Let’s see that Christmas sparkle that guests love

We’re not talking glitter but all the little touches, from guests’ rooms to dining table delights which will make a seasonal stay special

Never mind our own friends and family gift lists or big day preparations, the box-ticking and checklists are in full flow in hotels as we gear up for the arrival of guests seeking a memorable break during the festive season. And – just like our own family members – what a mixed bunch they are! Families with children looking for a jolly experience in lovely surroundings (while the parents perhaps try not to envy the child-free couples making the most of pampering spa treats); relatives gathering for reunions; those who seek a taste of luxury in their rooms alongside fine dining; and people whose dream break is simply a good night’s sleep, no catering for others, plus knowing someone else – the magnificent housekeepers – will expertly keep everything looking pristine. We know plenty of experts to help you set the scene for a perfect Christmas, so if you’re still seeking the finishing touch, or want to ensure returning guests discover something new with the Wow Factor, take a look at the eyecatchers on offer. Looking for table decorations that will catch the eye? Hotel Festive are designers, manufacturers and importers of Christmas crackers, partyware and decorations aimed purely at the hotel and restaurant industry.

Together with Guest & Co, they are part of Darlington-based The Single Use Paper Company Limited which offers a range covering all price points, colour schemes and environmentally friendly options. The business partners with the ‘Teenage Cancer Trust’ charity, which benefits from all sales. They supply directly to the hospitality industry and via a network of loyal distributors.

Table decorations need the finest linen to set them off and Raj Ruia, managing director of Richard Haworth, says: “The Amalfi table linen range is the ideal choice when it comes to dressing tables for Christmas. Of course, we have the obvious red and green options, but with 27 colours to choose from, dining rooms and restaurants can be dressed to match almost any colour scheme. “Our light pink Amalfi tablecloths look fantastic paired with pewter napkins to match the current popular blush and silver Christmas interiors trend, while turquoise and medrite grey help create a calm and cool modern festive atmosphere. For those looking to create a traditionally jolly table setting, our white Amalfi napkins embroidered with a Christmas tree are an ideal investment to use for 2022 and future Christmases to come.” The Amalfi range is made from revolutionary cotton soft fabrics to ensure ultimate durability, which has a unique stain-release fabric technology that requires lower temperature washes, with less rinsing and chemicals required. This results in a more environmentally-friendly and durable product, with minimal shrinkage and superb stain release.

We mentioned the guests whose priorities include a good night’s sleep, and at Vision Linens they believe the best treat would be sumptuous new pillow and duvets to make their stay extra special. Vision Linens V microfibre pillow and duvet provide a luxuriously warm and comfortable night’s sleep for your guests, whilst catering for allergy sufferers. At 10.5 tog, the duvet contains a unique blend of microfibre filling; giving the nearest feel to natural filling and providing a lofty look on your beds. It also features More Than Clean antimicrobial protection, reducing bad odours, the growth of bacteria and is proven to protect against the spread of Coronavirus and other harmful pathogens.

Personalisation is paramount and at BC SoftWear they’re used to helping the best hotels prepare for the festive season. Barbara Cooke, CEO and founder of the leading hotel textiles supplier, says: “In preparation for the Christmas season this year, we have seen our hotelier clients focussing on high-end, luxury personalised gifting for guests, with VIP embroidery especially popular.

“One UK country house hotel has ordered personalised robes for every single guest staying with them at Christmas, with each guest’s initials embroidered on the robe. This is just one example of the extremely bespoke, luxury products we’re being asked to provide for our clients. It’s such a lovely touch.

“Bespoke robes are growing ever more popular and have been for some time, as they are such a powerful driver of secondary spend. This emphasises that luxury is once again paramount in the hospitality sector.”

BC SoftWear is the towelling company of choice for many of the UK’s most prestigious hotels including Chewton Glen, Grantley Hall, Cliveden Hotel and Spa and Fairmont Windsor Park.

While we’re considering all things peaceful, Global Amenities offer Scentered, a 100 per cent natural aromatherapy brand that supports mental wellbeing, helping people juggle daily life and wind down when they arrive at our hotels. Global Amenities use essential oils in the portable aromatherapy balms to help deal with stress and anxiety, improve sleep, encourage positivity, focus and confidence, manage emotional and hormonal balance and promote a sense of calm control. Made from waste felt with festive embroidery (so designs may vary), their fun Christmas stockings fit the 5g balms perfectly. They can be re-used year on year to decorate the tree or as delightful stocking fillers – perfect as a welcome gift for guests.

Alongside the fluffiest robes and towels, guests are bound to appreciate a unique handmade gift in their room on arrival. Fusion chocolates are delicious artisan chocolates made in Yorkshire by chocolatier Paula Bui. Paula strives to make her chocolates look stunning and taste delectable. Each chocolate is hand decorated so when the box is opened people are wowed by their beauty.

When you bite into them your taste buds are treated to a mix of textures and flavours from the luxury ganaches, caramels, marshmallows and fondants. Flavours range from classics like salted caramel to the more unusual rhubarb or lime and basil. Boxes can be customised, or why not have the colour scheme of the chocolates tailored to match your brand?

Another favourite of the sweet-toothed is Whitakers Chocolates, where they love to spread the festive cheer. This year their Christmas themed luxury gift boxes feature a Christmas tree design. They are available in two colours (red and black and each gift box is filled with six delicious hand finished chocolate truffles. They make great room gifts for guests or as Christmas Day gifts for dining customers, priced at £3.85 per box + VAT.