When you stroll down orchard Road this year to soak in the colourful street atmosphere and festive spirit, make a little detour to the Royal Plaza on Scotts to see the Venetian-themed Christmas the staff there have prepared.

Night scene

More colour and pomp awaits guests and passers-by as two hotel staff, dressed in colourful masquerade costumes complete with masks, come out and greet passers-by. Making their rounds both inside and out of the hotel are a 'lord' and a 'lady', who make an appearance during daily from 12 noon - 1.30pm and 7pm - 8pm, except Sundays, when the hotel hosts lunch and dinner at the Gourmet Carousel.

      'Live mannequins'                        The night scene at Royal Plaza on Scotts' display window

Ms Lynn Tan, the hotel's marketing communications manager, said: "We want to celebrate Christmas in a big way this year. The Venetian theme was thought up by our general manager, and our two 'live mannequins' were handpicked by the management to greet guests."

A mask for charity

Also on display in the hotel's lobby are 10 beautifully crafted Venetian masks, picked by the hotel's general manager and flown in from Italy to complement the carnival-esque atmosphere. But the masks also serve a worthy cause, as the public can buy a lucky draw ticket for $10 for a chance to win one of the masks of their choice and contribute to the Community Chest, which is the hotel's adopted charity.

The Venetian masks up for auction

Of singing butlers and Christmas carols

And while you are admiring the sights, check out the hotel's daily buffet spread too, as staff form a group of singing butlers to entertain diners while they eat with a medley of Christmas carols and songs. Of note is the nightly light-up in the hotel's front lobby. It becomes bathed in a warm glow as clusters of candles are lit to impart a festive feel as guests tuck in to dinner during the holiday season.

Last minute Christmas gifts

If you are looking for some last-minute holiday gifts, the Gourmet Carousel offers some goodies that look as good as they taste too. Check out the cafe's hand-made chocolate pieces, that are created by Dutch chef, Ruben Jan Adriaan, who ran the pastry kitchen at Corduroy & Finch before joining Carousel this year. Santa boots, a chocolate piece filled with assorted amandine, or a hobby horse made entirely out of chocolate will make for an indulgent and pretty gift at someone's Christmas party.

Just call Carousel at 6589 7799, or email carousel@royalplaza.com.sg to place your orders.

Gourmet Carousel's Chocolate Hobby Horse, $48            Chocolate Santa boots filled with amandine, $45