I was very lucky to be invited to the John Lewis store in Nottingham last week. It was not just any kind of invitation, but one which was a magical journey filled with the wondrous Christmas delights that, John Lewis holds to a shopper like myself.

I love John Lewis, I have written before about my love of it HERE and HERE.  But its at Christmas time, when this store is transformed into a beautiful one stop shop, and I mean this hand on heart…its perfection, for gift buying, home décor and fashion!

We were lured on the promise, of discovering what Christmas this year at John Lewis had to offer this year, and I promise you, you will not be disappointed.

We didn’t get to see the new Christmas TV Ad, as this is still  top-secret. We did however get the full flavour of the Christmas experience it will be giving its customers. Some of this is built strongly on tradition other parts on innovation. This is what we all love about the store though isn’t it? It goes that one step further whether it be in customer service, quality, value for money, with some very lovely surprises along the way.

So what can I reveal?

We were given an indication, of what the top 10 toys this Christmas are going to be. My favourites were the Kurio, and the real blast from the past, the updated Furby. I think both of my girls would love these, especially the Kurio.

We also learnt how to make your own home cosy and full of Yuletide glow this Christmas, with the addition of a few items from the home and Christmas department. I’m a big believer of cushions and throws, really making a room. The ideas given to me by the John Lewis expert’s, were fabulous for adding warmth, style and luxury.

This year the Christmas department, has excelled itself, with the traditional and not so traditional themes. Winterland, which is cool, natural and minimal, Christmas Holiday, nostalgic with a 1950’s vibe. Theatre, restrained luxury of Art Deco style, with golds and bronzes. Lapland, which is perfect for young families, and is an extension to the Winterland with lots of natural elements. Finally New Japan, with elements of a Japanese palette, origami and patterns and detail, simply beautiful.

We were also able to sample some of the amazing ranges of food, that they are selling this Christmas.  How about mead wine by Lyme bay, Seasalt Caramel truffles, by Charbonnel and it wouldn’t be Christmas, without a traditional gingerbread house. All of which were sampled and are to die for!

My new friend Lucy (fashion lady extraordinaire) of John Lewis was also there, talking to us about our wardrobe in the party season.  Doing what she does best, and recommending  how to make the most of your wardrobe. Her and the team offer fashion advice throughout the year, as do the home department.  You just need to ring the store and make an appointment.

And finally, and this is the area I wanted to concentrate on the most is that throughout the store, you will find areas, where John Lewis have done all the gift buying work for you. What a genius idea!

Let me explain, say for example (as is always the way) we have certain members of our family and freinds that are trickier to find the perfect gift for.  John lewis has grouped together gifts by broad interests.  There are gifts at budgets to suit most pockets, and I think the gifts chosen offer fantastic inspiration.

I have this particular problem with Tall Dad, he is extremely hard to buy for. He actually falls within a three of these gifts areas.  He is a lover of music, and he would love I’m sure to own these….

 Bose QuietComfort, Noise Cancelling Acoustic Headphones : £299 

In the gifts he’ll love, how about this. Tall dad, is a very dapper fella, and always has shiny shoes.

 Izola Shoe Brush £25

And finally in the Gifts Gadget Gurus will love, I just know this would be high on his list :

Currently £194.50, a  personal trainer and music player, all in one. Perfect for the January, call for fitness!

So when you visit your local store this Christmas, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for these displays, I know I certainly will be!

Thank you for reading

I was invited to the day at John Lewis, and received a very lovely goody bag. I have not however been asked to write this post, and did not receive any fees to do so.