindeer Express

I Killed Father Christmas

BY ANTHONY MCGOWAN AND CHRIS RIDDELL

The Nutcracker: A Papercut Pop-Up Book

Peep-through doorways lead the reader through winter scenes, as Mia and her reindeer embark on a journey.

Jo-Jo is convinced Christmas is cancelled – and it’s all his fault.

This story about a little boy and a misunderstanding is full of heart.

Ornate landscapes are brought to life in exquisite paper-cut pages, in this book inspired by Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet.

£12.99 • Little Tiger Press

£6.99 • Barrington Stoke

£14.95 • Thames & Hudson

Listen to the Christmas Songs

Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Jingle Bells!

Father Christmas and Me

Not your typical sound book, this features samples from six festive tunes.

Toddlers will love singing along as they explore the bright illustrations.

BY TRACEY CORDEROY AND STEVEN LENTON

A pesky panda has stolen Santa’s presents so it’s a race against time for the hapless duo to get them back.

Christmas is in jeopardy as the Easter Bunny attempts to cancel it. The witty attention to detail in these illustrations will have young readers entranced.

£7.99 • Nosy Crow

£5.99 • Nosy Crow

£12.99 • Canongate

BY MAUDIE POWELL-TUCK

BY MARION BILLET

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BY SHOBHNA PATEL

BY MATT HAIG AND CHRIS MOULD

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

INTERACTIVE

Where’s Wally?

Santa Spectacular

BY MARTIN HANDFORD

Packed with 300 stickers, this eclectic activity book will provide hours of entertainment for all the family. £5.99 • Walker Books

Create Your Own Christmas

BY ISABEL THOMAS AND KATIE ABEY

Kooky, creative crafts unlike anything you’ve seen before will unlock your child’s imagination and lead to plenty of seasonal messy play.

ILLUSTRATION: HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! BY DR SEUSS

£7.99 • Bloomsbury

Make and Play Nativity

BY JOEY CHOU

Perfect for introducing little ones to the story of the nativity, this easy-toconstruct kit includes 20 sturdy figures. It will add festive charm to any setting. £7.99 • Nosy Crow

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Tales of joy EMMA O’DONOVAN ROUNDS UP HER FAVOURITE FESTIVE BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS

RUNNING HEAD

“ T hi s i s a b r the right to b and that gives women preg nant, w e both st ylish and (gasp!) ith p the all-impor ieces that work well into tant fourth t rimeste r” M IC H E LLE KE N N E DY , FOU N DE R OF PEAN UT

2017 A

fter months of planning, nominating and voting by you, our loyal readers, in your thousands, the great and good of the pregnancy, baby and children’s industry came together to celebrate the third Little London Awards 2017.

Held at the beautiful Grace Belgravia, one of the capital’s leading health, wellbeing and lifestyle clubs for women, a 150-strong crowd enjoyed free-flowing champagne and delectable canapés as editor-in-chief Kate Freud took to the stage to announce this year’s much-deserved winners.

Set up to champion excellence in every area of the baby and children’s industry, the awards featured 22 categories in total, covering everything from pregnancy to fashion, nursery essentials to food, travel and toys. And while many of these were voted for by almost 70,000 of you, four of the winners were specially selected by our panel of judges, all of whom are mothers and businesswomen themselves; BBC news broadcaster and journalist Kate Silverton, Leonora Bamford of My Baba, Michelle Kennedy, CEO and founder of parenting app Peanut, Sky Sports presenter Natalie Pinkham and Little London editor-in-chief Kate Freud.

We’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our winners and nominees, all of whom are at the top of their game and deserve to be applauded for their achievements. L

BRAND OF THE YEAR

Nine In The Mirror As a one-stop shop that celebrates pregnancy and new motherhood by helping women find stylish solutions that work for both, it’s little wonder Nine in the Mirror was awarded the coveted Brand of the Year award. Founded by former fashion buyer Adriana Chryssicopoulos and online marketer Tatiana de Boisanger, the site features a curated edit of designer pieces to suit women in their first to third trimester and beyond, as well as pieces for baby.

R U N N E R U P : Naturalmat

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LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

RUNNING HEAD

“ Scamp & Du de a tangible exa is t r uly inspirational; m and t riumph ple of dete rmination in the face of a dve rsit y” NATALI E P IN KHAM , S KY S P O R TS P R ES ENTE R

BEST PRODUCT

BEST NEW BRAND

BEST NEW PRODUCT

Childs Farm Baby Moisturiser

Scamp & Dude

Storksak Cabin Carry-On Bag

When founder Joanna Jensen realised she couldn’t find products to help with her daughters’ fine hair and sensitive skin, Childs Farm was born, and since 2010 the brand has been delivering kidfriendly, free-from toiletries to children up and down the UK. Its luxurious Baby Moisturiser has proven to be a parenting staple, especially for those with little ones suffering from eczema-prone skin.

R U N N E R U P : Stokke Tripp Trapp

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

The designs may be playful and cool, but the heart of Scamp & Dude is about helping kids cope with separation anxiety and trauma. In 2015, Jo Tutchener-Sharp suffered a brain haemorrhage, which resulted in her having to leave her children for lengthy surgery. It was then she felt inspired to create clothing and comforters that helped kids feel secure, with the slogan ‘A superhero has my back’ to remind them that someone is always there.

R U N N E R U P : Kit & Kin

39

Parents everywhere breathed a sigh of relief when changing bag favourite Storksak announced the launch of its travel collection last summer. Practical and stylish, the Cabin Carry-On has proven a hit with travelling families, featuring a unique fold-away hanging organiser inside that allows you to remove and hang up when you arrive, without the need to unpack a thing.

R U N N E R U P : Smalls Merino Swaddle

RUNNING HEAD

The judges Meet our panel of high-profile businesswomen, and see what happened behind the scenes during the judging process

Natalie Pinkham Sky Sports presenter and mother of two

Kate Freud Little London editor-inchief and mum of two

Michelle Kennedy CEO and founder of Peanut, and mum of one

Kate Silverton BBC newsreader and mother of two

Leonora Bamford My Baba blog founder and mother of three

Natalie, Leo and Kate

Comparing notes

Just some of the products on display

Natalie and Kate talk through the options

“Judging th ea women was ward s with such inspi r i ng an h onou r – a n d i out to be a lo t t o f f u n , to o t u r n e d !”

K ATE F R E U D, E D ITO R -I N -C

H IE F

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Tallying up the scores

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

RUNNING HEAD

L ego Juniors’ easy allow children to -to-build toys imaginative play experiment with and build confid en

ce

B E S T C H A N G I N G B AG

B E S T C H I L D R E N ’ S T OY

BEST PUSHCHAIR

Jem + Bea Jemima

Lego Juniors

Bugaboo Cameleon 3

Ever since the brand burst onto the scene in 2015, Jem + Bea turned the idea of the baby changing bag on its head, creating beautiful designs that offer both functionality and style. The ‘Jemima’ has been a firm favourite with London mothers this year – this grey version in soft tumbled leather features multifunctional pockets that will take you seamlessly from baby to work meeting in no time at all.

R U N N E R U P : PacaPod Madison

When it comes to choosing a toy that will help develop your child’s confidence, inspire storytelling, teamwork and conversation, and boost their imagination, Lego Juniors – designed for children aged four to seven years – does all that and more.

The brand’s range of easy-to-build products include everything from trains and pets to entire town squares.

R U N N E R U P : Gymboree Bubble Ooodles

Light, compact, versatile – let us count the reasons why we love the Bugaboo Cameleon 3. Incorporating more than 15 years of iconic Bugaboo design, this cult pushchair is suitable right from birth. The carrycot easily converts into a seat (and vice versa) while its manoeuvrability makes navigating any terrain easy. And of course, it’s simple to make your own, with a selection of ontrend colourways and accessories.

R U N N E R U P : Uppababy Vista

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

41

RUNNING HEAD

Kate Freud with Little London publisher Caroline Scott The beautiful setting of Grace Belgravia

Runner-up blogger Louise Boyce of Mama’s Still Got It

The winning team from Gymboree

Awards party

As glasses were raised to the winners, it was time to celebrate and enjoy the party at the elegant Grace Belgravia

Team Nine In The Mirror celebrate their Brand of the Year award

Simon Meeke of Powder Byrne presents Nine In The Mirror with their award

Caro Greenwood of Spikey Mama and Emma-Jane Adam of Smalls

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

PHOTOGRAPHY: SAM CHURCHILL

Kate Freud and Jo TutchenerSharp of Scamp & Dude

RUNNING HEAD

AWA R D W I N N E R S Find out who came top in the rest of our categories B E S T C H I L D R E N’S FOO D B R AN D

Little Dish

BEST APP

‘the Tiffany & Co for girls’,

contribution to the

during pregnancy become

Hopster

Molly Brown London

maternity fashion industry,

invaluable – swapping

creates beautiful jewellery

Isabella Oliver is a worthy

stories and learning

for children, lovingly

winner. The label has

together along the way.

Designed for preschoolers, this ad-free entertainment app allows parents and their little ones access to the best age-appropriate TV shows, nursery rhymes, educational games, music and HarperCollins children’s books for a minimal monthly fee.

Runner up: Ebookadabra

produced and hallmarked

UK, Clarks needs little

been helping women look

The brilliant Bump & Baby

in sterling silver. Head here

introduction. The brand is

and feel confident with

Club has been providing

if you’re looking for a sweet

known for its impeccable

its flattering designs for

modern antenatal classes

and stylish keepsake gift.

quality, fit and reliability,

almost 15 years.

to London parents for

Runner up: Lucy & Belle

particularly when it comes

Runner up: Envie de Fraise

many years, with support

-----------

to choosing your little one’s

-----------

BEST CHILDREN’S FA S H I O N B R A N D

Runner up: Start-rite Shoes

Emile et Rose

-----------

When it comes to baby carriers, this cult buy is at the forefront of

B E S T BA BY ESSENTIAL

BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One

ZSL London Zoo

months, this British

Explore and enjoy, learn

label creates

This multifunctional

about and get close to

everything

breathable cotton pod has

some of the world’s most

from dresses

proven to be a must-own

precious animals in our

and knitwear

for many parents bringing

very own capital at ZSL

to rompers and

home a newborn, offering

London Zoo. You’ll find

accessories, all

a safe and comfy spot for

workshops, exhibitions and

presented on

baby to sleep, rest, enjoy

special events happening

wooden hangers.

tummy time and have their

design, featuring luxurious padding, ergonomically correct wide-leg positioning, lockable zips and a sturdy waist belt for improved

daily, meaning there’s

nappy changed.

something new to see

matching toys.

every time you visit.

Runner up: Matchstick Monkey teething toy

Runner up: Wild & Gorgeous

Runner up: Lapland UK

-----------

Runner up: Huggies Little Swimmers

BEST CHILDREN’S FOOD BRAND

-----------

Little Dish

The Dad Network

B E S T FA M I LY DAY O U T

You can even purchase

pressure relief.

BEST BLOG

months after baby is born.

BE S T N U R S E RY NECESSITY

newborn up to 23

babywear from

BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One

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that continues in the

Sleepyhead of Sweden Sleepyhead Deluxe

For beautiful

B E S T BA BY ESSENTIAL

first school shoes.

----------BEST KIDS’ CLUB, GROUP OR CLASS

When it comes to feeding

Gymboree Play & Music

our children, time is often

With classes

Isabella Oliver

B E S T T R AV E L C O M PA N Y

Powder Byrne The line-up for Best Travel Company was a competitive one, but Powder Byrne stands out for its bespoke style and flexibility, offering only the highest quality trips and kids’ programmes to parents and their children.

With this brand, nothing is too much trouble.

BEST ONLINE R E TA I L E R

Runner up: Abercrombie & Kent

Loved by the

FA S H I O N B R A N D

-----------

-----------

My 1st Years

B E S T M AT E R N I T Y

Runner up: Elderflower & Delilah Maternity Feed 3-in-1

Royals and

----------B E S T T R AV E L ESSENTIAL

Sleepyhead of Sweden Sleepyhead Deluxe

of the essence. Thankfully

that utilise a

Spearheaded by dad

Little Dish boasts some

combination

of two Al Ferguson, The

of the healthiest chilled

of music, play,

Dad Network is one

ready meals around, not to

movement and props, it’s

become the go-to brand

of the fastest growing

mention a range of tasty,

no surprise to hear that

for personalised gifts,

dad communities out

nutritional snacks.

every day thousands of

including clothing, furniture

there, providing support

Runner up: Annabel Karmel

parents are choosing

and toys. We love the price

-----------

Gymboree Play & Music

point, too, with a whole

heading long-haul.

for their little ones.

range of beautiful gifts

Runner up: Bundle Beds

Runner up: Little House of Science Little Discovery

under £20.

-----------

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B E S T M AT E R N I T Y FA S H I O N B R A N D

B E S T P R E G N A N CY ESSENTIAL

to thousands of dads worldwide on the bumpy but exhilarating journey that is fatherhood.

Runner up: Mama Still Got It

-----------

BEST CHILDREN’S SHOE BRAND

Clarks As a firm favourite with families all over the

BEST BOUTIQUE

Molly Brown London

Isabella Oliver

Dubbed by Vogue as

recognises an outstanding

As an award that B E S T C H I L D R E N’S S H O E B R AN D

Clarks

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

43

celebrities worldwide, My 1st Years has

Lightweight and portable, the Sleepyhead Deluxe allows for easy travel, whether you’re moving from room to room or

Runner up: Alex and Alexa

Bump & Baby Club The friends you make B E S T T R AV E L E S S E N T I A L

Sleepyhead of Sweden Sleepyhead Deluxe

GET THE LOOK

LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE £20 HOMEBASE.CO.UK NOBODINOZ COTTON TEEPEE £48 EN.SMALLABLE.COM

VELVET SOFA £1,599 DFS.CO.UK

I N S TA I N S P O

@iamhayleystuart The profile of interiors blogger and mum of two HAYLEY STUART is full of beautiful inspiration…

RIBBON £3 IKEA.COM

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS (PACK OF SIX) £6.99 HM.COM

H

ead over to Hayley’s blog and you’ll find everything from upcycling tutorials and DIY projects to entertaining ideas and high street edits – not to mention snaps of her own gorgeous Hampshire home. Also mum to two boys, Rex, five, and Mack, three, she has since amassed more than 16,000 followers.

WOVEN BAMBOO BASKETS (SET OF THREE) £50 ALSOHOME.COM

Why did you start your blog, I Am Hayley Stuart?

I started another blog about three-and-a-half years ago, because I felt like I’d lost myself a bit since having children. I’ve always been creative, so starting a blog about my home and DIY projects felt right. My first blog wasn’t very consistent though, so I decided to scrap it and start again in January 2016.

What in particular sparked your passion for interiors?

Moving into our farm cottage was the initial motivation. The

more I did, the more I learnt, and my style has evolved so much. I used to love fashion, but that has taken a back seat since becoming a mum, mainly because my body has changed but also because I don't have the same lifestyle I used to have.

How will you be dressing your home this Christmas?

I always get really excited to put our tree up! Generally I go with gold and silver decorations and position the tree inside my Fortnum & Mason basket.

What’s on your wish list?

It’s a bit of a boring one, but it’s a new lens for my camera. I love photography and can’t think of anything else I would use more.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

There are loads of great interior accounts on Instagram, but actually my main inspiration comes from Pinterest. L

44

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Everything’s possible with Powder Byrne.

Discover more at powderbyrne.com/littlelondon or call 020 8246 5300

E v e r y t h i n g ’s p o s s i bl e

S K I • S U N • W E E K E N D S • A D V E N T U R E T R AV E L • C O R P O R AT E

THIS PAGE: SADIE WEARS DRESS, £1,210, GUCCI AT HARRODS. SHOES, £133, BONPOINT. HAIR CLIP (PART OF A SET), £6, ROCKAHULA KIDS. WREATH, £35, AND SQUIRREL DECORATION, £10, BOTH NEXT. TREE DECORATIONS, FROM £6 EACH, LUNA & CURIOUS. RIGHT PAGE: (FROM LEFT) LUCIAN WEARS JACKET, £110, WILD & GORGEOUS. COBEY WEARS BLAZER, £165, CARAMEL. SHIRT, £14, RIVER ISLAND. ASAIAH WEARS DRESS, £652, MONNALISA. TIFFY WEARS HAIR CLIPS, £6, ROCKAHULA KIDS.

Coming home

for Christmas PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH WINBORN STYLING: YVADNEY DAVIS

HAIR & MAKE-UP: RACHEL JONES

THIS PAGE: TIFFY WEARS DRESS, FROM £26, NEXT. HAIR CLIPS, £6, ROCKAHULA KIDS. BAG, £14, MONSOON. RIGHT PAGE: LUCIAN WEARS SHIRT, £44, OLIVIER BABY AND KIDS. CROWN, £18, ARK AT LUNA & CURIOUS.

THIS PAGE: (FROM LEFT) TIFFY WEARS DRESS, £110.50, HUCKLEBONES. SADIE WEARS DRESS, FROM £50, MONSOON. HAIR CLIP (PART OF A SET), £6, ROCKAHULA KIDS. ASAIAH WEARS DRESS, £430, SPOILED ME AT CHILDRENSALON. HAIR CLIPS (PART OF A SET), £6, ROCKAHULA KIDS. CRACKERS (SET OF SIX), £12, NEXT. RIGHT PAGE: COBEY WEARS SUIT, £1,130, GUCCI AT HARRODS. SHIRT, £16.99, ZARA. SHOES, FROM £28, NEXT. NUTCRACKER ORNAMENT, £399, KURT S.ADLER AT HARRODS. WREATH, £35, NEXT.

SADIE WEARS DRESS, £82.26, VELVETEEN. CAPE, £88, NOÉ & ZOË AT LIBERTY. HEADBAND, £115, GUCCI AT HARRODS. TIGHTS (PACK OF TWO), £8, MARKS & SPENCER. SHOES, £14, RIVER ISLAND. TIFFY WEARS DRESS, £69, BILLIEBLUSH AT ALEX AND ALEXA. JACKET, £159.50, HUCKLEBONES. CROWN, £18, ARK AT LUNA & CURIOUS. TIGHTS (PACK OF TWO), £8, MARKS & SPENCER. SHOES, £74, STEP2WO.

With thanks to: Models: Asaiah, Cobey, Lucian, Sadie, Tiffy. Model agencies: Kids London, Ray & Robin.

Photographer’s agency: S Management. Stylist’s agency: Roxy & Jack Represents. Hair and make-up artist’s agency: Frank Agency.

COMPILED BY: CHLOE COLLYER

ASAIAH WEARS DRESS, £155, AND HAIR BOW, £32, BOTH NO ADDED SUGAR AT SELFRIDGES.

Sh o p the

SHOOT

Rock the party season in scene-stealing sequins, glitter and bold embellishments

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: METALLIC DRESS, £34 NEXT.CO.UK. GLITTER BELT, £8 HEMASHOP.COM. POM-POM HEADBAND, £9.95 GAP.CO.UK. COTTON AND TULLE DRESS, £47 JIGSAW-ONLINE.COM. GLITTER HEADBAND, £2.99 LINDEX.COM. COTTON SHIRT, WAISTCOAT AND BOW TIE SET, £24 MARKSANDSPENCER.COM. VELVET BLAZER, £24.99 LINDEX.COM. WOODEN NUTCRACKER DECORATION, £5 HEMASHOP.COM. FAUX-FUR PONCHO, £12.99 HM.COM. COTTON T-SHIRT, £6 MATALAN.CO.UK. FLORAL-PRINT DRESS, £25 MANDCO.COM. PINK EMBROIDERED TULLE DRESS, £26 NEXT.CO.UK. GREEN EMBROIDERED TULLE DRESS, £27.99 SHOP.MANGO.COM. COTTON-BLEND GLITTER TIGHTS, £7.99 LINDEX.COM. VELVET HAT, £5.99 HM.COM. SEQUIN DRESS, £19.99 HM.COM. RI KIDS STUDIO COTTON SHIRT, £20 RIVERISLAND.COM. FAUX-FUR COAT, £29.99 SHOP.MANGO.COM. CROSS-BODY BAG, £15.99 ZARA.COM. COTTON SHIRT, FROM £12 MARKSANDSPENCER.COM. NYLON GLITTER TIGHTS, £7 JOHNLEWIS.COM.

INTERVIEW

Sienna’s second act NO LONGER HOUNDED BY THE TABLOIDS, SIENNA MILLER HAS GRADUATED FROM ‘IT GIRL’ TO DEVOTED MOTHER AND SERIOUS ACTRESS. KAREN ANN OVERTON MEETS HER

Miller says she prefers to spend time playing with her daughter, and avoids social media

With fellow actress Salma Hayek and Dr Mitch Besser, founder of mothers2mothers

F

or a while, it appeared as if London’s once-favourite ‘It girl’ had given up showbusiness and retreated to a life of peace in the British countryside, but slowly and surely Sienna Miller has been making her comeback as a formidable actor. Time has untethered her from the media firestorm which was once her daily life, and motherhood – to daughter Marlowe, four – has calmed Miller and given her a wealth of new emotions to draw on.

“I’m much more careful in terms of choosing projects because each time I go to work it means spending less time with Marlowe,” says the 35 year old. “But I’ve also changed my way of thinking about the kinds of roles I want to play. When I became pregnant, I decided that I would only go after good parts in good films even if that meant taking smaller roles.”

With her apparently effortless beauty and charismatic nature, Miller in her early twenties seemed destined to become a big-name film star. But her talent was overshadowed by her personal life, as she embarked on one doomed relationship after another. Jude Law may have been her most high-profile partner, but it was arguably her affair with married American actor Balthazar Getty which did the most damage to her image, and perhaps her heart.

Following yet another failed reconciliation with Law, Miller finally found true love in the form of Tom Sturridge and the birth of their daughter, in July 2012. It was both a personal and professional turning point in Miller’s world, and though she and Sturridge ended their romantic relationship, they remain firm friends and co-parents.

Not only has motherhood made her reassess her career, but Miller also credits the experience with filling a void in her life: “I was overwhelmed by how normal it felt,” she says. “It was 54

The actress reveals she still has a close bond with Marlowe’s father, Tom Sturridge

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INTERVIEW

I don’t feel trapped anymore by the image that the media created about me

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INTERVIEW

like, ‘there you are – that’s what I have been missing’, like we’re both in on something only we know. It’s an amazing sense of being complicit with a little being.”

As art often mimics life, in her boho sweetheart heyday Miller was prone to be cast as the emotionally fragile seductress – Edie Sedgwick in Factory Girl and Daniel Craig’s paramour in Layer Cake, for example.

But recently she has been landing the kind of meaty character roles any actress would die for, and garnering critical acclaim along the way. In American Sniper she played the long-suffering wife of the deadliest marksman in US military history with breathtaking candour, and wowed as another devoted wife in last year’s drama The Lost City of Z. “I have a much better understanding of how I want to pursue my career. Having a child helps you focus more and gives you a clearer perspective on everything,” she reveals. “In the last few years I’ve been able to work on projects where I’ve surrounded myself with only the best people. It’s been very satisfying.”

Having relocated from London to New York, where much of Miller’s work is based, it was a decision as much focused on what was best for Marlowe. While Miller misses many aspects of home, she sees New York as a fascinating place for a young mind to develop.

“It’s the most liberal, democratic place. It’s so open-minded,” she enthuses. “I see at least four certifiable people a day just roaming the streets, and no one looks twice.

“I love that I’m raising a child who’s just constantly assaulted with experience, and it’s real life and it’s hard and it’s ugly and it’s beautiful, but it’s honest. London is a bit more

Home is now New York City

hidden and more intellectually stimulating in some ways that I miss.”

What she doesn’t miss, however, is the constant assault of the press which culminated in her “suing everyone for a decade”, including the News of the World, which coughed up £100,000 in damages after admitting to hacking her phone. “Today I feel I can lead a normal life. It’s a huge relief. I was very vulnerable during the period around the Leveson Inquiry, but I’m glad I fought as much as possible,” she says defiantly. “I don’t feel that I’m trapped anymore by the image that the media created about me.”

Indeed, Miller believes things are easier now for young stars generally – particularly women, who have greater control of their own 56

image via social media, giving them power to retaliate when the media says ‘horrible things’.

And yet, you won’t find any genuine Sienna Miller profiles on Facebook or Twitter. “I’m a Luddite,” she grins. “I don’t really have social media. If I want to be business-savvy, it would definitely be smart… but there’s something I really resist about that kind of communication, and I don’t think it’s making people particularly happy.”

So what does bring this heroine joy? “My time revolves around my daughter, cooking for her, playing with her, simply enjoying watching her grow,” the star beams. “It’s a peaceful and stable life with Marlowe. I feel much more at ease – calmer and freer. I can finally be the kind of woman I want to be.” L LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES/JOSIAH KAMAU; GETTY IMAGES/DAVID M BENETT; GETTY IMAGES/GOTHAM; SPLASHNEWS.COM

Having a child helps you focus more and gives you a clearer perspective

INTERVIEW

Seeing is believing KATE FREUD MEETS THE BRAINS BEHIND THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS WORLD OF LAPLAND UK

A

ny parent who’s ever visited their local Santa’s Grotto and come away feeling disheartened will understand what drove Alison and Mike Battle to set up Lapland UK 10 years ago. It was following yet another of these experiences, watching their young son perched miserably on the lap of a polyesterclad, fake-bearded Santa in the midst of a shabby grotto, that they realised there must be more to Christmas than this.

The couple – who have been together for 33 years and are parents to four boys – were aware of how fleeting childhood is, so always endeavoured to savour every minute. As a primary school teacher, Alison loved to celebrate all special occasions throughout the year, from Halloween and Easter to Chinese New Year and Christmas, but it was always during the festive period that things fell below expectations.

They tried to find the magic of Christmas everywhere from stately homes to garden 59

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Mike and Alison’s aim is to give families a truly personalised and magical experience

centres, even splashing out a fortune to take the boys to Lapland itself, and though the scenery of Finland was something to behold, the rest of the trip was a sore disappointment.

Father Christmas knew nothing about the children, Mike and Alison had to provide a present for him to gift them, and they had less than five minutes with the big man himself.

As they found their children on the cusp of losing their belief altogether, they had a light-bulb moment, and decided to create the fairytale themselves. Having worked in the city for years, Mike was looking for a way to express his creative side, and Alison was always full of ideas, so as they both turned 40, they took a leap of faith. “When we decided to go ahead and do it we were so nervous

to tell friends and family, convinced they would think we were mad! But as soon as we made the decision people were nothing but supportive,” Alison explains.

It was February 2007, and not knowing where to start, their first port of call was the Forestry Commission, to find a suitable space to hold the event. Luckily the folks there loved the idea, and suggested the Bedgebury Pinetum, a stunning area of protected pine trees in Kent. That June, following a James Morrison concert held in the forest, the Battles arranged for hundreds of cards to be handed out saying simply, ‘Ssssssh… there’s a secret in this forest this Christmas’ with website details included. Before they knew it all 37,000 tickets had sold out.

Then the onerous task of actually organising the event began. They remortgaged their house, raising £1 million to cover the first year. “It was terrifying,” says Mike, “but we had absolute faith in what we were doing.”

That said, it was a baptism of fire. “We always knew we wanted it to be a very personal experience for families,” said Alison, “so we started by making sure Father Christmas knew something about each child he saw, that they would get a great gift included in the price, and so on. But in terms of the scale of the rest of it – the journey to Lapland, the 61

visit to the toy factory and Mother Christmas, it was a far less polished experience than it is today, with the film sets, artistry and actors we now have. At the time we really had no idea what was involved.”

The following year the Battles sold 50,000 tickets, and from then on it was a combination of pure determination and the extraordinary people they met along the way that has made Lapland UK what it is today. Mike explains, “We were sitting in a café in Ascot, admiring the décor and food, when we got chatting to the owner, a woman named Lisa Anderson.

We told her about what we were doing with Lapland UK when she invited us to meet at her home that evening. When we arrived it turned out she had been executive producer at the Brit Awards for years, and had retired to run the café. She was full of ideas for what we could do moving forward and has been an integral part of the team ever since.”

Likewise with Sonja Klaus (the name was not lost on them), a Hollywood set designer they happened to meet who helped them take the project to the next level.

Mike and Alison later found a bigger site at The Crown Estate near Ascot, and today up to 60,000 invitations are sent out for the event. They have since won awards, voted as Little London’s ‘Best Family Day

INTERVIEW

To see the look on those children’s faces when they meet their hero, it’s something you never forget Out’ two years in a row, and over the years have welcomed more than 100,000 families including everyone from Elton John – a regular visitor with his two boys – to the Beckhams, Paul McCartney and family, and the Royals including the Countess of Wessex and Zara and Mike Tindall. “The first year the Beckhams came it was just them and the kids, the following year they brought the grandparents, aunts and uncles, they loved it so much,” says Alison.

Today there are 20 characters, all with their own back stories and scripts to engage young minds. Each January, the Battles head to Nuremberg in Germany to the toy fair seeking inspiration for costumes and toys for the children to make in the workshop. It was also here they met a puppet maker whose creations were inspired by Grimms’ fairytales, with a mystical Northern European feel. The pair visited her at home – her cottage in the woods in deepest, darkest Bavaria – and she set about making puppets for Lapland UK Today Lapland UK features a whole ho t of l et rti tr and actors

that the Battles’ costume designer could copy at home. These include outfits for everyone from Whittle, head of the Toy Factory and Eeko, Mother Nature’s friend to Pixie Mixie, who makes the most delicious elven sweets.

When children are travelling through Lapland UK they not only meet these characters but have the chance to write letters to Father Christmas, they can ice skate, meet huskies and reindeer, and end their visit with a trip to see Father Christmas himself, a priceless memory that has brought many a tear to parents’ eyes.

Mike has two brothers, one who works in the city, the other as head of legal for ITN, and they both love nothing more than taking a shift as the man in the red suit each year.

“There’s something life affirming about it,” Mike explains. “The world moves so fast, it’s easy to forget what’s important, but to see the look on those children’s faces when they meet their hero, it’s something you never forget.”

Alison and Mike have taken particular

pleasure in being able to offer this experience to a broader audience through their ‘Superstar Days’, which are lower-capacity events for those with disabilities, military families and those from underprivileged homes. And each year after Christmas they take a welldeserved holiday before the process starts all over again. As Alison says, “We never set out to have a hugely successful company, we just wanted to create magic that our own children would love. And thankfully, it worked.” L

The Untold Story of Father Christmas

by Mike and Alison Battle (£12.99, Bloomsbury Children’s Books) is available now, laplanduk.co.uk

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MIA’S FARM SUITCASE

FAMILY

Let the games begin...

GEORGINA BLASKEY REVEALS THE GAMES GUARANTEED TO BRING A LITTLE CHEER TO CHRISTMAS DAY

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itch the iPad, turn off the TV! Christmas is a time for all generations to join together in lively activities, but it’s all too easy to fall into the ‘not this one again’ rut.

Thankfully, these enduring parlour games – which you may or may not know – should cater to everyone, sofa-bound oldies or little fidgets alike. All you need is a crowd, a sense of humour and a hint of mischief. After all, you know what they say, the family that plays together stays together!

Answers on a postcard, please. No peeking!

ANIMAL, VEGETABLE, MINERAL Divide into two teams. One person from each team (the answerer) thinks of an object and goes over to the opposing team (the questioners) who try to guess what it is (the two teams play at the same time). The answerer tells the questioners at the start of the game whether the subject belongs to the animal, vegetable or mineral kingdom. After that, the answerer can only answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Whichever team guesses right first keeps the opposing team member whose word they were trying to guess. The aim is to steal all the opposing team members.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

THE SPARKLY HAT Everyone chooses a name of a well-known person; it can be a sports personality, a Disney character, a politician, anyone. They all write it down (an adult can help the youngest if necessary) and all the names are put in the sparkly hat (or you can use a bucket or bowl).

Names get read out as a list, twice only.

You then take turns guessing who is who. If someone guesses correctly, the person whose name has been guessed is out and the guesser gets another turn. If they guess wrong, move on to the next person to guess. The secret is not to make obvious choices. The winner is the person left unguessed!

card, plastic, boxes, tubes, wrapping paper, fabrics – and put the box in the middle of the table. Either in pairs or as individuals depending on the age range, you take a theme, and everyone has to make a hat following the theme however they wish – and wear it for lunch. You could even have a hat procession to award a winner a prize.

STUFF IN A BOX

BLACK MAGIC

This is great for artistic souls who like a project. In advance, you need to collect a load of different bits and bobs – ribbons, buttons,

Two people are in on the secret that ‘proves’ they are telepathic. One of the pair (the guesser) leaves the room and the other (the

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remainer) chooses any object with everyone else in the room. When the guesser comes back in the room, the remainer points to different objects asking the guesser if that is what they chose. When they point to the object chosen, the guesser will answer yes and everyone will wonder how they knew. The secret? The remainer and the guesser have a code that they always point to something black before they point to the object chosen.

Everyone else will go mad trying to guess how they are communicating and will be desperate to try their theories out! L

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FAMILY

A LOVE FOR LIFE BECKY DICKINSON REVEALS HOW TO ENCOURAGE SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS THAT LAST INTO ADULTHOOD

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he bond between siblings is often the longest relationship of our lives.

Nobody knows you quite like the person, or people, you grew up with; the brothers and sisters who shared your bath, argued over your toys and fought for your parents’ attention. And nobody will back you up quite like a protective sibling.

Yet as anyone who has a sister or brother knows, sibling relationships can also be complicated; at worst, a source of bitter rivalry and resentment.

Unfortunately, this is the case for 34-yearold Kate, and her sister, Sophie. “I was an accident and my parents had me in their late forties,” says Kate. “My sister was convinced they always favoured me. Then at my dad’s funeral, she got insanely drunk and aired this grievance in front of the entire family.”

Sadly, Kate and her sister are no longer on speaking terms. Yet as parents we yearn to see our children develop a closeness that will outlast childhood into adulthood, too.

So is there anything we can do to ensure this happens? Of course, there are short term benefits to encouraging our little darlings to ‘be nice’ to each other – parenting is so much easier when they are playing harmoniously as opposed to hurling pieces of Lego at each other while wailing ‘I had it first’.

But ultimately, we want our children to support each other when we are no longer around. “If children get on well together when young, this can help build a strong attachment that lasts throughout adulthood,”

says family and relationship coach Su Ball.

Su believes good parenting skills can help prevent painful rifts in adulthood. And she says it starts with quality time.

“Make sure siblings spend time together on their own to laugh and play and, when possible, sort out their own squabbles.

Quality time as a family is also important, such as mealtimes and outings. Parents can help reinforce sibling and family relationships.

This helps us recognise our similarities and build communication and trust.”

But ask any parent if their children argue and the answer is likely to be a resounding yes. From disputes over what to watch on TV, to who has the biggest slice of cake, to the frankly ridiculous, ‘he’s looking at me!’

While the temptation is often to intervene (or shut yourself in the bathroom with a glass of wine) it’s important to remember, as exhausting as these spats are, they are just a natural part of growing up. Squabbling provides an opportunity for children to learn important skills, including taking responsibility for their own emotions and how they affect others.

“Disagreements are healthy,” says Kristen Harding, childcare expert at nanny agency, Tinies. “They help children develop into individuals with opinions and personalities.

They help prepare us for the real world where not everyone will think or act like us.”

However, both Kristen and Su agree, there are occasions when adults do need to get involved. “Remember children’s impulse 70

control is still developing,” says Su. “They need adults to intervene when they become intense, and when cruelty, physical or verbal violence is involved. If there is a pattern that seems more than ‘just squabbles’ look at the dynamic: is one child always holding power over another? Is one child very timid and unable to hold its own? The parent could join the siblings’ play for some time to help moderate and role-model good relationships.”

If a child is developing a pattern of negative behaviour, then Su suggests helping them to identify and accept their feelings and then moderate that behaviour.

“Share some time with them on caring LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

FAMILY

SHARING IS CARING Childcare expert Kristen Harding’s top tips for encouraging healthy sibling relationships

Build an environment of trust and respect Don’t play favourites, or force the same things on all your children. In return, insist that everyone shows respect for all family members.

Let them be individuals Not all children are the same – if you insist they all play the piano and only one is good at it, it may cause rifts in their relationship. Let children develop in their own ways.

Let them play All too often we forget that children just need time to play together.

Over-planning can be a curse, quiet times together are important.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Let them find solutions activities such as looking after a pet or a plant, making something to share, and help them to talk and think more about how ‘caring’ feels.

Keep activities going and help extend this towards their siblings and others.”

Trying to foster sharing, caring relationships between siblings who are naturally competitive can test the patience of the most saintly parent. But the rewards can help establish a deep, enduring closeness.

Unfortunately, Kate and Sophie were unable to resolve their childhood differences and Kate has now moved on. Su agrees that in some cases stepping away is the best solution.

“If despite our efforts the relationship LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

is emotionally painful, abusive or just not reciprocated it may be time to draw a line (with an open heart if we can manage it).

We must, after all, make sure we look after ourselves.’’

As Kate has discovered, it is possible to have fulfilling relationships in adulthood that do not include a sibling – not everyone has a brother or sister, anyway. However, there is something special about the relationship with someone who accompanied us through childhood and who shares our family history.

Encouraging our children to be friends as well as siblings may be one of the most important things we can do as parents. L 71

Don’t always solve their differences for them. As they get older, the act of problem-solving together can build stronger relationships.

Talk together… … even when no one wants to talk.

There will usually be a reason why children squabble, and often things like jealousy are at the root of the issue. You need to find the cause of this jealousy before it becomes impossible to come back from.

Seek further advice Su Ball: suball.co.uk Tinies: tinies.com

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PEAK OF CHIC Love the alpine look? Loaf’s handfinished ‘Greta’ bed, made of solid reclaimed fir, is the perfect finishing touch to a child’s bedroom. To complete the wintry vibe, add a couple of the brand’s handstitched wool ‘Mountie’ cushions to encourage dreams of snowy adventures. Bed, £495; cushions, £55 each; loaf.com

interior

NEWS

Stylish updates and inspiring finds to make your house a home LITTLE BOXES

The adorable, crafty designs are made with 100% wool felt

COMPILED BY: KATE FREUD

If you’ve seen a better-looking advent calendar than this design from La Maison du Calendrier, let us know! Its easy, no-glue assembly gives you more time to think about all the lovely treasures you can put in each day. £17, en.smallable.com

FOREVER YOUNG

JUMPERS FOR JOY

Sofa.com has teamed up with interior designer Sian Zeng for its first line of children’s furniture.

The whimsical prints have been taken from Sian’s wallpaper collection and now adorn a sofa, armchair, footstool and blanket box, all scaled down to pint-sized proportions. From £90, sofa.com

Children love choosing decorations for the tree, so capture their imaginations with these teeny-tiny knitted jumper designs from Fortnum & Mason.

Available in sets of three, they’re guaranteed to add a pop of colour to your festive spruce. £35, fortnumandmason.com

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CREATIVITY

get CRAFTY

LEONORA BAMFORD AND NANNY ANITA SHARE THEIR FAVOURITE SEASONAL ACTIVITIES AND DAYS OUT

I

’ve been humming Christmas carols for quite a few weeks now and the run up to the big day is well on its way. Our home is a hive of excitement and the children have been glued to Google’s Santa Tracker showing exactly where Father Christmas is at any given moment.

I must say I’m feeling rather smug, as I somehow started present buying in June!

As for grandparents and friends at school, Nanny Anita and I have a production line of pine cone tree decorations going.

It makes a happy change to the weighty salt dough and we love finding cones of all shapes and sizes on our winter walks. Fast forward to New Year and we’re all learning how to make poppers.

This is something the kids need a little supervision with, but has been a huge hit.

In keeping with the indulgent time of the year, I’ve also been making chocolate mousse with the children. This is an old recipe from my childhood and is incredibly easy. The only thing we all fight over is who gets to lick the bowl! L

I love to buy bespoke gifts for my godchildren and this year have picked these magical personalised books WILLY WONKA’S MY GOLDEN TICKET BOOK. FROM £19.99 WONDERBLY.COM

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CHRISTMAS AT KEW NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY POPPERS You will need: • loo roll tube or paper cup • balloon • scissors • tape • sequins Method • Tie up the end of the balloon (don’t inflate it), then cut the top end off.

Keep the tied-off end and throw the top end away.

• If using a paper cup, cut off the bottom, if using a loo roll tube, you

don’t need to cut anything.

• Place the balloon on the end of the loo roll tube or paper cup.

• Secure the balloon in place with tape. Washi tape is great for this.

• Place a handful of sequins inside the loo roll tube/paper cup.

• To shoot them out, pull the end of the balloon back and then let go.

PINE CONE DECORATIONS

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE You will need: • 250ml double cream • 150g cooking chocolate • 50g milk chocolate • 3 eggs • 2 tbsp sugar

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG, ISTOCK

Method • Put the double cream into a pan on a medium heat and leave to warm up.

• Let the children break the chocolate up into small pieces.

• Once the cream starts to steam, remove it from the heat and add the chocolate. Avoid giving it a stir – it will melt on its own!

• Separate the eggs, putting the yolks aside in a small bowl and the

There are always plenty of wonderful things to do in the capital at this time of year, but I’ve been longing to take the children to Christmas at Kew Gardens for years. This year, its festive trail will feature more than a million twinkling fairylights – I’ve even heard, through the grapevine, rumours of a chorus of singing trees! Wednesday 22 November to Monday 1 January 2018, 5pm to 10pm. kew.org

whites in a large clean bowl.

• Whisk the whites until they reach soft peaks, then add 1 tbsp of sugar at a time and whisk until shiny.

• Next, stir the chocolate mixture and make sure it’s cooled a little.

• Add the egg yolks and combine.

• Slowly fold in spoonfuls of the chocolate mixture into the egg whites one at a time until everything is combined. Don’t be too heavy-handed with it.

• Pour the mixture into individual ramekins or glasses, or a big bowl, and leave to cool in the fridge.

• My children love decorating the top with sprinkles and raspberries!

You will need: • pine cones • paint • thread • mini pom-poms • glue • paint brushes • glitter glue (optional) Method • Paint your pine cones green and leave to dry.

• Use some glue to stick pom-poms to the end of some of the scales.

• If you want, you could add a little bit of glitter glue to the ends of all the scales to make them sparkle.

• Finally add some thread to the top of the pine cone so you can hang it on your Christmas tree.

PROMOTION

SLEEPY HEAD Made from beautifully light and soft fabric that doesn’t cling, your little one will reign supreme in these sweet Emperor pyjamas. £26.95 THREENORTHSTARS.COM

C O O L C O L L E C TA B L E S

B OX F R E S H

Award-winning Shetland and Welsh tweed bears and paperweight mice.

For a science project with a crafty twist, this engaging and enriching kit enables you to make your own exploding volcano!

FROM A SELECTION TWEEDIES.BIZ

£12.95 CELLFIEEDUCATION.CO.UK

M U D D Y M AY H E M

WORLD OF WONDE R

FRILLS AND FEELS

Mud kitchens encourage creative thinking – experiment with water, mud and leaves to bake, decorate or make potions.

Lily Lightbulb Lights Up is a beautifully illustrated picture book by Sarah Ramos, with an underlying moral of sharing.

Handmade in England, this organic velvet all-in-one is the perfect party season outfit for little ones, with sizes up to four years.

£370 RUFD.CO.UK

£6.99 AMAZON.CO.UK

£54.99 FREYA-LILLIE.COM

SEASIDE CHIC

SUPER SIPS

S TA R O F T H E I R S T O RY

Discover eco-friendly swimwear made using chlorine-resistant materials with UPF50+ protection.

The Haberman Anywayup ® Cow Cup is a sippy cup with a snap-on lid and a spout that lets your child drink without spilling.

The Tell My Story Book is an amazing personalised children’s book created using your child’s photograph and name.

£32 FOLPETTO.COM

£4.95 HABERMANBABY.COM

¤18.95 TELLMYSTORYBOOK.COM

TA K E A T R I P

BRIGHT EYES

P L AY D R E S S U P

Your child can travel on their own adventure with Santa in this magical book, with personalised illustrations.

Meet the hat that thinks it’s a torch! These animal hats feature LED lights to enable kids to see and be seen in the dark.

Do they dream of becoming a scientist, chef or paramedic? Give them the gift of imagination with a high-quality costume.

£22.49 SWANKYPORTRAITS.CO.UK

£14.95 BRIGHTEYESHATS.COM

¤ 65 MERMAIDSANDDRAGONS.COM

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PROMOTION

C L O S E C O M PA N I O N

S T YLI S H S TO R AG E

Out In The Wild by Olivia Lake is a tale inspired by unusual animal friendships.

Snuggle up with this super-soft bear that plays guided meditations and even breathes along, too.

This hand-finished, personalised toy box makes a timeless addition to any home or child’s nursery.

£7.90 IOTA-STORE.COM

£39.99 MAX-MINDPOWER.COM

£250 LITTLEANDWILD.CO.UK

AN I MAL MAG I C

WISH LIST T H E B I G A R R I VA L For a magical Christmas Day, pile their presents high in their own birch Elf Sleigh!

From stylish clothing to the coolest toys, we’ve got the very best Christmas gifts to put under the tree this festive season

£150 ELFSLEIGHS.COM

P L E A S E B E S E AT E D

W E A R YO U R WO R D S

SO BESPOKE

This beautifully designed wooden desk and chair set is perfect for little ones to sit and practise their art skills.

Super soft and excellent quality, these cute t-shirts come in sizes newborn to 12 years. Other colours and styles available.

For a gift they’ll never forget, create some magic with Wonderbly’s marvellous stories which completely change for every child.

£129 SORENSHOUSE.CO.UK

FROM £10 MAXANDTHESTAR.CO.UK

FROM £16.99 WONDERBLY.COM

HIDE & SEEK

RIDE ALONG

F A M I LY F U N

Little ones will love new board book, Are You There Little Elephant? complete with finger trails and holes to peep through.

The ultimate pre-bike that grows with your child, this converts from a ride-on trike to a balance bike. Suitable from 12 months.

Bumble Box kits turn parents into heroes, with activities to get families moving, making and learning together.

£5.99 USBORNE.COM

£159.99 WISHBONEDESIGN.COM

£16.99 BUMBLEBOX.CO.UK

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Maritime Music Festival Sat 18 & Sun 19 Nov 12-4pm

Join us for FREE workshops, storytelling, sing-a-rounds and crafts for all ages. museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands

BESPOKE IRON ON LETTERS makeitfriday.co.uk #getcreative

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TAKE THE BISCUIT Create festive treats for your family with the charming new book from Hannah Miles. Cute Christmas Cookies features 25 brilliant recipes – from frosted almond ‘pine cones’ to Christmas pudding cookies – as well as ideas for packing your bakes as gifts. Just don’t forget to leave one or two for Father Christmas… £9.99, Ryland Peters & Small

food

NEWS

The latest and greatest foodie finds for your mini diners

SEASON’S BEST Mimi’s Bowl is taking over the kitchen at the Kensington branch of family members’ club Maggie & Rose.

Each exclusive dish makes the most of seasonal ingredients, including sweet potato houmous, healthy turkey burgers and a festive smoothie, all created by blog founder and foodie Miriam Cooper. mimisbowl.com

SMASH ’N’ GRAB Add a little theatre to your party with these piñata-style creations from Boom Cakes. Take a rolling pin to the chocolate dome to unveil its hidden treasure – namely your choice of sweets – as little hands devour the mess.

From £35, boomcakes.co.uk

NEW HEIGHTS Allow your cherub to be at the heart of the dinner table conversation this Christmas with a little help from BabyBjörn’s newly designed Booster Seat. It uses a lock mechanism to secure itself to almost any chair, and is light too, making it perfectly portable. £34.99, babybjorn.co.uk

Pre-packaged food seems to be confusing kids. In a new survey by Panasonic, almost a third couldn’t tell the difference between an apple and a mango, despite recognising more adventurous ingredients such as avocados and aubergines. theideaskitchen.co.uk LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools

SCHOOLS ACROSS

London & the Home Counties 3–18 years RRP £22.99

TWO WEEK TRIAL AVAILABLE. BOOK NOW!

020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

There’s more fun for everyone We look after the childcare with flexible or seamless all-day options, so you can enjoy your skiing!

01483 345 048 espritski.com 80

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SAVOUR ITALY Escape the cold British winter for a magical (and milder) Christmas in Puglia. Stay at the five-star Borgo Egnazia from 23 December and enjoy all the cultural delights of this southern Italian region with its Christmas Colours package; from food tasting at the market to Holy Mass with the locals. Three nights

PEAK PRACTICE Aspen’s five-star hotel, The Little Nell, has new offerings for families this season. A selection of kids’ teepees are now available for playtime off the slopes, while special snow-adapted prams are on hand for trips into town.

The hotel can also arrange ski lessons and babysitters. Rooms from approx £757 per night, thelittlenell.com

APRÈS CHILL

from approx £1,777 for a family of three, borgoegnazia.com

t ravel

NEWS

Keeping big and little globetrotters on the map and in the know

More Mountain has added to its range of luxury chalets in the charming French Alps resort of Morzine. The new apartments and catered chalet feature hot tubs and cosy furnishings, with hosts on hand to whip up a three-course meal each night if you’ve opted for catered accommodation.

Stretch your way into the new year with outdoor yoga on the Cornish coast

INSIDE OUT

From £255 per person per week, moremountain.com

SNOW-STORY STYLE Roger Hargreaves’ iconic Little Miss characters will be gracing the slopes this winter, with a little help from Roxy Kids. Little Miss Princess and her fictional friends feature on a range of ski wear, including jackets, snowsuits, and helmets.

From £20, roxy-uk.co.uk

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Turn the whole family into yogis with a Beach Retreats getaway. The holiday favourite has partnered with vinyasa expert Helen Clare to offer guests of all ages and abilities private outdoor classes overlooking the beautiful Cornish coast. Sessions start from £60, beachretreats.co.uk

A long weekend on the Cornish coast proved to be the perfect pre-Christmas treat

POS TCAR D

The open-plan lodges are fully equipped

from

CORNWALL REBECCA MOORE and family head south west for a fun-filled winter getaway THE THOUGHT OF SHARING A CAR WITH A NINE YEAR OLD, A SEVEN year old, and a soon-to-be one year old from London to the West Country was enough for me to run for the hills. And by hills, I mean Gatwick, where I hopped on a flight and was in blustery Cornwall within the hour.

Met by my growing tribe of nieces and nephews, my mum and my two sisters, a long weekend by the sea full of family natter, bike rides and pasties was on the cards. Our home for the weekend was luxury selfcatering resort Gwel an Mor, just outside the harbour town of Portreath. We were in need of somewhere that would keep the kids busy without having to spend the weekend navigating bendy Cornish roads, and Gwel an Mor fit the bill and more with a wildlife and conservation centre, indoor play and climbing centre, pool, restaurant and five-star lodges that boast their own hot tubs. So, in theory, we didn’t even have to leave the resort.

We’d hired bikes prior to our stay, and on arrival, there they were – propped up complete with helmets. There are plenty of trails nearby to suit all types of cyclists – we headed off to get lost in the woods.

The lodges themselves really are beautiful, and when the sun seeped through, it was such a bright space. We chose a three-bedroom lodge, which fitted seven of us with ease.

The highlight for Sam and my niece Sophie, and probably for me too, was the meet-the-animals wildlife experience, which takes place at Gwel an Mor’s Feadon Farm.

Our ranger Gary introduced us, and a small group of other families, to snakes, foxes, owls and even the farm’s reindeer, just before their Christmas shift. The animals are well cared for and friendly, and although at first I feared Sam and Sophie would be too shy to get involved, Gary was very encouraging, and the pair were chuffed with their certificates. A second contender for them was the newlyopened Base Camp indoor play and climbing centre – the kids were up and down the climbing frames like a yo-yo.

Day trips to Perranporth, Mevagissey and Padstow are a must, too. The Cornish coast has so much to offer families, we only wish we could have stayed longer to do some more exploring, ideally with reindeer in tow. L

Grandma Gill meets the farm residents

Sam and Sophie show off their new wildlife credentials

All set for a bike trail

A three-bed lodge starts from £619 for three nights. gwelanmor.com

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LONDON’S FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SHOW

FREE CHILD PLACES

LE

“Sheer theatrical magic. Go see The Snowman and melt”

BRATING O UR

CE

White

IN

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YEAR

FAMILY TICKET ONLY £115 4 tickets, must include at least 1 child

E WEST E

23 Nov - 31 Dec

020 7863 8222 peacocktheatre.com “Magical. Wonderfully inventive. A gem” The Observer

Arthur Pita’s

The Little Match Girl 13 - 24 Dec

Lilian Baylis Studio sadlerswells.com 020 7863 8000

family skiing at its best • EXCLUSIVE À La Carte Childcare 0-12 years all in your own beautiful chalet.

No snowy trudge to a central crèche: just pop on your skis and leave the rest to us

Transaction fee applies. Max £3

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The Times

• Superb ski schools and exhilarating activities for children of all ages • Fabulous catered chalets in world class ski areas offering hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, boot warmers and even cinema rooms!

• Nationwide flights, Eurostar from London direct to the Alps

A dance theatre adaptation after Hans Christian Andersen

skifamille.co.uk | 01252 759069

Children’s tickets: £12 * Adults: £18

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Pearson Court | 1 Kings Road | Fleet | Hampshire | GU51 3DL

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*Transaction fee applies

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

83LONDON/SURREY/HANTS SEPT 17.indd 1 BABY

13/09/2017 15:11

London’s only diamond structure school with single-sex teaching in a co-educational environment for girls and boys aged 4-18.

We are a city school with 50 acres of grounds where north east London meets Epping Forest.

Find out more about entry into Year 7 at our 11+ Information Morning on Saturday 25 November 2017 at 9.00am.

Open Morning dates: Wednesday 8th February Wednesday 24th May

OPEN MORNING DATES:

(Doors2018 open• 9.30) Thursday 22nd February Wednesday 23rd May 2018 (9:30am – 11:00 am Doors Open at 9:20am)

LYNDHURST HOUSE

Preparatory and Pre-Preparatory School

admissions@forest.org.uk www.forest.org.uk 020 8520 1744 London E17 3PY

24 Lyndhurst Gardens, Hampstead, London NW3 5NW Telephone: 0207 435 4936 Email: office@lyndhursthouse.co.uk www.lyndhursthouse.co.uk

• Founded in 1645 Cheam is one of the oldest Prep Schools in the country • Founded in 1645 Cheam is one of the oldest Prep Schools in the country • Set in 100 acres of beautiful countryside, for sporty, outdoor loving, energetic types Set in 100 acres of beautiful countryside, for sporty, outdoor loving, energetic types • • Founded in 1645 Cheam is one of the oldest Prep Schools in the country • • Set in 100 acres of beautiful countryside, for sporty, outdoor loving, energetic types • Cheam is the perfect school for children to spend their formative years Cheam is the perfect school for children to spend their formative years • • Cheam is the perfect school for children to spend their formative years • Outstanding academic performance – 68 scholarships in the last 5 years Outstanding academic performance – 68 scholarships in the last 5 years

• • Outstanding academic performance – 68 scholarships in the last 5 years • Very strong sport, music, drama and an exhaustive list of extra-curricular activities Very strong sport, music, drama and an exhaustive list of extra-curricular activities • Very strong sport, music, drama and an exhaustive list of extra-curricular activities

• Co-Ed day and boarding from 3-13 (Weekly or Flexi boarding available from age 8) • Co-Ed day and boarding from 3-13 (Weekly or Flexi boarding available from age 8) • Co-Ed day and boarding from 3-13 (Weekly or Flexi boarding available from age 8)

Email: registrar@cheamschool.co.uk Web: www.cheamschool.com Tel:Tel: 01635 268242 Cheam School, Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD Email: registrar@cheamschool.co.uk Email: registrar@cheamschool.co.uk Web: www.cheamschool.com Web: www.cheamschool.com Tel: 01635 268242 01635 268242 Cheam School, Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD Cheam School, Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD

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EDUCATION Did you know? Research by Explore Learning has found that maths is the most enjoyable subject for four to 14 year olds, winning more than a quarter of votes.

T H G I R B YO U N G T HIN GS An essential guide to your child’s education

SOURCE: EXPLORELEARNING.CO.UK

T H I S T E R M ’ S M U S T - H AV E S …

CHRISTMAS STAMP SET £10 PAPERCHASE.CO.UK

WOOL-BLEND HAT £14 JOJOMAMANBEBE.CO.UK

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PERSONAL ORGANISER £27 FILOFAX.CO.UK

PETIT NORD MITTENS £35 CHILDRENSALON.COM

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STABILO EASYORIGINAL ROLLERBALL PEN £4.99 HAMILTONPENS.COM

PERSONALISED CARDS AND PENCIL SET £9.99 MULBERRYBUSH.CO.UK

EDUCATION ARTS AND CLASS

Researching schools

If you want to know more about schooling and want to plan for the future, check out our sister title, The Guide to Independent Schools.

Published twice a year, this is essential reading for parents looking to continue their child’s educational journey within the independent school sector.

The guide covers each stage of the school career, from nursery to sixth form, and includes a comprehensive directory of independent schools across the United Kingdom as well as expert advice to help you make the right educational decisions for your child’s future.

ORDER THE LATEST ISSUE NOW! Visit chelseamagazines. com/independentschool-parent or call 020 7349 3700. The Guide to Independent Schools is also available for just £5.95 in selected supermarkets and all good newsagents.

education

NEWS

Everything you need to know about what’s going on in and out of the classroom

WRITE ON

How To Write Poems by Joseph Coelho is packed with activities to get imaginations wandering.

Exploring a selection of poetry through limericks and puns, rhymes and sibilance, kids will be inspired to put pen to paper in no time. £9.99, Bloomsbury

EYE CANDY The V&A Museum of Childhood recently hosted the world’s first edible exhibition. Culinary wizards Bompas & Parr helped six lucky children turn their food fantasy into a reality – from glow-in-the-dark ice cream to edible bubbles. A series of posters and invitations for the event were edible, too. True Willy Wonka stuff! vam.ac.uk

LITTLE LINGUISTS Speak Like A Native champions a new way of learning languages with its informal play-led sessions.

Having already launched across a number of London schools, you can request a club for your primary at speaklikeanative.com

Sal McKeown’s new e-books aim to turn the perception of dyslexia on its head. The Family Guide to Dyslexia covers all the vital info, including tips for tackling common problems. £3.99, amazon.co.uk

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PHOTOGRAPHY: JOAKIM BOREN

PREPARING FOR THE NEXT STEP

The Dulwich Pavilion – a temporary events space built to celebrate the bicentenary of Dulwich Picture Gallery – has found new life as part of a local school. The building will be moved to the playground at Goose Green Primary School, providing pupils with an outdoor learning space and play area. The timber roof and moveable glass panels allow the school to create a bespoke space, which is due to be erected in the summer of 2018. goosegreenprimaryschool.org

North Bridge House Nursery, Pre-Prep & Prep Schools North Bridge House Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep Schools provide an excellent co-ed, mixed ability educational environment, setting up happy boys and girls for the top London Seniors, year after year.

2017 data from end of KS1 placed 40% of the Pre-Prep cohort in the top 5% of the country.

Prep School pupils do exceptionally well in their London Consortium and Common Entrance assessments, with numerous scholarships for the top Senior Schools in London and the UK.

Book an upcoming open event and find out more about 2018 entry.

Challenged and high-achieving, never pressurised.

Nursery Tuesday 5 December Spring dates coming soon

Pre-Prep Monday 27 November Tuesday 28 November Monday 11 December Spring dates coming soon

Prep Friday 9 February Friday 4 May Thursday 14 June

www.northbridgehouse.com/open 020 7428 1520

admissionsenquiries@northbridgehouse.com

!

The Little London Music School Introducing your child to the joy of music Comprehensive, structured & stimulating music classes for children 6 months – 5 years.

Prepare your child for learning an instrument. Limited places remaining for November & December. Advanced bookings for Spring Term now open!

Our classically based curriculum is taught by opera singers, accompanied by orchestral instruments and is tailored to each stage of your child’s development.

www.thelittlelondonmusicschool.com +44 (0)7530 459 468

info@thelittlelondonmusicschool.com

NOTTING HILL • KNIGHTSBRIDGE • NEW FULHAM LOCATION!

The Little London Music School

Family Christmas Carols Celebrate the festive season with your little ones this December at The Little London Music School’s annual Family Christmas Carols.

This popular event features an interactive program of traditional and modern Christmas favourites, lead by professional singers and a live string trio and is the perfect opportunity to introduce your children to the age old tradition of carol singing. Suitable for everyone from babies right up to grandparents, come jingle some christmas bells, drum along and join in the festive spirit.

KNIGHTSBRIDGE, NOTTING HILL, FULHAM

www.thelittlelondonmusicschool.com

EDUCATION

TAK E N OT E

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T

With the temptation of technology at our fingertips, how can we encourage children to write more letters, asks ROSY EDWARDS

hank-you letters’: three words likely to make any child scarper quicker than you can say ‘gratitude’. They can feel like a full stop to the fun. When the cake has been eaten, the presents have been opened and the balloons have withered, the onerous task of writing reams of ‘thank yous’ is all that’s left.

Writing a letter is no small feat for children. It demands fine motor skills, concentration and language comprehension all at the same time; how much easier to just send a text message or ping off an email, a quick cut-and-paste with a space left to ‘insert gift here’. We have the technology, and though it’s galling to admit, children are often more dextrous with an iPad than a pencil.

Children are writing less by hand, and relying more on tech. As adults we’re just as guilty, which means letter writing is sadly dying out.

“Letter writing is a great thing,” says Dr Jane Medwell, associate professor of education at the University of Nottingham and a leading academic in the field of handwriting and literacy. “The point of writing is about connecting with an audience and writing a letter is about as direct as you can get.”

There are educational benefits, too: letter writing improves handwriting and develops spelling, reading and penmanship. But, “we need to recognise that handwriting has a more important function than just getting the words down on the page,” says Medwell. “It helps in learning sound-symbol correspondences and chronological awareness.

We know that learning literacy through writing is more effective than just doing that through reading or recognition.”

The inherent creativity of letter writing

can also be a revelation says Andrea Schaller, a literacy coordinator and mother of two.

“Children are amazed that they can say what they like and decorate their letters, so invest in pretty stationery, stickers and stamps. But what they really love is posting them.”

The one thing better than writing a letter?

Receiving one. Children are overjoyed to get post meant for their eyes alone – an envelope concealing sentiments guaranteed to be more heartfelt than any Facebook post. Letters are treasure for children, and a unique way to document their childhoods. As adults, letters become keepsakes, hidden in boxes under beds, instantly transporting us back to times, places and people from our past.

To encourage your child to write letters, Schaller suggests giving them a list of their friends’ addresses and starting off with a short note. Brevity, Medwell agrees, is key. “A short

letter gladly written is better than a strung out horror that results in tears and tantrums.”

Medwell also warns against making children copy out your script as they can be disheartened and overwhelmed by complex adult sentences. “Copying carries a massive cognitive load; you have to see, hold in short and long term memory, and reproduce.”

But perhaps the best way to get children writing letters is to write letters to them.

Cards, notes and Post-Its all count. Make sure they see you writing so writing feels relevant to them. And with Christmas approaching, why not suggest a letter to Father Christmas that’s more of a story than a shopping list, or pop some stationery in their stocking.

When it comes to writing thank you notes this Christmas, you won’t even have to ask. L

P E N S AT T H E R E A DY

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK.

Beautiful stationery to get them excited about writing

LAMY ABC FOUNTAIN PEN £11.95 HAMILTONPENS.COM

NOTEBOOK £1.95 DOTCOMGIFTSHOP.COM

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

CRAYONS £1 DOTCOMGIFTSHOP.COM

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BLOOMINGVILLE CERAMIC POT £6.50 BERRYRED.CO.UK

PERSONALISED MOOMIN STATIONERY FROM £1.09 PAPIER.COM

WINNIE THE POOH PENCIL CASE £8 JOHNLEWIS.COM

Next Open Morning: Friday, 2nd February 2018 Headmaster’s Welcome at 9.30am To register please email office@parkside-school.co.uk

Built on Tradition – Embracing the Future

Drive your family round the bend.

In a tank.

Four floors of interactive exhibits, from a tank simulator to drumming and marching experiences.

Free Admission

Sloane Square | nam.ac.uk

OPEN TO PLAY

Royal Hospital Road | Chelsea | SW3 4HT

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WHAT’S ON

AG E N DA

DANIELLE WILKINS reveals what’s going on in the capital

HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERL AND Until Monday 1 January 2018, 10am to 10pm.

Back for its 11th year, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland has become something of an annual excursion, with so much to do.

The ice rink will see live music played day and night, while the Magical Ice Kingdom returns with a new theme – Deep Sea Adventure. Families can also enjoy shows, street food and stalls. Hot chocolate, anyone?

THE SNOW QUEEN

POTS APLENT Y

HENNA PART Y

Until Sunday 4 February 2018, performance times vary.

Recommended for children aged five to 11, although with younger siblings welcome, this magical production tells the story of best friends Kai and Gerda in a reimagined version of the Hans Christian Andersen classic.

Sunday 17 December, 11am and 2pm.

As part of the National Gallery’s Studio Sundays, this two-hour workshop for children aged five to 11 years sees them shop for vegetables at Beuckelaer’s market stalls and transform them into miniature clay pots.

Friday 29 and Sunday 31 December, 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

Head to the Museum of London and get creative at this cool workshop. Discover the origins of henna, and the special occasions it is used for, then spot traditional patterns or initials in the designs.

No need to book, just drop in.

Admission: Free; activities cost extra.

Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway,

Pigott Education Centre, Trafalgar

Museum of London, 150 London

Hyde Park, London W2 2UH

Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB

Square, London WC2N 5DN

Wall, London EC2Y 5HN

hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

020 8543 4888, polkatheatre.com

nationalgallery.org.uk

museumoflondon.org.uk

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Admission: £18.50 each.

Admission: Free.

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Admission: Free.

WHAT’S ON

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL : OVO Sunday 7 January to Sunday 4 March 2018, performance times vary.

Cirque du Soleil makes its way back to the Royal Albert Hall this January, with a new selection of family packages. The Family Fun Circus Box allows families to marvel at the colourful, acrobatic works of more than 50 performing artists within the privacy of their own second-tier box, complete with pre-show treats and goodie bags for both adults and children, while the Family Adventure Package gives you the chance to enjoy a preshow family trail with your own explore guide, as well as premium seats, snacks and goodie bags.

Cirque du Soleil: OVO

SANTA WEEKEND Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 December, 10am to 3.30pm.

WWT London Wetland Centre is set for a wonderful winter weekend as Santa makes an appearance at the nature reserve’s Northern Pine Forest. Hop aboard for a husky-led sleigh ride and visit Santa in his cosy grotto.

Little ones can help prepare for the big day in the Elves Workshop – make decorations or small festive sacks to take home.

And they can even enjoy rides on the donkeys all saddled up in their Christmas finery. And, of course, be sure to enjoy the rest of the celebrations in the beautiful surroundings. Tickets to see Santa must be pre-booked.

Admission: £8 per child and

Admission: Standard seating, from

accompanying adult, general

£25 each; family packages, from

admission also applies.

A MOOMIN WINTER’S DAY

HARLEQUINS’ BIG GAME 10

£205 each.

WWT London Wetland Centre,

Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore,

Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes,

Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 December, 10am to 5pm.

Celebrate the season with Moomin-themed activities at Dulwich Picture Gallery.

Characters will be animated by skilled puppeteers from the Polka Theatre, while little ones can write letters to Father Christmas, fill their own baubles alongside artist Davina Drummond, and enjoy storytelling and entry to the Tove Jansson exhibition.

Saturday 30 December.

For a family get-together after the big day, head to Twickenham for one of the UK’s biggest festive sporting events. The stadium will be packed with 80,000 fans for Big Game 10, which will feature entertainment on and off the field. As well as the Harlequins doing their thing, there will be stunning pyrotechnic displays and performances from the likes of Rudimental and Olly Murs.

London SW7 2AP

London SW13 9WT

020 7589 8212,

020 8409 4400, wwt.org.uk

Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery

children, from £14.

Road, London SE21 7AD

Twickenham Stadium, Langhorn

dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

Drive, Twickenham TW2 7SX

Admission: Adults, £14; children, free.

HANDMADE HOLIDAYS Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 December, 12pm and 2.30pm.

Many wartime decorations were handmade, and this is the perfect opportunity to get in the festive spirit by hand-making your own Christmas decs! Suitable for children aged five and over.

Admission: Free.

cirquedusoleil.com/ovo

A WORLD INSIDE A BOOK: GRUFFALOS, DRAGONS AND OTHER CREATURES Until September 2018, session times vary.

Calling all Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler fans, young and old! This brand new, year-long exhibition at Stratford’s Discover Children’s Story Centre brings 12 of the authors’ enchanting picture books to life, with illustration galleries, a scaleddown town to make the little ones feel like giants, The Highway Rat’s cave with creatures hidden in rocks, a Monkey Puzzle jungle and so much more to enjoy.

Take a bridge over the sparkly river from Stick Man, or visit the dark forest where a full-size Gruffalo hides.

Admission: Adults, from £24;

020 8410 6010, tickets.quins.co.uk

CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME Sunday 10 December, 11am and 1pm.

Visit Fulham Palace and join Jack on his adventure of enchanted beans and giants in the sky. The intimate setting of Chaplain’s Garden Marquee makes this show perfect for smaller children.

Until Sunday 31 December, performance times vary.

The most magical of pantomimes comes to Hackney this season, as the classic rags-to-riches tale Cinderella makes its mark in true East London style. Cheer on the spirited heroine as she searches for love in spite of the exploits of her Ugly Sisters and evil Stepmother – complete with songs, slapstick comedy and glittering sets.

Admission: From £10 each.

Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ 020 8985 2424, hackneyempire.co.uk Cinderella

Admission: £8 each; under-twos, £2; under-ones go free.

Admission: £11 each.

Discover Children’s Story Centre,

No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay,

Fulham Palace, Bishops Avenue,

383-387 High Street, Stratford,

London E14 4AL

Fulham, London SW6 6EA

London E15 4QZ

museumoflondon.org.uk

020 7736 3233, fulhampalace.org

020 8536 5555, discover.org.uk

Museum of London Docklands,

CINDERELL A

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WHAT’S ON

WHERE’S MY IGLOO GONE ?

MAGICAL L ANTERN FESTIVAL

Saturday 13 January, 11am and 2pm.

Suitable for children aged five and over, this wintry family production follows the story of Oolik, an ordinary girl who goes on an extraordinary adventure to save her Arctic home. On the way, she meets some friends to help her – with lots of audience participation encouraged.

Friday 24 November to Monday 1 January 2018, from 5pm.

The beautiful grounds of Chiswick House will once again play host to the ever-festive Magical Lantern Festival, turning the gardens into a fusion of colour and sculpture. Discover the larger-than-life lanterns in all their various shapes and forms, including one of Santa and his reindeers. There will also be food and drink stalls, a handful of fairground rides for the children and Santa’s grotto, too.

Admission: £7 each.

Half Moon Theatre, 43 White Horse Road, London E1 0ND 020 7709 8900, halfmoon.org.uk

CHRISTMAS MARKET Thursday 7 December, 5.30pm to 9.30pm.

Enjoy a special shopping event at the Horniman Museum. There will be stalls showcasing gifts from local designers, mulled wine, craft breweries, workshops and plenty of festive tunes to get everyone in the mood for the big day. What’s not to love?

Admission: Free.

Horniman Museum, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ 020 8699 1872, horniman.ac.uk

£10; under-fours go free.

Thursday 21 December, 1pm.

Glow sticks at the ready!

As part of the Wintertime festival happening down at the Southbank Centre, this fun club event for children and adults of all ages features old-school rave tracks and kids’ charttoppers, and a party atmosphere.

Let the little ones loose, as the hosts have them in stitches with hilarious antics, drum and bass musical statues and dance-offs.

Burlington Lane, Chiswick,

Admission: Free.

The Clore Ballroom, Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX southbankcentre.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: PEROU; TOM GLADSTONE

MINITHON Saturday 9 December, from 10am.

Little ones aged three to seven are being encouraged to get into the competitive spirit at Lee Valley Athletics Centre for a day of long jump, 200m races, shot put, javelin and 60m hurdles.

Youngsters can choose any three disciplines and compete with their age group in a relaxed sporting atmosphere. Be sure to register online in advance before Wednesday 29 November.

Chiswick House & Gardens, London W4 2RP 020 3141 3350, magicallantern.uk

ONCE UPON A SNOWFL AKE Thursday 30 November to Friday 22 December, times vary.

It’s winter and Liza has disappeared. No one knows where she can be – but one thing’s clear, those mysterious Winter Sprites have something to do with it! Following its highly acclaimed UK and Russian tour, Paper Balloon’s Once Upon a Snowflake arrives at Chelsea Theatre for December. Featuring a mix of shadow puppetry, storytelling and enchanting songs, this funny show makes a wonderful family day out.

Admission: £10 each.

Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, Lyric

ENCHANTED ELTHAM PAL ACE

from £8; under-fours go free.

£7.50; under-fives go free.

Old Royal Naval College,

Eltham Palace & Gardens, Court

Greenwich, London SE10 9NN

Yard, Eltham, London SE95QE

greenwichwintertime.com

english-heritage.co.uk

Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas

Admission: Adults, £12; children, £9.

Chelsea Theatre, 7 World’s End Place, King’s Road, London SW10 0DR chelseatheatre.org.uk Minithon

Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London N9 0AR visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics

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020 8741 6850, lyric.co.uk

Friday 1 December to Sunday 31 December, times vary.

Throughout the month, enjoy everything from ice skating to food markets, street performers to Santa experiences at the capital’s newest festival. There will be family entertainment throughout the three-hour sessions every day, including live music and theatre.

Admission: Adults, from £15; children,

Admission: From £15 each.

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Thursday 23 November to Sunday 24 December, times vary.

Join Father Christmas as he awakes to find it’s the busiest day of the year: Christmas Eve! Watch as he prepares his deliveries, feeds his reindeer and heads off into the snowy night.

This production is suited to little ones aged six and under, with live music, songs and puppetry.

Square, King Street, London W6 0QL

GREENWICH WINTER TIME FESTIVAL

Admission: Adults, £16.50; children,

RAVE -A- ROO WINTERTIME

RAYMOND BRIGGS’ FATHER CHRISTMAS

Friday 15 to Saturday 23 December, 4.30pm to 9pm.

Explore the grounds of Eltham Palace after dark as the property showcases a winter trail of light, colour and sound. There will be lanterns laced through the trees, a trail via the moat bridge, and mulled wine and mince pies.

Admission: Adults, £12; children,

WHAT’S ON

The Showstoppers’ Christmas Kids Show

Santa at the Zoo

SANTA AT THE ZOO Saturday 2 to Saturday 24 December, 10am to 3pm.

The big man in red is heading to Battersea Park Children’s Zoo on selected dates in December, so be sure to book your tickets to say hi. Little ones can enjoy the swings and slides while you wait, and once you’ve visited him and enjoyed a drink and a festive treat, spend the rest of the afternoon meeting all the zoo’s resident animals.

Admission: £13.50 per child and accompanying adult.

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, Battersea Park, Chelsea Bridge gate, London SW11 4NJ

WONDERFUL WILDLIFE WEEKENDS

Wednesday 13 to Sunday 17 December, times vary.

If you loved Nativity the film, the festive favourite is being brought to the stage. Join teacher Mr Maddens as he attempts to make all his pupils’ Christmas wishes come true, with feel-good music and singalong songs.

Saturday 2 December and Saturday 6 January 2018, 10.30am and 1.30pm.

Pop by Camley Street Natural Park on the first Saturday of the month for a whole two hours of family activities, including pond dipping, bug hunting, nature crafts, storytelling and making wildlife habitats. It’s a perfect opportunity to find out more about the wildlife living here in the heart of the capital. Don’t forget to wrap up warm!

Admission: From £27.75 each.

Eventim Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline

LONDON SANTA DASH

Street, London W6 9QH nativitythemusical.com

Sunday 3 December.

It’s time to don your Santa hats and merrily make your way around Clapham Common to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital children’s charity.

Choose from a 5k or 10k course (all ages and abilities welcome) or show your support from the sidelines. There will even be a snow machine and brass band.

Register online before Friday 1 December, or on the day.

THE SHOWSTOPPERS’ CHRISTMAS KIDS SHOW

Admission: Adults, £25 children, £15;

020 7924 5826,

under-fours go free.

batterseaparkzoo.co.uk

Clapham Common, London SW4

CHRISTMAS AT KEW

NATIVIT Y THE MUSICAL

gosh.org/londonsantadash

Admission: Free.

Camley Street Natural Park, King’s Cross, London N1C 4PW

Saturday 16 to Saturday 30 December, times vary.

This award-winning show arrives as part of ‘Christmas in Leicester Square’. Head into the grotto where the Showstoppers elves are ready to take the kids’ ideas and transform them on the spot into hilarious adventures. Pirates at the North Pole? The Gruffalo sings carols with Peppa? Done!

Just shout it out and they will bring it to life.

020 3894 6150, wildlondon.org.uk

Admission: £15 each.

ICE SK ATING AT TOWER OF LONDON Until Tuesday 2 January 2018.

The ice rink returns to one of London’s most iconic landmarks!

Designed to sit in the famous moat, with views of the fortress walls, overlooking the Thames.

There are pop-up food and drink stalls, too, with early morning sessions for younger skaters.

Admission: Adults, £14.50;

Wednesday 22 November to Monday 1 January 2018, from 5pm.

The Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew transform into an enchanted winter wonderland after dark, with beautifully lit pathways, trees dripping with silvery shards of light, snowflakes and stars, a glistening lake and an ephemeral walkway of giant bubbles. Warm up in the Fire Garden, which this year will feature rotating Christmas trees, and enjoy the showstopping Palm House finale, complete with laser beams and light projections. Look out for Santa and his elves along the trail too, and make a stop at the festival fairground, complete with children’s rides, festive foods and mulled wine.

WINTER’S TALES

Paradiso Spiegeltent, Leicester

children, £10.50.

Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 December, reading times vary.

As a celebration of classic and contemporary stories, and in support of the charity Give a Book, a stellar line-up of wellknown names will be reading their favourite books at the Print Room at the Coronet this December. Suitable for little ones aged six to 12 years, and their families, the event will include comedian and presenter Mel Giedroyc reading Agatha Christie’s The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding, singer Emeli Sandé reading one of her childhood favourites, and actress Penelope Wilton reading from A.A Milne’s Winnie The Pooh.

Square, London WC2H 7DE

Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB

theshowstoppers.org

toweroflondonicerink.co.uk

Admission: Adults, from £16; children,

children, £12.50.

from £10; under-fours go free.

Print Room at the Coronet, Notting

Kew Gardens, Richmond TW9 3AB

Hill Gate, London W11 3LB

020 8332 5655, kew.org

020 3642 6606, the-print-room.org

PHOTOGRAPHY: JAY BROOKS

Ice Skating at Tower of London

Admission: Adults, £15.50;

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LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

GROUPS AND CLASSES Our favourite things to get out and do BALLET CL AS SES

SUPER SCIENCE

FO OTBALL C OAC H I N G

After-school and Saturday classes.

West London School of Dance was founded in 1986 by Anna Du Boisson.

The purpose of the school is to teach different forms of dance and provide students with the opportunity to perform in professionally staged productions, with classes for boys and girls aged twoand-a-half to 16 years old. The school’s philosophy is to inspire in its pupils a love of music, movement and freedom of expression. The classes are professional, all accompanied by pianists and taught by qualified staff. Unlike other ballet schools in London, the school does not follow an exam syllabus to measure progress; instead it offers the students the challenge and thrill of performance. Studios are located in W1, W2, W11, W12 and SW7. t: 020 8743 3856 westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk

LEARN TO SWIM

Fun and imaginative workshops.

Football fun for all the family.

t: 0800 092 1062 littlehouseofscience.com

t: 020 7937 7965 kiddikicks.co.uk

Little Maths, Rhythm & Shapes and Little Science are two fantastic afterschool workshops that nurture curiosity while making a child’s first steps in the world of maths and science that much easier. Little Maths workshops, for two to four year olds, help to build confidence with quantities and numbers ranging from one to 10. Meanwhile, tackling that other difficult-to-grasp subject, the Little Science workshop, for three to eight year olds, introduces new scientific concepts in an age-adjusted way through an exciting mix of discussions, practical demonstrations and scientific experiments.

FUN FRENCH LESSONS

The very best football coaching for toddlers and children aged from 18 months, with Nippers from 18 months, Runners from two-and-a-half years, Racers from threeand-a-half years and Ligasoccer match play from five to 10 years.

The classes are unique as they involve the whole family by encouraging parent participation. Get involved and see your child score a hat-trick of football, fitness and fun. Parties, private tutorials, holiday classes, nursery and after-school sessions are also available. Kiddikicks is available to franchise, too. Sign up today to receive your free mini player’s kit.

MAKING MUSIC

Classes in Chelsea, Knightsbridge and South Kensington.

Classes in Chelsea, Putney, Notting Hill and St John’s Wood.

Classes in Knightsbridge, Kensington and Notting Hill.

t: 07557 051904 swimmingrocks.co.uk

t: 020 7385 5565 clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

t: 07530 459468 thelittlelondonmusicschool.com

Swimming Rocks has established itself as London’s most exclusive swim school. Its dedicated teaching team are well-known for their outstanding knowledge.

Providing swimming lessons in luxury locations, courses are available for babies, children and adults either on a private or shared basis, or in a small group. And Swimming Rocks’ creative teaching pathway ensures every child develops their individual swimming style. Lessons are available daily during term time, as well as intensive courses in the holidays.

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Club Petit Pierrot, London’s premier French club since 1993, offers innovative, stimulating programmes for children from as young as eight months old.

Led by a team of passionate, qualified native teachers, children flourish and learn French effortlessly while having fun with a wide range of activities. The contemporary songs from the club’s educational CD also add to the enjoyment. Language experts agree that learning a second language early on enhances overall cognitive skills and improves a child’s brain development.

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The Little London Music School introduces your child to the joy of music and builds the foundations for learning an instrument. Specialising in classical music, it offers classes and tuition for children aged from six months to five years. The Little London Music School classes feature a tailor-made curriculum for each stage of your child’s development.

With professional musicians, teachers and orchestral instruments, its comprehensive curriculum is designed to foster enjoyment and understanding of music. Enjoy a free trial.

BOUTIQUES

LITTLE CLOUD

ALEX AND ALEXA

At the tender age of five, Little Cloud founder Claire learned to sew on her grandmother’s sewing machine, sparking a lifelong passion for crafting with fabrics. She now creates whimsical pieces for children, from wall hangings and name signs to musical cushions, with many of the designs featuring classic Liberty prints. The business has recently expanded to include collaborations with other modern children’s brands, including Fable Heart and Cassie Loizeaux.

Home to more than 200 fashion, sportswear and toy brands from across the world, Alex and Alexa is one of the coolest online boutiques around. Founded a decade ago by husband and wife team Alex Theophanous and Alexa Till, the site remains dedicated to offering parents the world’s best kids’ brands at the click of a button. Lookout for stylish collections from the likes of Adidas Originals, Billybandit, Stella McCartney Kids, Young Soles and many more.

little-cloud.co.uk

alexandalexa.com

MARIE-CHANTAL

MONSOON

Founded by HRH Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece, this beautiful childrenswear label designs pieces in the most luxurious fabrics, from cotton to cashmere. Here you’ll find traditional clothing for girls, boys and babies from newborn up to 12 years old. Luckily for us, Marie-Chantal has two beautiful flagship stores in London – in both Chelsea and Notting Hill. We defy you to leave these gorgeous boutiques empty handed!

An iconic British brand, Monsoon has been a stalwart on the high street for more than four decades, giving us more than its fair share of affordable pieces for our homes and wardrobes. Its bright, bohemian vibe carries all the way through to childrenswear, with pieces for boys and girls of all ages; from Indian-inspired embroidery to retro prints and bold motifs. Also head to its sister brand, Accessorize, for great pieces kids will love.

Stores across London mariechantal.co.uk

Stores across London monsoon.co.uk

ALEX AND ALEXA

ALEXANDALEXA.COM

BONPOINT

BONPOINT.COM

CARAMEL

CARAMEL-SHOP.CO.UK

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER2KIDS.COM

CHILDRENSALON

CHILDRENSALON.COM

HARRODS

HARRODS.COM

HUCKLEBONES

HUCKLEBONES.CO.UK

JIGSAW

JIGSAW-ONLINE.COM

LIBERTY

LIBERTYLONDON.COM

LUNA & CURIOUS

LUNANDCURIOUS.COM

MARKS & SPENCER

MARKSANDSPENCER.COM

MONNALISA

MONNALISA.EU/EN

MONSOON

MONSOON.CO.UK

NEXT

NEXT.CO.UK

OLIVIER BABY AND KIDS

OLIVIERBABY.COM

RIVER ISLAND

RIVERISLAND.COM

ROCKAHULA KIDS

ROCKAHULAKIDS.COM

SELFRIDGES

SELFRIDGES.COM

STEP2WO

STEP2WO.COM

VELVETEEN

VELVETEENCLOTHING.COM

WILD & GORGEOUS

WILDANDGORGEOUS.CO.UK

ZARA

ZARA.COM

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PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH WINBORN

STOCKIST INFORMATION

BOCKETTS FARM PARK

FATHER CHRISTMAS IS HERE! 23RD NOV - 24TH DEC Join the elves and hop on board the Santa Express trailer to his magical hay barn workshop

Save with our

WINTER WEEKDAY PRICES!

ONLINE BOOKING AVAILABLE NOW! PLUS: Newborn lambs, Christmas trail, Christmas Craft Corner & Christmas Trees for sale D AR AW WI NN ING !

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk #

Amazing OFF-PEAK Winter Weekday Prices!

Only £7 per person (age 2yrs +) valid WEEKDAYS ONLY 20th Nov - 8th Dec 2017 & 4th Jan - 9th Feb 2018

LL

ies s ub n in er Cl ru urs so N al ls & o ho Sc

Fun French Lessons Innovative immersion programme Highly recommended by BBC, Time Out, Daily Telegraph and Daily Express

LIttle house of science

020 7385 5565 admin@clubpetitpierrot.co.uk www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

is a place to learn, experiment, explore & Play from 3-11 YEARS

Venues across London

Age adjusted classes

TERM CLASSES & HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS ARE HELD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

Chelsea, SW3 & SW10 • High St Kensington, W8 South Kensington, SW7 • Notting Hill, W11 • Putney, SW15 Brook Green, W6 • Swiss Cottage, NW3 • Wimbledon SW19 Contact us for Little Maths (2-4yrs) & Little Discovery (6-24months) Classes e: info@littlehouseofscience.com • www.littlehouseofscience.com • t: 0800 092 1062

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Est. 1993

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Charlotte and her team of performers, designers and stylists are here to make your wildest party dreams come true

THE BUSINESS Charlotte Melia founder of

DAZZLE & FIZZ The party planner extraordinaire talks work life, family and festive soirées Why did you set up Dazzle & Fizz?

Originally it was to make some spare cash to support my acting career. It was only supposed to be a temporary arrangement, but within months of starting, both the business and I were flourishing, so I went for it.

What sparked your passion for children’s parties?

year-old son Oliver gets up. We get ready for school and I will upload the work Instagram at 8am. My husband is an army officer and is away with work, so it’s just Oliver, myself and our new puppy in the house at the moment. I spend most days either in the office with my team, or meeting clients, venues and vendors.

is away during the week, so it’s hard. Ollie requires round-the-clock care, so it can be exhausting. When I first started the business, I had no personal life whatsoever, and frankly I’m amazed my friends didn’t disown me!

Now I try to limit how much I work in the evenings and on weekends.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Do you have any tips for throwing a good Christmas party?

I love how imaginative children are and how boundless they can be with their requests.

Adults can be affected by what they think they should have at their event, while a five year old is just like, “I want a ballerina-ninjarainbow party with a flying unicorn…” and I think, yeah, why not!?

The variety it affords. With children’s parties, you really never know what request is around the corner. One day you might be managing the logistics of getting a 17ft dinosaur into a five-star hotel, the next day you might be flying a jungle to Nigeria!

Describe a typical day for you.

When I started the company, I was eight months’ pregnant with Ollie, so he has grown up alongside the business. He has Autism Spectrum Disorder, so he inspired us to also offer tailored parties for children with a range of special needs and disabilities. We now deliver special needs pantomimes in schools across London every December, which is a real highlight of each year.

My day usually starts at 6am when my six-

Is Oliver an inspiration for the brand?

How do you juggle family with work?

I’m not sure I always do! I certainly try. My husband Dazzle & Fizz now has its very own online shop

Make sure the party reflects you. If you love a bit of bling, then go for it! If you prefer more rustic decor, then be confident in your styling and apply this to all the elements including the table, catering and room dressing.

What advice would you give to those wanting to launch their own brand?

Get as much advice from those in the know as possible. A mentor is a great anchor who can help guide you throughout your growth and also act as a vital sounding board when you need it. Join some relevant networking groups – they’re much cooler than they used to be!

What’s next for Dazzle & Fizz?

We are launching the retail arm of the business, and our ‘Party in a Box’ is now available on Not On The High Street. We are planning to add new lines in 2018. L dazzleandfizz.co.uk

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Your daughter is unique and so is Heathfield. As well as providing an excellent academic education and top-class pastoral care, we guide your daughter to understand her personal strengths, live her ambitions, and develop as the best possible version of herself. Our education goes far beyond exam results – individual talent and spirit is celebrated throughout the school. Live life like a Heathfield girl.

OPEN MORNINGS Saturday 17 March 10am to 12 noon Saturday 12 May 10am to 12 noon PLEASE EMAIL registrar@heathfieldschool.net TO BOOK A PLACE OR TO ARRANGE A PRIVATE TOUR

Boarding and Day for Girls 11-18

heathfieldschool.net +44 (0) 1344 898343

NEW! Give your baby a soft start with Bouncer Bliss www.babybjorn.com The Parallel Line Design is a sign of a genuine BABYBJÖRN product