Guests at the Merchant Hotel enjoyed a yuletide performance in The Great Room Restaurant by the renowned Belfast Community Gospel Choir as the lights on the impressive 25ft tree, which took over six hours to erect, were switched on. The tree’s décor has been inspired by the classic nativity scene with a midnight blue and gold colour scheme and has been embellished with 150 metres of fairy lights and over 300 baubles.
Rachael Lindsay from Blue Moon Design, who developed the theme for this year’s tree, said: “The inspiration for The Merchant’s Christmas décor goes right back to the classic nativity scene. I based it on the skies above Bethlehem with midnight blue and gold used as the main colours. Enhanced by the idea of the treasure from the three kings, the look is quite rich with traces of the exotic east and lots of jewels.
“Some details of the décor that you might see throughout the hotel, and on the spectacular tree in The Great Room, include golden palm trees, star bursts, jewelled pineapples, peacock feather baubles, oversized filigree baubles and golden orbs.”
The Merchant Hotel’s luxurious Christmas celebrations have kicked off with a superb selection of seasonal activities to share with loved ones this year, including festive menus, winter drinks, Christmas hampers and pampering spa treatments for the party season.
In addition to the hotel’s popular gift cards, for the first time, a range of exclusive Merchant experiences are now available to purchase as online e-vouchers, taking the hassle out of Christmas shopping. The experiences include luxurious overnight stays, spa treatments and a nine-course tasting menu with wine pairings.
From Friday December 1, guests can enjoy a special festive afternoon tea in the elegance of The Great Room. Served on a three-tiered silver stand, this year’s festive tea will include turkey, chestnut stuffing and cranberry sauce finger sandwiches, traditional Christmas cake and seasonal macarons, alongside scones with clotted cream and delicious patisseries.
The Merchant’s winter sale will launch on Cyber Monday, November 27, with an array of irresistible offers for the New Year, including dinner, bed and breakfast overnight packages from £99 per person sharing, to treat yourself or your loved one.
