Aldi unveils brand-new Townhouse Candles

Aldi’s new Hotel Collection Ceramic Townhouse Candle is £84 cheaper than the luxury brand, Jo Malone.

Weighing 1.5kg, Aldi’s new Hurricane Centrepiece Candle is also set see shoppers all the way through the festive season. 

Aldi’s brand–new Hotel Collection Ceramic Townhouse Candle (£9.99, 300g) is set to light up the room this Christmas with its spectacular Christmas scents. Available in-stores and online now.  

They're ideal for when the fire is crackling, and the smell of mulled wine is brewing, invite the scent of Glowing Fires or Lavender & White Musk to the home. 

Housed in an elegant ceramic holder, this luxury scented lidded candle come in a gorgeous gift box, so it makes the perfect Christmas present. For those not partial to naked flames, Aldi shoppers can opt for the matching Hotel Collection Ceramic Reed Diffuser (£9.99, 200ml), instead.

With a price tag significantly less than the pricy alternative from Jo Malone, shoppers can fill their homes with warm and comforting fragrances without blowing their budget. 

Enjoy the Christmas Lights at Covent Garden

London's most eye-catching and exciting neighbourhood is glimmering, glittering and sparkling with festive joy with over 115,000 lights, mirror balls, giant mistletoe sprigs and humungous baubles, as well as the iconic 60ft British-grown Christmas tree decorating the estate.

But look out for much more because there will be exclusive pop-ups, special Christmas offers, new store openings and partnerships, all coming together to make Covent Garden the ultimate destination this festive season.

Covent Garden, the home of unrivalled shopping, dining, entertainment and family fun, will once again be London’s most magical destination. 

Kicking off the festive season with more sparkle than ever, the estate will turn on the magic with over 115,000 lights illuminating the streets and over 30,000 dazzling lights adorning London's tallest and most iconic British-grown, handpicked 60ft Christmas tree, which stands even taller than in 2021. The festive decor will also extend into the Market Building itself, which will see the return of its Insta-famous giant baubles, mistletoe and mirror balls.

The ultimate home of Christmas in London will play host to a variety of new and exclusive pop up shopping moments, the return of some festive favourites and partnerships from world-class brands in the run up to Christmas. These experiences will also sit alongside over 1,000 weatherproof outdoor dining seats across 55 restaurants for the chance to experience the magical festive scheme from all angles.

For visitors seeking the perfect gift, Covent Garden has a wide selection of world renowned lifestyle brands offering unique, personalised and the most desired present options. From luxury pieces at Tiffany & Co, Vashi, Bucherer and TAG Heuer, to premium and fashion forward items from Ganni, Reformation, ba&sh, A.P.C and Free People, and beauty favourites from Glossier, Charlotte Tilbury, Dior, Chanel, Aesop, Tom Ford and Jo Malone, to name a few, Covent Garden is the one stop destination for any festive experience this year.

For festive dining experiences or pre and post theatre meals, visitors can discover delectable menus from a variety of favourites including The Oystermen, La Goccia, Frenchie, Cora Pearl, 3 Henrietta, Balthazar, Ave Mario and Petersham Nurseries.

For party season drinks, visitors can enjoy delectable offerings from the likes of Bullards Gin, Mrs Riot, Balthazar and The Royal Opera House.

To learn more please visit http://www.coventgarden.london.

(Image courtesy TheOtherKev and Pixabay)

That's Food and Drink: Tesco urges shoppers to ‘take stock before they shop'

That's Food and Drink: Tesco urges shoppers to ‘take stock before they shop': In the run-up to Christmas Tesco is urging its shoppers to 'take stock before the shop’ as a new survey reveals that a staggering 9 out ...

Wear a Christmas jumper and you'll get a discount!

A shop is offering a nice discount to all customers wearing Christmas jumpers or Santa hats.

The York Gin shop is offering a £1 discount for anyone who arrives at their shop wearing Christmas clothes and/or accessories, including angel’s wings, reindeer antlers or festive earrings.

It will even give the ‘Santa Clause’ discount on gin for anyone wearing a real or fake long white beard. And dressed-up pets like York Gin dog, Inigo (pictured) count as part of the discount scheme, too! 

Bosses say they want to get as many people as possible into the Christmas spirit at a fairly difficult time for many.

Customers can either take the discount, or, if they'd prefer, donate the pound to local hospice, St Leonard’s.

Explains York Gin co-founder Emma Godivala: "It’s challenging times for so many of us at the moment, but we’re determined to have some fun this Christmas.

"Hopefully the Santa Clause discount will bring some sparkle, joy, jumpers, hats, antlers, fairy wings and novelty earrings into our city.

"The York Gin shop offers free tasters of all our range, including our Chocolate and Orange festive gin, so we’ve got the Christmas spirit right there too."

The Santa Clause scheme runs from 17 November, when the city’s Christmas Market opens for its 30th year, right through until Epiphany (6 January).

The York Gin shop is officially York’s best, having been awarded retailer of the year at the Visit York Tourism Awards 2022.

York is acknowledged as one of the UK’s most Christmassy cities. Its St Nicholas' Christmas Market,  celebrating its 30th year this year as we have pointed out, is in the top five festive markets in the world according to research undertaken by Planet Cruise. 

Other research showed York’s houses have the third most Christmas lights in the UK.

And in 2017, a study showed that York people sent the most positive tweets in the UK about Christmas with over 9 in 10 liking the festive season.

yorkgin.com

Salcombe Gin Hampers: The Perfect Gift This Festive Season

There really is no better way to get into the festive spirit than with one of Salcombe Gin's new luxurious hampers. 

Whether you're looking for a gorgeous gift for a friend or loved one, or just want the ultimate present to treat yourself this Christmas, the hampers contain everything you will need to make the perfect 'Salcombe & Tonic'. Salcombe Distilling Co. expertly crafts exceptional gins at its waterside distillery in South Devon, which, incidentally, is one of the world's only distilleries directly accessible by boat.

Every drop of gin in its multi-award-winning range is distilled with unrivalled passion, care and attention to detail. 

Each fabulously festive Salcombe Gin Gift Hamper comes with a full-size bottle of Salcombe Gin, a branded pair of copper tongs, two engraved gin glasses, eight 150ml Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water cans and a Salcombe Gin jute bag. 

Everything is presented in a stylish genuine wicker hamper for the final flourish of luxury.

Gift hampers are available with a choice of three of their exceptional gins, Salcombe Gin 'Start Point', Salcombe Gin 'Rosé Sainte Marie' and Salcombe Gin Voyager Series 'Daring'. Salcombe Gin 'Start Point' is a multi-award winning, classic, citrus-led London Dry gin which is exceptionally smooth and complex.

An extremely versatile gin, it has a backbone of Macedonian juniper with a flavour profile inspired by Salcombe's rich maritime heritage. Salcombe Gin's flagship, it's distilled using the London Dry method and features a blend of 13 fine botanicals with citrus flavours encompassing grapefruit, lemon and lime peels alongside English coriander seed, juniper and orris root.

It is incredibly well-balanced and distinct with layers of intricacy running throughout. RRP £99 for a Salcombe Gin 'Start Point' Gift Hamper, which contains a 70cl bottle, 44% ABV. Salcombe Gin 'Rosé Sainte Marie' is inspired by the Mediterranean coast. Bright, fresh and elegant, the delicate flavours are reminiscent of Southern France and emulate the qualities of a dry rosé wine. 

Salcombe Gin 'Rosé Sainte Marie' is purposefully dry with no added sugar, artificial colours or flavours. It pays homage to the Sainte Marie lighthouse in the South of France, which marks where 19th century Salcombe Fruit Schooners loaded supplies of citrus fruits and herbs. 

Distilled with Macedonian juniper berries and combined with flavours of angelica and strawberries (giving it a subtle sweetness), an additional 12 hand-sourced botanicals including orange blossom, rose petals, fresh lemon, orange peel and pink peppercorns are then added to the distillation. RRP £99 for the Salcombe Gin 'Rosé Sainte Marie' Gift Hamper featuring a 70cl bottle, 41.4% ABV.

Salcombe Gin Voyager Series 'Daring' is developed in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Paul Ainsworth and inspired by his dish, 'A Tale of Porthilly'. Distilled with whey and foraged Cornish botanicals, this exquisite gin showcases the spirit of the wild Cornish coast and mimics the rich, smooth mouthfeel and fresh umami and zinc-like properties of the Cornish oyster. 

Taking further inspiration from Paul's carefully balanced dish, the gin combines the use of fennel, apple and lime to replicate the accompanying salad and create a complex flavour profile and exciting taste. RRP £129 for the Salcombe Gin Voyager Series 'Daring' Gift Hamper, which contains a 50cl bottle, 46% ABV.

For further information about Salcombe Distilling Co. and Salcombe Gin, visit www.salcombedistilling.com, follow SalcombeGin on Instagram and Facebook and Salcombe Distilling Co on Twitter.

That's Food and Drink: Fresh from the Press! Luscombe's Organic English A...

That's Food and Drink: Fresh from the Press! Luscombe's Organic English A...: At this time of year, there's a veritable buzz in the air at the Devon farm of premium soft drinks producer Luscombe.  The apple press i...

Storigraphic Offers new recyclable Christmas wrapping paper, cards and more

A new design selection of recyclable Christmas wrapping papers, matching cards, tags, ribbons and twine has been launched by top award-winning paperware designers and independent brand, Storigraphic. 

Their 2022 collection carries an even richer mix of festive finery from glorious '70s vintage and nostalgic through to modern and traditional, with everything thoughtfully created to have Christmas all beautifully wrapped up.

Included in their range of festive eco papers is the new Christmas Vintage Baubles series comprising double-sided gift wrap, a bestseller for the season and for sale at the same price as single-sided papers (at £2.80).

View the full Christmas Collection here: https://storigraphic.com/collections/christmas-at-storigraphic.

All Storigraphic products are carefully manufactured in the UK, completely plastic-free using environmentally certified paper, material or wood, and sustainably made using the smallest environmental footprint. 

All paper-based products are fully recyclable and don't use glitter, foil, metallic ink or lamination.

Storigraphic is an totally independent design studio and sustainable-brand, creating award-winning paperware, gifts and homeware to boldly transform the everyday. All products are plastic-free, recyclable and sustainably made in the UK, with 5% of sales profit donated to homelessness charity, Crisis UK, and a portion of each sale allocated to planting a young native tree across the world. 

A green Christmas present to help your loved ones save on their energy bills from Mira

A showerhead as a Christmas gift? Why not? Let me explain why.

Mira's planet-friendly, pocket-friendly showerhead brings an innovative, sophisticated shower experience to any bathroom.

Help people to go green, whilst keeping clean and saving money!

Mounting energy bills have become a growing concern for Brits and with the cost of living crisis continuing to rise, innovative at-home solutions to reduce energy bills are in great demand. Designed to both reduce water bills and energy bills, whilst being kind to the planet, the Mira Nectar Eco is perfect for moments of rejuvenation. 

Elevating the ritual of showering and reducing the stress of unnecessary bills attached to a daily shower, Mira Nectar saves up to 85% more water than standard showerheads as a result of its integrated flow regulator. Which is a pioneering widget which limits water flow to six litres per minute across all systems.

Offering homeowners a sense of luxury with the option of two neat and elegant designs, the Nectar Eco Single Spray or Nectar Eco Four Spray, each showerhead boasts universal fittings suitable for all mixer, digital and power showers.

Available in a classic premium chrome finish, the minimalist design of the Mira Nectar Eco provides a streamlined, modern aesthetic for any bathroom. Also, it helps to keep energy bills lowert and comes with a five-year guarantee for total peace of mind. 

The Mira Nectar Eco range is available from £49.00. For more details and to find your nearest stockist, visit www.mirashowers.co.uk or call them on 0844 571 5000.

Ideal gift for coffee lovers as Nescafé Dolce Gusto launches Neo, its next generation 'Coffee Shop at Home' experience

Neo's proprietary technology and home-compostable pods create the brand's best coffee quality and most sustainable system to date

Nescafé Dolce Gusto has launched Neo, the brand's next generation coffee machines and pods. Neo combines high quality, cutting-edge technology, and sustainability to create the ultimate coffee shop at home experience. In a Nestlé first, Neo's new range of coffee pods are paper-based, home compostable and use 70% less packaging (by weight) than currently available capsules.

With its new proprietary and patented coffee system, refined over five years at Nestlé's R&D Centre for Systems in Switzerland, Nescafé Dolce Gusto Neo delivers high-quality coffee, in a compostable pod, with no compromise on taste. 

Its proprietary SmartBrew™ technology combines three brewing methods so consumers can enjoy, high-quality espressos, coffeeshop-like americanos and drip-style coffees, in one single machine, at the touch of a button and in the convenience of their homes. Neo automatically recognises the pod, adapting the brewing method to each selected coffee.

Neo's paper-based pods are certified as suitable for composting, both home and industrial, by TÜV Austria, an international certification body. These new pods are made from 1g of paper certified by Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) suppliers with a compostable biopolymer lining, even thinner than a human hair, to help protect Nescafé Dolce Gusto's Neo coffee quality and freshness from oxidation. As with all Nescafé Dolce Gusto coffees, Neo is 100% responsibly sourced.

David Rennie, Head of Nestlé Coffee Brands, said: "Nestlé is a relentless innovator in the coffee category. We are continuously looking to bring consumers new experiences, variety and quality in their coffee, in a sustainable way. With Nescafé Dolce Gusto Neo, we have created the perfect combination of a great coffee experience, new coffee system and packaging, all in one."

Arnaud Deschamps, Head of Nescafé Dolce Gusto, said: "In a time of rapid change, we see increasing expectations about coffee variety, versatility, personalization, and sustainability, with no compromise on quality and taste. With Neo, we have designed a 'Coffee Shop at Home' experience that aims to meet the expectations of today's most passionate coffee lovers. Every aspect of Neo has been carefully considered - the machine technology, the user interface, the coffee and our first home-compostable paper-based pods. Neo represents the long-term future of our brand."

Julia Lauricella, Head of Global R&D Center for Systems and Coffee Machines, said: "Whenever we develop a new system, we need to harmonize its three key elements for the perfect in-cup result: the product, its packaging and the machine. We carefully select the coffee, and together with the Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences, choose and design the packaging to protect it, and develop the machine to ensure the perfect synergy during extraction. For Neo, our teams tested over 200 novel material structures before perfecting the paper-based pod. Our proprietary SmartBrew™ system tunes the extraction parameters for each beverage, and you can even personalise your cup through the connected application."

Thanks to the ability to connect the machine to a smartphone, consumers can personalise their coffee preparation at a distance. Nescafé Dolce Gusto's loyalty programme offers rewards and personal recommendations adapted to the consumers profile each time a coffee is prepared.

The coffee machine itself is made of 50% recycled plastic (for non-food contact parts) with the thermoblock (which heats the water) made of 85% recycled aluminium. It's designed to be more convenient to dismantle and repair, with an A++ energy class rating, and a switch-off eco-mode.

Neo is launching in Brazil this year with plans to expand to more countries over time. The new paper-based capsules are entirely produced in Nescafé Dolce Gusto's factory in Montes Claros, Brazil. Montes Claros is the first Nestlé factory to receive Nestlé's internal sustainability certification 'Triple Zero' for three dimensions: water, waste creation and greenhouse gas emissions. Nestlé will invest more than CHF 50 million (R$300 million) in Brazil's Montes Claros factory to support the Neo launch.

nestle.com

Savvy UK shoppers to stock up on blankets, heaters, and other energy-saving items during Black Friday

UK shoppers plan to seek out hunt energy-saving bargains before Christmas, including blankets and small space heaters, on Black Friday this year. 

According to new research announced by quantilope, the research platform that automates advanced research methodologies, over a quarter (28%) of shoppers plan to buy products to help save on their energy bills this winter, while a third (34%) will look for basic essentials for themselves or their family.

quantilope surveyed 400 consumers in the UK (and a further 400 in the US) to understand more about their Black Friday shopping habits and how they plan to pay for their purchases.

A quarter of consumers will avoid Black Friday this year, with the majority of these avoiders saying there's nothing they need to buy on a Black Friday deal (64%). Almost half (46%) think Black Friday is over-hyped and one in ten say it causes them stress. 

The rising cost of living is clearly having a major impact, with a quarter of those abstaining from Black Friday shopping saying inflation has impacted their discretionary spending.

Alex Hall, Associate Director at quantilope, believes shoppers are looking to Black Friday as a way of saving money in more ways than one. “It’s a time when people usually look for deals on gifts for themselves and their families ahead of Christmas. 

"While this still holds true this year, we’re also seeing substantial metrics for those stocking up on basic essentials, items for the household, and even energy-reducing items. This might signal the start of a changed perception about Black Friday.”

The ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ generations

According to quantilope’s research, younger shoppers are planning to use ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ (BNPL) services, perhaps so that they don’t miss out on any Black Friday bargains that could save them money in the longer term. 

While around a quarter of all consumers (26%) plan to use BNPL in the UK, this rises significantly among younger generations, with 40% of Gen Z and 36% of millennials planning to do so.

This is backed up by new research from McKinsey & Company, which indicates BNPL services are becoming increasingly popular as the cost of living crisis worsens and people turn to shopping on credit. It also states that millennials and Gen Z are more likely to use BNPL in the coming months.

“This is further evidence that the current economic climate impacts what shoppers buy and how they plan to pay for it. But what’s really interesting is that as well as people planning to buy on no interest credit services like BNPL as well as credit cards, cash is also still a common form of payment. Despite the rise in contactless payments, one-in-four shoppers in the UK are planning to pay for their Black Friday purchases in cash”, adds quantilope’s Alex Hall.

The Real Bamboo Company has new sustainable baby gift boxes!

Top bamboo wood specialists, The Real Bamboo Company, has a selection of gift boxes in time for Christmas – but suitable all year round.

High on their list of best sellers is the Bamboo Baby Gift Set, containing a selection of premium bamboo products just perfect for little ones.

This is a gift set that will be received with real pleasure, and you’ll give it knowing it’s helping fight global warming, too.

Bamboo really hits the sweet spot. The products are a delight to handle, look beautiful and are supremely sustainable. Bamboo is an ideal alternative to plastics. 

As a raw material it grows quickly, so it’s infinitely renewable, and all items can be recycled when they're eventually used for the last time.

In this gift set, the babygrow is a revelation. Its soft and cosy texture is similar to silk and ideal to help a baby relax and sleep easily. Bamboo fabric is also exceptionally skin-kind; in hospitals it is the product of choice for clothing premature babies. 

"Other items are more obviously bamboo, likes the carefully crafted spoon set and plate, while the baby wipes share some of the remarkable gentle touch that comes with the babygrow.

The Real Bamboo Company’s Baby Gift Set, is available at £39.99, and includes

Zipster Babygrow

Bamboo Plate

Bamboo Spoon set

Biodegradable Baby Wipes from Cheeky Panda

Baby toothbrush

Baby Shampoo + Shower Gel

These are beautiful and very thoughtful products which are 100% ideal for Christmas.

You can easily make your purchases online from the company’s website and select the babygrow of your choice from a range of 19 different designs.

In fact it is this flexibility which is one of the company’s strengths. While many retailers of bamboo products usually adhere to a single product type and a limited range, The Real Bamboo Company selects the best of the best from many different environmentally responsible suppliers, really taking the chore and effort out of your shopping.

And behind the choice of these products is a real drive to supply high quality sustainable goods that carry value now and also for the future. 

Using this highly renewable and versatile of natural materials helps reduce our use of plastics and bamboo comes with many other good properties.

Bamboo clothing has excellent moisture wicking qualities, so it stays comfortable to wear.

It helps with temperature regulation too, so it is warm when the weather’s cold, and cool when it’s hot. As it grows, bamboo absorbs more carbon dioxide than cotton or timber, and releases more oxygen back into the air. It’s a completely natural and biodegradable material – and it makes beautiful products.

Alice Horgan, Director at The Real Bamboo Company, says: “Bamboo is beautiful, versatile and very sustainable. It’s a great alternative to harmful plastics. Knowing this, why wouldn’t you buy it? Everything we sell has an ethical origin, and it’s good to know that by using bamboo we can help reduce the impact of global warming.”

The Real Bamboo Company’s Bamboo Baby Gift Set is available at £39.99 , plus shipping, from their website at https://www.bamboo-company.co.uk.

Be on trend with a Wild Woodland Christmas

Cosy, rustic, contemporary and charming: Just a few ways to describe one of the season’s biggest Christmas decorating trends according to leading online homewares destination, Wayfair - introducing Wild Woodland.

Embracing an abundance of natural fresh and dried foliage, a colour palette of tonal greens, earthy neutrals and touches of frosty snowy whites come together to create a soothing, enchanting look.

Wild Woodland is inspired by nature, connecting us to the outside world even in the cold depths of winter.

Wayfair’s Resident Style Advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill explains what it's all about: “The trend captures the essence of woodland charm, but its overall simplicity displays how easy it can be to give your home a harmonious festive makeover. 

"Incorporating greenery into decorating schemes will instantly lift a room, but the complimentary tones in this look of comforting oatmeal, verdant greens and pale woods help foliage displays take centre stage."

wayfair.co.uk

Deck the Stalls: Triton launches national search for UKs most festive bathroom

Tinselly taps, reindeer-inspired baths? Christmas tree toilet seats? If that kind of thing sounds like your ideal, then please read on!

Because Triton Showers is calling for fans of Christmas to submit their seasonal bathroom looks, in a search to find the UK’s most festive bathroom.

Christmas-lovers have until 11.59pm on 12 December to send in their Santa-inspired decorations, to be in with a chance of winning Christmas gifts for the big day. 

The winner and four runners up will also win an eco-bathroom bundle, helping them enter the new year with a cleaner, greener conscience.

The competition was launched after research commissioned by Triton, which discovered one in five of us admit to adorning every single room in their house, with nearly a quarter claiming they usually spruce up the bathroom to some degree or another.

The survey of 2,000 adults also revealed that we'll spend around £40 on fairy lights, ornaments, little trees and scented candles to add festivity to the lavatory. Other adornments likely to make an appearance in the toilet include wreaths, tinsel, stockings and festives towels and bathmats.

Ashley Cooper, who is the MD at Triton Showers, said: “Christmas is a time of year wet Brits like to go all out with decorations. Where people would once adorn a tree in the living room, add a wreath to the front door or hang tinsel around the fireplace, now they’re looking to spread the festive cheer across the whole home, bringing Christmas joy into even the most unusual spaces.

“To celebrate the rise in Father Christmas-inspired stalls, we’re searching for the UK’s most festive bathroom. Whether it’s an inflatable elf to share your shower with, a candy cane toilet brush, or a singing Santa: we want to know!”

To enter, Christmas fans just need to submit a photograph of their festive bathroom in the comments of Triton’s Deck the Stalls Facebook post. Alternatively, submissions can be made on Instagram by uploading a photo of their bathroom with the hashtag #DeckTheStalls and tagging @tritonshowers in the post.

For further information, please visit: www.tritonshowers.co.uk/deckthestalls 

T&Cs apply. 

The winner will receive a £300 Love2Shop voucher and an eco bathroom bundle, worth £34.99. Four runners up will win an eco bathroom bundle each.  

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is open Friday 18th November 2022 Monday 2nd January

The UK’s most iconic festive event will be making its grand return this Christmas to celebrate its 15th edition in London’s Hyde Park. Opening on Friday 18th November 2022, this year's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is set to be the most magical one yet as we look back on 15 years of festive fun.

Celebrating the ticket launch on 28th July, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland will be kicking off the year's festivities early with a surprise appearance by Santa Claus in Hyde Park. Morning joggers, commuters and park-goers are in for a surprise as Santa arrives on the iconic Serpentine Pond via pedalo! 

Disembarking ‘on land’ inappropriately dressed for the summer in full Santa get-up, he’ll be joined by an elf assistant. The festive duo will get the word out about Hyde Park Winter Wonderland’s return to passers-by by gifting refreshing ice lollies with a Hyde Park Winter Wonderland twist...mulled wine ’poptails’ and gingerbread ice lollies.

Open daily from 10.00am – 10.00pm, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland will bring back Christmas with a plethora of amazing new and returning attractions, including the UK’s largest outdoor Ice Rink, an exciting new Magical Ice Kingdom, Bar Ice experiences, thrilling Zippos Christmas Circus and Cirque Berserk shows, the Giant Wheel and a bigger Real Ice Slide with an extra lane! From high adrenaline to family favourites, there’s something for everyone at this year's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

Six brand new attractions welcome the 2022 opening to ensure fun for the whole family. Here’s a sneak peak of some of the activities which all aim to entertain at great value prices:

• Rides that are sure to give customers a thrill include the Aeronaut Starflyer, which is the world’s largest transportable Starflyer, the brand-new Après-ski Party Funhouse, The Time Machine, Canadian Mountie Funhouse, the unique Discovery plus the return of Dr Archibald with a new immersive VR experience.

• The Magical Ice Kingdom returns with a brand new creative where customers can explore 500 tonnes of sculptured ice including secret passageways, the snow-tunnelled ice slide and the crystal carriage of the Ice Palace.

• Bigger and better for 2022, the Real Ice Slide returns but now with 6 lanes!

• Santa Land where all days are merry and bright is offering a great new family value package which lets you enjoy 4 Santaland rides for just £10. Start planning the ultimate family day out.

• Get the best value for games and buy the Winter Wonderland Game Coins in advance for fast and easy playing. These can be redeemed at any game stall onsite showing the Coin symbol.

• Explore the new street food areas across the site to eat, drink and be merry under the festive twinkling lights.

For those looking to get a head start on their festive plans and lock in the city’s most magical Christmas experience, tickets and pre-bookable rides, games and attractions are on sale from 28th July 2022 onwards.

“We’re so excited to be bringing the UK’s largest festive event back this Christmas as we celebrate our 15th anniversary.” said Suzy Griffiths, Winter Wonderland Event Director for IMG. “This year we want to bring people together to celebrate the amazing memories we have made over the last 15 years and make new magical memories to last a lifetime. That’s what the festive season is all about and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a fun-filled family tradition that guests love to mark down in their calendars as far ahead as July!”

Get Christmas 2022 in the calendar with tickets available to purchase starting 28th July from hydeparkwinterwonderland.com.

Open Friday 18th November - Monday 2nd January, 10.00am – 10.00pm (open every day except closed on Christmas Day)

To ensure the most memorable experience, all Hyde Park Winter Wonderland visitors will require a timed entry ticket. The event will be offering off-peak (free), standard (£5), and peak (£7.50) entry tickets, with all advance online tickets for entry, attractions and rides remaining the same as 2021 prices. Many off-peak entry times remain free and in addition, when guests spend £25 online ahead of their visit, their entry fee is waived. We recommend that you pre-book your tickets ahead of your visit for the best value.

The event will have multiple entry times, but once inside visitors can stay as long as they like:

• Morning entry times: 10:00am – 12:00pm

• Afternoon entry times: 12:00pm – 14:00pm, 14:00pm - 16:00pm, 16:00pm - 18:00pm

• Evening entry times: 18:00pm – 20:00pm, 19:00pm - 21:30pm

For further information please visit: www.royalparks.org.uk.

So, what can you see? 

The UK’s largest outdoor Ice Rink, an exciting new Magical Ice Kingdom, 80’s Après-ski theme Bar Ice, thrilling Zippos Christmas Circus and Cirque Berserk shows, the Giant Wheel and a bigger Real Ice Slide with an extra lane this year! There really is something for everyone at Hyde Park Winter

Wonderland - from families looking for some festive fun, to out-of-towners visiting the Capital this Christmas, to adrenaline junkies, the after-work crowd and more.

Six brand new attractions welcome the 2022 opening to ensure fun for the whole family.

Here’s a sneak peak of some of the activities which aim to entertain all:

• Rides that are sure to give customers a thrill include the Aeronaut Starflyer, which is the world’s largest transportable Starflyer, the brand-new Après-ski Party Funhouse, The Time Machine, Canadian Mountie Funhouse, the unique Discovery plus the return of Dr Archibald with a new immersive VR experience.

• The Magical Ice Kingdom returns with a brand new creative where customers can explore 500 tonnes of sculptured ice including secret passageways, and a snow-tunnelled ice slide, before getting the perfect Instagram photos in a Unicorn-drawn crystal carriage

• Bigger and better for 2022, the Real Ice Slide returns, now with 6 lanes!

• Santa Land, where all days are merry and bright, is offering a great new family value package which lets you enjoy 4 Santaland rides for just £10. Start planning the ultimate family day out now!

• Get the best value by buying the Winter Wonderland Game Coins in advance for fast and easy playing. These can be redeemed at any game stall onsite showing the Coin symbol.

• Explore the new street food areas across the site to eat, drink and be merry under the festive twinkling lights.

The event is sponsored by IMG.

Let Curious Rose Help friends and family feel warmer and cosier this Christmas

We all know it’s free to put another layer on, or cuddle a friend (two friends, if it’s really parky). As the nights draw in, however, we want increased cosiness and we are looking to traditional methods of keeping warm. 

This is where that old stand-by, the hot water bottle, comes into its own. 

And we at That's Christmas feel that these will make absolutely perfect Christmas gifts this year.  

Cost comparison

It currently costs nearly £2.50 an hour to put the central heating on (based on gas at 10.31p per kWh, with a 24kW boiler). 

By comparison, it costs roughly 4.37p to boil a litre of water (3kW kettle for 2.5 minutes, at 35p per kWh for electricity). So that’s a cost of pennies, compared to heating the whole house, literally under 2% of the cost!  

And a hot water bottle will stay warm for at least a couple of hours, and can sit on your lap or up your jumper, whatever you are doing. 

Even cheaper is the newcomer to the party, the microwave wheat bag. For a 500g wheat bag, it costs 1.17p to microwave for 2 minutes (based on a 900W microwave, at 35p kWh of electricity). One of these will stay warm for over an hour, and is a safer alternative to boiling water for children or elderly people.

Climate concerns

It's important to hold onto our values about the environment when choosing a new hot water bottle, or wheat bag, or even a jumper for that matter. Polyester fur, and polyester fleece, are two of the worst culprits for shedding microfibres into the oceans (never mind that polyester is made from fossil fuels, in unregulated working conditions, and transported from China with a carbon footprint any Yeti would be proud of).

Wool is the perfect natural solution.

So, what you need is wool. It’s a natural by-product of healthy sheep farming, it actually stores carbon during its useful life, and breaks down into the earth very quickly once discarded. It is durable, naturally anti-bacterial, and its structure repels stains. 

It only needs airing, not washing very often, which again reduces energy costs. And of course, wool holds the heat, which makes it perfect for hot water bottles.

More excitingly, wool can be dyed a range of gorgeous colours, and knitted in hundreds of different patterns. Whether traditional or trendy, a good bit of knitting combines design and function perfectly. Just what we need in a cold spell, especially with a recession round the corner.

Curious Rose design and knit colourful hot water bottles, using only pure lambswool. Their yarns are dyed in Yorkshire, and knitted in the Midlands, sticking with traditional methods for a proudly British product.

Their microwave wheat bags (in a delightful hot water bottle shape) are made using pure wool blanket fabric, which gets softer and softer the more you cuddle it. They even do a range of brightly coloured alpaca snuggle socks, perfect for surviving the (cold) winter in style.

Learn more at www.curious-rose.co.uk.

Christmas lights and winter illuminations at National Trust properties

You can enjoy  Christmas lights and winter illuminations at National Trust properties throughout England and Wales.

Winter Lights at Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire is a sensory, after-dark experience that brings to life the nature found at this beautiful place. 

Enjoy coloured lights illuminating the trees and sculptures inspired by wildlife. Projections and sounds will add to the immersive experience for a memorable evening out.

Christmas lights at Belton House, Lincolnshire. At Belton, the tree-tops will glisten and the gardens will shimmer and sparkle.

It’s definitely the most wonderful time of the year to wander beneath historic tree canopies drenched in seasonal colour and shards of light, frosty snowflakes, stars and baubles.

Indulge in the Christmas lights at Blickling Estate, Norfolk. Explore the magically lit walled garden at Blickling for a festive experience. 

Discover the garden of lights and warm up with a hot drink and mince pie as you make your way through the delightful light display.

Christmas lights at Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester. Explore the illuminated trail at Dunham Massey after darkness falls. 

The winding gardens and deer park will be illuminated in a festive display of twinkling lights. Plan your festive visit to Dunham Massey.

In the North East you can visit Gibside, Tyne & Wear and enjoy the Christmas lights there. 

Light up the dark winter nights with Christmas lights there. Follow an illuminated lantern-lit trail, look at majestic sculpture as it winds through the 18th-century gardens. Pick up a treat or two along the way from street food vendors, and take in the show of light and colour.

See the Winter lights at Ickworth, Suffolk  Make your way through the colourful winter illumination trail around Ickworth's formal gardens. 

Discover the iconic rotunda lit up with a vibrant display, and see your favourite place in a new light. Capture the joy of the Christmas season at Ickworth as it's transformed by colour and light.

In Dorset you can enjoy the Christmas lights at Kingston Lacy. Spend time together at Kingston Lacy this winter, and create forever memories as you see the gardens lit up with bright colours. 

Go on a magical journey with your loved ones and discover twinkling lights and festive decorations to ring in the Christmas season.

Wow! Fire and fantasy at Polesden Lacey, Surrey  Ignite is returning to Polesden Lacey with a new, after-dark experience for 2022. 

Step into an enchanting landscape that will fill you with wonder and enjoy moments of reflection and playful discovery along the illuminated trail.

Enjoy Luminate at Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire  This festive season, visit Shugborough for Luminate's magical evening winter lights trail. 

Immerse yourself in the mile-long trail, with colourful lighting elements and light play, all set to special ambient music.

Meanwhile in Wiltshire you can enjoy Christmas lights at Stourhead. Winter nights will be lit up at Stourhead with a beautiful display for you to marvel in. 

The grounds will be decorated with festive cheer for you to ring in the festive season in style.

If you visit Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire you'll see the gardens awash with colour and dazzling light displays along the longest ever illuminated light trail to take place at Waddesdon.

Pop over to see the Christmas lights at Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire  

The gardens at Wimpole will be illuminated with colour this winter. Make your way through the illuminated trail throughout the gardens and enjoy the spectacle. 

Lights, lasers and seasonal sounds will fill the air with festive fun, making the most wonderful time of year even more magical.

To learn more or to book tickets please visit the National Trust at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/christmas-lights-and-winter-illuminations.

Other local National Trust properties may also have special Christmas events on over the Christmas period, so please check with them for details.

(Image courtesy of the National Trust showing the Christmas lights at Gibside.)

Sandbach Christmas Market

Sandbach Christmas Market returns for 2022!

Sandbach has one of the best Christmas Markets in the entire county of Cheshire with an extensive variety of festive goods on offer and it always brings a really Christmassy atmosphere to the town.

Whatever the weather the town glows brightly on this special night, with choirs singing carols around the Christmas Tree, Brass Bands playing, Christmas lights twinkling, chestnuts roasting and the aroma of mulled wine. 

There will be over 100 stalls cover the Market Square, spread up the High Street, fill the Market Hall and expand over Little Common. 

With Town Centre shops offering late night shopping and The Olive and Stitch Market hosting further stalls within Town Hall there is a wealth of goods on offer.

The market runs from 3pm until 8pm and features hand made or decorated goods and home grown, cooked or reared produce along with Fair Trade wares.

Sainsbury's Christmas ordering is now available

Sainsbury's has announced that it's Christmas Food to Order system.

You are invited to explore their Taste the Difference range of seasonal delights that are specially chosen and created to help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family around the dining table.

There's also an improved vegetarian and vegan offering, some great hassle-free turkeys that are ready to cook, plus sumptuous ready-to-enjoy deserts that will really be a sensation this Christmas. So, let's face it, Christmas will be a real treat this year, even for the person who is doing the majority of the meal preparation and the cooking, too!

What is available to tempt you this year? Taste the Difference Christmas cheese platters, the new Taste the Difference Caramelised biscuit Christmas pudding, Taste the Difference Ultimate Turkey Crown, Taste the Difference Orange and beetroot Scottish smoked salmon, Taste the Difference No gammon roast and Taste the Difference Black Forest presents.

You can pre-order online by December 16th at sainsburys.co.uk/ChristmasFood.

Morrisons slash prices of over 50 popular Christmas products

Morrisons is cutting the price of 52 festive products that see a spike in sales as Christmas approaches and is committing to keeping the prices low until the end of the year. 

Cranberry sauce, tin foil and stuffing are just some of the products included in the list that see an average uplift in sales of over 50 per cent from mid November until Christmas compared to the rest of the year.  

Morrisons is investing over £3 million to make these cuts as customers look for help reducing and spreading the cost of Christmas.

Sweet treats such as mince pies and trifles are included in the cuts as well as the key ingredients needed to create seasonal bakes including mincemeat, sultanas, glacé cherries and pastry - along with the cream to serve them with.  

Other chilled items include prawns, dips and flavoured cheeses, while roast potatoes, carrots and sprouts are some of the freezer favourites that have been cut.

Cupboard fillers such as peanuts and jam have also been reduced in price and customers can avoid any Christmas Day disasters by stocking up on batteries now as packs of AA and AAA varieties are included in the price reductions.

Today’s festive cuts are in addition to the 150 prices that Morrisons reduced and froze in September on cupboard staples and frequently purchased items including chicken breasts, mince, bread, baked beans, chopped tomatoes, potatoes and a variety of fruit and vegetables. Everyday essentials like toilet paper and cereal and freezer items like fish fingers, chips and pizzas were also cut in price and remain at the lower prices. 

David Potts, CEO of Morrisons said: “These festive price cuts are on the key seasonal products that we know customers buy more of at this time of year because of the important part they play in Christmas celebrations.  

"We understand our customers are having to make tough choices at the moment about what items to put in their baskets and so we're working hard to help them when it comes to their festive grocery shopping.” 

Besides these price cuts, other recent activities that have been introduced to help customers with the cost of living include the introduction of exclusive offers to My Morrisons members and the continuation of the Kids Eat Free All Day initiative in Morrisons cafés.  

For example, this week, Morrisons Christmas Collector scheme has gone live for eligible My Morrisons members enabling them to receive a significant money-off voucher to spend at Christmas if they meet the criteria and shop in the relevant weeks. 

Morrisons AA Battery 12 pack £7.00 Now £2.99

Morrisons Mincemeat 822g £2.49 Now £1.89

Morrisons Cocktail Prawns 300g £4.69 Now £3.99

Morrisons Frozen Roast Potatoes 1kg £1.65 Now £0.99

Morrisons Shortcrust Mince Pies 6 pack £1.75 Now £1.25

Morrisons Dry Roasted Peanuts 450g £1.75 Now £1.59

Morrisons Puff Pastry Sheets 375g £1.49 Now £1.25

Morrisons Yorkshire Wensleydale with Cranberries 200g £2.19 Now £1.75

Morrisons Kitchen Foil 300 mm wide 10 Metres £1.90 Now £1.55

Morrisons Cranberry Sauce 200g £1.09 Now £0.59

Morrisons Sage & Onion Stuffing 170g £0.59 Now £0.55

Morrisons Raspberry Trifle 600g £2.79 Now £2.49

Morrisons festive price cuts will be communicated to customers via TV, radio, press, digital display, social media and out of home activity as well as email and online activity.  The cuts are in all of Morrisons 498 supermarkets and online.

(This reminds me. We need some new batteries. I think I know where I'll be buying them from this time!)

Check out Morrisons at www.morrisons.com.

Lynx Epic Gift Sets for your Epic Christmas Gifts

The countdown to Christmas begins with the Lynx 24 Day Calendar. For the ultimate Lynx-lover, this epic advent calendar is crammed full with a selection of must-have fragrances, body sprays and shower gels that will keep anyone feeling fresh, well-groomed and in the festive spirit this Christmas. 

Featuring a selection of full-size and some miniature products, plus 11 exclusive grooming essentials and accessories, the Lynx 24 Day Calendar is designed to keep Lynx lovers surprised and pleased in the lead up to Christmas Day. 

RRP: £60.00 | Available exclusively at Boots

Lynx Africa Body Spray and Body Wash

Nothing says “iconic” like Lynx Africa, and this year young people can enjoy a Lynx Africa duo set, featuring the warm and exotic smells of Lynx Africa from Lynx Africa Shower Gel & Body Spray. A truly timeless gift that will keep them feeling the best version of themselves no matter what.

RRP: £9.00 | Available nationwide (including Amazon and Superdrug)

Lynx Africa Body Spray and Socks

The Lynx Africa Body Spray & Socks set includes the perfect pair. Featuring a can of Lynx Africa Body Spray and a pair of Lynx Africa Socks, sporting a design inspired by the classic Lynx Africa can, the gift set will truly knock anyone’s socks off! 

RRP: £7.50 | Available nationwide (including Amazon and Boots) 

Lynx Africa Retro Washbag

The Lynx Africa Retro Washbag provides the ideal grooming set for those wanting to feel fresh from day to night, featuring the iconic trio of Lynx Africa products. The stylish and functional wash bag contains body spray, antiperspirant and body wash, providing warm and consistent protection for up to 48 hours. 

RRP: £14.00 | Available nationwide (including ASDA and Amazon) 

Lynx Black Body Spray and Body Wash

The Lynx Black Duo Gift Set is a legendary gift to give or receive this Christmas; whoever they are, whatever the occasion, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. The iconic combination includes the Lynx Black Deodorant Body Spray and Lynx Black Body Wash.

The powerful fragrance of frozen pear and cedarwood will help young people stay on top of their grooming game and ready to take on anything throughout the festive season and beyond. 

RRP: £7.00 | Available nationwide (including Amazon and ASDA)

Lynx The Ultimate Collection Gift Set

The name says it all as The Ultimate Collection Gift Set from Lynx is jam packed with the ultimate selection of full-size Lynx fragrances. 

From the exotic scents of Lynx Africa to the fresh and fruity tones of Epic Fresh, The Ultimate Collection Gift Set will leave you with no choice but to make an impression this Christmas. This extensive collection is filled with five body sprays and body washes across the brands cult fragrances:  Lynx Africa, Lynx Epic Fresh, Lynx Excite, Lynx Black, and Lynx Recharge. 

RRP: £26.00 |Available exclusively at ASDA

Lynx Epic Fresh Washbag

Help the loved one in your life feel fresher-than-fresh with the Epic Fresh Wash Bag. Lynx’s fresh new fragrance launched earlier this year, boasting an invigorating grapefruit and tropical pineapple fragrance that offers 48+ hours protection to keep you feeling and smelling fresh from day through to night. 

The Epic Fresh Wash Bag is filled with a trio of treats, including the Epic Fresh Body Spray, Epic Fresh Antiperspirant and Epic Fresh Body Wash packed in a zippable wash bag. Ideal for gym kits, school bags or travelling, the Lynx Epic Fresh Wash Bag set keeps everything you’d need to keep fresh in one place.

RRP: £10.00 | Available exclusively at Boots

Lynx Epic Fresh & Ice Chill Bumper Pack Gift Set

The Epic Fresh & Ice Chill Body Spray and Body Wash with Shower Scrub set is the freshest gift or stocking filler. Filled with two of Lynx’s freshest fragrances and a shower scrub, the Epic Fresh and Ice Chill duo is ideal for those looking to kick-start their grooming routine. 

The super fresh gift set includes Lynx Epic Fresh Body Spray and Body Wash and the Lynx Ice Chill Body Spray and Body Wash. Both fragrances feature a revolutionary dual-action technology, which promise to keep you feeling and smelling fresh for up to 48 hours.

RRP: £15.00 | Available exclusively at Boots

You can learn more about Lynx by visiting them at https://www.lynxformen.com/uk/home.html

Neonimo's Cheeky Christmas Collection Out Now!

Neonimo's sustainably made Christmas Collection is specially designed to spread a bit of cheeky cheer this Christmas. 

Their funny seasonal décor will get festive guests smiling and giggling and our cards will spread colourful Christmas joy!

Christmas Coasters 6-packs (2 x pack designs)

– Strong wooden base and heat-resistant glossy surface

– 10 cm x 10 cm

– Handmade to order

Christmas Cards 4-packs (3 x pack designs)

– Sturdy FSC cards in A6 size

– Presented in a quality envelopes

– Handmade to order

Christmas Reversible Cushions (12 designs)

– Prints on both sides so you really get 2 Christmas throw pillows in one!

– Choose from Poly or Feather fill inner

– 40 cm x 40 cm

– Handmade to order

And these items from their regular collections make for excellent Christmas décor as well...

Cake Stands (3 designs)

– Featured in 2 x Press Loft Trend Reports in 2022: Altbashes and Anything But Ordinary

– One of Neonimo's best-sellers

– Handmade to order

Gift Boxed Tealight Candle Holder Sets (3 designs)

– Frosted glass tealight holders supplied with choice of winter spice or unscented tealights

– Sets come beatifully gift boxed

– Hand-printed to order

Vegan Candles in Recycled Glass Jars (4 scents)

– Two sizes: Small 120ml (c. 36-hour-burn) and Large 250ml (c. 60-hour-burn).

– 100% vegan wax made from soy and natural oils

– Jar of recycled glass

"Hi, I'm Namalee, designer, creator and owner of Neonimo. I live in London with my partner and accident-prone rescue cat, PoPo, who looks a bit like a panda. PoPo is also my studio hand at Neonimo."

neonimo.co.uk

Unique Festive Home Fragrance Gifts

Zesty Lemons say "We've got our creative juices flowing this festive season and curated a range of sophisticated candles, home fragrances and gifts which would take pride of place in any home."

Available scents are Christmas Elf Scented Candle, Christmas Elf Reed Diffuser, Christmas Santa Scented Candle, Christmas Snowman Scented Candle, and the Christmas Snowman Reed Diffuser.

To learn more and to make your purchases please visit them at https://zestylemons.co.uk.

That's Food and Drink: Launch a mince pie contest

That's Food and Drink: Launch a mince pie contest: This is a fun and inexpensive idea that anyone can try.  Make a list of every shop or venue in your town or area that sell mince pies. Super...

Tighter budget this Christmas? Take a look at Lidl

Lidl has been named the cheapest supermarket in The Grocer’s ‘Super Grocer 33’ for the third time in a row, defeating six major retailers, including fellow German-based retailer, Aldi. 

The index, which compares the price of 33 everyday grocery items across the UK’s seven major supermarkets, found Lidl to be £15.44 cheaper than Morrisons, and a whopping £27.88 cheaper than the most expensive retailer.

As part of the monthly analysis, The Grocer compares prices of items on shopping lists across the nation, from fresh produce such as milk and grapes, to deodorants, and branded items including Cadbury Fruit & Nut and Hovis bread.

Lidl offered the lowest price for 27 products, of which they were exclusively cheapest for asparagus tips, Cadbury Fruit & Nut, feta, honeydew melon, and tomato purée.

Ryan McDonnell, CEO at Lidl GB, said: “Our belief has always been no one should have to pay a premium for good food and we have an unwavering commitment to provide our customers with the best products at the lowest possible prices. Whether it is fresh produce, staple shopping list items or a must-have product from the Middle of Lidl, customers can be sure that they are getting the best value when they shop with us.”

So for good value Christmas shopping, Lidl could be the answer. Actually, we love their Stollen, their Panettone, their Chirstmas biscuits aand their mince pies.

Will Kevin Survive being Home Alone this Christmas?

Kevin, the nation’s favourite Carrot, returns to fend for himself as he is left behind by his family at Christmas.

Kevin the Carrot makes his much-anticipated return. But will he get to see Christmas Day? Or will he fall foul of an unknown home intruder?  

The ad opens with Katie, Baby, Jasper and Chantenay hurrying through a busy airport as they race to catch a flight to Paris. Once they are sitting happily on the plane, Katie notices that someone is missing…it’s ’KEVIN!’

Separated from his family, the scene cuts to Kevin, who is Home Alone. He is watching the big game on TV, when he hears heavy footsteps of an unknown intruder on the roof.

‘Quaking in his roots’, he devises a plan to warn off the uninvited guest. What follows is a series of fun, incident-packed exchanges between Kevin and the intruder – culminating in a finale where the identity of the intruder is finally revealed.

Adam Zavalis, Marketing Director at Aldi UK, said: “Christmas celebrates the joy of being with loved ones and this year more than ever we all need a bit of light entertainment as we celebrate the season together. 

“And it wouldn’t be the festive season without Kevin the Carrot on our TV screens, and this year’s Yuletide performance is sure to get the nation shouting ‘KEVIN!’ as we welcome him back for the seventh year.”

Celebrate Christmas at the official residences of His Majesty the King

This December, visitors to Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments transformed with shimmering Christmas trees, twinkling lights and an array of activities to enjoy over the festive season.

Christmas at Windsor Castle

24 November 2022 – 2 January 2023

The highlight of the Christmas display at Windsor Castle will be a stunning 20-foot-high Nordmann Fir tree in St George's Hall, grown nearby in Windsor Great Park and dressed with hundreds of iridescent ornaments.

A resplendent Christmas tree will be displayed in the Crimson Drawing Room, one of the most ornate rooms in the Castle and part of the Semi-State Rooms. 

Originally created as private apartments for George IV and used by members of the Royal Family for official entertaining, the Semi-State Rooms will open to visitors for the winter months from 24 November.

The Waterloo Chamber, one of the largest and most impressive rooms in the entire Castle, will feature a sumptuous table display of decorative items from the Royal Collection beneath glittering chandeliers.

Festive foliage and wreaths will adorn gates and lampposts in the precincts of the Castle, while spectacular garlands on the Grand Staircase will greet visitors as they enter the State Apartments.

The Castle’s Undercroft Café will be offering a special festive menu throughout December.

On the first three weekends in December, families visiting the Castle can participate in craft activities and workshops exploring how the Victorians celebrated Christmas.

Visitors to the Castle on 8, 9 and 12 December will be entertained with carols sung throughout the day by local community and school choirs beneath the Christmas tree in St George’s Hall.

Christmas at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

1 December 2022 – 2 January 2023

The festive decorations at the Palace of Holyroodhouse will include magnificently decorated Christmas trees in the Throne Room and Great Gallery, while the Great Stair leading up to the historic State Apartments will be draped with twinkling velvet garlands, glistening berries and seasonal foliage.

In the Royal Dining Room, the table will be laid with pieces from a silver service presented to King George V and Queen Mary in 1935 to mark their Silver Jubilee, and decorated with ivy, candelabra and spires of faux candied sugared fruits.

In the Café at the Palace in the historic Mews courtyard, visitors will be able to enjoy homemade mince pies, Christmas cake and mulled wine while surrounded by festive wreaths and garlands.

Families visiting the Palace on 17, 22 and 23 December can enjoy short talks and take part in festive arts and crafts activities, including a chance to design their own greeting cards and Christmas crackers.

Buckingham Palace Exclusive Guided Tours

On selected dates throughout the winter, visitors can enjoy a special behind-the-ropes experience of the Buckingham Palace State Rooms in the company of an expert guide. All tickets include a copy of the Official Souvenir Guide. Guided tours suitable for families are also available.

Shopping

Browse for Christmas gift inspiration in the Royal Collection Trust shops or online at www.rct.uk/shop, where advent calendars, luxury hampers and festive food and drink make perfect presents.

Christmas at the official residences of His Majesty The King is from 24 November 2022 to 2 January 2023 at Windsor Castle, and from 1 December 2022 to 2 January 2023 at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Exclusive Guided Tours of Buckingham Palace are available on selected dates from November to February.

Tickets and visitor information: www.rct.uk, Windsor Castle +44 (030) 123 7304, Palace of Holyroodhouse +44 (030) 123 7306.

Why not give them a Lush Christmas this year?

The world can feel unfalteringly dark and heavy at times, the last few years undoubtedly so. Especially for those who suffer with SAD.

So, what to do to make things better? This winter, Lush is encouraging a culture of kindness, giving and community.  

Lush’s 2022 Christmas range is designed with kindness in mind, being kind to yourself, others and the planet.   

We want to spark moments of joy, with beautiful beneficial products for every need that have had a positive impact at every stage, and encourage not only gracious giving but opportune moments of self-care.  

You’ll see the rebellious return of Snow Fairy, whilst an extended collection of Lord of Misrule aims to unleash the mischievous side in us all! 

Available in all Lush shops and online lush.co.uk.

Devon’s Biggest Christmas Market at Exeter Cathedral

The 2022 Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market will include over a hundred festive traders.

Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market has become a major event in Devon’s festive calendar, in recent years attracting an estimated 600,000 visitors. 

It's been hosted and managed by the cathedral since 2017 and is Devon's largest Christmas market, and it continues to show year-on-year growth.

This year, Exeter’s historic Cathedral Green will host in excess of 100 twinkling festive chalets.

Situated in the heart of Exeter city, the market has a very strong focus on supporting local traders, and brings together a diverse range of Devon-made gifts, decorations, food and drink, from handcrafted Christmas decorations, to vodka specially crafted with Dartmoor spring water.

Jason Ott from Trinity Marine, a Devon-based marine antiques and ship reclamation specialist, says Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market offers a valuable platform for local businesses: “This year we’ll be offering a truly original collection of nautical gifts for the discerning Christmas shopper. All our products are hand sourced and salvaged from the best ships, then restored and crafted in our own workshop which is near Exeter.”

Jason went on to say: “We sell our collections to buyers worldwide, but Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is a great chance to showcase our work to hundreds of thousands of Christmas shoppers here in our home city.”

Visitors in need of a break from the Christmas shopping can also enjoy the market’s bars and entertainment. Two local bar operators make their Christmas Market debut this year: Dr. Inks Curiosities is an Exeter-based boutique cocktail venue. Founder Patrick Fogarty says he is planning a familiar Dickensian theme for the event: “We're really thrilled to be bringing some Victorian festive splendour to Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market this year, featuring punch bowls of drinks, festive high teas and luxurious hot cocktails. The drinks list is inspired by Charles Dickens’ famous A Christmas Carol and Scrooge’s encounters with the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and of Christmas Yet to Come.

“We can’t wait for our vision to come to life and we are looking forward to welcoming everybody into our tent from November 18.”

The market’s main bar, The Cathedral Tavern, will be run by Crossed Anchors Brewing, an independent brewer based in the nearby town of Exmouth. Crossed Anchors’ owner, the award-winning brewer and publican, Olly Bainbridge, plans to bring something unique to the event: “As a local, independent brewery, we’re incredibly proud to be part of such an iconic Devon event.

“We’re going to create a new-look bar at this year’s Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, and bring along a new drinks menu to suit all tastes, including our very own craft beers, made entirely in Exmouth. We’re even working on a special ‘Cathedral Beer,’ and will be donating a pound to Exeter Cathedral for every bottle we sell.”

The market also features live festive entertainment, including Exeter Cathedral’s own professional musicians, the Exeter Cathedral Choir, and the cathedral itself will be opening its doors to sightseers, free of charge. 

Founded in 1050AD and boasting the world’s longest uninterrupted medieval stone vault ceiling, the cathedral has been rated as one of Europe’s finest. The Very Revd Jonathan Greener, Dean of Exeter, concluded: “Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is one of the great highlights of our year. It is a privilege to be able to welcome so many visitors from across Devon and beyond.

“I encourage everyone who comes here to step inside and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of this ancient building for themselves, and for a really festive experience, soak up the choral music at one of our many services.”

The 2022 Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market opens at 5pm on Friday 18 November, and continues until Sunday 18 December, on Cathedral Green, Exeter. Opening times are 10am-7pm Monday-Wednesday, 10am-9pm Thursday-Saturday, and 11am-5pm on Sundays. Dr. Inks Curiosities is taking online bookings for high teas in its Christmas Market tent, at: www.doctorinks.com/christmas-market-bookings.

Parents aim to spend less on presents this year

Over half (55%) of parents with children aged 18 or under will probably reduce their spending on food and drink this Christmas, while almost half (47%) are likely to spend less on Christmas presents for their children against previous years, says new research for the UK’s largest children’s charity, Barnardo’s. 

Over two in five parents (42%) surveyed by YouGov on behalf of Barnardo’s who celebrate Christmas said they're also planning to rein in spending on Christmas activities and entertainment for their children this year. Only around one in five respondents (18%) said they had no plans to reduce their spending on Christmas this year.  

Meanwhile, nine in ten Barnardo’s frontline workers (93%) have raised concerns over how the cost-of-living crisis may impact on children, young people and families this Christmas.

The survey comes as Barnardo’s launches its My Christmas campaign to raise funds for the many children likely to feel cold, hungry, and left out due to the rising cost-of-living this Christmas.  

Kerry, 47, used to be in a well-paid, full-time job until last year, when she was diagnosed with a serious heart condition and is awaiting major surgery. She lives in Rotherham with a 14-year-old daughter. She said: “I was out of work for Christmas last year, but the cost-of-living is really biting at the moment. I’m dreading this next Christmas  

“Three of my daughters are over 18 and they understand I can’t buy them presents this year, but I still want to get something for my youngest. It will have to be something small, even though all her friends will probably be getting things like the latest mobile phone. 

“I’m feel guilty, but I’m terrified of paying energy bills and the rising cost of food. I don’t think we’ll be putting the heating on unless we're shivering. There’s no way I’ll be buying a Christmas tree this year.

“I used to have the family round for Christmas, there’d be about ten of us, I cooked the Christmas dinner. This year I’m having to go round my eldest daughter’s home, but I’m going to be turning up with no gifts for anyone.” 

Barnardo’s CEO Lynn Perry MBE said: “After two years of Covid disruption, many of us are looking forward to a return to normal, pre-pandemic Christmas festivities. But for the UK’s most vulnerable children, a ‘normal’ Christmas can mean insufficient food, struggling to keep warm, going without presents, and feeling left out while others celebrate.  

“We want all children to feel safe and happy at Christmas, but we know that’s impossible if their basic needs aren’t met. With the sharp rise in food and energy costs this year, our research suggests many parents are facing additional pressure to create a special Christmas for their families during a time of unprecedented financial strains.  

“Barnardo’s supports children and families who need urgent help this winter. That’s why we’re asking businesses and members of the public to embrace the season of giving by donating to our My Christmas campaign, and help Barnardo’s provide food vouchers, warm clothing and other essentials to the children and families who need it most." 

All funds raised by Barnardo's My Christmas campaign will go where they are needed the most. This is to ensure some of the UK's most vulnerable children are supported and nurtured. Donations from the public could help us to:  

​​​​Provide food parcels or supermarket vouchers so children don’t go hungry this Christmas    

Host services that provide children with a nourishing Christmas dinner and snacks   

Provide energy vouchers to heat families’ homes and let children wake up to a warm home   

Provide warm clothing to children during the winter months   

Throw Christmas parties for children in our services so children can join in the festivities    

Provide Christmas presents or vouchers for families to buy gifts for their children   

Barnardo’s is calling on businesses across the UK to partner with us in addressing child poverty. Local high street estate agents at Cubitt & West, Douglas Allen, Pittis and Wards are raising £1 million to help us provide essential support to children in the South East of England this winter. 

Anyone wishing to donate or discover ways of supporting should visit: www.barnardos.org.uk/christmas.

That's Food and Drink: Gunna drinks. Alcohol free but by no means soft

That's Food and Drink: Gunna drinks. Alcohol free but by no means soft: Gunna has taken one of the oldest so-called soft drinks, lemonade, and had remade it into a fantastically refreshing drink and taste experie...