With only two days to go until Christmas it is no wonder that we have unanimously chosen AnOther Website commissioning editor Laura Bradley’s Liberty Advent Calendar as our Most Loved product of the week. Based on the iconic Great Marlborough Street
With only two days to go until Christmas it is no wonder that we have unanimously chosen AnOther Website commissioning editor Laura Bradley’s Liberty Advent Calendar as our Most Loved product of the week. Based on the iconic Great Marlborough Street Liberty building, each window contains a beautiful illustrated image.
The origin of the advent calendar can be traced back to the 19th century. Religious families used to make a chalk line for every day in December until Christmas Eve. The families also tacked little pictures, one for each day in December, on the wall. Today, advent calendars are aimed more at children (although many of the adults among us would still admit to buying one) ranging from permanent calendars with little drawers or cloth sheets with pockets filled with gifts to the more commonplace cardboard ones with windows that reveal illustrations or sweets. Novelty calendars include the annual Lego Advent Calendar which has 24 windows with Lego pieces behind each that the recipient can put together to make figurines for each day and the most expensive ones to date include an advent calendar priced at £1.7million made out of 24 precious diamonds and a $1million Porsche Design calendar which stands at 1.75 metres high, made out of brushed aluminium and each day reveals a new surprise from its creators.
Whilst more people than ever are unreligious, the importance of partaking in Christmas festivities has not diminished. From buying and dressing a Christmas tree, affixing wreaths on front doors, drinking mulled wine and eating mince pies, exchanging presents, and daily opening advent calendars – whether faithful or faithless Christmas remains the most celebrated of the holidays. As we wish you a very Merry Christmas from the AnOther team, we speak to Bradley about her favourite festivities, festive treats and how she will be spending her Christmas…
What made you choose this Liberty advent calendar?
I love the iconic Tudor revival buidling in Great Marlborough Street. It's actually constructed from the timbers of two ships – I know that as Liberty was my first job in London. I love Liberty all year round but it's very special at Christmas. The yellow lights from the small windows at the top make it very cosy and inviting.
Did you have an advent calendar this year?
No, I didn't have one but my fantasy calendars would be one with Serge Lutens solid perfumes or one containing messages from my nearest and dearest. I like to open the windows in the morning and I never fancy chocolate that early.
In the run up to Christmas what festivities do you most enjoy?
Buying a wreath and a christmas tree from Columbia Road at the start of December. Gatherings with friends, drinking and eating.
What are your favourite festive treats to indulge in?
There are so many! Mince pies, christmas cake, mulled wine. A Bailey's on Christmas Eve. Dries Van Noten sent a chunky bar of Belgian chocolate this year instead of cards – that was pretty memorable.
What are you doing for Christmas day?
I'll be at my parents in Leicester, with my cat. I like to wake mid morning, open presents then start eating. The highlight of the day is the afternoon sofa time with family I don't see very often.
What are your Christmas essentials?
Lots of one style of wrapping paper. This year, I'm using erotic wallpaper by Julie Verhoeven and Peter Saville. My riding boots for the Boxing Day walk.
What's the last thing you bought?
A bottle of Prada Infusion D'Homme – one of the best men's fragrances, ever.
What's you're favourite online shop for Christmas presents?
Dover Street Market e-shop – they make the best wallets, make-up cases and now iPad cases. And they have a brilliant selection of fragrance – the Incense series, inspired by the devoted to the five main spiritual teachings of the humanity.
Text by Lucia Davies
