What does Diggory do?

Diggory Lifestyle Management provides an exclusive, highly personal service, caring for the lifestyles of discerning individuals.

A personal concierge service, both efficient and distinctive, that takes care of those everyday tasks, the simplest problem or biggest headache.

Now you can enjoy our expertise to regain the most precious of yours. Your time.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS!

In this months issue it is all things Christmas; we will be focusing on what's going on in London during this festive season, giving you gift ideas, tips and recipes. We also remember those less fortunate.

Dr. Alistair Turner, of the Leadership Coaching Business, gives his expert advice to Business Leaders; and our very own contributor, Roger Collis, columnist for CNN & the New York Times listens to Santa Claus describing the challenges of maintaining a healthy mail order business!
 

Happy Holidays from the Diggory Team!

promotion for non-diggory clients

With Diggory's new Pitch & Putt Package we can now offer non-Diggory clients the opportunity of hiring our services on an hourly basis.

Should you require assistance with sourcing your Christmas gifts or with creating an amazing experience for the ones you love call Diggory; and you will have access to your personal lifestyle manager, who will work tirelessly to deliver your vision. read more

remember others less fortunate

"Tamiha is a charity that we at Diggory actively support. They urgently need volunteers and sponsors for the many orphaned children. 

I ask you to look at their website, see the need and do what you can to give these beautiful children a chance in life" Dee Hope

TAMIHA are a local African non-profit NGO focusing on sustainable, grass roots projects in northern Tanzania.

Their goal is to live in the towns and cities where their projects exist and provide locals with skills and education to help them help themselves.

"The orphanage has 50 children between the ages of 2-9, many of whom have been plucked from the streets; we are able to feed the orphans two meals per day. We work hard within the community and through our volunteers to find sponsors who will finance the orphans' elementary school education. Since 2008, 10 students have graduated from our orphanage and gone on to elementary schools thanks to the help of sponsors. So long as they work hard their future is bright."

Crispin Mugarula, Founder of TAMIHA www.tanzaniavolunteer.net 

London this Christmas

Christmas at Windsor Castle

Seasonal displays make Windsor Castle an ideal place to visit this Christmas. Just for the period, the table in the state dining room is set for a festive Victorian dessert course with silver from the Grand Service. The traditional tree from Windsor Great Park is on display in St George's Hall, along with Queen Victoria's sleigh. Of particular interest, those visiting on the 19 and 20 December can follow a tour through the state apartments.

Dec – 6 January www.royalcollection.org.uk

Hampton Court - Get your skates on!

Glide from morning till night at Hampton Court Palace ice rink, or perfect those pirouettes with a skating lesson. Open until 10th January 0208 241 9818 www.hamptoncourticerink.com

Skating at the Tower of London

Offering a grand historical setting for seasonal skating sessions, the rink in the dry moat features views of London's ancient fortress. Ice guides are available for supervised group skating. www.toweroflondonicerink.com open 10.00 - 22.00 until 10 January.

advice to business leaders

Dr. Alistair Turner has worked with business leaders for the past 20 years and is the founding partner of LCB www.the-lcb.com  the leadership coaching business. He also has a doctorate in Leadership Coaching and is Chairman of Nest.

Here are some insights relevant to all business leaders but particularly to those who are taking on a significant challenge, not least the creation of a new business:

• Tough decisions come with the territory – so make them they won’t go away.
  
• Pinot Grigio and dinner might be great fun but you only really get to know people by read more
  

London Arts

Kienholz: The Hoerengracht Exhibition

The National Gallery has opened a racy, provocative and captivating walk-through tableau capturing the changing face and artistic avenues of Amsterdam’s world-famous Red Light District. Closes 21st February

0207 747 2885 www.nationalgallery.org.uk  
 

Medieval & Renaissance Galleries Opening at the V&A

Victoria and Albert Museum is redisplaying more than 1,800 objects from the period 300AD to 1600. Ten galleries present for the first time the collections in continuous exhibits to tell the story of European art and design from the fall of the Roman Empire to the end of the Renaissance period.

The galleries house some of the world's most remarkable treasures, including the Becket Casket, Gothic altarpieces and the notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci.

www.vam.ac.uk 10.00 - 17.45. Free.

CultureLabel - new culture website

An exciting new website www.culturelabel.com is offering easy access to over 60 museums and galleries. 

The Nutcracker - Ballet

To experience the irresistible joy of Christmas, book tickets for The Nutcracker at London's Royal Opera House www.roh.org.uk 

Wild Thing: Epstein, Gaudier-Brzeska, Gill - Sculpture

Over a period of 10 years (1905 - 19.15), three outstanding young sculptors emerged; Jacob Epstein, Henri Gaudier-Brzeska and Eric Gill. This is the first time that the three artists have been shown together in this revolutionary context and many of the works have not been exhibited in London before.

Royal Opera House, Piccadilly, London W1 www.royalacademy.org.uk  
 

Flashback Exhibition

Using objects from Museum of London's collections, photographic artist Tom Hunter has created a series or unique and surprising portraits: juxtaposing modern London icons, like a Vespa with a 1770s 'panier' dress.

Museum of London, 150 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk

The Snowman - Theatre

Now a major fixture in the Christmas calendar, the stage show based upon Raymond Briggs' much-loved book continues to delight children.

Watch spellbound as the Snowman literally flies through the night sky above you, before escaping the clutches of the evil Jack Frost to return home to Christmas morning.

Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, London, WC2 (nearest tube Holborn). 2nd December - 10th January £12.00 - £30.00 www.peacock-theatre.com

Swan Lake - Dance

When it premiered at Sadler's Wells in 1995, Matthew Bourne's triumphant modern re-interpretation of Swan Lake turned tradition upside down, taking the dance world by storm.

This Christmas the multi award-winning hit returns to the theatre where it all began for a strictly limited run.

www.sadlerswells.com Tickets: £10.00 - £50.00

festive sounds

St Paul's Cathedral - Sankta Lucia Carol Service

In addition to a number of ‘normal’ carol services throughout December, on the 11 at 18.30, St Paul’s Cathedral is joining with the Swedish Church to stage the candlelit Sankta Lucia Carol Service.

Contact www.swedishchurch.com for tickets £12.00.

Benjamin Britten’s enchanting, ‘Ceremony of Carols’

Sponsored by Lloyds TSB, featuring the Cathedral Choir, City of London Orchestra and celebrity reads. All welcome.
December 12 at 17.00 www.stpauls.co.uk 
 

Westminster Abbey - Class FM Christmas Concert

Let your eyes soar to the country's loftiest medieval vault while listening to Class FM Christmas Concert in which the abbey's outstanding choir combines with guest performers December 15 at 19.00 for tickets visit www.westminster-abbey.org/

St Pauls - Christmas Eve Carol Service starts at 16.00 and you are advised to arrive early. St Paul’s Cathedral 0207 236 4128 www.stpauls.co.uk  

executive santa - an exclusive interview

Read this hilarious piece by Diggory's own contributor Roger Collis, author, and columnist for the New York Times and CNN. www.rogercollis.co.uk

Santa Claus explaining the challenges of running a big mail-order business!

‘Ho! Ho! Ho! Yes, I have to admit that my organization is outdated, especially for a big mail-order business. And we do have a problem in maintaining contact with our customers. But I think you’ll agree we still have a great deal of customer appeal! This is especially true among younger children coming into the market for the first time. Although we are losing business ‘off the top’ as it were as children reach the age of 10 or thereabouts. It’s the old 80-20 rule – you make 80 percent of sales among 20 percent of the population. read more

gifts for your leading lady

Here are a few ideas, we have many more, and so if you need our assistance talk to us, we are here to help.

The London Silver Vaults
“At The Dressing Table” has ideas for gifts and some unusual collectors’ items.

This Christmas selling exhibition gathers together a wide range of jewellery, grooming items and dressing table silver for men and women, conjuring up the styles of the 1700s to the late twentieth century. 

Monday - Friday 9.00 - 17.30, Saturday 09.00 - 13.00. Free www.thesilvervaults.com/

“You Are Art”

Is she an art lover? You can commission a funky modern portrait for less than you’d think. The artist works from your photo’s you simply choose the style, size and colours you wish to feature www.youareart.co.uk

Satin Style...

For something a little more alluring, Agent Provocateur will not disappoint www.agentprovocateur.com 

Diggory Lifestyle Yellow Brick Package

Imagine the time your family could save if you had a dedicated lifestyle manager to be on hand whenever you need them, to resolve problems, coordinate projects and manage those humdrum domestic tasks. The Diggory Yellow Brick Package is perfect for the lady in your life.

For the month of January 2010, we are reducing the Membership fee by 50% for the Yellow Brick Package, a wonderfully liberating gift for you and your lady. read more

Kate Starkey Couture

'What to buy the woman with everything? Pay her the ultimate style compliment with a Kate Starkey Couture voucher and give her the chance to unleash the designer within'.

Your voucher will be delivered in their signature white box and purple ribbon, with a hand written note on your behalf. All your lady needs to do is turn up for the fitting. www.katestarkeycouture.com 

Why not heighten the experience?

Red Carnation Hotel's flagship property in London, The Milestone, has teamed up with Kate Starkey Couture to offer guests a unique package, combining bespoke tailoring with five-star luxury. www.milestonehotel.com 

Louise Constad - make-up artist to the stars

Let the lady in your life reinvent herself with her own celebrity make-up artist. Private clients can have access to Louise's undivided personal attention in an intimate one-to-one session where they will be given absolute star treatment - either in a Central London location or the privacy of your own home.
www.louiseconstad.com Speak with Jerry for an appointment on 0207 720 6234

Create The Experience

Just how special is she?

Imagine how wonderful and loved she would feel were you to surprise her with a suite at the Milestone Hotel; London's quintessential luxury boutique hotel, a magnificent 19th-century architectural treasure centrally located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea www.milestonehotel.com.

Then after an afternoons' shopping for 'that dress', Louise Constad, make up artist to the stars, arrives to do her makeup; you dress and go to dinner at The Landau  www.thelandau.com/  0207 965 0165, followed by a show at the Theatre or perhaps The Nutcracker Ballet, and then back to the Milestone to sample one of 400 vintage wines in the Stable Bar.

That would be a Christmas present to remember...

Gifts for your man

We have so many gift ideas to suggest to you this festive season, here are but a few.

Rent a Row of Vines

A unique gift for a wine lover – if you are looking for a fun and unique gift for a wine lover, then why not rent a row of vines in an AOC vineyard with 3D wines? It is the year-round enjoyment of being a 'Partner' in a vineyard that makes this unique club so much fun.

As well as taking pleasure in discovering the flavours and complexities of top-quality and great value French wine, you also enjoy a close association with your vineyard and your winemaker - without the hard work!
www.3dwines.com or 01205 820 745

Aspinal - Luxury Wallets

Handmade in beautiful English Bridle Leather Aspinal classic Leather Wallets make a perfect gift for him, especially when you have it personalised and beautifully gift wrapped.

Or perhaps the Aspinal Travel Collection, the set includes, two Luggage Tags, a Deluxe Passport Cover and a Travel Document Wallet - all personalised with his initials www.aspinaloflondon.com

Polo - The Game of Kings

This is a fabulous gift for any man who is interested in horses and sport. Book him the 'Discover Polo Experience', with the Ascot Polo Club, every Sat & Sun, £95.00 for 2 hours and an additional £35.00 for a 15 minute match. 01276 858 545 www.polo.co.uk 

Of course you want your man to look the part so kit  him out before he goes, go to www.polistas.co.uk which is in Burlington Arcade in London's Mayfair.

The Ultimate Bluetooth Headset - Jawbone

A must have for all executives; Jawbone has been able to eliminate real world noise better than any other headset because it is the only headset that can accurately separate speech from ambient noise.www.jawbone.com

A luxurious Male Indulgence - Deluxe Cut-throat Shave

The Barber at Alfred Dunhill promises to provide a regeneration in male grooming, whilst clients relax in traditional barbershop chairs, the barbers offer classic cut-throat wet shaves and haircuts; in ture iconic style influenced very much by film, fashion and music.

Then after his shave you can join him in the The Cellar Bar which promises to be the enclave for a convivial tipple or a quiet pick-me-up. It is stocked with a selection of fine cognacs and whiskies for the drinks connoisseurs. www.dunhill.com Bourdon House, 2 Davies Street, Mayfair, London W1K 3DJ +44 (0)845 458 0779

Stocking Filler

Debrett’s Guide for the Modern Gentleman

A volume that describes itself as “an essential handbook for those who wish to rediscover the art of gentlemanly behaviour for our age”. Armed with 192 pages of advice, Debrett's presents the definitive guide for the modern man.

Embracing work, home, time off, women, sport, food and travel, this is the ultimate, aspirational guide to contemporary and stylish 21st-century living. A miscellany of information, from the fundamental to the arcane and quirky, equips today's man to confront myriad challenges and opportunities with savoir faire and panache. www.debretts.com

Gifts for your boss

Whether your boss deserves a gift or not - politically it may be a good move! Or, perhaps you have a great client and you want to reward them for all their business:

Vintage Port

2007 was an excellent vintage for Port, but buying a full case of 12 is a costly exercise so The Fladgate Partnership have come up with the solution, with their Classic Collection, a wooden box containing three bottles of 2007 vintage port – one each of Taylor, Fonseca and Croft. Available from Selfridges, www.laywheeler.com www.theguildfordwinecompany.co.uk & www.philglas-swiggot.com 
 

The wine lover’s cognac’

Hine, know in the trade as ‘the wine lover’s cognac’, has brought out a new red gift box for its H by Hine Cognac, complete with an embossed letter H, making it a perfect gift for your boss, client or partner…assuming his name is Hector, Harry or Hugo.

‘H’ is a VSOP cognac and a blend of over 15 Petite Champagne cognacs, all matured for more than four years.

At £21.99 it is available from Fortnum & Mason.