Dolce & Gabbana are to design Claridge's Christmas tree for the second year running.

The Italian fashion house has been enlisted to create the festive centrepiece for the prestigious hotel in London's Mayfair for the second year in a row and is planning a more traditional scene than their previous effort, which took on a Sicilian theme.

The designers told Vogue magazine: ''Christmas is the happiest time of the year for children and we want to celebrate it with a tree that brings together all the different cultures from around the world.''

The duo - Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce - will create a ''magical enchanted woodland scene'' complete with animals that gather under branches beside a fire and baubles decorated with images of landmarks from various cities, with the tree dedicated to children around the world.

They added: ''We thought of an enchanted forest where the real meets the unreal, just as it does the night before Christmas. It is a very special tradition because it helps spread our love for Italian craftsmanship around the world.''

General manager at Claridge's, Thomas Kochs, said: ''We are delighted to invite Domenico and Stefano to spread their special magic in our lobby once again.

''Our guests and staff loved their tree so much last year that we just know they will create something equally memorable and enchanting this time.''

The tree is to be unveiled on November 19.