It’s the most wonderful time of the year… once all the decorating and planning’s done, that is. If you’re anything like us, your Christmas tree ornaments are in need of a dire upgrade and you struggle year after year looking for something as simple as mistletoe. To avoid the holiday frustration this year, we planned ahead and scouted out the best places to pick up a bit of tinsel and something for your tree. Godspeed mamas, you’ll have the jolliest Christmas party décor in no time!
*27 Nov- URGENT UPDATE*
Sassy mamas, we’ve just received news that there may be a serious lack of Christmas trees to HK this year! A strike at the Seattle port has delayed the shipments, so this year it is going to be extra hard to snap up a tree! Word on the street is that the Happy Valley Garden Centre’s first shipment is all sold out, and their second shipment doesn’t arrive until 9 December. Anglo Chinese Florist will have trees by 4 December and P&F Garden won’t have them until 11 December… so if you really want a real tree, go out and double check with your chosen florist or garden centre and make sure you order one NOW!
TREES
P&F Garden
P&F Garden are a local nursery with many years of experience in the gardening game. They sell Christmas trees and poinsettias, plus all sorts of other festive plants and flowers; for further details, give them a call or stop by on the weekend!
P&F Garden, 50 Shui Choi Tin Village, Victoria Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, 2812 0948, www.pnfgarden.silver.yp.com.hk
Prince Edward Flower Market
Follow the signs to the Flower Market from Prince Edward MTR and you can’t go wrong! This stretch of road is home to tons of fresh flower and plant sellers, including a few bigger gardening shops that should be happy to arrange home delivery – and prices are likely to be much more reasonable here than on the Island.
Chun Hing Garden
Chun Hing Garden is another family-run business with over 20 years of experience. Tree-wise, they’ve got Noble Firs, Douglas Firs and Fraser Firs all imported from the US, plus a nice range of other seasonal decorations like poinsettias and wreathes. They can also arrange home delivery; check out their entire range here.
Chun Hing Garden, Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, 2572 6430, www.chunhinggarden.com/engpages/index.htm
Anglo Chinese Florist
With over sixty years experience, Anglo Chinese Florists have become one of the most trusted and reliable plant suppliers in Hong Kong. They sell a range of Douglas and Noble Firs from the US, plus artificial trees either with or without decorations. They also have a huge range of wreathes, poinsettias, garlands, table decorations and arrangements, both real and silk. Check out all their store locations, plus details for ordering (you can pay for both delivery AND removal of your trees!) here.
Anglo Chinese Florist, 9 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong, 2255 0900, www.anglochinese.com
Anglo Chinese Florist, 71-73 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2921 2986, www.anglochinese.com
Xmas Trees Online
If you’re looking for an authentic tree for that authentic crimbo at home, check out Xmas Tree Online. Their trees are grown in the American outdoors and carefully imported. Choose between a traditional noble fir and a nordmann fir. You’ll be sure to sink into the seasonal spirit with the smell of the needles wafting through your home… this one is definitely Sassy approved!
Xmas Trees Online, www.xmastreeonline.hk, [email protected]
It’s also worth remembering that many local florists and nurseries will be arranging special orders for Christmas trees – we’ve already seen a few in Wan Chai and on Hiram’s Highway leading up to Sai Kung (try KK Horticulture, 2792 7440 or Greenhouse Nursery, 2573 3627) plus Stanley Flower Shop in Stanley Market (2813 0624). So do always enquire individually… you’ll never know if you don’t ask!
Ikea
Ahhh… trusty Ikea. Expect to see plenty more of the Swedish giant on this list, as they’re brilliant at providing everything festive you may need around the house in great designs and at reasonable prices. Choose from either a 4’-5’ or 6’-7’ real Scandinavian Fir (which are grown in sustainable eco-environments), all at well under $1,000. They also offer some artificial trees in-store. Little kids love giant stores like Ikea! Bring them along, who knows they may help pick out some fun decorations!
Ikea, various locations, see the full list of stores here, www.ikea.com/hk/en
Japan Home Centre
One of HK’s best-kept secrets for homeware at el cheapo prices, Japan Home Centre usually have some artificial Christmas trees perfectly suited for HK’s small apartments around this time of year. Check out bigger stores if your smaller neighbourhood shop doesn’t stock any.
Japan Home Centre, various locations, see the full list of stores here, www.japanhome.com.hk
Toys R Us
Hiding amongst the aisles of brightly coloured toys and games, Toys R Us actually has a nice range of artificial trees – from tiny little tinsel ones (around $50) to bigger, more realistic trees (up to around $500). They also do some really fun piñatas, which would be perfect for Christmas parties (come on, not even adults can resist smashing one up for sweets!) and your kids will be so excited! Fair warning – as the little ones are running around the store, they’re likely to pick up a few dozen Santa hats and an armful of toys!
Toys R Us, various locations, see the full list of stores here, www.toysrus.com.hk/index.html
City’super
City’super’s range of artificial trees is fantastic, covering everything from the classic to the trendy and everything in-between. The bonus? Most of them come with their own fairy lights in the form of fibre optic tips including matching ornaments, cutting out half your shopping to save you time for buying more presents – after all, that dollhouse isn’t gonna buy itself!
City’super, various locations, see the full list of stores here, www.citysuper.com.hk
DECORATIONS, STATIONERY & EVERYTHING ELSE!
There won’t be much festive cheer if all you have is a tree – it’s all the little details that will turn your place from average apartment into winter wonderland!
Indigo Living
So many people mention Indigo as one of their festive must-visits that they must be doing something right! One look at their classy and chic range of Christmas decorations should be enough to convince you – and with their help, you’re bound to have one of the most stylish trees on the block! If you have time to spare, definitely check out their huge flagship store at Horizon Plaza to stock up (our favourite is the Christmas pudding bauble)! They’re also happy to arrange home delivery.
Indigo Living, various locations, see full list of stores here, www.indigo-living.com
Tequila Kola
Tequila Kola has become another HK lifestyle favourite, with a great range of modern decorations that are certain to get your house into the Christmas spirit. Whether you want to stay traditional with your table settings, with deep reds and shimmering silvers, or go contemporary, with bright bold turquoise and icy blue, they’ll have everything necessary to create a cohesive and Christmassy colour scheme! Pop over to their huge flagship store in Horizon Plaza and make a day of it, mama. (They have Sift cupcakes there too, hint hint!)
Tequila Kola, 1/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, 2877 3295, www.tequilakola.com
Shambala
Still in Horizon Plaza, we’ve been hearing great things about this home décor store (more like warehouse); they have lots of fantastic festive items at reasonable prices to spruce up your home. If you’re looking for funky table pieces, this is a good bet. It’s well worth checking out the rest of Horizon Plaza whilst you’re there – this mall is homeware nirvana!
Shambala, 2/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, 2555 2997, www.shambala.com.hk
Francfranc
If you fancy bringing some chic and clean Japanese style into your home for the festive season, look no further than Francfranc, who do an extensive range of inexpensive but charming decorations in their trademark minimalist style. Buy some classy candles for your room and a cute funky mini Christmas tree for the kids!
Francfranc, various locations, see the full list of stores here, www.francfranc.com.hk/eng
Bowerbird Home
This new kid on the block is another Ap Lei Chau homeware haven. A treasure trove of stunning furniture and home décor items, Bowerbird Home’s Christmas collection has an old world, antiqued silver and mercury colour theme, including vintage glass ornaments for that extra elegant touch. Give your tree some sophistication this Christmas!
Bowerbird Home, Unit 5, Level 2, 2 Lee Lok Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, 2552 2727, www.bowerbird-home.com
Cath Kidston
This British brand, with its gorgeous floral patterns and English summertime vibe, is a Sassy Mama favourite. Don’t miss out on their adorable, vintage-esque Christmas decorations – spotty red Christmas mugs perfect for hot chocolate and marshmallows for the kids, and maybe you too, mama! If you’re up for some DIY, check out their Make Your Own Christmas Decorations book!
Cath Kidston, various locations, see the full list here, www.cathkidston.com
Zara Home
One of our favourite stores for clothes and accessories also stocks everything fabulous you could possibly need for your home. From furniture to pyjamas, they’ve got it all – so of course they’ve got Christmas covered! Baubles, candles, glasses, table runners, napkin rings… there’s a huge range of Christmas décor! It’s a definite must-visit for all things home and Christmas-related.
Zara Home, Shop 3205, Level 3, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, www.zarahome.com
TREE
This is yet another great addition to the home-ware haven of Horizon Plaza, offering up HK’s first eco-chic furniture boutique! With a wide selection of Christmas-themed products, including reindeers, stars, trees, wreaths, bowls and candle holders, you’re sure to inject your home with a stylish, festive feel, whilst doing your bit for the environment!
TREE, various locations, see the full list of stores here, www.tree.com.hk
Allure Living
Allure living is your one-stop shop for gorgeous, good-quality must haves. This shop is full to the brim with Christmas decorations, from baubles to christmas stockings to candle holders, and all at super reasonable prices! You’re also sure to find some great gifts here (and why not pick up some of their beautifully printed gift-wrapping paper while you’re at it?).
Allure Living, 1-5 Floor, No.54 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2153 1022, www.facebook.com/AllureLiving
Etsy
If you haven’t heard of Etsy yet… where have you been?! Packed with handmade crafts, you’re sure to find unique Christmas décor (and gifts!) on here. Made from a variety of different materials, these completely unique decorations will add a bit of colour and fun to any apartment… and you can still use them after the Christmas season to brighten up a space! We love their personalised christmas stockings.
The Candle Company
There’s nothing like the smell of Christmas, and we can’t name anywhere better than The Candle Company for a full range of heavenly Christmas scents – a Sassy Mama favourite! With fragrant candles such as Mandarin Cranberry, Christmas Spice, Balsam Fir and Snow Angel, diffusers and even some cute baubles and wreaths, this is the shop to go to if you want to fill your home with some festive smells… Christmas is taking over all the senses! We love the little star shaped candles that you can hang on your tree! Stock up on some Christmas gift sets too, to bring a little sniff of Christmas into your friends’ homes.
The Candle Company, 11 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong, 3589 6528, www.candles.hk
EezyPeezyParties
This one-stop shop has festive party supplies and décor by the plenty; just remember, the showroom is open by appointment only. Think wrapping paper, candles, crackers and even reindeer paper cups (adorable!)… they’ve got everything you need for upcoming Christmas parties that are sure to brighten up even the most Scrooge-worthy homes! Don’t miss this incredibly sweet Nutcracker Theatre Cupcake stand – you will adore it and so will your kids as they’re eating all the cupcakes before dinner!
EezyPeezyParties, Unit 8, 23/F, Harbour Industrial Centre, 10 Lee Hing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2580 2530, www.eezypeezyparties.com
The Silk Flower Company
This new company provides exactly what you might think… silk flowers! Not only are these flowers going to last a lot longer than real ones (maybe even until next Christmas!), but they’re also truly beautiful and realistic – using only the best, quality materials. Don’t miss out on their wonderfully traditional, handmade wreaths and centrepieces for that Christmas-in-the-country vibe!
The Silk Flower Company, Currently available at locations here, online orders available, 6439 2387 & 9185 3266, www.thesilkflowercompany.com
Ellermann
Ellermann is the place to go to fulfill all your floral needs, from the centrepiece at your Christmas dinner to the wreath on your front door. Flowers are their thing, but take a look at the great range of glassware, ceramics, stationary and books for some great gift inspiration!
Ellermann, 36 Tung Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2291 0388, www.ellermanndesign.com
Ellermann, Shop 236, Level 2, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queens Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 2618 0910, www.ellermanndesign.com
Harrods
Count down the days to Christmas with a touch of luxury from our favourite store for all things British! Though a little pricier, their ornate ornaments are sure to last you a few more Christmases to come. We love their cute advent calendars (which are super fun for the babes!) and their London themed glass ornaments!
The Stalwarts – Marks & Spencer, Ikea, City’super
These are our three fail-safe options for shopping in general in HK and, as usual, they’ve got some great quality but reasonably priced items for the festive season. Marks & Spencer is fantastic for big rolls of wrapping paper that should keep you going until NEXT Christmas (not just the never-big-enough one-sheeters that most stationery shops here specialise in), plus they also have some really cute Christmas stockings. Ikea also has bumper rolls of chic wrapping paper, plus cool Christmas decorations in their quirky Scandinavian designs that wont break the bank. Meanwhile, City’super has completely taken over Times Square’s basement with a huge section dedicated to all things Christmassy – ornaments, stockings, wreathes, decorations, snow globes, cuddly reindeer and pretty much everything else you can think of!
MARKETS
For cheap and cheerful decorations that might not last much longer than the twelve days of Christmas themselves (but at that price who cares?!), check out your local markets – we suggest Wan Chai, North Point, Mong Kok Ladies Market, Price Edward, Sham Shui Po, Jordan or even the small stretches of stalls in Central as potential hunting grounds for wreathes, stockings, tinsels and other inexpensive ornaments. A few shops dedicated solely to Xmas goods usually pop up on Lyndhurst Terrace and Wellington Street in Central and on Queen’s Road in Wan Chai too. Just remember, Central or Causeway Bay will never be your cheapest ports of call, Island East is generally cheaper than Island West and Kowloon and the New Territories should be the cheapest of them all!
DIY IT – ALTERNATIVE TREES & DECORATIONS
If you don’t fancy hoovering up your carpet every two seconds or trying to squish a giant tree into a taxi (this has actually happened to us!), why not think more creatively about the type of tree you’ll be putting up this year and go for an artsy, alternative tree option? You only have to type ‘tree’ into Pinterest to find a plethora of trendy-looking tree types – which might actually be more suitable for our little Hong Kong apartments too! Plus, you’ll be doing the Earth a favour by not using a real tree… a double bonus!
Why not save on valuable space and actually have your ‘tree’ on the wall? Try putting that mountain of Christmas cards to good use and display them on your wall in the shape of a tree. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, try making the outline of a tree with fairy lights for a magical, twinkly effect. Just be careful the munchkins don’t knock it down! You can pretty much use anything to create the Christmas ‘tree’ shape – so give it a go and test out your creative skills, especially if you’re pushed for space!
For a chic, modern look – grab your best vase and collect some long twigs and branches from one of our country parks. Decorate with fairy lights, ornaments – and voila! An alternative, minimalist, mess-free tree! Bookworms, put that library to use and stack up your books for a fun christmas tree you won’t need to water (though it might lead to some empty bookshelves over the festive period!).
If you also want unique decorations with a personal touch, how about DIY-ing your décor – just Google DIY Christmas decorations and marvel at the results! The go-to place is Sham Shui Po, which has plenty of awesome craft supplies; if that’s too much of a trek, head to your local wet market (or the ones mentioned above) where you should find fabric and haberdashery stalls selling ribbons, lace and glitzy odds and ends at bargain basement prices. For other cheap crafty bits and bobs, Jusco Living Plaza is fantastic.
You can literally try making a tree and decorations out of anything, so you might even surprise yourself with a brand new creative creation!
Consider your halls well and truly decked!