This season, The Kensington and Waterford come together to create a Frosted Winter Wonderland shaped by the shared appreciation for atmosphere and craftsmanship, grounded in Irish warmth.
Reimagining the hotel’s charm through a soft, wintry palette, guests experience the splendor of Christmas through light catching on fir tree branches and the shimmer of crystal woven through the space.
Crisp details meet sage tones and pearlescent accents, inviting guests into a timeless style that still feels fresh. Together, The Kensington and Waterford offer a setting where the brilliance of a finely crafted experience highlights the season’s beauty: a festive space made for connection and joy.
The enchanting experience begins before guests even step through the doors. The Kensington’s façade has been transformed into a woodland of evergreens rising in soft layers as light settles amidst snow-dusted branches and winter berries. A canopy of garland, wreaths and winter greenery frame the entrance, creating a sense of pause as guests enter with natural details signaling an arrival somewhere set apart from the rush of the city. Inside, a majestic Christmas tree stands as the centerpiece and anchor of the hotel’s festive decor. Dressed in Waterford crystal baubles, snowflakes, stars, and icicles, the pieces on its branches catch the light with a clarity shaped by generations of craft. Hand-tied velvet bows throughout the display lead the eye upward to the crowning star shining at the top. Finished with artfully wrapped gifts nestled at the base, the scene exudes tasteful cheer.
As guests move through The Kensington, the festive character continues in details that shape each room. Fireplaces become stages for winter ambience, with hearths draped in foliage and silver tones to play with the firelight. Waterford ornaments glimmer above the mantel, reflecting the shifting shadows and patterns of light as the day passes. Along the main staircase, cascading garlands and sage velvet bows create a sense of movement. Crystal accents, pearl tones, and soft metallic notes bring depth to the scene, the elements working to accent the architecture without overwhelming it. On the staircase fireplace’s mantel, a miniature winter scene comes to life: crystal trees and gingerbread houses intentionally rested to invite the eye.
At the center of the drawing room, a striking 25.5-inch-tall Christmas Mastercraft Nutcracker stands on display. Sculpted from solid crystal, this piece requires 122 hours to create. A testament to artistry perfected over 240 years, five Waterford master craftsmen must work together to render the figure’s crisp linear cuts and sculpt the silhouette at the House of Waterford in Ireland. Surrounding the piece, ferns and crystal Christmas trees weave through, adding movement and a soft natural counterpoint to the installation. Each element is shaped with the precision and intention that define Waterford, from the gathering and blowing process through masterful cutting and finishing.
Festive indulgence takes on a more personal tone in The Kensington’s Signature Suites which feature bespoke Waterford chandeliers. Guests can also pour a selection of whiskeys, fine wines, and champagne, served in Waterford, adding a moment of private ease and enjoyment. The in-room bars carry pieces from the Mastercraft collection, including the Irish Lace Decanter Set, whose sculptural detail blend seamlessly with the softness of its namesake pattern. Inspired by traditional lacework, each cut is placed with purpose, creating a design that feels intricate yet balanced.
At The K Bar, the season unfolds through two signature experiences created in partnership with Waterford. Guests can settle by the fire with an Irish Coffee, updated by the bar's expert mixologists through warming spices and a fresh cream finish. Served in the Lismore Irish Coffee glass, the drink’s warmth and color perfectly complement the iconic cut crystal.
For those seeking something more decadent, The K Bar’s tableside Chocolatini steals the show. Presented from a custom-built martini cart, the cocktail blends Monkey 47 with white and dark chocolate liqueurs and a hint of chocolate bitters.
Served in the Waterford Lismore Red Martini Glass—its deep color capturing the Gothic-inspired pattern—the cocktail becomes a multisensory encounter from the pour to the final sip.
The Kensington and Waterford come together as two design icons rooted in artistry and hospitality. Across the hotel, each space reflects a shared belief in the power of craft to shape experience; how the right atmosphere, the right light, the right glass can capture a feeling. The details invite guests to embrace the season’s best aspects: celebrations with those who matter most, thoughtful moments of connection, and the pleasure of being surrounded by beauty.Register now to become a Waterford member. New members take 10% off your next order. All members earn points toward reward vouchers with every purchase, enjoy exclusive breakage warranties on most pieces, and gain early access to shop sales and new arrivals.
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