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LUXURY HOTELS: A DECADE OF CLARIDGE'S TREES

London Hotels give good Christmas but few beat the innovation expressed in the designer creations which have showed up under Claridges’ Grand Staircase over the years. Here’s a decade of designer offerings. Which is your favourite?

2010 – John Galliano for Dior
Like a plant from Mars this was actually not extra-terrestrial but undersea inspired. Note the jelly fish and the coral.

2011 – Alber Elbaz for Lanvin
This may look traditional but look closer at the (slightly creepy) dummies lounging around the base

2012 –Kally Ellis for McQueen’s
Magnolia branches and lichen moss studded with crystal and emerald jewel eggs in white, gold and silver

2013 – Dolce & Gabbana
Italian carousels gave inspiration to the elaborate tree, complete with 300 painted marionettes

2014 – Dolce & Gabbana
A very traditional be-ribboned and baubled offering this time complete with bambi underneath –awwhh

2015 – Christopher Bailey (then at Burberry)
Decorated in very British gold and silver brollies. Motion sensors mean the umbrellas moved and sparkled for guests

2016 – Sir Jony Ive (chief designer at Apple) and Marc Newson
More a wood than a single tree bathed in midnight blue with shadowy figures dancing.