With Christmas glowing on the horizon like a distant city lighting up a midnight blue sky, we thought we would ask the team of cutters here at bespoke tailors Meyer & Mortimer what gets them in the spirit, what reindeer games they might be playing this year and what Saint Nick might be sending their way.

We start with Cutter and Director:

Brian Lewis

A rather dapper & mysterious Mr Lewis

What are you expecting for Christmas this year Mr Lewis?

Well, I do like my books, particularly history so I am expecting a book on World War II and I’ve requested a bottle of Chanel for Men.

Editor’s Note (E.N): Chanel is proving to be a very popular choice here at M&M as it’s the first of many requests.

How do you like to spend your time over the Christmas break?

My wife is very Christmas orientated but if I’m honest it’s time to take a rest, relax, watch a bit of rugby on TV, do some pruning in the garden – if the weather allows – and read. I love reading and am currently going through John O’Farrell’s An Utterly Impartial History of Britain which is a great read.

And what about Christmas Day itself, where will you be?

Down in the New Forest visiting my mother-in-law. It’s a great place to go for a walk after Christmas lunch.

And you mentioned you like to watch television over Christmas, is there a favourite film (festive themed or not)?

It’s Lawrence of Arabia. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve seen that film, but it does remind me of Christmas as they always used to put it on, pretty much, every year it seemed.

Thank you, Brian, for your answers there. Now on to fellow Director and Cutter:

Paul Munday

Paul Munday: simple pleasures

What’s on your Christmas wish list Paul?

Peace to all men … no, I’m joking [he thinks for a long time and then adds]: a tea cosy.

A tea cosy?

Yes, any kind. I’m tired of wrapping a tea towel around my teapot.

OK, slightly unexpected. Anything else?

Yes, a bottle of Chanel for Men.

E.N: There we go, Chanel’s second entry!

A tea cosy

What are the things that make Christmas for you?

That’s mulled wine and The Wizard of Oz.

What’s the worst present you've ever received as a Christmas present?

I was given a trouser valet.

A trouser valet? This Q&A is proving to be a real education on many levels. What is a trouser valet?

It’s a floor standing hanger to hang your trousers on, your jacket and it has a place for your cufflinks. It was wire framed and not made of wood either. I can understand why it was bought for me, but it never came out of the box.

E.B: Here’s a link to a selection of trouser valet (aka a valet stand)

Well, thank you, Paul, for those illuminating answers, we now move on to shirtmaker Sean O’Flynn, who works out of the Meyer & Mortimer shop.

Sean O’Flynn

Bespoke shirtmaker Sean O'Flynn

Now, Sean is usually a very jovial and conversational man who is ready to add colour and context to any story being told. He has the personality of a kind hearted game show host who eggs you on to win the top prize. However, when engaged in a Q&A he becomes uncharacteristically monosyllabic :

Sean.

Yes?

What’s on your Christmas wish list?

A bottle of Ch...

Let me guess, Chanel for Men?

No, Chanel Pour Homme actually!

Very good Sean. Is there a Christmas tune that says Christmas loud & clear for you?

John Lennon’s 'Happy Christmas (War is Over)'.