Thursday 29 September 2011

Choose RED… but stay in the BLACK this Christmas!

Truly for You's Xmas Tree Decorations 1As the economic climate shows no sign of a thaw just how do we spread Christmas cheer without breaking the bank? How about spending less than £10 on a Christmas gift that is fully personalised, unique and delivered directly to your friends and relatives?

Father Christmas in his traditional red outfit is just one of the Personalised Xmas Tree Decorations available from the new Truly for You website, where it's easy to order fully personalised Christmas Tree Decoration keepsake gifts.

With over 20 Christmas combinations to choose from every member of the family and friends can be catered for. But what makes them really special is the personalised hand written message using your words with any name - whatever the spelling.

Of course there will always be a place for a little black number at Christmas; and Truly for You’s Bah Humbug! Snowman certainly fits the bill whilst bringing a smile to even the grumpiest amongst us! Check them out at Truly for You

Also available:

“Truly for You” Lovespoon Keepsake gifts - Traditionally in Wales a hand-carved wooden spoon would be given to a loved one as a love token. “Truly for You” has taken this delightful idea and given it a softer, more feminine appeal. Available in colours to suit all celebrations including Anniversaries, Valentines, Mother’s Day, Birthdays etc.

These personalised keepsakes are available in two designs: Love and Cariad (which means 'love' and so much more in Welsh), and in 15 colour choices including Holly and Snowflake Christmas designs, with jingle bells and snowflake charms.

“Truly for You” Loveheart Keepsake – A contemporary design, suitable for any occasion when you want someone special to know just how much you care, an ideal alternative to the Lovespoon Keepsake. They are available in 12 colour choices.

Keepsake gifts are priced at £9.95 each which includes UK mainland P&P. When you order at www.trulyforyou.co.uk it’s easy to request direct delivery to the gift recipient saving you time and money. Keepsake gifts are beautifully presented in a crystal clear display box. For just £1.95 extra, top quality gorgeous silver sparkly wrap is added with matching gift tag and curling ribbon in a colour to complement the keepsake.

Spread Christmas cheer without breaking the bank! Check out a unique range of personalised gifts at www.trulyforyou.co.uk

Wednesday 28 September 2011

The Ben 10 Ultimate Chest Badge!

It's what every Ben 10 fan will be wanting in their Christmas stocking this year, the Ben 10 Ultimate Chest Badge!

It's got 14 super alien voices, plus some funky sound effects, too!

Users can snap together the front and the back of the badge, they can press it for light effects and sounds and press for further ultimate aliens!

You can use it with other cool Ben 10 gadgets!

Parents and grandparents need to know that this is suitable for children aged four and up and that this Bandai toy is available online and from all good High Street toy stores!

It's sure to be a great hit with all Ben 10 fans!

Tuesday 27 September 2011

New from Pokemon!

Yes, there's something new a fun for all Pokemon fans which will make an ideal Christmas present!

It is the Pokemon Poke Ball Twister Figure from Ban Dai!

You can combine the figure, the base and the axle to gain increased power!

There are five different figures to collect and each one comes with an axle, a light or heavy base weight and one Pokemon figure!

You will be able to use the different figures to create some really powerful combinations!

Parents and grandparents, please be aware these are suitable for children aged 4 and up and will be available from online stores and from good High Street toy stores.

Monday 26 September 2011

Poppy Treffry New Christmas Collection

Poppy Treffry Christmas  cosies
Poppy Treffry Christmas Collection 2011

Poppy Treffry has launched a new Christmas collection. Her tea and egg cosies have figures from the Nativity, including an angel, shepherd and kings. Poppy reveals that "the inspiration for this new range came from my own childhood memories of setting out the nativity scene at home each Christmas".

The tea cosy is red and the egg cosies are available in assorted colours. To complete the set there is also a Nativity stocking. Egg cosies are £14.50. Tea cosy and stocking both £48. Poppy’s distinctive cosy designs are all hand made in her workshops in Cornwall.

A great idea for children is the Christmas Card Nativity postcard set. The images on each card can pop out to be made in to individual stand up figures that can then be used as part of the festive decorations around the house or in a child’s bedroom. Each set is £4.50. Poppy has put other designs on to paper with a range of new Christmas cards too. Like the cosies these little figures can become part of the family decorations year after year.

This summer Poppy started her craft courses to teach the basics of freehand machine embroidery and come away from the day with a completed project. Each course runs from 10am to 5pm and includes lunch, £95 per person. With Christmas in mind the two courses in December will involve making a stocking. It’s a good idea to book early, dates to be confirmed.

www.poppytreffry.co.uk

Mail order and stockist info: 01736 369247

Friday 23 September 2011

Wolf Blass Sparking Rose wine for Christmas

Dazzle your guests this party season with Wolf Blass Yellow Label Pinot Noir Chardonnay Sparkling Brut and Yellow Label Sparkling Rosé. Priced at only £12.99, Wolf Blass Yellow Label allows you to bring glamour and sparkle to your party at an affordable price.
 
Impress all your guests by offering something for everyone with the masculine blend of Brut and the feminine notes of Rosé found in the Sparkling range.
 
The Wolf Blass Yellow Label Collection is available now from branches of Tesco, Sainsbury’s and The Co-operative priced at £12.99.

Upon tasting the wine, it became clear that this was no uninspired, insipid Rose! Far from it. It has a certain strength of character, although being of a dry disposition, it is not harsh, though does let your tastebuds know that it is there!

It is refreshing and ideal with or without foods. A drink to be enjoyed, we found.  Would make a suitable alternative to Champagne.
 

Thursday 22 September 2011

Oxford Christmas Market bigger and better than ever, this year

Oxford Christmas Market: 2 -18 December 

With the sound of choirs and live music, market traders offering unique gifts, colourful wooden stalls and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air – the market has something for everybody.

A wide range of children’s activities will be available this year too. A Victorian carousel will be accompanied by a free ‘head through the hole’ Christmas trail with a prize for every child - and Letters to Santa, too! Santa will also be making his annual visit to the Oxford Castle Christmas Grotto.

Around 50 stalls will be offering winter treats such as Bratwurst, Christmas waffles and Glühwein, plus a beautiful range of stunning, handcrafted gifts from all around Europe.

The market will be open Thursday - Saturday: 10am - 8pm and Sunday - Wednesday 10am - 6pm.

If you would like more information on the Oxford Christmas Market, please visit www.oxfordchristmasmarket.co.uk.

That's Beauty and Living: Rudell the Jewellers Entertain with Audemars Pigue...

That's Beauty and Living: Rudell the Jewellers Entertain with Audemars Pigue...: Rudell the Jewellers in association with Audemars Piguet were delighted to entertain 40 clients on 12th September to a fabulous golfing ev...

Gingerbread men, gingerbread houses. Typically Christmas!

There's something that is really redolent of the true, Continental Christmas, the gingerbread house and the gingerbread man construction kits. I remember that, as children, the first time we came across such a Continental delight was when my father came back from a tour of duty in Germany. We had such fun in building and decorating the house and decorating the gingerbread man that Christmas, so many years ago!

Now, the delightful fun of this Continental Christmas tradition is brought very much alive by those clever folks at Bespoke Foods. Their new Gingerbread House and Gingerbread Man kits are available and are safe fun for the entire family.

There is absolutely no baking or cooking, so they are ideal for the children, and everything is there for them to set to to build the house and decorate the giant gingerbread man! Everything is there, the ready-made icing, the buttons. But why let the kids have all the fun? This is an ideal project for creative and nostalgic adults (if they have children or not!) over a glass of German Gluehwein, too!

To find out more please visit www.bespoke-foods.co.uk

Wednesday 21 September 2011

Yellow gold jewellery in abundance at Goldsmiths' Fair



Gold necklace by Kayo Saito

Innovative yellow gold jewellery by designer-makers in abundance at Goldsmiths’ Fair 2011

At Goldsmiths’ Hall
Week One - Monday, September 26 to Sunday, October 2
Week Two - Tuesday, October 4 to Sunday, October 9

A visit to Goldsmiths’ Fair 2011 at Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London which opens on Monday September 26 will leave you in no doubt that gold, particularly yellow gold, remains a firm favourite with jewellers. In fact Goldsmiths’ Fair is the place to go if you are looking for stylish, innovative and original gold jewellery.

Not only has gold been hitting the headlines recently with its rise in price, it has also been making a come-back on the fashion runways and yellow gold jewellery is back in vogue as the ultimate luxury accessory.

Several jewellers at Goldsmiths’ Fair make no excuses for working purely in rich yellow gold. First time exhibitor Sheila Teague of jewellery duo Wright and Teague, says: “I try not to be inhibited by the cost and think only in terms of the sculptural beauty, tactility and versatility that gold allows.”

Other jewellers who share her viewpoint are Polly Gasston who works exclusively in 22 carat gold to create her bold strong confident jewellery which is influenced by ancient goldsmiths but still totally contemporary and relevant in style.

Disa Allsopp, whose latest collection is dominated by yellow gold jewellery said: “I am finding that my clients regard gold as an investment. They admire the precious quality of the material and find it even more desirable when combined with innovative design and craftsmanship.”

David Lamb, Managing Director, Jewellery at the World Gold Council, commented: "{{The upcoming Goldsmiths Fair will highlight how the craftsman's oldest and most precious metal is continuing to inspire the jewellers of today and tomorrow. Gold's unique properties enable innovative jewellery design and the goldsmiths who will be showing at the Fair this year, will demonstrate that high manufacturing standards and craftsmanship are alive and well."

In fact the World Gold Council has recently observed various trends in yellow gold jewellery, many of which are much in evidence at Goldsmiths’ Fair. Texture and colour for example play a key part. The former can be achieved through various techniques such as hammering, forging and reticulation. Tina Engell for instance uses the ancient technique of cuttlefish bone casting to create rings which are left with a rich grainy finish made by the mould which she feels accentuates the natural beauty and warmth of the gold.

In contrast braided gold wire is taken to extraordinary lengths in the hands of Catherine Martin who has adapted traditional Japanese silk braiding textile techniques which she learnt in Japan to make her exquisite jewellery. Each of her jewels is meticulously hand-braided using the finest gold wire. Catherine sometimes weaves platinum wire in with the gold and occasionally incorporates tiny twinkling diamonds to heighten the effect. Likewise Andrew Lamb uses precious gold and silver wires in his jewellery, creating pieces by layering, twisting and overlapping these ‘threads’ to create rippling textures and subtle colour variations, playfully drawing in the viewer and creating a moment of surprise.

Falling in the trend of precious and delicate, new exhibitor to the Fair Beth Gilmour makes highly attractive gold jewellery which is often described as intricate and elegant and it is no surprise that she is influenced by organic leaf patterns and vintage lace.

Gold as the new jewel is also much in evidence at the Fair with many jewellers using yellow gold as a design feature or ornamentation. Katherine Baird for example uses gold detailing in combination with silver to highlight the importance of 'the line' in her work, as do Olivia Schlevogt and Shivani Patel. Award winning jeweller Jacqueline Cullen has developed a unique technique to enable her to add gold granulation to her fabulous jewellery made from inky black Whitby Jet. Her effective use of 18 carat gold granulation emulates the flow of molten gold lava from crevices of a volcano.

The high price of gold has also forced jewellers to become more resourceful and creative in finding new ways of getting the “gold” look but still keeping costs down. For instance Melissa Rigby uses her own technique of fusing fine coloured gold and silver leaf with vitreous enamel (ground glass), while Jane Adam uses an unusual material for some of her pieces – bimetal, which comprises a thick layer of 18 carat gold fused to sterling silver. Like Melissa, Jane has developed her own unique method of scribing through the gold and oxidising the exposed silver lines to create a fascinating, textured surface.

Come and be seduced by the great variety of dazzling gold jewellery on sale at Goldsmiths’ Fair 2011

FACTFILE:

Week One - Monday, September 26 to Sunday, October 2
Week Two - Tuesday, October 4 to Sunday, October 9
Closed Monday October 3 for change over of exhibitors
11am to 7.00pm Monday to Friday (last entry 6.30pm)
10am to 6.00pm Saturday and Sunday (last entry 5.30pm)
Entrance by catalogue purchasable on the door (£7 for one week, £12 for two weeks)

• The 29th annual Goldsmiths’ Fair (first Fair took place in 1983)
• A selling exhibition open to the public and trade.
• 90 exhibitors each week (107 jewellers and 61 silversmiths)
• All the exhibitors are vetted by the Goldsmiths’ Company
• 10 recent graduates have been granted a stand, a loan and a bursary by the Goldsmiths’ Company
• Prices range from £60 upwards to £16,000
• All the silver and precious metal jewellery is hallmarked by one of the four UK Assay Offices.

WHERE?
Goldsmiths’ Hall,
Foster Lane,
London EC2V 6BN
Tel: 020 7606 7010
www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk
Licensed Café on site offering drinks and refreshments throughout the day.

NEAREST UNDERGROUND STATIONS:
St Paul’s, Mansion House, Barbican, Bank
BUSES:
8, 11, 25, 100, 242, 56, 521

www.whoswhoingoldandsilver.com
The Goldsmiths’ Company’s on-line directory for jewellery, silver and works of art enables the public to browse on line to make contact with the maker of their choice. With more than 300 craftsmen, all approved by the Goldsmiths’ Company, the website is the ultimate resource for any requirement in precious metal.

Enjoy Drinking Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte this Christmas

There is something that links Christmas and the festive season with Champagne, and it is true that almost nothing nothing puts you in the festive mood better than a glass of Champagne. A glass of good quality Champagne, that is.

Because you must make your selection carefully. Some Champagnes that are big on name and reputation are not so big when it comes to taste.

But this is, thankfully, not the case when it comes to Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte. And this year is a very special year for Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte and its many fans, for Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte is celebrating its 35th Anniversary this year and has released a limited edition bottle of Champagne to mark the occasion that will be perfect to toast with or to put under the tree this Christmas.

The festive look of the bottle alone makes this Champagne a perfect fit for the party season. Decorated with colourful stripes on a black background, the bottle is striking and could even make an exquisite collector’s item.

Inside the bottle is one of Nicolas Feuillatte’s most delicious Champagnes yet. Cellar Master Jean Pierre Vincent has created an elegant Champagne. In this limited edition bottle he has crafted a blend of three varietals: Pinot Noir (30%), Pinot Meunier (30%) and Chardonnay (40%), all aged for 5 years. The Champagne is straw-coloured in appearance revealing tremendous clarity and brightness.

To accompany the bottle, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte has also released a one of a kind canister and ice bag – the perfect trio to be delivered down your chimney this Christmas. 35th Anniversary products available at John Lewis and Vinopolis London. Bottle RRP: £29

The taste is exquisite and Cellar Master Jean Pierre Vincent has crafted a Champagne that will stand the test of time. We tried the Pinot Noir and it had a taste that is essential Champagne. It was clean and bright on the tongue, it had just the right amount of fizz and makes an ideal accompaniment for almost any type of food or a superb 'stand alone' Champagne for that special occasion party drink when one desires something special to celebrate Christmas, New Year, a special birthday or anniversary, or some other time that needs to be marked with something that tastes remarkably good and can help enliven the spirits.

If you only get one Champagne this year, you must make it Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte.

Monday 19 September 2011

Kids want Gadgets for Christmas!

A new Shopzilla poll reveals what 6-12 year-olds want this Christmas. Santa is not taking austerity measures this Christmas judging by the poll which reveals that electronic pets, laptops, tablets, digital cameras and games consoles are likely to be piled up under the tree this year. On average children in the UK are expecting £167 to be spent on them by their parents, which may not be enough for some of the more costly toys in the list.

£167 is the average amount that 6-12 year olds expect their parents to spend on them in total with more than half anticipating their gifts will cost under £150 in total. The ‘gender pay gap’ may start at a very young age if this Shopzilla survey is any indicator – boys aged 6-12 expect an average of £183 spent on them by their parents this Christmas while the girls are expecting a total of £155 on average – 18% less than the boys. However, Cars 2 toys are just as popular with girls as boys, reaching number five on both male and female Christmas lists.

Kids want to be just like their parents with ‘grown-up’ items such as digital cameras, laptops, iPads and smart phones making the top ten. 14% of the children surveyed no longer play with or use last year’s top gift any more and 12% can’t remember the best gift they received last year.

Neil McCarthy, Sales and Marketing Director at Shopzilla said: “The sheer newness of a must-have item is what attracts many of these young shoppers. It’s not just about getting the right item, it often has to be a certain colour and a particular model. Retailers who anticipate these trends and are able to meet demand will be able to tap into the tech-savvy young market.”

Top 10 most-wanted GIRLS’ toys and gifts:

1. Laptop/tablet
2. Digital camera
3. Nintendo 3DS
4. Electronic Pet
5. Cars 2 Toy
6. A real pet (not a toy)
7. Mobile phone/smartphone
8. Games for a computer console
9. Lego
10. Games Console

Top 10 most-wanted BOYS’ toys and gifts:

1. Laptop/tablet
2. Electronic Pet
3. Nintendo 3DS
4. Digital camera
5. Cars 2 Toy
6. Games for a computer console
7. Lego
8. Mobile phone/smartphone
9. Games Console
10. Moshi Monsters

www.shopzillasolutions.co.uk

(EDITOR: Parents! Just bookmark That's Chirstmas and visit us regularly to check for stories about discounted gifts. I think parents will need all the help they can get, this Christmas!)

Tuesday 6 September 2011

Your child stars in a Personalised Book and meets Father Christmas!


Get your kids involved in reading this Christmas – Star in a Personalised Book and meet Santa!

Personalised books are great for getting kids involved in reading and with this Christmas we’re helping you encourage your kids to read with this Christmassy adventure where your child meets Santa and saves Christmas!

Penwizard’s best selling personalised Christmas book is truly unique and ideal for any child this Christmas! Helping Santa save Christmas is any child’s dream and here at Penwizard we make all dreams come true!

Our best selling Christmas book includes your child on every page in the words and pictures. Simply personalise the character to look like your child and add their name – you can even add a personal message which is printed on the first page!

Make someone very happy this Christmas and visit www.penwizard.co.uk. All books delivered within 5 working days.

Personalisation:
- First name & Surname
- Hairstyle, colour & skin tone
- Town name
- Two best friends or relations
- Two adults

Book Specification
- Full colour gloss cover
- 24 Full colour pages
- Perfect bound paperback
- Size: 21 x 28 cm

Free P&P on all orders using code 251210 on the Penwizard site, terms ans conditions apply.

Sunday 4 September 2011

Carluccio’s Festa Di Natale ~ The Christmas Party ~


Carluccio’s has been working all year round to bring you ~ Festa di Natale (The Christmas Party).

Carluccio’s team have travelled across Italy, meeting their favourite artisan producers and friends all of whom are dedicated to offering the highest quality products, to bring together the finest Italian food, drink and gifts for the festive season.

Oozing elegance, this year’s range of gifts is packaged in gorgeous gold, red and orange wrapping, finished with beautiful illustrations of the gifts within.

CARLUCCIO’S CHRISTMAS ~ TRADITIONAL ITALIAN TREATS

Iconic Italian Christmas cake panettone is a classic gift to give to friends and perfect to enjoy with the family over the festive period. Carluccio’s panettone is made with the finest quality ingredients and each one takes 24 hours to create.

Choose from Panettone Tradizionale (1Kg, £16.95), made with dried fruit, candied peel and topped with hazelnut icing or Panettone al Cioccolato (1Kg, £16.95), filled with pieces of milk and dark chocolate and also topped with hazelnut icing. If your tastes are molto piccolo, both the chocolate and traditional panettone are available in a mini version (60g, £3.95).

Buttery sponge cake Pandoro (1Kg, £16.95) is another classic Italian cake, meaning “golden bread”. Wrapped in beautiful orange paper, the kids will enjoy preparing this cake for the table as it comes with a pouch of icing sugar, which is poured over the cake and shaken while still in the bag. The end result is reminiscent of a snow-capped mountain.

Carluccio’s Tortionata (500g, £9.95) almond shortcake is handmade in Lombardia on the outskirts of Milan. The recipe dates back to the 1800s and is made from a mix of flour, Sicilian almonds, freshly-churned butter and a touch of lemon peel. This glorious cake is the perfect Christmas treat accompanied with a glass of Vin Santo or afternoon espresso.

Tuscan cake Panforte Bianco (300g, £9.95) is made by a family producer to a recipe that dates back to the Middle Ages – candied fruit, toasted almonds, honey, cinnamon and nutmeg are mixed together and the cake is dusted in sugar and hand wrapped to finish.

New to the range this year is Varchiglia alla Monacale from Calabria (300g, £9.95), a marzipan tart covered in a rich dark chocolate.

CARLUCCIO’S CHRISTMAS ~ FESTIVE TABLE

Carluccio’s delis will all be filled with the finest Parma hams, truffle oils, pastas, risottos, Prosecco and fine Italian wines to help you create the perfect festive banquet.

Get the party started with Carluccio’s Table Torpedo (£24.95), an exploding indoor centerpiece filled with colourful streamers, sweets and party accessories. Carluccio’s brightly coloured Mini Christmas crackers (6 x 30g, £12.95) contain a party hat, individually wrapped chocolates and Italian trivia to test your knowledge.

Be sure to have a jar or two of Carluccio’s Baci di Dama (‘ladies kisses’, 875g, £15.95) on hand near the dinner table – the tasty hazelnut biscuits with a chocolate filling are perfect to share with guests at the end of the meal. Or, why not top your table with Carluccio’s Grissini al Cioccolato (350g, £10.95), these sleek chocolate-coated breadsticks are a favourite of Antonio Carluccio!

CARLUCCIO’S CHRISTMAS ~ SWEETS & STOCKING FILLERS

The Festa di Natale chocolates and sweets this year are a celebration of Italian specialities. Clemente in Camicia (300g, £16.95) dark chocolate covered clementines come from Calabria; Grappini (85g, £7.95) chocolates filled with grappa liqueur from Perugia; and hazelnut Torrone (1Kg, £24.95) is made in Asti to a traditional recipe. Fill stockings with Carluccio’s Soldini net of coins (140g, £2.50); chocolate cigars (100g, £4.95); and Pupazzetti chocolate Santas (180g, £5.95).

Or, for a more grown up gift, Fichi Ricoperti (180g, £9.95) Calabrian figs are baked and then stuffed with walnut and citrus peel and covered in a thick dark chocolate.

CARLUCCIO’S CHRISTMAS ~ CARLUCCIO’S GIFT SETS

Carluccio’s range of Christmas gift boxes and hampers offer something for everyone this year. Choose from the classic Lui e Lei (‘his and hers’ £22.95) containing matching bottles of Emilia Romagna extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Foodies will love the Piatto di Risotto box (£29.95) filled with everything you need to make and enjoy a classic risotto at home – risotto rice, fonduta cheese & truffle sauce, olive oil, a bottle of

Rosso del Veneto wine and a risotto spoon.

Perfect for those with a sweet tooth the Celebrazione gift set (£35) includes a bottle of prosecco, hazelnut truffles and slices of nutty torrone arranged in a beautiful red box; and, if you really want to impress, choose La Festa (offered in two sizes £95/£60), packed with a wide range of Carluccio’s classics foodie favourites.

CARLUCCIO’S CHRISTMAS ~ SHOPPING EVENINGS

On Thursday 1st and Thursday 8th December, from 6pm, Carluccio’s caffès across the UK will be a hub
of festive cheer as shoppers enjoy a 10% discount on the entire Christmas range. Browse and select your favourite gifts whilst enjoying a complimentary winter-warming glass of vino cotto (traditional mulled wine) and piccoli assaggi (festive canapés).

CARLUCCIO’S CHRISTMAS ~ ENTERTAINING

Whether you’re planning a large office do or small gathering, Carluccio’s can cater for your Christmas event. Pop into your local foodshop where knowledgeable and helpful staff can help you select the best wines and plan your bespoke party menu.

Choose from fabulous Italian antipasti platters (from £30), whole Parma hams (4.5Kg £120), and individual stuzzichini (canapés, from £1.60 each) including moreish arancini con mozzarella (mini risotto rice balls with mozzarella) and gambero alla pancetta (large prawns wrapped in Parma ham).

Buon Natale from Carluccio’s!

www.carluccios.com
 
twitter: @carluccioscaffe

Saturday 3 September 2011

Let Swizzels Matlow bring you the sweetest Christmas, ever!

Top UK sweet makers, Swizzels Matlow Ltd have introduced a new range of Chirstmas sweet treat stocking fillers.

Swizzels Matlow is as great a tradition as Fish and Chips, and probably with older roots, and their new range of gigantic and Christmas decorated tubes will be a great addition to anyone's stocking this Christmas. And they contain no artificial colours and are eminently suitable for vegetarians, too.

And if you have to buy Chirstmas confectionery for people who either do not like chocolate or who are allergic to chocolate, these gigantic tubes (they come filled with Love Hearts, Drumsticks or Refreshers) will comes as a real festive treat for them.

As Sarah-Louise Heslop, the marketing manager at Swizzels Matlow points out: "This exciting new Christmas range is the perfect stocking filler or gift for relatives or friends who you are stuck to buy something for. They provide a refreshing alternative to chocolate and are the first in a new range of Christmas products."

Swizzels Matlow is the UKs largest family-owned independent sugar confectioners and one of the very few firms still making sweets within the UK, so buying their sweets makes a lot of sense!

Also look out for their Rainbow Drops, Double Lollies, Fruity Pops, etc.

Friday 2 September 2011