Use Cheese for Your Christmas Dinner this Year!

You may recall the other day when I mentioned having cheese as the centrepiece for your Christmas dinner instead of the traditional turkey? And that I'd blog about that idea? 

Well, today's the day!

Roast potatoes, sprouts, gravy and something golden in the middle of the table that everyone wants a slice of. If you fancy a change from turkey this Christmas, bring out a Cheddar and cranberry Wellington and carve it at the table.

Mature Cheddar gives the filling a proper bite, chestnuts and mushrooms make it substantial enough for the main course, and a little cranberry sauce cuts through the richness. Add a few puff pastry holly leaves and you’ve got a Christmas centrepiece worth bringing out whole.

Cheddar, mushroom and cranberry Wellington

Serves 4–6 with trimmings

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

400g chestnut mushrooms, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tsp thyme leaves

150g cooked, peeled chestnuts, roughly chopped

200g mature Cheddar, coarsely grated

3 tbsp cranberry sauce

1 x 320g sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry

1 egg, beaten

You can also add bacon lardons if you aren't cooking for vegans and add strips of bacon to cover it, too.

How to make it

Heat the oil in a wide frying pan and soften the onion for about five minutes. Add the mushrooms and fry over a medium-high heat, stirring, until the liquid they release has evaporated. Stir in the garlic and thyme for the final minute. Add the chestnuts, season with black pepper and leave the mixture to cool completely.

Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Unroll the pastry onto a baking tray lined with baking parchment. Stir the Cheddar into the cooled filling and shape the mixture into a compact log down the centre of the pastry, leaving room at both ends to seal it. Spoon a thin stripe of cranberry sauce along the top.

Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg. Fold the pastry over the filling, pinch the seam and ends shut, then turn the Wellington seam-side down. Brush the top with egg and cut two small slits to let steam escape. If you have any pastry offcuts, use them to make holly leaves or stars.

Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the pastry is golden and crisp and the filling is piping hot. Rest for 10 minutes before carving into thick slices.

Keep the Christmas trimmings

Serve with roast potatoes, sprouts, maple-roasted parsnips and a jug of onion gravy. If you’re cooking for vegetarians, choose Cheddar labelled suitable for vegetarians and use vegetable stock in the gravy.

You can make the mushroom and chestnut filling on Christmas Eve and refrigerate it once cooled. Then on Christmas morning, stir in the Cheddar, wrap it in pastry and pop it in the oven.

Further reading:- Waitrose’s mushroom and chestnut Wellington

https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/recipe/mushroom-and-chestnut-wellington

And we'll likely be buying our cheese from Waitrose for this.

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Get Your Washing Machine Christmas Guest Ready with Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver

Preparing for Christmas guests? Discover how Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver can help tackle pet hair in your laundry before the festive season.

Christmas is coming, and for many households that means welcoming family and friends, preparing delicious festive meals, decorating the house and making sure everything is ready for the celebrations.

But there's one hardworking household appliance that might be overlooked during all those Christmas preparations. Your washing machine!

At That's Christmas 365, we believe getting your home Christmas-ready involves more than putting up the decorations and stocking the cupboards with mince pies.

And if you share your home with cats or dogs, there's another consideration: pet hair!

The Hidden Problem of Pet Hair

We love our pets, but there's no denying that they can leave their mark on our homes.

From fluffy blankets and pet bedding to towels and clothing, animal hair can find its way into practically every wash.

Over time, pet hair can accumulate inside your washing machine, particularly around the door seal, drum and filter.

And when you're expecting Christmas guests, the last thing you want is a washing machine that's struggling with accumulated pet hair or leaving unwanted fluff on freshly washed bedding.

That's where Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver could come in handy.

Give Your Washing Machine a Christmas Makeover

Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver is designed to dissolve pet hair during a hot washing cycle, helping remove unwanted hair from washable pet bedding and other suitable items.

Unlike ordinary detergents, which aren't specifically formulated to dissolve pet hair, Vamoosh uses a specialised formula to tackle this particularly stubborn household problem.

It's especially useful for households with long-haired cats and dogs, where even regular washing doesn't always remove every trace of fur.

Before using Vamoosh, check the product instructions carefully. Pet Hair Dissolver requires a high-temperature cycle and should only be used with items suitable for the specified temperature. It isn't a substitute for a dedicated washing machine cleaner or routine machine maintenance.

Getting Ready for Christmas Visitors

Think about everything your washing machine will be doing over the festive season.

There'll be guest bedding to wash, towels to freshen up, Christmas tablecloths to prepare and perhaps even a few festive jumpers needing attention.

And once Christmas dinner is over, the laundry basket will probably be filling up again!

Giving pet bedding and other suitable pet-hair-covered items a Vamoosh treatment before your guests arrive could help reduce the amount of unwanted fur circulating through your laundry.

It's also worth cleaning your washing machine's detergent drawer, wiping the door seal and checking the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Don't Forget Your Four-Legged Family Members!

Christmas is a special time for pets, too.

Whether your cat has claimed a favourite Christmas blanket or your dog enjoys curling up in a cosy bed beside the Christmas tree, keeping their bedding clean is part of maintaining a welcoming home.

Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver offers a practical way of tackling one of the less glamorous aspects of pet ownership.

One Less Thing to Worry About This Christmas

With so much to organise during December, anything that makes household chores easier deserves consideration.

So, while you're polishing the glasses, putting fresh sheets on the guest beds and making sure there's plenty of Christmas pudding, spare a thought for your washing machine.

A little attention now could help keep your festive laundry running smoothly.

After all, Christmas guests are always welcome, but unwanted pet hair on their freshly washed bedding certainly isn't!

https://vamooshcleans.com

Creating the Perfect Christmas Cheeseboard

After the excitement of Christmas dinner, there's something wonderfully relaxing about settling down with a selection of cheeses, crackers and perhaps a favourite drink.

Although I might prefer to have cheese as the main Christmas centrepiece, but that's just me! More on that off-the-wall idea later.

A Christmas cheeseboard can be as simple or elaborate as you wish.

But choosing the right combination can make it particularly enjoyable.

Start with variety.

A mature Cheddar provides a familiar, full-flavoured option, while a soft cheese such as Brie or Camembert offers a contrasting texture.

Blue cheese enthusiasts might appreciate Stilton, a traditional Christmas favourite.

You could also include a crumbly Lancashire, Cheshire or Wensleydale cheese.

For something different, consider a goat's cheese or a regional speciality from a British artisan producer.

The aim isn't to include as many cheeses as possible.

Three to five carefully chosen varieties are usually sufficient for a modest gathering.

Next, think about accompaniments.

Plain crackers allow the flavours of the cheese to shine, while oatcakes and speciality biscuits provide interesting alternatives.

Chutneys, grapes, apples, pears and nuts can add contrasting flavours and textures.

A fig chutney or traditional onion marmalade can work particularly well with stronger cheeses.

Presentation matters, too.

Arrange the cheeses on a suitable board or platter, allowing enough space for guests to cut portions comfortably.

Provide separate knives where practical, particularly for strongly flavoured varieties.

Cheese is often best enjoyed when it has lost some of its refrigerator chill, but food safety remains important. Put out manageable quantities and return leftovers to appropriate storage promptly.

If you're serving wine, beer or alcohol-free drinks, choose something that complements rather than overwhelms the cheese.

At That's Christmas 365, we think a good cheeseboard is one of the simplest festive pleasures.

It encourages conversation, invites people to try something new and provides a wonderfully sociable conclusion to a Christmas meal.

And there's always room for another small piece of Stilton, or two!

The Great British Christmas Dinner. Are We Becoming More Adventurous?

For many British families, Christmas dinner means roast turkey, stuffing, roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts, pigs in blankets and generous helpings of gravy.

And let's not forget the Christmas pudding!

But while traditional festive food remains popular, there's no reason why Christmas dinner has to follow exactly the same menu every year.

Increasingly varied dietary preferences and international culinary influences have made alternative festive meals worth considering.

Some households prefer roast beef, goose, duck or a vegetarian/vegan centrepiece.

Others enjoy seafood, Mediterranean dishes or food inspired by their family's cultural heritage.

The Christmas table can be an opportunity to celebrate both tradition and individuality.

One particularly appealing approach is to retain familiar favourites while introducing something new.

Perhaps try roasted Brussels sprouts with chestnuts, an unusual stuffing recipe or a different way of preparing potatoes.

Vegetarian and vegan Christmas dishes have also become more imaginative.

Mushroom Wellington, roasted vegetable pastries and festive nut-based dishes can provide satisfying alternatives to meat.

For those who enjoy cooking, Christmas offers an opportunity to experiment with flavours and ingredients.

However, there's an important distinction between creating an exciting menu and making life unnecessarily difficult.

Preparing several unfamiliar dishes simultaneously can be stressful, particularly when entertaining a large family.

If you're planning something adventurous, test the recipe beforehand.

And don't forget to accommodate guests with allergies or dietary requirements.

At That's Christmas 365, we believe the best Christmas dinner isn't necessarily the most elaborate.

It's the meal that brings people together and leaves everyone feeling welcome.

If your family adores traditional turkey and all the trimmings, there's absolutely nothing wrong with continuing that tradition.

But if you fancy something different this year, why not give it a try?

Christmas dinner should be a celebration, not a set of unbreakable culinary rules.

The Christmas Shopping Mistakes That Could Cost You Money

Christmas shopping can be exciting, but it's also surprisingly easy to make expensive mistakes.

Retailers compete fiercely for our attention during the festive season, and special offers can sometimes encourage us to spend more than we intended.

At That's Christmas 365, we've identified several common pitfalls worth avoiding.

The first is buying without a budget.

A few additional presents here and there might seem harmless, but the costs quickly mount.

Another mistake is assuming that every advertised discount represents a genuine saving.

Before buying, compare prices with other retailers and consider whether you actually need the product.

Delivery charges are another potential trap.

An inexpensive online purchase may become considerably less attractive once postage is included.

Check delivery estimates carefully, too. A bargain isn't much use if it arrives after Christmas.

Be cautious when buying from unfamiliar websites.

Fraudsters frequently exploit the festive shopping season by advertising desirable products at suspiciously low prices.

Research unfamiliar sellers and use secure payment methods.

Returns policies deserve attention as well.

A gift purchased in October might not be suitable when opened in December. Some retailers offer extended Christmas returns, but arrangements vary.

Another common mistake is buying presents simply because they're fashionable.

Popular gadgets and novelty items can be entertaining, but will the recipient still use them in February?

Finally, don't leave everything until the last minute.

Late shopping can reduce your choices and increase the temptation to overspend.

Our advice is to research carefully, compare prices and resist unnecessary pressure.

Christmas shopping should be enjoyable, not a financial obstacle course.

And remember: the best bargain isn't necessarily the product with the biggest discount.

It's something the recipient genuinely wants, purchased at a price you can comfortably afford.

New Limited-Edition Christmas Mousse from Bonne Maman

Deliciously indulgent for the festive season, Bonne Maman's new limited-edition Christmas Mousse combines rich white chocolate mousse, a generous dash of Marc de Champagne with raspberries, blackberries and cherries for a wonderfully festive dessert.

Presented in this season's elegant tones of plum, purple and burgundy, the new Christmas Mousse is the first seasonal dessert from Bonne Maman. Perfect for cosy winter evenings and festive gatherings with family and friends, it's a delightful way to add a little extra magic to the celebrations.

For an effortlessly beautiful serving suggestion, simply garnish the new Bonne Maman Christmas Mousse with fresh berries, delicate meringue kisses or mini shortbreads, and enjoy alongside a glass of sparkling rosé. After all, it's Christmas!

Available in the chilled desserts aisle at Tesco, Waitrose & Partners and Sainsbury's stores nationwide from late October through December. Available in packs of 2 x 70g, RRP £2.20.

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Pure Pet Food Puts Mindful Treating on the Menu This Christmas

Christmas treats are part of the fun for many dogs, but owners may still want to think carefully about what goes into their pets’ bowls at Christmastime. 

Pure Pet Food is aiming to combine festive fun with mindful feeding in its expanded Christmas range for 2026.

The Yorkshire-based dog nutrition brand has introduced its first Festive Selection Box, bringing together food, treats, chews and play. 

Priced at £21.99, it contains more than £25 worth of products at their individual prices and is due to launch later this month.

Inside are Festive Turkey & Cranberry Nibbles and seven Turkey Dental Sticks, plus three new products exclusive to the box: Pork with Apple Chipolatas, a red and green rope bone toy, and a small honey-flavoured milk chew.

The box joins Pure’s wider festive range. Festive Turkey with Apple, Cranberry and a Hint of Sage is available in General and Sensitive recipes, in 400g packs priced at £7.99. Festive Turkey & Cranberry Nibbles come in 70g packs for £3.49. Both products have been available for customers to add to their Pure boxes since 12 October.

Founded in 2012, Pure makes tailored dog food from fresh ingredients that are gently dried to preserve nutrients and natural flavours. Owners add warm water before serving. Each subscription is tailored to the individual dog, taking account of details such as age, weight, breed and specific requirements.

Many owners like to include their dogs in Christmas celebrations. Research cited by Pure found that 73% of British dog owners buy their dog a Christmas present, spending an average of £60, while 85% say they do not want their dog to feel left out. 

Treats are the most popular gift, followed by chew toys. Separate research found that 44% of owners involve their pets in special Christmas treats or meals.

“Dogs are part of the family, so it’s no surprise that owners want them to be part of Christmas too,” said Lauren Aitken, Pure Pet Food’s Head of Customer Experience and Physical Product told That's Christmas 365.

She said the range was designed to feel festive while fitting with how customers think about feeding and treating their dogs.

Pure will also run an interactive Christmas Cracker activity during December. Subscribers will be able to virtually pull a cracker during each of the first three weeks, revealing jokes, mini games, fun facts and the chance to win a Christmas hamper. 

The hampers are expected to grow each week, with the campaign details and partner line-up still being confirmed.

https://www.purepetfood.com

Just in Time for Christmas, Hamley's Introduces Marvin's Slime Creamery

A new stop for slime lovers has arrived at Hamleys on London's iconic Regent Street, just in time for the Christmas shopping season. 

Marvin’s Slime Creamery brings the colourful world of Dope Slimes into the world famous toy shop, inviting visitors to create a personalised, ice cream-inspired slime to take home.

The experience is on the third floor of Hamleys, where the familiar fun of an ice cream parlour gets a playful twist. 

Instead of choosing scoops and sauces, visitors select scented slime and decorate it with sprinkles and charms.

The finished creation looks like a treat, but is designed for squishing and stretching rather than eating.

Dope Slimes is known for its distinctive textures, bright colours, scents and imaginative designs. Marvin’s Slime Creamery is currently the only place outside the United States where visitors can try the brand’s products in this way. Guests can choose their toppings, build their own slime ice cream and take their creation home with them.

That makes it an appealing idea for families planning a day out in London over the festive season. A visit to Hamleys is already a Christmas tradition for many, and this gives children another hands-on activity to enjoy among the toys and demonstrations. It could also make a memorable break during a busy shopping trip, especially for youngsters who love slime and enjoy making things themselves.

Tom Hudson, CEO of Marvin’s Magic, told That's Christmas 365 that the company was delighted to launch the attraction at Hamleys for the Christmas season. 

He described it as a fun, vibrant and personalised experience where slime fans can get creative and make something of their own. He added that the first response from customers had exceeded expectations.

Keane Herman, Hamleys’ Head of UK Retail, told us that the Marvin’s team had taken the store’s existing slime offering and elevated it with creativity and design. He called it London’s number one slime attraction.

Marvin’s Magic was founded in 1987 by magician and entrepreneur Marvin Berglas. The British company is known for magic sets, demonstrations and interactive experiences in toy stores around the world. Hamleys, founded in London in 1760, is a fitting setting for this latest family attraction.

Marvin’s Slime Creamery is open daily on the third floor of Hamleys, Regent Street. There is no need to book: visitors can simply turn up and take part. For details, visit hamleys.com.