Le Meridien St Julian's Hotel launched its yearly Christmas festival programme on December 5 in its Ku De Ta lounge, where guests were met with a fabulously decked-out tree in vibrant raspberry and cranberry tones.

The hotel's clients and suppliers, together with Le Meridien associates, were invited by the management and directors to explore the customary flavours, sights and sounds of the Christmas season.

Guests sipped a thick, fragrant hot mulled wine and sampled morsels both sweet and savoury, as they were treated to the angelic voices of a choir of 40 children singing Christmas carols to everyone's delight. The mood was jolly, celebratory and neighbourly, in keeping with festivities, as guests partook of a range of holiday beverages and food.

Hotel manager Angela Saliba greeted and encouraged clients to explore further offerings at the hotel's venues during the season. Occasionally she assisted little hands as they clamoured to break off generous pieces of giant sugar cookies with a mallet or, again, prepared a hot chocolate for a newly-arrived guest. Associates also directed the celebrants not to miss the impressive - and wholly enchanting - chocolate sculptures that graced the lobby.

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