Monday, 12 May 2025
That's Food and Drink: The Pathfinder: The Best Non-Alc Tipples for your ...
That's Food and Drink: The Pathfinder: The Best Non-Alc Tipples for your ...: Fermented and distilled, this hemp-based elixir transforms your booze-free concoction with its bold flavours and Old West mystique This Fat...
How to Make Sure Your Business Is Ready for the Christmas Season
Planning well in advance helps avoid last-minute panic and ensures your business makes the most of the seasonal surge.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your business Christmas-ready:
1. Review Last Year’s Performance
Start by analysing how your business performed last Christmas:
What were your bestsellers?
When did your busiest periods occur?
Were there any stock shortages, delivery delays, or staffing issues?
Learning from the past helps you make smarter decisions for the upcoming season.
2. Plan Stock and Inventory Early
Consumers start shopping earlier each year, so don’t wait until December to get festive stock in place.
Forecast demand based on past years and current trends.
Talk to suppliers early to confirm lead times and avoid supply chain issues.
Consider limited-edition Christmas products or gift bundles.
3. Get Your Website and Tech Ready
If you run an online store or booking system:
Optimise site speed to handle increased traffic.
Ensure mobile responsiveness.
Update Christmas shipping dates and returns policies.
Test payment systems and checkout processes.
Also, create a clear plan for customer service support across all digital platforms.
4. Create a Christmas Marketing Strategy
Marketing should be festive, focused, and well-timed. Your strategy might include:
A Christmas countdown or advent-themed campaign.
Email marketing with gift guides, discount codes, or seasonal offers.
Paid ads on Google or social media platforms.
Collaborations or giveaways with influencers or local partners.
Make sure branding is consistent across all touchpoints, from packaging to social posts.
5. Decorate and Embrace the Festive Spirit
Whether online or on the high street, presentation counts:
Update your website or social media profiles with festive graphics and banners.
Decorate your physical store to reflect your brand’s Christmas vibe.
Use music, lights, and in-store experiences to create a memorable shopping environment.
This builds atmosphere and helps get customers into the Christmas spirit.
6. Plan for Staffing and Rotas
Christmas can be hectic, so make sure you have:
Enough trained staff for busy periods.
A clear rota for extended hours or special events.
A contingency plan in case of illness or absence.
Offering seasonal incentives or bonuses can boost morale and productivity.
7. Don’t Forget Post-Christmas Plans
Once the rush is over, be ready for:
Boxing Day and January sales.
Handling returns and exchanges.
Clearing old stock and updating the site or store.
It’s also a great time to thank loyal customers with a New Year promotion or exclusive offer.
Final Thoughts
The key to a successful festive season is preparation. Whether you're a small independent retailer or a growing online brand, planning now can help ensure that Christmas isn’t just merry, but profitable too.
Preparing Homemade Christmas Gifts in Advance
Homemade presents carry a warmth and thoughtfulness that shop-bought items sometimes lack—and if you start early, you can enjoy the process without the seasonal stress.
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a DIY novice, preparing homemade Christmas gifts in advance can make the festive season more joyful, budget-friendly, and meaningful.
Why Start Early?
Starting your Christmas gifting early gives you time to:
Plan thoughtfully: You can tailor gifts to the recipient’s taste.
Avoid the December rush: No last-minute panics or glue-gun disasters.
Spread the cost: Buying supplies across a few months is easier on the wallet.
Add personal touches: Details like hand-painted labels or custom wrapping take time but make a big impact.
And you can get together with like-minded family members or friends to work on your Christmas craft projects together.
Homemade Gift Ideas You Can Start Now
1. Flavoured Oils and Infused Spirits
These make elegant gifts and only get better with time.
Ideas: Chilli oil, rosemary & garlic olive oil, cranberry vodka, or spiced rum.
Tip: Use decorative bottles and add handwritten tags with usage ideas or cocktail recipes.
2. Knitted or Crocheted Items
If you’re clever crafter start now to make scarves, hats, or even mini stockings.
Beginner idea: Try a chunky knit scarf or simple mug cosies.
Personal touch: Add a monogram or the recipient’s favourite colour.
3. Homemade Jams, Chutneys & Preserves
Ideal for foodies and neighbours.
Best made in summer/autumn: Use seasonal produce like plums, apples, or tomatoes.
Presentation: Use fabric-covered lids, festive ribbon, and personalised labels.
4. Baked Goods & DIY Baking Kits
While biscuits and cakes are best made closer to the day, you can:
Make and freeze dough ahead of time.
Assemble DIY cookie jar kits or hot chocolate cones now, storing them in airtight containers.
5. Crafted Candles or Soaps
Homemade candles and soaps are surprisingly easy and incredibly luxurious.
Fragrance ideas: Cinnamon & orange, peppermint, pine, or vanilla.
Packaging tip: Wrap in tissue paper and store in a cool, dry place until Christmas.
6. Memory or Recipe Books
Create a photo book, scrapbook, or recipe collection.
Great for: Parents, grandparents, or grown-up children moving out.
Tip: Print photos or copy recipes gradually to avoid overwhelm.
Organising Your Homemade Gifting
Make a gift list: Include who you’re giving to, what you’re making, and deadlines.
Batch your projects: For example, infuse oils in one weekend, then move on to jams.
Store smart: Keep finished gifts in a dedicated cupboard or box away from damp or direct light.
Label everything: Especially food items with best-before dates.
Eco-Friendly Bonus
Homemade gifts often reduce packaging waste. Wrap your presents in reusable fabric, brown paper with twine, or repurposed tins and jars. Add some sprigs of holly or rosemary for a festive, sustainable touch.
Final Thoughts
Giving homemade gifts isn’t just about saving money. It’s more about giving a piece of your time, creativity, and care.
By starting now, you’ll not only beat the Christmas rush but enjoy the cosy, mindful pleasure of making something beautiful for the people you love. So pop on your favourite festive playlist and get crafting!
Give the Gift of Weather Forecasting This Christmas: A Unique Present for Nature Lovers and Tech Enthusiasts Alike
But if you're on the hunt for something truly unique—something that blends science, curiosity, and a touch of British weather obsession—why not give the gift of weather forecasting?
Why Weather Forecasting Makes a Brilliant Gift
Let’s face it: we British folk love to talk about the weather. Whether it’s comparing forecasts before a countryside walk or grumbling about surprise rain at the school run, it’s a national pastime. But imagine taking that one step further—giving someone the tools to forecast the weather themselves?
This isn’t about guessing if it might drizzle tomorrow. We’re talking about engaging, educational kits and smart tech that allow users to track barometric pressure, wind speed, humidity, and more. It’s part hobby, part science experiment, and entirely fascinating.
Who Would Love This Gift?
Nature Lovers & Gardeners – Knowing when frost is due or if a dry spell is coming can help them care for their gardens or plan the perfect walk.
Tech Fans – Weather stations now come with WiFi connectivity, apps, and smart home integration.
Families with Curious Kids – A weather kit makes science fun, especially during the long winter holidays.
Rural Dwellers – For those living in remote areas, a local weather station can be far more accurate than regional forecasts.
Gift Ideas: From DIY to High-Tech
1. Home Weather Stations
These range from basic analog kits to smart digital models that sync with your phone. Brands like Netatmo, Bresser, and Davis Instruments offer various options depending on your budget and tech preferences.
2. DIY Forecasting Kits for Kids
Perfect for budding meteorologists, these kits include everything from wind vanes and rain gauges to cloud charts. Add a book on weather science, and you’ve got an educational and entertaining bundle.
3. Barometers and Hygrometers
Go traditional with a beautifully crafted wall-mounted barometer—a great gift for someone who appreciates heritage items with practical value.
4. Weather Subscriptions or Apps
Give a subscription to a premium weather app like Windy or AccuWeather, ideal for walkers, cyclists, or anyone whose plans depend on accurate local forecasts.
5. Online Courses or Experiences
Some organisations offer short courses in meteorology or even online experiences guided by real forecasters—great for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding.
Make It Christmassy
To turn your weather-themed gift into a festive surprise:
Wrap it with cloud-patterned paper and add a "forecast: 100% chance of joy" tag.
Include a handwritten note with a local weather trivia or a fun fact.
Pair it with a cosy weather-themed mug or a rain cloud-shaped hot water bottle.
Final Thoughts
Giving the gift of weather forecasting is a thoughtful, unexpected way to support someone’s interests, offer a learning experience, or simply make everyday life a bit more fascinating. It’s practical, personal, and—let’s be honest—very British!
This Christmas, surprise someone with the power to predict the skies. After all, isn’t it nice to know whether it will snow on Christmas Day or Boxing Day?
Mercers’ Company Awards £10,000 Grant to Hope Foundation’s Special Needs Programme in Kolkata
The UMEED programme plays a pivotal role in supporting orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered children with special needs who live on the streets or in the Kolkata slums.
The initiative focuses on rehabilitating these children by providing life skills and developmental support, helping to transition them into families or care organisations where they can thrive.
The grant was made possible through a nomination by Lavinia Higginson, who is a long-standing supporter of HOPE and a member of The Mercers’ Company.
Lavinia shared: "I lived in Kolkata until I was 16 so it has always held a very special place in my heart. I am fortunate to be a member of the Mercers' Company – a city livery company – that gives away £10 million in charitable donations every year and encourages its members to donate on their behalf to charities that are close to their hearts. HOPE absolutely filled that criteria."
Why this initiative matters
The UMEED programme is currently supporting 31 children aged between two and six years of age. These children, many of whom were orphaned, abandoned, or surrendered by family members, are provided with essential care and developmental support. The programme is committed to reaching more children with special needs from Kolkata’s streets and slums.
Children enrolled in the UMEED project will:
be provided with a caring and safe environment
be taught language, cognitive skills and other aspects of brain development
improve their self-help skills
improve their social and fine motor skills
This vital funding will allow HOPE UK to continue its mission of giving every child a chance at a better future.
Thursday, 8 May 2025
Festive Summer Recipes with Christmas Flair: A Yuletide Twist on Warm-Weather Dining
Whether you're celebrating Christmas in July, hosting a festive garden party, or simply craving that unmistakable Yuletide magic, summer is a brilliant time to give your meals a merry makeover.
Here are some festive summer recipes with Christmas flair that blend seasonal freshness with holiday charm.
1. Chilled Mulled Wine Sangria
Swap the simmering pot for a pitcher! This summer sangria captures the warmth of mulled wine with a refreshing twist.
Ingredients:
1 bottle red wine (light-bodied such as Pinot Noir)
100ml orange juice
2 tbsp brandy
1 cinnamon stick
3 cloves
1 star anise
Sliced oranges, lemons, and apples
A handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries
Ice
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a large jug and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve over ice with a cinnamon stick stirrer.
2. Turkey and Cranberry Sliders
These bite-sized beauties are perfect for picnics and BBQs, with all the flavours of Christmas dinner packed into a summer-friendly format.
Ingredients:
Mini brioche buns
Sliced cooked turkey breast
Cranberry sauce
Rocket leaves
Brie or mature cheddar (optional)
Butter or mayo for toasting
Instructions:
Lightly toast the buns with butter or mayo. Layer in turkey, cheese (if using), rocket, and a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Serve warm or cold.
3. Summer Pudding with Spiced Berries
A classic British summer pudding infused with festive spices makes the perfect seasonal dessert.
Ingredients:
Mixed summer berries (raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, redcurrants)
3 tbsp caster sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
Zest of 1 orange
Day-old white bread, crusts removed
Instructions:
Heat berries, sugar, and spices in a saucepan until juices are released. Line a pudding basin with bread, fill with berry mixture, cover with more bread, and weight it down overnight. Serve chilled with clotted cream.
4. Prawn Cocktail Wreath Salad
Reimagine the retro Christmas prawn cocktail as a vibrant summer salad arranged in a festive wreath shape.
Ingredients:
Cooked king prawns
Little gem lettuce, shredded
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Sliced avocado
Marie Rose sauce (mix mayo, ketchup, lemon juice, dash of Worcestershire sauce)
Dill or parsley for garnish
Lemon wedges
Instructions:
Arrange the salad in a circular wreath on a large platter. Top with prawns and drizzle with sauce. Garnish and serve chilled.
5. Frozen Mince Pie Yogurt Bark
A healthier Christmas treat made for sunny days – easy to make and ideal for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
500g Greek yoghurt
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
Crumbled leftover mince pies or mincemeat
Chopped nuts (optional)
Dried cranberries or glace cherries
Instructions:
Mix yoghurt and sweetener, spread onto a parchment-lined tray, and scatter over the toppings. Freeze until solid, then break into shards and store in the freezer.
Bringing Christmas Cheer to the Summer
Creating festive summer recipes is a brilliant way to keep the Christmas spirit alive all year long. Whether it’s for a themed party or just for fun, blending warm-weather ingredients with Yuletide favourites is a creative, delicious way to celebrate. Why wait until December?
Which of these recipes will you try first? Or do you have your own festive summer twist? Let me know in the comments or tag @ThatsChristmas365 on social media with your creations!
Wednesday, 7 May 2025
That's Food and Drink: Tatws Popty — North Wales' Roasted Potato Delight
That's Food and Drink: Tatws Popty — North Wales' Roasted Potato Delight: Wales is no stranger to hearty, comforting potato dishes, and Tatws Popty might just be one of its best-kept culinary secrets. Hailing from...
How to Start a Christmas Countdown Calendar Early
Counting down to Christmas is a magical tradition that builds excitement and sparks joy—no matter your age. But who says you have to wait until December 1st to start? Launching your Christmas countdown calendar early can stretch out the festivities, support wellbeing, and help you stay organised (and joyful!) through the busyness of the season.
Here’s how to do it right—and why you absolutely should.
Why Start a Christmas Countdown Early?
Starting early isn’t about rushing the season; it’s about savouring it more fully. Here are some great reasons to kick off your countdown ahead of December:
Less stress, more sparkle: Spread out planning, prep and shopping to avoid last-minute panic.
Feel-good focus: Enjoy small daily moments of calm or joy, especially when paired with self-care prompts.
Family bonding: Make more memories with extra time for games, crafts, and traditions.
Creative freedom: Build your own version of an advent calendar tailored to your lifestyle.
Ideas for Early Christmas Countdown Calendars
Whether you start on the 1st of November, mid-month, or just before Advent begins, you can customise your countdown to suit your pace.
1. The 50-Day Christmas Countdown (from 6 November)
Start your festive build-up with one small task or treat a day:
Write your Christmas card list
Plan your Christmas menu
Enjoy a festive film night
Make a homemade gift or decoration
Listen to a different Christmas song daily
2. The Weekend-Only Countdown
Begin in early November and dedicate each weekend to something Christmassy. Perfect for busy people or families with limited time.
3. Gratitude or Kindness Calendar
Use your countdown to give back. Include daily suggestions like:
Donate an item to charity
Compliment someone
Write a thank-you note
Pay for a stranger’s coffee
This works beautifully for adults and kids alike—and shifts the focus from “getting” to “giving.”
How to Make Your Own Early Countdown Calendar
Choose Your Style:
Paper chain with daily notes or quotes
Mini envelopes pegged to a string
Digital calendar or app
A printable wall chart or sticker tracker
Decide Your Daily Focus:
Fun activities (crafts, baking, stories)
Organisational tasks (buy stamps, wrap gifts)
Self-care (festive bath, quiet reading time)
Inspirational quotes or Bible verses
Mix it up to keep things fresh and fun!
Final Thoughts
Starting your Christmas countdown early is about making space for joy, intention, and a little bit of sparkle in the everyday. Whether you use it to get organised, celebrate more, or slow down and savour the season, your countdown can be whatever you want it to be.
Because when it comes to Christmas magic… more really is merrier.
Do you start your Christmas countdown early? Share your favourite ideas or photos with us.
How to Organise a Christmas Charity Event in Summer
But why wait until December to spread some festive cheer?
Hosting a Christmas-themed charity event in summer is a brilliant way to fundraise, stand out, and make a difference – all while enjoying the (hopefully) sunny British weather!
Whether you're supporting a local cause or a national charity, here’s how to plan a memorable and impactful event that blends holiday spirit with summer fun.
1. Pick a Theme That Mixes Christmas and Summer
Your theme will set the tone for the entire event, so have fun with it! Think outside the (gift) box:
Christmas in July – a classic twist with decorations, music, and traditional food.
Tropical Christmas – palm trees, Santa in sunglasses, and frozen cocktails.
Festive Picnic – think mince pies with Pimm’s, crackers on picnic blankets, and lawn games with a yuletide twist.
Keep your audience in mind when choosing – families, corporate groups, or the general public may respond differently to various styles.
2. Choose a Suitable Venue
You’re not bound by cold weather, so take advantage of it!
Public parks and green spaces (check local council permissions and/or help)
Community halls with outdoor areas
Private gardens for more intimate events
Beachfronts or riversides for a relaxed, scenic backdrop
Ensure there's access to toilets, shade or shelter in case of rain, and enough parking or transport options.
3. Plan Activities With Festive Flair
Here are some summer-friendly but Christmas-themed activity ideas:
Christmas BBQ or picnic with a twist – grilled turkey skewers, cranberry chutney burgers
Outdoor Secret Santa – people draw names ahead of time and bring small gifts
Carols and live music – swap sleigh bells for steel drums or acoustic guitars
Craft stalls and kids’ games – ornament painting, gingerbread decorating
Santa’s Grotto in a gazebo – with a sunhat and sunscreen, of course!
Include donation stations, raffles, and games like tombolas to encourage giving.
4. Get the Word Out Early
People plan their summers well in advance, so early promotion is key. Use:
Social media countdowns and themed graphics
Local community groups and event boards
Flyers at summer fêtes and local cafés
Email newsletters with teaser content
Press releases to local papers or radio stations
Emphasise the fun, the cause, and the novelty of “Christmas in Summer” to draw people in.
5. Work With Charities and Local Businesses
Partnering with a registered charity not only ensures transparency, but they may also help with marketing, donation tracking, or even volunteers.
Local businesses might offer:
Sponsorship or raffle prizes
Event space or equipment
Food and drink in-kind donations
Staff volunteers
Make sure to acknowledge their support publicly and in post-event content.
6. Dress the Part
Encourage guests and volunteers to don festive attire – Hawaiian shirts with Santa hats, summer dresses with tinsel, or Christmas jumpers with shorts! Consider offering a prize for the best outfit.
7. Don’t Forget the Purpose
While it’s important to create a joyful, summery atmosphere, remember your mission: raising funds or awareness for a cause. Include clear signage, donation QR codes, and short speeches or videos from the charity you're supporting. You could also have a “Wall of Giving” where people share who they’re donating in honour of.
8. Follow Up and Share the Love
After the event:
Thank attendees, donors, and volunteers on social media
Share photos and total funds raised
Send a thank-you email with a link for additional donations
Consider setting a date for next year’s event!
A summer Christmas charity event is a brilliant way to harness festive generosity and summer social vibes. With thoughtful planning and a sprinkle of creativity, you can create an unforgettable experience that brings people together for a good cause – no snow required!
Have you hosted a Christmas-in-summer event before? Share your tips or tag us in your photos!
That's Food and Drink: Really Cheesy Father’s Day Box launched
That's Food and Drink: Really Cheesy Father’s Day Box launched: Created to help cheese loving Dads discover more of the UK’s incredible, wonderful artisan cheesemakers, the Really Cheesy Father’s Day Box ...
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