December 2012 in Pictures

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Well, it is here - 2013. The fireworks in London were a great end to the year, reminiscing over the last spectacular 12 months. However, towards the end of 2012 I had a couple of celebrations myself - Brad and I celebrated our third anniversary and my 26th birthday. For this, we Eurostar'ed it over to Paris for four days, staying in the 15th arrondissement at a wonderful hotel that was exceeded our expectations. The area was like a village within the city, with some prefect places to eat and a swift fifteen minutes into the city centre. Here are a few of the shots, starting with Brad and I with a familiar backdrop...

On my birthday we took a late night visit to the Louvre museum, to visit the famous lady of Paris - the Mona Lisa - and I took this shot of the pyramids towards the Arc de Triumph du Carrousel.   

Wandering down the Champs Elysess, the damp afternoon turned into a light-fantastic evening with this shot looking towards the left bank, and below; a panoramic view of the Tour de Eiffel, the needle of the Place de la Concorde and the temporary wheel that sits on the grand square at the base of the Champs Elysess. 

The only place to get some Parisian goods; the Rue du Fabourg du Sant Honore, with Number 24 taking centre stage - Hermes flagship. A mecca of the luxury goods house, we visited here and the new store in St Germain which is an interior design revelation. 

My birthday cards, from the parents and a friend, as well as Brad with his presents to me of some Laduree macaroons, the Fuck Yeah Menswear book and a Jo Malone Pomegranate candle. Just wonderful...

We took afternoon tea at the original Laudree cafe on Place de Royale, where we had real hot chocolate and a rose petal, rose water and rasberry pastry. Pure perfection that was a real treat to a long day on our second afternoon. 

A Christmas Eve Gin and Tonic, with our Hasby-Oliver family Christmas table below, a place missing as my sister was at home in Oxfordshire but arrived on Boxing Day. I always lay the table, with our family china and cutlery making its annual outing. The service has been in the family for around 40 years. And finally, below that, is the Christmas tree that Brad and I put up together which was just magical, romantic and lovely.