Christmas lights and crackers
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You know it's Christmas in Notting Hill when a giant Santa appears outside Richard Curtis's house. My children groan: 'Well, Mom, if you were a movie director we would have one, too,' so this year I picked up the phone. After some enquiries, I discovered the prop hire company Theme Traders in Cricklewood. I want to see my children's faces when I produce a full-sized polar bear (from £75), a giant red boot (£90) or maybe a reindeer (from £175).
Theme Traders also invites families to have pictures taken with as many Santas, penguins and elves as they please. They will then turn it into an instant Christmas card (020 8452 8518; www.themetraders.com).
The stylist in me longs to hang funky lights in front of all the windows like Richard James's Savile Row store. The man behind London's best-decorated shop is Philip Oakley, former Blackpool Illuminations festival director, who offers these tips: 'Go to Habitat, B&Q and Tesco for inexpensive non-Christmas-themed fairy lights and hang them around doors and windows. More is always more.' He also recommends the battery-powered Mirror Ball Kit from Maplins (£24.99; www.maplins.co.uk)that 'lasts long beyond Christmas'.
Every country has its Christmas aesthetic. In Denmark, they buy a new ornament every year. The Golden Rose Bauble (£34.50) at Georg Jensen is this year's most-given decoration (www.georgjensen.com).
In Germany, families still use candles on their trees (we did, too, until my brother set the tree on fire). The Scandinavians favour a natural look (you can recreate this with Daylesford Organic's white hearts, £6.50; all proceeds go to the NSPCC; www.daylesfordorganic.com), whereas Americans can never have enough kitsch. I find the British dress their trees as they do themselves: with individuality.
SECRET SERVICE
LITTLE STARS
THE INSIDER: Christmas crackers
CHEQUE
Daylesford Organic's simple cream and brown paper Kitchen Crackers will make any table look smart. Each contains a mini kitchen tool, or go for a similar set made for gardeners or children. £55 for six (0800 083 1233).
CREDIT
Penhaligon's crackers are as good as a present - you will find leather and silver-plated gifts stashed inside. Penhaligon's Luxury crackers, £90 for six (020 7823 9733).