And all through the house, nothing was stirring, not even a blue leopard…

London’s fashion elite have long embraced Mayfair’s art deco icon Claridge’s hotel, and this Christmas she’s giving a little back to the pack by opening her stately bosom to Brit bad boy designer extraordinaire John Gallliano for Dior, and his phantasmagoric festive tree. Scary chic, c’est very chic.

Galliano's original sketch - erotic, exotic, and divinely quixotic

Taking pride of place in the gleaming Front Hall and embraced by the grand staircase, the supernatural spruce will be on show through January, so why not kill two birds with one stone and totter in for a gawp and then a gulp at our secret fave, tucked away Fumoir bar. Hurrah!

Trysts and twists at Fumoir

Yes, we love Claridge’s Bar too, but the tryst-tastic tucked away Fumoir is a serious texturalists dream, with its aubergine velvet banquette, plum carpet, marble horseshoe bar and etched Lalique glass crystal. Most important of all, they make a mean martini, and we’ll always drink to that.

Oh, and if you’re thinking of treating yourself to one of Claridge’s great value, but limited edition Christmas puds - sadly you can’t… they’re all sold out. You’ll have to wait for next year, or pud up and shut up!

All sold out until Christmas 2010

Brook Street, Mayfair, W1. T: +44 (0)20 7629 8860. W: claridges.co.uk