Festival of Christmas trees - Francis House Children’s Hospice opens pop-up event

Francis House Children’s Hospice is bringing the magic of Christmas to a pop-up shop in Quayside MediaCityUK by filling it with 40 unique Christmas trees.

The Festival of Christmas trees opens on Saturday, October 28, and aims to encourage members of the public to place bids the unique trees, each packed with vouchers, signed football shirts, hampers, vouchers and handmade gifts.

The annual project involves businesses, community groups and individuals coming together in the decoration of a one-off Christmas tree which will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Greater Manchester hospice.

Based in Didsbury, Francis House provides respite care, homecare, end of life care and a range of other services to the families of children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

Participants this year include JP Goldman, Cardinal Global Logistics, Beaverbrooks the Jewellers, Morrisons, Uplift Knitters, LIFT-Financial, Amaranth, DLA Piper and Lowbury Construction.

The event this year is sponsored by Towers Business Park and Quayside MediaCityUK.

Julie Williams, fundraising officer at Francis House said: "Anyone visiting the display is in for a real treat. With the help of our tree sponsors there is something to tempt everyone to place a bid and be in with the chance of taking a truly unique tree home for Christmas.

“We provide the tree and lights, and the rest is left up to the imagination of our fantastic sponsors. Cardinal Global Logistics have created a bright and beautiful Barbie tree and the Thomason family have put together two trees bursting with football, gaming and food and drink goodies.”

Bids can be placed on each tree for five weeks in the run up to Christmas, either in store or online at www.festivaloftrees.co.uk

A range of Christmas decorations, gifts and cards are also on sale in the shop along with the opportunity to win a raffle prize and take part in a lucky dip.

With some trees fetching hundreds of pounds each it is hoped the event this year will exceed the £25,000 in profit raised in 2022.

The shop can be found on the first floor of Quayside MediaCityUK, formerly the Lowry Outlet and runs from October 28 until December 3.

To view a gallery of the trees and to discover more visit www.festivaloftrees.co.uk

Tower makes excellent Christmas presents

I was talking with my wife recently and we were discussing ideal Christmas presents. We'd seen someone on a TV programme saying that no woman would like kitchen equipment and gadgets for Christmas presents and my wife said: "That's not true as far as I am concerned! I love the idea of kitchen equipment and gadgets for Christmas presents!"

She also reminded me that she was absolutely thrilled when I bought her a set of stepladders for our wedding anniversary. (Ideal for reaching safely into tall cupboards in our kitchen, you see? She actually asked for them as her present.)

Many women, like my wife, adore the idea of good, sensible items for Christmas presents (and many men, too) and these superbly designed and made products from Tower will make absolutely wonderful Christmas presents for students who are away from home in student accommodation or for young people who are setting up their own homes for the first time. 

Those wonderful folks at Tower have asked us to share these amazing products with our readers, so here they are:-

T17128 – Vortx 12L Air Fryer Oven Black Chrome – Tower Website Exclusive

https://www.towerhousewares.co.uk/air-fryers/vortx-12l-air-fryer-oven-black-t17128

Tower’s newest Air Fryer, T17128 12L Air Fryer Oven cooks food 30% faster and uses less power than a conventional oven. Save up to 70% on your energy bills by switching to Air Fryer cooking.

This product also features a Rotisserie Function, cooking a chicken in under 1 hour! The ideal appliance for Christmas Dinners this year!

RRP: £149.99 (Black Friday Offers Available 13th Nov – 27th Nov)

T17136 – Vortx 7.6L Dual Basket Air Fryer Grey Chrome – Tower Website Exclusive

https://www.towerhousewares.co.uk/air-fryers/vortx-dual-basket-air-fryer-grey-t17136

This 7.6L Air Fryer features 6 preset functions and has dual basket technology, including Smart Finish so your food cooks at the same time!

99% less fat & cooks 30% faster than a conventional oven. Save up to 70% on your energy bills by switching to Air Fryer cooking.

RRP: £129.99 (Black Friday Offers Available 13th Nov – 27th Nov)

T900302 – Smart Start Ultra Forged 30cm Frying Pan – ON TV IN NOVEMBER!

https://www.towerhousewares.co.uk/frying-pans/smart-start-30cm-frying-pan

Simply wait for the SmartStart tick to dark red & take the guess work out of cooking for perfect results.

Features an aero glide ultra non-stick coating for superior food release & easy clean. Oven & dishwasher safe!

RRP: £33.99

T12069 – 1.6L Soup Maker Saute Function

https://www.towerhousewares.co.uk/soup-makers/16l-soup-maker-saute-function

Add more flavour to dishes without the mess! 4-in-1 cooking: Soup, Juice, Blend & Clean

Includes Saute function – save time on cleaning by cooking everything in one pot! Great for meal prepping or simple making winter favourites!

RRP: £69.99

T513011 – VL70 Flexi Anti Tangle Cordless Vacuum

https://www.towerhousewares.co.uk/cordless-vacuum-cleaners/vl70-flexi-anti-tangle-cordless-vacuum

High-performance cordless cleaning all around your home.

Use as a cordless vacuum for carpets and hard floors, a detachable handheld for cars, stairs and upholstery or use the 75cm flexi pole for going under tables and other low down areas

RRP: £129.99 (Black Friday Offers Available 13th Nov – 27th Nov)

T67300 – Portable Desktop Air Purifier

https://www.towerhousewares.co.uk/air-purifiers/tower-portable-desktop-air-purifier-grey-t673000

Portable Desktop Air Purifier with Multicolour Mood Lighting

Keeping your home environment refreshingly clean and free from allergens. Enjoy fresh clean purified air with a powerful clean air delivery rate (CADR) of 120m3/h - Ideal for rooms up to 14m²

RRP: 99.99 (Black Friday Offers Available 13th Nov – 27th Nov)

We would like to thank Tower for allowing us to share these products with our readers.

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That's Food and Drink: European Cheeses That Make Perfect Winter Warming ...: Winter is the perfect time to cook with cheese and European cheeses are essential ingredients in the kitchen due to their diversity of textu...

Biggest ever pet sale launched by Tesco as ownership of cats and dogs reaches record levels

That's Christmas has already covered buying Christmas gifts for pets, and Tesco has pointed out that ownership of dogs and cats in the UK is at its highest level ever following the lockdown years when 3.2 million Brits acquired a pet.

According to latest pet population information from the PDSA’s annual PAW Report (2023) reveals that the UK has:

11m dogs – 29% of UK adults own a dog

11m cats – 24% of UK adults own a cat

The overall pet population has increased from 8.3m in 2011 to 11m in 2023 

And Tesco is gearing up for what it believes will be the biggest ever Christmas for pets by launching a ‘4 for 3’ sale on all its pet products including food, toys and accessories.

The sale, said to be Tesco’s biggest ever for pets, which is open to all Tesco Clubcard holders, has just launched and will run until 14 November.

Pet experts at the supermarket predict along with the wide range of treats available, two training toys that should give owners as much fun as their pets will be amongst the most popular gifts.

The first is a set of Pet Training Buttons for dogs, which cost £7, that can be customised to teach your pet to answer various electronic sound commands that you record. By placing a paw on any of the various buttons or pads your pet can be taught to react to commands such as ‘Treat, ‘Play’, or ‘Outside’.

The other is a Pet Treat Launcher for cats or dogs that will help keep your pet fit by chasing after its favourite treat which can be fired from the device by a trigger operated mechanism. These cost £4 each.

Tesco Pet Category Buying Manager John Hext commented: “We know that Britain is a nation of animal lovers and now so more than ever as a result of the huge number of pets that were acquired during lockdown.

“As a result pet gifting, whether it be buying them food treats, toys or accessories has grown significantly in the last few years and is now one of the fastest growing areas in the UK retail industry.

“But we also know that times are still tough out there which is why we've decided to launch our ‘four for three, cheapest item free’ sale. We also wanted to help customers spread the cost of Christmas which is why we’ve launched it in October.” 

Own brand stand out items available for cats and dogs at Tesco this Christmas include:

Christmas pudding biscuits for dogs £3.50

Mince pies for dogs £3.50

Turkey and cranberry cracker treats for cats £2.50

Turkey and stuffing paw treats for dogs £2.50

Cheese and biscuit treats for dogs £2.50

The Tesco ‘4 for 3’ pet sale runs in large Tesco stores. The cheapest item of any four bought will be free.

www.tesco.com

We are disappointed that only dog and cat gifts are featured. Nothing for birds, rabbits and guinea pigs! Still, never mind. Maybe next year? 

Creative, crafting and Christmas shows to watch out for

"Simply Christmas: The Crafty Christmas Show is a seasonal dream with exhibitors showcasing exclusive ranges of bespoke and unusual gifts including glassware, jewellery, art, candles, ceramics, clothing and more!" This is at the SEC in Glasgow 26th to 29th of October.

https://www.creativecraftshow.co.uk/crafts-for-christmas-glasgow-23

Simply Christmas: The Crafty Christmas Show is a seasonal dream were exhibitors will be showcasing exclusive ranges of bespoke and unusual gifts including glassware, jewellery, art, candles, ceramics, clothing and more. This is being staged at the Birmingham NEC from the 2nd to the 5th of November.

https://www.creativecraftshow.co.uk/birmingham-christmas-2023

Also at the NEC on those dates is the Creative Craft Show, featuring lots of fantastic crafting stalls all bursting with wonderful crafting ideas.

https://www.creativecraftshow.co.uk/birmingham-november-2023

The above events are operated by:

INTERNATIONAL CRAFT & HOBBY FAIR LTD.

Dominic House

Seaton Road

Highcliffe

Dorset BH23 5HW

United Kingdom

Registered in England No. 1290524

VAT No. 291 7701 44

www.ichfevents.co.uk

(Image courtesy Bob Dmyt from Pixabay)

Spreading Warmth and Hope: Helping Homeless Charities at Christmas

As the Christmas season approaches, our hearts are filled with warmth, joy, and a strong desire to share with those in need. For the homeless population, the Christmas season can be particularly challenging. 

The biting cold, the isolation, and the absence of family can make this time of year incredibly difficult for them. 

However, there is much that we can do to make a difference in their lives. In this blog post, we will explore ways in which you can contribute to homeless charities during the Christmas season, spreading hope and love.

Volunteer Your Time

One of the most valuable gifts you can give to homeless charities during the Christmas season is your time. Volunteers are the lifeblood of these organisations. There are numerous tasks that require assistance, from serving hot meals at shelters to organising charity collections. Spending your time and energy helping out can have a profound impact on the lives of those less fortunate.

Donate Warm Clothing and Supplies

Winter can be brutal for those living on the streets, and having warm clothing is essential for survival. Donating blankets, coats, gloves, scarves, and socks can make a significant difference. You can also provide basic hygiene supplies, such as toiletries and sanitary items, as well as non-perishable food items.

Financial Contributions

Monetary donations are incredibly helpful for homeless charities. They can use these funds to provide shelter, food, medical care, and rehabilitation services to those in need. Consider making a one-time donation or setting up a recurring contribution to ensure ongoing support.

Support Local Initiatives

Many communities have local initiatives and campaigns aimed at helping the homeless during Christmas. Find out what's happening in your area and get involved. Attend fundraisers, participate in charity runs, or collaborate with local businesses that are running campaigns to support homeless charities.

Organize Fundraisers

You don't have to be part of a charity organisation to make a difference. Organise your own fundraisers, such as a charity bake sale, car wash, or a charity auction. Get your friends and family involved to increase the impact of your efforts.

Provide Christmas Meals

Christmas is a time for feasting and celebrating with loved ones. Extend this joy to those in need by organizing Christmas meals at local shelters or soup kitchens. Gather a group of volunteers to prepare and serve a warm, festive meal, bringing a bit of holiday cheer to those who may have nowhere else to go.

Raise Awareness

Spread the word about the importance of helping homeless charities during the Christmas season. Use your social media platforms and other communication channels to raise awareness about the struggles homeless individuals face and encourage others to join in the effort to make a difference.

Christmas is a season of giving, and one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate is by helping homeless charities. Whether you volunteer your time, donate supplies, contribute financially, or organize your own initiatives, your efforts can bring warmth, hope, and joy to those who need it most.

Remember that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact, and together, we can make the world a better place for everyone, especially during the holiday season. Let's spread love and compassion, making this Christmas a time of generosity and empathy for all.

(Image courtesy Brigitte Werner from Pixabay)

Creating inexpensive Christmas wonderland décor for your home

Creating an inexpensive Christmas wonderland décor for your home can be a fun and creative project. You don't need to break the bank to make your home look festive and magical. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

DIY Ornaments: Create your own ornaments using simple materials like paper, felt, or even salt dough. You can paint or decorate them in a festive theme, and they'll add a personal touch to your tree.

Natural Decorations: Use elements from nature like pinecones, holly, and evergreen branches to create beautiful centrepieces, wreaths, and garlands. These are often free and can be found in your backyard or a nearby park.

Twinkling Lights: String lights can transform any space into a Christmas wonderland. Look for inexpensive LED string lights to hang around your home, on your tree, and in windows. You can often find these at discount stores.

Charity Shop Finds: Check out charity shops or second-hand shops for affordable Christmas decorations. You can often find unique and vintage items that will add character to your décor.

Paper Snowflakes: Create paper snowflakes to hang from your ceiling or windows. They're easy to make and add a delicate touch to your décor.

Candles: Candles can create a cosy and warm atmosphere. Look for inexpensive, unscented candles in Christmas colours and place them in decorative candle holders or mason jars.

DIY Christmas Stockings: Make your own stockings using old fabric or felt. You can personalise them with names and decorate them with simple embroidery or fabric paint.

Christmas Cards: Display your received Christmas cards on a string or a ribbon. It's a simple and sentimental way to decorate your space.

Christmas Printables: You can find free or low-cost Christmas printables online, including wall art, banners, and labels. Print and frame these to add a festive touch to your walls.

Repurpose and Recycle: Look around your home for items that can be repurposed into Christmas décor. For example, old glass jars can become festive candle holders, and a plain tablecloth can be transformed with some paint or fabric markers.

DIY Wreath: Make your own Christmas wreath using materials like old ornaments, pinecones, and ribbon. You can often find plain wreath forms at craft stores for a reasonable price.

Festive Table Settings: Create a festive table setting with inexpensive tablecloths, placemats, and napkins. You can also use holiday-themed dishes and cutlery.

Homemade Scented Pinecones: Add a wonderful holiday scent to your home by making scented pinecones. Simply dip them in a mixture of water, cinnamon, and a few drops of essential oils, then let them dry.

Budget-Friendly Tree Décor: Opt for a smaller Christmas tree, or use a table top tree. Decorate it with homemade ornaments, popcorn strings, and inexpensive tinsel.

Holiday Music and Movies: Don't forget to set the mood with Christmas music and films. They're a low-cost way to add to the festive atmosphere in your home. You can find many classical Christmas films on YouTube.

Remember that the key to creating an inexpensive Christmas wonderland is to get creative and use what you have. Incorporate your own personal touches to make your home feel warm and inviting during the holiday season.

Give the Loved Ones in Your Life the Gift of Cornwall This Christmas With Trewithen Dairy's Luxury Hampers

Justifiably famed for its delicious dairy products, family owned and run Trewithen Dairy has the perfect selection of luxury hampers with exceptional provenance to gift or enjoy this Christmas.

Carefully made to a traditional Cornish recipe, Trewithen Dairy's Cornish clotted cream is produced using milk from local herds from their farms within a 25 mile radius of the dairy. The milk is then slowly heated to achieve its signature golden crust. 

With a selection of carefully selected local products to complement their award-winning clotted cream, Trewithen Dairy's range of hampers capture the essence of Cornwall's culinary heritage and make perfect gifts from the heart of Cornwall.

 All the hampers are available direct from trewithendairy.co.uk and offer free weekday delivery using carefully insulated packaging, to ensure your hamper arrives in perfect condition.

Luxury Cornish Cream Tea For Two - £49.49

Offering a stylish blend of tradition and indulgence, this luxury hamper includes half a bottle of Joseph Perrier Champagne (37.5cl) and 175g of delicious Buttermilk clotted cream fudge that partners perfectly with the traditional cream tea staples: 114g Trewithen Dairy's Cornish Clotted Cream, 227g strawberry jam, four light and airy scones and 40 bags of Cornish Tea.

Prosecco Cornish Cream Tea Hamper - £26.49

Get in the festive spirit with this sweet and fruity hamper, containing four light and airy scones, 114g golden crusted clotted cream, 227g strawberry jam and 40 Cornish tea bags. The hamper also includes two 20cl bottles of fruity prosecco that compliments the sweet and rich taste of the cream tea. 

Cornish Larger and Pasty Hamper - £27.49

At the heart of this hamper are world-famous Cornish pasties, packed full of flavour and perfectly paired with Korev's Cornish lager. Enjoyed together they transport you to the rugged coastlines and rolling hills of Cornwall. Accompanying the two pasties and two 500ml bottles of lager are the essential components of a classic cream tea: four fluffy scones, ready to be generously smothered in golden crusted clotted cream (114g), and fruity strawberry jam (227g) along with 40 Cornish tea bags. 

All Trewithen Dairy hampers provide the option to choose between plain scones, fruit scones and gluten free scones (+£3) and to swap Cornish Tea for 227g of Cornish Ground Coffee (+£3). 

Feathered Friends Deserve Festive Fun: Christmas Gifts for Pet Birds

Christmas is a time for spreading joy and love, and what better way to do that than by giving your pet bird a thoughtful and entertaining Christmas gift? 

Our feathered friends bring so much happiness into our lives, and it's only fitting that we reciprocate with some special presents that cater to their unique needs and preferences. In this blog post, we'll explore some delightful Christmas gifts for pet birds that will keep them chirping with joy all year round.

Interactive Toys

Birds are highly intelligent creatures, and they thrive when given mental stimulation. Interactive toys are a fantastic way to engage their minds and keep them entertained. Toys like puzzle feeders, foraging toys, and treat-dispensing toys encourage birds to problem-solve and keep their beaks and brains busy.

Perches and Swings

Birds love to climb, swing, and perch, and adding variety to their environment can greatly enrich their lives. Consider gifting your feathered friend a selection of different perches, swings, and ladders to keep them active and engaged. Natural wood perches are a great choice as they help maintain healthy beak and nail conditions.

High-Quality Food and Treats

Christmas is a perfect time to treat your bird to some extra-special delicacies. High-quality bird food, fresh fruits, and veggies, and a variety of bird-friendly treats can make mealtimes a joy for your pet. Nutritional variety is essential for their health and well-being, so be sure to explore different options.

Challenging Puzzles

Puzzle toys designed specifically for birds can be a source of endless entertainment. These toys often require birds to figure out how to access a hidden treat, keeping them engaged and mentally active. Puzzle toys also promote foraging behaviour, which is essential for their overall health.

Comfortable and Cosy Nests

Many bird species appreciate a cosy spot to nest and rest. Consider getting your pet bird a new nesting box or a soft, comfortable bedding material. Make sure to choose options that are appropriate for your bird's species and size.

Bird Books and Magazines

If you have a pet bird that loves to be social and interact with you, consider getting some bird-themed books or magazines. Not only will you benefit from the knowledge, but your bird may also find the colourful images and vibrant illustrations fascinating.

Safe and Fun Outdoor Experiences

Depending on your bird's species and the climate where you live, you might consider a portable aviary, an outdoor bird perch, or even a bird harness. These options allow your feathered friend to enjoy some fresh air and natural sunlight in a safe and controlled environment. Although under current circumstances the risk of bird flu must be taken into consideration.

Health and Grooming Supplies

Keep your pet bird in peak health by gifting them some essential health and grooming supplies. This might include nail clippers, beak conditioners, or supplements to support their overall well-being. Be sure to consult with an avian veterinarian for guidance on which products are suitable for your specific bird.

This Christmas, don't forget to include your beloved feathered companion in the holiday festivities. A thoughtful gift for your pet bird can provide them with entertainment, comfort, and mental stimulation. When selecting gifts, always consider your bird's species, preferences, and unique needs to ensure they enjoy the present to the fullest. With the right Christmas gifts for your pet bird, you'll be sure to have a chirpy and contented companion throughout the holiday season and beyond.

(Image courtesy Alicja from Pixabay)

The Delicious History of Mince Pies: A Timeless Christmas Treat

Mince pies, those delectable little pastries filled with a sweet and spicy mixture of fruits and spices, are a quintessential part of the holiday season in many parts of the world. 

Their history is a fascinating journey through time, blending cultural influences and culinary traditions. Join us as we explore the rich and mouth-watering history of mince pies.

Origins of the Name

The term "mince pie" can be somewhat misleading, as the filling of these delightful pastries doesn't actually contain minced meat in most modern versions. However, the name has its roots in medieval Britain when it was indeed common to use meat in these pies. The word "mince" in this context originally meant to chop finely, and early mince pies combined minced meat (usually beef or mutton) with fruits and spices.

Medieval Beginnings

The history of mince pies can be traced back to the 13th century when they were introduced to Europe. These early pies often featured a mixture of meat, fruits, and spices. The spices were particularly important, as they helped to preserve the meat before the advent of refrigeration. The combination of sweet and savoury ingredients symbolized unity and harmony, making mince pies a popular choice for feasts and celebrations.

Cultural Influences

Over time, mince pies evolved as various cultural influences began to shape their recipes. The Crusaders returning from the Middle East brought back exotic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which quickly found their way into mince pie recipes. These spices not only added rich flavour but also played a significant role in masking the taste of less-than-fresh meat.

The Tudor Era

During the reign of the Tudors in England (15th to 17th centuries), mince pies continued to evolve. The addition of fruits like currants, raisins, and apples, along with those aforementioned spices, made these pies increasingly sweet and less reliant on meat. It was also during this period that the traditional shape of the mince pie, round with a top crust, was established.

Puritan Opposition

In the 17th century, mince pies faced a threat from the Puritans, who believed they were too extravagant and associated them with Catholicism. Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, banned mince pies, along with other Christmas traditions, in an attempt to promote sobriety and eliminate pagan influences. Fortunately, this ban was lifted with the restoration of the monarchy, and mince pies once again became a beloved part of the holiday season.

Modern Mince Pies

Today's mince pies, particularly here in the United Kingdom, are primarily sweet rather than savoury. The traditional filling consists of a mixture of dried fruits, suet, spices, sugar, and sometimes a bit of alcohol, such as brandy or rum. The pies are often served in small, individual sizes and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

In the United States, a close relative to the mince pie, the mincemeat pie, often includes meat, though some modern versions are entirely fruit-based, resembling the British mince pie more closely.

The history of mince pies is a testament to the enduring appeal of certain culinary traditions, despite evolving tastes and changing cultural contexts. From its humble origins as a meat-filled pie to its transformation into a sweet and spicy delight, mince pies have become an iconic symbol of the holiday season, cherished by people of all backgrounds. So, as you savour your next mince pie during the holidays, take a moment to appreciate the centuries of history that brought this delicious treat to your plate.

(Image courtesy of Anita Smith from Pixabay)