Introducing Heating & Plumbing London’s meticulously hand-assembled ivory umbrella with exquisite burgundy detail.
Combining timeless style and craftsmanship, this long walking stick umbrella is a statement piece for those who appreciate both style and function.
Stay poised and protected in any weather with their latest creation, which is carefully hand assembled in London.
The RRP is £145.00 and they ship globally.
A spokesman explained: "Our shops all have a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Our artisans take great pride in their work and they are fully committed to producing high quality items, which results in longer-lasting and durable products that will be cherished for many years to come.
"Many artisans offer customisation options, allowing you to get a product tailored to your preferences. This can be especially meaningful for special occasions or personal preferences. In fact, it makes for the perfect gift!"
Buyinie was launched in the Autumn of 2022 and has already been short listed and won awards for its outstanding website designs and high quality of craftmanship. One to watch as it continues to grow in the future.
Step 1: Attach the test tubes to the winterberry stems with craft wire.
Step 2: Tie the winterberry stems and grasses into a bouquet and secure it with the red ribbon.
Step 3: Fill the test tubes with water, insert the cut poinsettias into them and place the bouquet in the vase with fresh water. Tip: The poinsettias will stay fresh for up to two weeks if, immediately after cutting, you first dip the cut ends in hot water (about 60°C) for a few seconds and then in cold water.
Winterberry stems and cut poinsettias have a particularly long vase life if they have fresh water regularly. Faded poinsettias can also be easily replaced in this winter bouquet.
A striking feature: this festive bouquet of winterberry stems, grasses and cut red poinsettias will not go unnoticed. This bouquet has a long vase life and is simple to make in just a few steps. In addition to the florals mentioned, you will need small test tubes, craft wire and ribbon.
Step 1: Using a drill, make holes in the upper edge of the bowl at intervals of about 5cm. Make sure there is enough space between the holes and the edge.
Step 2: Cut 25cm lengths of the thick gold wire, one for each hole you drilled. Fold one length of wire in half and push the closed end through one of the holes. Form a small loop on the closed end so the wire doesn't slip out again. Repeat with each hole.
Step 3: Spread the open ends of each length of wire and twist one of the two ends, first around the adjacent length of wire, then back around the other half, to create a wire mesh like the one in the photo.
Step 4: Fill the bowl with compost and plant the mini poinsettias close together. Fill the border around the poinsettias with moss.
Step 5: Around the poinsettias, tuck the winterberry stems into the wire mesh until it is no longer visible.
Step 6: Finally, secure the ends of the winterberry stems to the wire mesh using the thin wire so that they don't stick out. Tip: Make sure to angle all the stems in the same direction so that they form a circular shape. This creates the impression of a swirl when you look at the arrangement from above.
Place the finished poinsettia bowl in a bright place indoors, protected from draughts. Water sparingly to avoid waterlogging.
A bowl planted with mini poinsettias and decorated with winterberry stems makes a beautiful centrepiece that will brighten up any room. With a little skill, you can create this festive DIY idea yourself.
Do you remember the fun you had as a child when, throughout the run up to Christmas Day, you got to open up that day's advent calendar window and ate a piece of chocolate?
Would you like to recreate the advent calendar magic of your childhood but with something a little more grownup?
Why not have yourself a merry Christmas with The Food Market's selection of boozy advent calendars?
With advent calendars getting bigger, better and heavier every year, there's one clear winner. Celebrating the lead up to Christmas with an alcohol-themed advent calendar.
This year there are even more options to choose from and whether for yourself or as a gift for someone else, an alcohol advent calendar always proves itself to be really popular.
Fans of gin, vodka or rare whiskies will have plenty of options this Christmas, and what's better, the majority of them come in stunning, beautifully designed boxes so they're practically a nifty Christmas decoration in their own right.
Here are our picks of the best alcohol advent calendars to buy now for 2023
Don't expect to find any little squares of plain chocolate here, because behind the 24 windows of the Single Cask Whisky Advent Calendar you'll discover a different 30ml wax-sealed dram of single cask whisky, made by some of the best whisky makers around. Just the ticket for any whisky fan looking for a uniquely delicious Christmas countdown!
Explore whiskey from some of America's most excellent producers, spanning the delicious range of styles across the USA, including bourbon, rye, Tennessee whiskey and more! If you've marvelled at the Whisky Advent Calendar and thought, "That sounds fantastic, but I specifically love bourbon and the gamut of whiskeys from America", this one's for you.
Discover some of the finest and most exciting vodkas from around the world as you count down to Christmas one tipple at a time. Behind these doors you’ll find a unique selection of vodka from delicious classics, to delectably innovative flavoured expressions
Discover some of the finest and most exciting vodkas from around the world as you count down to Christmas one tipple at a time. Behind these doors you’ll find a unique selection of vodka from delicious classics, to delectably innovative flavoured expressions
Embark on a truly special tasting adventure with This Old & Rare Whisky Advent Calendar, filled with some of the finest liquid from a variety of fantastic producers. Prepare to count down to Christmas with a plethora of delicious styles and flavour profiles, or it'll make the ultimate gift if you're looking for a way to delight a whisky fan this year.
As the name might indicate, this calendar contains some exceedingly special whiskies, the sort you probably won't be coming across again any time soon - perfect for the billionaire in your life!
After searching far and wide to unearth a selection of whiskies jaw-dropping enough to fit the bill, we have landed on the very rare an old Collection, with 24 wax-sealed drams, each containing a 30ml measure of a different precious whisky, presented in a superbly smart walnut box alongside an accompanying tasting glass. This absolute treasure trove has all you need to seriously upgrade your whisky collection.
To order please visit https://www.thefoodmarket.com
Smart home appliance manufacturer Proscenic, with a history of making components for Panasonic, Hitachi, Zojirushi, and Philips, has announced the availability of its new P12 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner.
The P12 combines high-performance suction power with ultimate versatility, making it the ideal choice for modern homeowners who are looking for a convenient and efficient cleaning solution. (In the opinion of That's Christmas, it's an ideal Christmas gift for the new homemaker or new home owner. Or for the student who is studying away.)
Featuring an upgraded anti-tangle roller brush, the V-shaped guiding bristle works with an internal comb to reduce hair tangling, conveniently delivering a powerful performance with less maintenance needed.
Alongside this, the 33 kPa strong suction of the 400W brushless motor provides the motorised roller brush power to efficiently pick up dirt and debris on the floor. The vacuum also has four suction modes available so there will be an option for user’s various cleaning needs.
The Proscenic P12 cordless vacuum can innovatively transform into a handheld version of itself allowing it to more effectively clean small spaces such as the sofa, upholsteries, vents, car seats, and more, making it a versatile vacuum with several different functions. The retractable vacuum tube also provides an adjustable length to allow for user’s maximum comfort while using, meaning the vacuum can be made to suit all users’ preferences.
The in-built Vertect™ Light uses green detection headlights to detect small particles that are invisible to the naked eye, helping users to see dust and debris more clearly, improving the efficiency of cleaning. Combined with the 180-degree swivel steering, the P12 ensures a thorough clean in even hard-to-reach areas.
The P12 Cordless Vacuum not only provides an easy clean, but it also ensures users are able to use the device undisturbed; the large 2500mAh battery enables up to 60 minutes of cleaning in the quiet mode and 13 minutes in the max and, thanks to the 1.2L dust capacity, it provides users with powerful, convenient, and reliable cleaning.
The five-stage sealed filtration system with cyclonic dust separation and two HEPA filters capture 99.99% of dust particles, expelling non-allergenic purified air. This cyclone separates large particles, avoiding clogging and suction loss and the two HEPA filters also work to prevent particles larger than 0.3-micron from emission. The noise reduction technology also ensures that the device has a quieter operation of just 70 dB, so users may clean their homes without disturbing the family or pets.
The P12 is designed to facilitate an easy cleaning experience - with a convenient all-in-one large LED screen that shows the battery level, suction mode, and warnings for blockages in the V brush, the P12 is fully user-friendly. The Proscenic P12 also comes with a range of attachments, including a crevice tool, a brush tool, and a 2-in-1 combination tool, to help users tackle different cleaning tasks.
On Amazon UK, the vacuum cleaner has £40 off making it just £149.99 until the 10th October.
The US Government narrowly avoided a shutdown of many services after a stopgap funding deal was finally agreed last Saturday.
The shutdown could have had an impact on UK-US trade and deliveries. But home delivery expert ParcelHero is warning the deal may have only delayed the inevitable until November 17th.
With mere hours to spare, the Republican House Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, managed to delay a Government shutdown for a further 45 days.
Tens of thousands of US Government employees would have been furloughed without pay and many federal services suspended from 00:01 ET (5am BST) on Sunday.
ParcelHero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says: "The short-term funding deal is good news for the US economy and everyone who does business with America. But in truth it's only kicked the can down the road. And a deal in November now looks even less likely to be a success.
‘The Government funding bill was narrowly passed in the House when McCarthy struck a deal with the Democrats, in defiance of the hard-line right in his own party. Rebel Republicans previously threatened to trigger moves to replace McCarthy if he were to make such a deal. Now they have started proceedings that will end in his replacement, possibly with a Speaker less willing to seek a compromise. If that happens, the chances of a funding deal on 17 November look even more distant."
He went on to say: "If there's a US Government shutdown after 17 November, it could have an impact on UK businesses and individuals who are sending products, gifts and mail to the US. That’s bad news leading in to the peak Christmas season. Some of the services which may be potentially affected are:
‘Many traditional UK Post Office mail services and certain economy courier services to the USA make use of the United States Postal Service for final delivery. There were some fears a shutdown could disrupt low-cost UK-US mail deliveries.
‘However, the USPS is funded via the sales of products (like stamps) and services, and not directly by the US Government. That means deliveries shouldn't be interrupted.
"The US National Postal Mail Handlers Union says: "It needs to be emphasised that the Postal Service and its employees won't be directly impacted by a shutdown. The USPS isn't an appropriated federal agency, and Mail Handlers will still receive pay checks and will still report to work." US Post Offices should also remain open.
Customs and maritime shipments
"The US Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) says a potential shutdown “will hinder the work of Government agencies that contribute to the foreign commercial activities of the United States”. That list includes US Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, the Department of Transportation and the Federal Maritime Commission.
"CSIS says: “Essential work from agencies such as Customs and Border Protection’s cargo processing and inspection at ports, will continue, but functions less essential to day-to-day work but ultimately critical to these agencies’ long-term capabilities, like training activities, will be suspended.”
"Likewise, Government activities related to imports and trade monitoring, such as tariff exclusion request processing, would likely cease.
Airfreight
‘Many UK products are airfreighted to America, often in the holds of passenger services. The US political news site The Hill reports US Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, has warned of potential disruptions in the airline industry, and highlighted the possible impact of a shutdown on air traffic control training:
“A shutdown would include, just in the transportation side alone, shutting down air traffic control training at the exact moment when the country recognizes the need for more, not less air traffic control staffing, and when we have finally got cancellations back at or below normal rates.
"The air traffic controllers who would be working in the towers, they wouldn’t get paid. They’re under enough stress as it is doing that job without having to come into work with the added stress of not receiving a pay check.”
US services
‘Finally, during the last shutdown, almost 90% of the Department of Commerce’s staff was furloughed and the International Trade Commission was closed. Any progress on the elusive US-UK free trade agreement would also be further hindered. ParcelHero’s USA page will give live information on all available services in the event of a US Government shutdown, as well as full details on Customs advice, sending food, prohibited items, etc.
‘The US is ParcelHero’s biggest individual overseas market. For expert advice on UK-US shipping, including Customs information, help for exports and prohibited items details, see: https://www.parcelhero.com/en-gb/international-courier-services/usa-parcel-delivery
From a very cheery Santa & His Reindeer Chocolate Bites, to a beautifully presented Hot Chocolate Bombe Christmas Bauble and delicious Hot Chocolate Christmas Puddings, Cocoba’s Christmas gifting range really has something for everyone.
Cocoba Chocolate has also created delicious, stunning Christmas Hampers crammed full of many delicious treats; you needn’t look further than Cocoba for a complete range of festive gifts to get everyone fully into the Christmas spirit.
Share some yuletide joy this Christmas with Cocoba’s Santa & His Reindeer Chocolate Bites at £9.95. Each box includes a sweet collection of bitesize festive characters, all handmade using high quality Belgian milk chocolate in the shape of Santa and his Reindeers.
Presented in a beautiful selection box, the seasonal chocolate bites make a fun and loveable gift to bring out the child in everyone this Christmas season.
Discover the magical Hot Chocolate Bombe Christmas Bauble, which is an utterly fantastic festive tin bauble decorated with Cocoba Christmas characters, containing a Belgian hot chocolate bombe that has a generous helping of yummy fluffy marshmallows. A must-have addition for hanging on the Christmas tree or a great surprise to gift as a Secret Santa present or stocking filler for a very nifty £4.95.
Bursting with a generous helping of mini marshmallows, the delicious Christmas Pudding Hot Chocolate Bombe is handcrafted from silky Belgian milk and delicious white chocolate. At just £3.95 the Christmas Pudding Hot Chocolate Bombe makes a sweet surprise for stockings, Christmas Eve boxes, or for festive hampers to delight your family and friends.
Finally, Cocoba has it all wrapped up with a collection of exquisite Christmas hampers starting out at £19.99. Each hamper is carefully put together to display an array of delicious, yummy chocolate treats, fastened with a special hand-tied ribbon to add just that perfect finishing touch.
Please visit Cocoba Chocolate’s website for more information including the lovely Christmas vegan product range. www.CocobaChocolate.com
Cocoba’s chocolate products include Belgian hot chocolate, chocolate bars and lollipops, truffles and buttons, and a growing range of vegan dark and ‘milk’ chocolate.
Cocoba’s range is available from www.CocobaChocolate.com. But if you live in Kent, why not visit Cocoba’s flagship chocolate café at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent?
They are also available via independent farm shops, good delis, John Lewis, Selfridges and more, besides. All products are handmade in Kent.
Incidentally, if you want a 10% deduction in the price you pay, please join their mailing list. Also, remember deliveries on orders over £35 are free, please check for details.
Check them out on socials:-
Instagram: @cocobachocolate
Facebook: @CocobaChocolate
Pinterest: @CocobaChocolate
TikTock: @cocobachocolate
Twitter: @CocobaChocolate
https://www.cocobachocolate.com
However, it can also be a season of financial stress and anxiety, as people often overspend in the spirit of giving. But it doesn't have to be that way!
With some careful planning and a bit of creativity, you can have a debt-free Christmas and still enjoy the magic of the season. In this blog post, we will explore some practical tips to help you achieve a debt-free Christmas without sacrificing the joy and warmth of the Christmas season.
Set a Realistic Budget
The first step in having a debt-free Christmas is setting a realistic budget. Take a close look at your financial situation and determine how much you can comfortably afford to spend on gifts, decorations, and festivities. Remember that your budget should cover not only gifts but also other Christmastime expenses such as travel, food, and entertainment, too.
Create a Gift List
Once you have a budget in mind, create a list of all the people you want to buy gifts for. Prioritise your list and allocate a specific amount for every person. Be mindful of your budget and avoid the temptation to overspend. Consider meaningful and thoughtful gifts that don't have to be very expensive.
Embrace Homemade and DIY Gifts
Shop Smart
Take advantage of sales, discounts, and cashback offers whilst you are shopping for gifts. Compare prices and use price-tracking apps to ensure you always get the best possible deals. Consider shopping online to avoid impulse purchases that often happen in physical stores.
Also, do remember that discount retailers such as Lidl, Aldi, Home Bargains, The Range, B&M Bargains, Savers, The Works, etc often retail items such as scented candles, perfumes and so on, at much better prices than department stores, so do check them out to potentially save some money.
Use Cash, Not Credit
When making your Christmas purchases, try to pay with cash or your debit card rather than using credit cards. Using cash helps you stay within your budget and avoid accumulating debt. If you must use a credit card, ensure that you have a plan to pay off the balance promptly to avoid interest charges.
Plan Christmas Time Activities That Don't Cost Too Much
Create memorable experiences with your loved ones without breaking the bank. Host a potluck dinner instead of an extravagant feast, enjoy a movie night at home, or participate in community events and free holiday activities like parades or tree lighting ceremonies.
Regift Thoughtfully
If you have items that you received as gifts and never used, consider regifting them to someone who might appreciate them more. Just be sure to rewrap and present them thoughtfully, and avoid regifting to someone in the same social circle who might recognise the gift.
Re-use Christmas decorations, whenever possible. Rather than automatically going out to buy more new Christmas lights, tinsel, decorations and the like, reuse festive decorations from previous years to make your home a festive winter wonderland.
For example, my late Mother had a celluloid Father Christmas that her Father had bought which was at least 70 years old. It always had pride of place on the family's Christmas tree. And now it adorns the Christmas tree for my sister's little ones. You could start your own Christmas decorations tradition for your own family with Christmas decorations going from generation to generation, going down through the years? And how cool would that be?
Secret Santa or Gift Exchanges
Instead of buying gifts for everyone in your extended family or friends group, why not suggest a Secret Santa or gift exchange? This way, each person only has to buy only one gift and not several, and it can be a more thoughtful and meaningful present within a budget.
Start Saving Early
To prepare for a debt-free Christmas, consider setting up a dedicated savings account at the beginning of the year. Contribute a small amount each month, so you have a substantial sum by the time the holiday season arrives.
Conclusion
A debt-free Christmas is not only possible but also immensely rewarding. By setting a budget, getting creative with your gifts, and making mindful spending choices, you can enjoy the holiday season without the stress of financial debt. Remember that the true spirit of Christmas lies in the joy of giving and spending quality time with loved ones, not in lavish gifts or extravagant spending. So, this holiday season, focus on what truly matters, and celebrate the magic of Christmas without the financial burden.
You might find inspiration in a previous blogpost here https://thatschristmas.blogspot.com/2023/10/11-unique-and-budget-friendly-christmas.html
(Noel Picture courtesy of VIVIANE M. from Pixabay)
The international development NGO has released a set of Christmas eCards annually as part of its fundraising efforts in the last quarter of each year, for the past three years.
The set of Christmas eCards announced is titled the twelve cats of Christmas, a tongue in cheek parody of the popular twelve days of Christmas song. The twelve cats of Christmas eCards featured one breed of popular cat breed found in British homes each day leading up to Christmas.
The dozen cats featured included the popular and most common moggy to the exotic Korat and Bengal cats.
Says Hope Spring eCard platform and social media manager Seun Olonade “Cat lovers will appreciate and enjoy receiving the twelves cats of Christmas eCard as a Christmas greetings card”.
She went on to say: “The inspiration for the twelves cats Christmas card came from a mixture of the popularity of our cats charity birthday ecards and my fondness for the twelve days of Christmas song!”
The twelve cats of Christmas and other ecards to be launched in the coming weeks, are expected to help Hope Spring water Christmas fundraising efforts. The holiday period around December is one of the busiest for Hope Spring fundraising platform and for other charities in the UK in general.
A successful fundraising campaign in the last quarter of this year, will enable Hope Spring to fund some of their outstanding well and borehole projects in 2023. You can view and send the twelve cats of Christmas ecards at Hope Spring ecards website. You will also find more information about their clean water advocacy projects on their homepage.
This watch represents the next step in our journey, seamlessly merging the past's robustness with today's elegance and functionality. And That' Christmas feels sure it will be the ideal Christmas gift for the watch enthusiast in your life.
Key Features:
Durability and Elegance: Crafted to endure the toughest of challenges, the Modern Field 100M embodies the strength and resilience required for today's battleground. Yet, its elegance and usability make it suitable for any adventure.
Specifications: With a diameter of 36.5mm, thickness of 12mm, and weight of 94g, this watch is designed for comfort. It boasts a water resistance of 10ATM (100M, 330ft), ensuring reliability in most water encounters. The watch features a domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal, Sellita Modified SW260 movements, and is made with 316L stainless steel with an anti-glint PVD finish.
Highly Legible Dial: No more squinting or searching for the correct angle! The time is clear, day or night, ensuring that a rapid glance is all you need.
Anti-Glint Coating: The Modern Field 100M features a matte black anti-reflective PVD coating, ensuring discretion when it matters most, adding a touch of stealthy sophistication.
Water Resistance: Designed to be a trusty companion in rain, river, or during a rigorous workout. (Note: While robust, it's advised against using this watch for diving.)
For Everyone: While it's the successor to their esteemed military field watches, the Modern Field 100M is for everyone. Its simplicity, durability, and elegance make it the perfect accessory for adventurers, professionals, and everyday enthusiasts alike.
Pricing and Availability: The Modern Field 100M is priced at £990.00. Pre-orders opened today and will be shipping next Summer, 2024.
For more details and to be notified when the Modern Field 100M becomes available, visit Timor Watch Company.
Founded in 1923 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, Timor Watch Company quickly gained a reputation for crafting durable Swiss watches. During World War II, Timor was among the legendary "Dirty Dozen" watchmakers that produced timepieces for the British Military.
After navigating challenges like the quartz crisis, Timor made a resurgence by returning to its roots, focusing on iconic WWII designs. Now headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, Timor continues its legacy with modern interpretations of classic designs.
Ten years ago, gin lovers Karl and Cathy Mason set up a Facebook page about their favourite spirit. They were posting reviews of their delicious finds, followers followed, and soon 10k people were on the page, joining in the chat and sharing their gincredible finds too.
It took a lot of time to manage thousands of comments and reviews - and then the couple had the lightbulb moment: what if we did this all the time? And Masons of Yorkshire was born. The distillery was the first to open in Yorkshire, right at the start of the gin boom that swept across the UK and beyond.
This year the company celebrates a decade of distilling. 24 people are now employed at the stunning state-of-the-art distillery in beautiful Bedale, North Yorkshire, which is open for tours and events all year round. Masons of Yorkshire has won countless awards the world over, (over 180!) and exports products internationally.
With a gin portfolio consisting of the 10th Anniversary Gin, Original, Tea Edition, Orange & Lime Leaf, Pear & Pink Peppercorn, Pink Grapefruit & Cucumber, Fruit of the Tropics and English Lavender, the Masons have lent their expert hand to crafting Luxury British Vodka, and sales have doubled in the last year as at-home cocktail enthusiasts and bars discover the smoothness of the Original, Citrus, Espresso and Chocolate expressions.
Now a proudly carbon-neutral business, Masons of Yorkshire will dedicate the next 10 years to creating business and jobs for local people as sustainably as possible, building on a legacy of creating award-winning 'no gimmicks' gin and vodka, and being at the forefront of British produced distilled spirits.
Stand out products for stand out gifts, let your family and friends know how much you treasure them by sending the original and best.
Perfectly Personalised Presents
They can personalise their award-winning range of Gins and Vodkas with up to 20 characters on the front label. From £37.95 for 70cl.
The serious Gin for the serious Gin Lover - 52% abv
To mark the 10 year anniversary, Masons of Yorkshire has released a special edition gin, with the star of the show being juniper, to celebrate the plant that started it all. The gin has been crafted to be juniper rich, to share with the gin aficionados and gin lovers out there that have supported the brand.
In addition to the juniper, the gin also features other key botanicals such as coriander, fresh lime and bay leaf. These botanicals add complexity to the gin, making it a well-rounded and delicious spirit.
The gin features two different varieties of juniper, distilled three ways: pot still, vapor basket, and vacuum distillation. It's bottled at 52% ABV, 10% higher in ABV than the Masons of Yorkshire Original Edition, (1% for every year!) a punchy flavour fitting for a 10th anniversary celebration and the perfect strength to deliver a juniper hit. The gin will be presented in a beautiful presentation box, made from fine linen with foiled copper detailing. The ultimate in luxury gin.
Available from www.masonsofyorkshire.com. £45 for 70cl, 52% ABV.
Stocking Fillers - Luxurious Gin and Vodka for under £25
Why not treat Santa to something a little special this year? Swap the cookies for a miniature bottle of Masons to enjoy with a tonic under the tree?
These perfectly formed presents also make absolutely wonderful stocking fillers, or why not save them for Christmas Dinner? The smooth flavours will make amazing aperitifs for your guests on arrival.
The Taste Experience Gift Set, £22.50
Each pack includes five miniature 5cl bottles of Masons gin including The Original, Tea Edition, Pink Grapefruit & Cucumber, Pear & Pink Peppercorn and Orange & Lime Leaf. Perfect as a gift for all premium gin lovers, or why not treat yourself?
Vodka Miniatures Gift Set, £16
The Masons Vodka Gift Set bundle includes all three of their original Vodkas: Classic Vodka, Espresso Vodka & Citrus Vodka, now in a 5cl miniatures tasting set. It's ideal to explore the flavour, clarity and smoothness their Vodkas have won awards for. Perfect as a gift set to treat a vodka lover.
Classic Vodka: Designed with clarity and freshness in mind. Savour the crisp, gloriously smooth characteristics of Masons Classic Vodka over ice, in long drinks or as a base for your favourite cocktails.
Espresso Vodka: Masons Espresso Vodka is slowly distilled for smoothness. Delicately nuanced with vapor-infused coffee beans from El Salvador results in a taste experience of rich, silky coffee.
Citrus Vodka: Masons Citrus Vodka is distilled for smoothness and quality. Citrus is delicately vapor-infused through the process to create a vodka with crisp and punchy citrus notes.
As we say, ideal, personalised Christmas presents, but this time for the gin and vodka lovers in your life!
This year, why not surprise your loved ones with gifts that show thoughtfulness and creativity, without breaking the bank? In this blog post, we've compiled a list of 10 unique and inexpensive Christmas gift ideas that are certain to bring smiles to the faces of your friends and family members.
Personalised Ornaments
Create custom ornaments that reflect the recipient's interests or special memories. Whether it's a photo ornament or one with their name beautifully crafted, personalised ornaments are both sentimental and affordable, too.
Homemade Treats
Put your culinary skills to work and bake a batch of homemade cookies, fudge, or other treats. Package them in decorative containers or jars, and add a heartfelt note. Homemade goodies are always appreciated.
Home filled wicker hamper
Everyone loves a special wicker hamper filled with delectable Christmas treats such a mince pies, Christmas cakes, Christmas puddings, waxed cheeses, wines, beers, liquors, spirits, scented candles, trinkets and special, quirky gifts. You can easily obtain your own wicker basket (we buy ours from The Works https://www.theworks.co.uk and fill them up with whatever we think the intended recipient will love. Especially helpful if you want to create a bespoke wicker hamper for someone who has health issues such as being a coeliac, vegan, etc.
Indoor Plant
A small potted plant, such as a succulent or a mini herb garden, can be a thoughtful gift that brings a touch of nature to a loved one's home. It's a gift that keeps on giving.
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Create a scrapbook or photo album filled with cherished memories and mementos. You can find budget-friendly albums at craft stores, and it's a wonderful way to relive special moments.
Handmade Jewellery
Craft a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery using beads, wire, or even polymer clay. Personalize it to match the recipient's style and taste. Handmade jewellery carries a unique charm and sentimental value.
Customized Recipe Book
Compile a collection of your favourite recipes or family recipes and present them in a beautifully decorated notebook or binder. Add personal touches like handwritten notes or cooking tips.
Film Night Kit
Put together a cosy film night kit with popcorn, their favourite cinema-style sweets, and a DVD or a streaming service gift card. It's a thoughtful gift that encourages relaxation and quality time.
DIY Candles
Make your own candles with scents that you know the recipient will love. You can find candle-making kits and supplies at craft stores, etc. And the end result is both personal and functional, too.
Personalised Calendar
Create a custom calendar featuring photos or artwork that hold special meaning for the recipient. They can enjoy a year filled with memories and reminders.
Craft Kits
Give the gift of creativity with a DIY craft kit. Whether it's knitting, painting, or making handmade soap, there are numerous affordable kits available that provide hours of creative enjoyment. They can be found at craft stores, B&M Bargains, Home Bargains, The Range, on Amazon, etc.
Finding unique but inexpensive Christmas gifts doesn't have to be a daunting task. By putting thought and effort into your gift-giving, you can show your loved ones how much you care without breaking the bank.
Whether it's a personalised ornament, homemade treats, or a handmade craft, these thoughtful gifts are sure to warm the hearts of those you cherish. This Christmas season, let your creativity shine and celebrate the spirit of giving in a meaningful and budget-friendly way. You'll have fun sourcing them and creating them and the recipient will have a special and unique Christmas gift that is personal to them.
You'll find more details of what to do, where to go and what to buy in this blogpost
https://thatschristmas.blogspot.com/2023/08/why-not-try-crafting-for-christmas.html
As the holiday season approaches, cities and towns around the world transform into enchanting wonderlands filled with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the irresistible aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Christmas markets, a beloved tradition in many countries, offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the spirit of the season. In this blog post, we will embark on a virtual journey to discover some of the most captivating Christmas markets around the world.
Strasbourg, France - The Capital of Christmas
Located in the heart of Alsace, Strasbourg is often hailed as the "Capital of Christmas." The city's Christkindelsmärik, dating back to 1570, is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe. Strasbourg's charming half-timbered houses provide the perfect backdrop for the market's 300 stalls, offering everything from handcrafted ornaments to mouthwatering Alsatian specialties. The centerpiece is the Grande Île, where a towering Christmas tree adorned with sparkling lights casts a magical glow over the festivities.
Vienna, Austria - A Fairytale Wonderland
Vienna's Christmas markets are renowned for their elegant and traditional charm. The city hosts several markets, each with its own unique character. The Rathausplatz market, in front of Vienna's City Hall, features a giant ice skating rink, while the market at Schönbrunn Palace offers a regal backdrop for festive shopping. Visitors can savor Austrian delicacies like apple strudel and enjoy classical music performances throughout the season.
Nuremberg, Germany - The Christkindlesmarkt
Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt is a quintessential German Christmas market experience. Dating back to the 16th century, it boasts a picturesque setting in the city's Old Town. The market is famous for its handmade wooden toys, gingerbread cookies (Lebkuchen), and the Christkind, a young angelic figure who opens the festivities with a prologue. Don't forget to try the Nuremberg sausages served with sauerkraut.
Prague, Czech Republic - A Bohemian Christmas
Prague's Christmas markets are set against the stunning backdrop of the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. The markets here are known for their intricate handmade crafts, like delicate glass ornaments and wooden toys. Enjoy a warm cup of svařák (mulled wine) while taking in the beauty of the city's Gothic and Baroque architecture illuminated by festive lights.
Toronto, Canada - A North American Gem
While European markets often steal the spotlight, Toronto's Christmas Market deserves recognition. Located in the Distillery Historic District, this market has a unique charm with its Victorian-style decorations and a massive Christmas tree. The market offers an array of artisanal goods, from local crafts to international delights, and it's a perfect place for families with its carousel and Santa's house.
Tokyo, Japan - A Taste of Christmas Abroad
Tokyo may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Christmas markets, but it offers a delightful blend of Japanese and Western holiday traditions. The German-style Tokyo Christmas Market in Hibiya Park offers a taste of Europe in the heart of Japan. Visitors can enjoy German sausages, mulled wine, and shop for European-style crafts while surrounded by a stunning winter illumination display.
Conclusion
No matter where you find yourself during the holiday season, there's likely a Christmas market nearby, each with its unique charm and cultural influences. From the enchanting markets of Europe to the unexpected delights of North America and Asia, these markets offer an opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas in diverse and wonderful ways. So, this year, consider adding a visit to a Christmas market to your holiday itinerary and create unforgettable memories surrounded by festive cheer.
Flavours will include Brown Butter and Spiced Rum, Frangipane and Amaretto, Chocolate and Cherry Crumble and a vegan OMV! Crumble Topped Mince Pie.
It's Asda's prediction that it will sell 26 million mince pies this year, after selling 24 million last year.
Hero products in the range, including the Extra Special Brown Butter & Rum Mince Pies, are produced by a specialist family owned and operated bakery based in Lazonby, Cumbria which has been producing high quality, delicious baked goods since 1946.
Available as part of Asda’s 2023 Christmas range, mince pies land this week instore and online.
With under 100 days to go before Christmas Day itself, it’s never too early to start stocking up on the nation’s favourite Christmas treat. (And, at least here at That's Christmas to sample them before Christmas Day itself!)
As a nation, we love mince pies, and this year Asda has gone really big. Throughout the season Asda predicts to sell 4.4 million packs of mince pies, that's actually over 26 million individual mince pies.
From this week, Asda's offering a truly stunning 17-strong mince pie offering for the festive season, with six new flavours, catering to all mince pie lovers out there, whatever your preferences might be.
This summer Asda announced its first ever Christmas signature flavour, Brown Butter and Spiced Dark Rum, created by the Asda Innovation Team. The flavour will be across hero products throughout the festive range, from mince pies to pigs in blankets.
Jonathan Moore, Senior Director of Food Innovation and Trends, says: “We noticed an abundance of brown butter used globally by top pastry chefs, accompanied by the growth in the use of dark rum by mixologists across the globe, and this instantly recognisable flavour of warming spices was the perfect pairing for the brown butter.
He went on to say: "By combining these two key flavours, this year’s Christmas signature flavour was born!”
Taking the reins of the range are the Extra Special Brown Butter & Rum Mince Pies (6PK, £2.35). The all-butter short crust pastry is enriched with brown butter for a unique and tasty nutty flavour and filled with a spiced vine fruit and citrus peel mincemeat, topped with a Jamaican rum and sweet dusting for a real festive treat.
For those who dare to be different at Christmas, the Extra Special Chocolate & Cherry Crumble Mince Pies (6PK, £2.75) made with rich chocolate flavour, all-butter short crust pastry, filled with sweet cherry jam and mincemeat, and topped with chocolate crumble will be a favourite.
Customers can also enjoy the Extra Special Frangipane & Amaretto Mince Pies (6PK, £2.75) made with all-butter pastry and filled with Amaretto-infused vine fruit and citrus peel mincemeat, topped with a delicious all-butter frangipane, finished with flaked almonds and a sweet dusting.
The Asda Extra Special Mini Mince Pies (9PK, £2.75) with vine fruits, Valencian orange oil, spices, rich ruby port and cognac, are perfect for a light dessert or Christmas party.
For those who like to stick to the classics, the Extra Special Deep Fill Mince Pies (6PK, £2.75) are impressively filled to the very brim with mincemeat in an all-butter short crust pastry, along with the Asda Mince Pies (6PK, £1.45).
Asda’s own-brand vegan range, OMV!, will be launching its first ever festive offering this Christmas. Available from tomorrow, Monday 2nd October, the OMV! Crumble Topped Mince Pies (4PK, £2) have a fruit-packed vegan mincemeat filling and are topped with cinnamon and ginger spiced crumble for a modern twist on a festive classic. (I'm not a vegan, but with the cinnamon and ginger spiced crumble, I think I'll be popping over to our nearest Asda branch to buy some of those.)
Asda customers can also shop the Free From Frangipane Mince Pies (4PK, £2.25), and enjoy sweet pastry filled with rich brandy mincemeat, topped with frangipane and delicate flaked almonds. As we have pointed out, Asda worked closely with a family-run bakery based in Cumbria to produce some of the hero products in the range, including the standout Brown Butter & Rum Mince Pies. The business, established in 1946, has been producing high quality, delicious baked goods for the past 75 years. The pies are made from scratch in small batches and finished by hand.
John Hines, supplier spokesman, says: “Each year it's a joy to work with Asda on creating our mince pies and to feed the nation with their favourite festive bakes. “We are always looking to see how we can incorporate new, exciting flavours to give our mince pies the wow-factor and experiment with different tastes and popular products.”
He finished by saying: “We’re wishing everyone a very happy Christmas!”
Nick Drewe, who is a retail expert and Founder of online platform Wethrift, discusses exactly how the practice has become commonplace amongst brands and sellers on the site, as well as guidance for consumers on how to spot if a positive write-up for a product is genuine or potentially fake.
“Review incentivisation, using bribes of vouchers, free products, or refunding the cost of an item - is nothing new among ecommerce sites. Yet, the findings revealed in this recently published Which? study indicates that, worryingly, it is occurring in even higher levels than before.
This is across different brands and sellers using Amazon to market their products, and stay one step ahead of their competition in an entirely unethical manner. This practice, in turn, could be misleading millions of consumers each year into purchasing items they falsely believe are being honestly reviewed and recommended by like-minded consumers.
“Many businesses will use the ratings they boast on Amazon as an incentive to persuade shoppers into believing their products are far superior to their competitors. What’s more, when browsing for items they're looking to purchase, many shoppers will naturally gravitate towards those with the highest number of five-star ratings, in order to ensure they're receiving the best quality product, regardless of how much extra it may be costing them price-wise.
“Whilst it can be hard to identify if a review is genuine or if one has been incentivised by a business into leaving a not entirely accurate review, there are certain things savvy shoppers can look out for online that may indicate they have been falsified:
Does the reviewer have a strong historical profile history?
If a particular review has caught your attention and you're questioning whether or not everything included within it can be trusted, be sure to delve into the profile history of the individual who has left the write-up. This is to see if their previous reviews on a site, the tone of voice they’ve used and their general purchasing habits seem to correlate.
Have they only given other products similarly high “gold star” reviews, or have they also documented their more negative or average responses to purchases made? As this would make them seem more genuine in their answers.
Also, please take note of the location of the person who left the review, are they posting from a country or region that doesn’t seem to geographically fit with the item under discussion? If so, it might be an indication that all is not what it might seem to be.
Have a large influx of positive reviews occurred over a short period of time?
If a certain product seems to have experienced a huge amount of 4 or 5-star reviews over an extremely short period of time, despite the fact the item isn't new to the market, then this may indicate a brand or seller is trying to use fake reviews as a way to hide previous low scores.
Do reviews on the product have a lot of spelling or grammatical errors?
Some brands may outsource the writing of falsified or faked reviews to people in developing countries, so if a product seems to have a lot of reviews with poor spelling, grammatical errors or seem to be unusually descriptive or nonsensical in parts, consider the fact they may have been posted by someone who doesn’t speak English as a first language.
Are you seeing a lot of similar phrases/words being repeated across different reviews of the same product?
If you are seeing phrases such as, “The best product”, “Great product”, “It saved my life” or, “The best on the market”, being posted more than seems normal on the reviews for a product, this could be a sign that review incentivisation is taking place.
These are the kinds of reviews that will be lacking in thorough description, and may even read as though the poster clearly hasn’t tested out or used the product themselves.
There may also be phrases that indicate a little too much of an overreaction to receiving certain products. Reading a review about a floor mop or a brand of washing detergent, where the poster describes the purchase as ‘incredible’, ‘a miracle’ or uses a lot of exclamation points and smiley faces, will naturally seem inauthentic to readers, and lead one to conclude the reviews are faked.
Are the majority of product reviews overwhelmingly positive?
It’s virtually impossible for absolutely everyone to have the same positive experience and love a product so much that they want to give it five stars, so if a product has an overwhelmingly large number of these kinds of reviews, this could suggest some foul play might be in hand.
Some brands and sellers, despite this being against Amazon’s guidelines, will actively seek out and communicate with genuine customers who left 1-3 star reviews on their products, and offer them bribes or incentives in order to boost their scores. So the brand’s average rating will rise. When it comes to this tip, just remember the saying, “If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is.”
Also, we at That's Christmas look out for large number of 1 star reviews on a product.
We'd like to thank https://www.wethrift.com for their help in putting this article together.
(Image courtesy of Adam448 from Pixabay)
Our dear friends at Mathmos have a very important anniversary to mark. It's their 60th!
Each collaboration will drop weekly every Thursday from 28th September (that's today!) at midday. Each lamp will be £130, including delivery. They are a strictly limited edition of 600 for each collaboration worldwide and all are specially numbered with a unique security sticker.
We believe that Mathmos Lava Lamps will make absolutely perfect Christmas gifts for the important and beloved people in your life, so why not visit https://mathmos.com/lava-lamps/all-lava-lamps to learn more?
There's a stunning room projector and a candle powered Lava Lamp so even those who are living off grid and don't have mains power can still live the cool life with a Lava Lamp to illuminate their boudoir this Christmas and for the rest of their lives!
The ORB SPA contains special built-in Aircore Technology, innovative soft water technology and a stunning massaging unit, that transforms shower experiences for the better.
The ORB SPA will be able to guarantee a powerful shower, yet at the same time using less water than your normal showers. As a result, the recipient of your guest will use less energy and water, thus saving money. And we're all keen on saving money whilst also doing our bit for the planet, right?
The ORB SPA also has these other incredible benefits such:
Deep cleansing
Increasing blood flow and lotion absorbance
Exfoliates and hydrates
Stimulates skin cells
Suitable for all skin types
The Aircore Technology lets air be drawn in via the air intakes, mixing with water and, by increasing the water pressure, the power of your shower is given a significant boost.
Complete with a wonderful state-of-the-art Interspray system, its angled nozzles create a wider spray pattern which results in more coverage.
The Orbit is also hypoallergenic and extremely hygienic with special wipe clean rubber nodules, thus making it perfect for family and guests all to use.
The head comes with two brushes that benefit both skin and hair. The larger one allows the water to wash away impurities released by the massage from the fibres of the head and the smaller surface can be used on the face and for more delicate areas of the body.
Not only can the massaging unit be used in shower, it can also be removed and used as part of your daily beauty and skincare routines, should you wish.
Jane Lewis, nurse and MD of the Skin to Love Clinic said: "When I was first introduced to the concept of the ORB SPA, I saw the benefits straight away. The water softening is great if you have irritable skin and the exfoliating effects are extremely convenient, allowing you to apply your creams straight out of the shower."
The Ecocamel’s ORB SPA is available from £83 and comes with free P&P plus a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee.
Head of Professional Services at Esendex, Chris Gorman, says the data shows UK shoppers are looking for personalised marketing, with SMS text and email top of the list and WhatsApp growing in popularity. “These channels are where shoppers talk to each other, so why not the companies and brands they buy from?
“With statistics showing 48% of people are on their phone between four and eight hours a day, and seven in ten checking any unread notifications within five minutes, SMS and WhatsApp are two of the quickest ways to grab the attention of customers.”
Optimise the online experience!
Ecommerce has gone some way towards levelling the field for small and large retailers. Building an online presence makes products more accessible than a bricks and mortar store, and gives smaller retailers access to a larger audience, too. A well-built website that’s optimised for mobile users with a smooth online experience, can improve brand credibility, extend reach, and make promotional campaigns more cost-effective.
Extend platform choice
On average, UK consumers are bombarded with between 6,000 and 10,000 ads a day, even outside of peak trading periods, so little wonder that the battle for engagement is intense.
When shoppers are looking for bargains, they're often shopping on all channels at once. And those hunting for bargains on four or more platforms will spend on average 9% more with a business than single channel shoppers.
Deliver value, not just discount
It’s easy to think peak season sales are all about discounts, but consumer behaviour has changed, and value isn’t always about price. UK consumers are more conscious than ever of a need to support smaller independent businesses and to contribute to their local community.
Obviously, That's Christmas sees a massive increase in people visiting our site from August/September onwards to Christmas Even itself, as they search for Christmas gifts, foods, drinks, new and traditional recipes to try and, especially keeping in mind the current cost of living situation, as readers of That's Christmas are smart and savvy shoppers, they are also looking for money saving bargains, too!
Please remember to save http://thatschristmas.blogspot.co.uk to your favourites bar or folder!
(Image courtesy of R-region from Pixabay)
The season for giving is not far away, and as the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact UK households, making meaningful purchases is a must do for this Christmas.
That’s why Cards For Good Causes are delighted to announce their annual pop-up shops will be returning in just a few short weeks, for all your festive needs!
On Saturday 7th October at 10am, the doors will open at the flagship shop in Chelsea, London with many other locations to follow throughout the month.
In a first for the charity, this year you'll also be able to can find Cards For Good Causes at the Festive Gift Fair from 16-19th November at Birmingham's NEC.
The aim? To raise much needed vital funds for charities via the Cards For Good Causes pop-ups this season.
With beautiful and adorable greeting cards, advent calendars and gifts galore, popping by a Cards For Good Causes shop is guaranteed to have you singing carols, decking the halls and spreading festive cheer.
And what's more, it doesn’t stop there! Shoppers can stock up on stunning gift wrap and decorations, stationery and homeware when they visit these special one-stop Christmas shops, all whilst supporting the charity of their choice.
The full list of pop-up shops around the UK can be found here: https://www.cardsforcharity.co.uk/find-a-card-shop.html.
If you are unable to make it to your nearest pop-up shop? The full range and selection is also available to buy online, with same day dispatch and free shipping on orders over £40: https://www.cardsforcharity.co.uk
As the UK's largest multi-charity Christmas card organisation, Cards For Good Causes has opened shops around the UK each year since 1959, raising over £40 million for local and national charities in the last decade alone.
Charities that will be supported by the money raised this year include a new addition of the Terrence Higgins Trust, as well as Cancer Research UK, Samaritans, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Shelter, Dementia UK, Mind and many more local and national charities.
Cherry Whiteside, CEO at Cards For Good Causes says: “Thanks to the support of our partners, the dedication of our network of seasonal staff and volunteers, and the generosity of local residents and businesses, we're delighted to be opening our pop-ups in the heart of local communities once again.
"If you’re looking for meaningful ways to spend this Christmas, we look forward to welcoming you very soon!”
Whether you're shopping for your Christmas food, drinks and gifts, enjoying a delicious meal in one of their eateries or attending a festive event.
The Food Hall offers a unique shopping experience that champions local foods and drinks, which has been sourced from their own farm and other incredible, passionate artisans. At the butchery counter, you'll find the best in home-grown, dry-aged beef and locally reared turkeys, with the master butchers on hand to offer advice on the best cuts and how to cook the meats.
And their deli is brimming with the best British farmhouse cheese and charcuterie; with perfect pairings just around the corner in the drinks cellar. Indulgent treats such as panettone, stollen and Christmas puddings fill the shelves; all crafted by local and like-minded artisans.
The result is an unparalleled selection of award-winning food and drink, perfect for creating fabulous festive feasts or wonderful Christmas gifts.
You'll also find incredible bean-to-bar chocolate which is actually crafted on site by their very own in-house chocolatier. Their single origin bars, handcrafted truffles and chocolate creations are made using sustainably sourced cacao beans from specially selected small scale growers in the world's best regions.
They are also proud to be one of the few UK producers to craft chocolate from bean to bar. In small batches, they roast the beans, before cracking the shell to release the nib. Then they grind the nibs for up to 55 hours before ageing their chocolate for 2-3 weeks.
Finally, they melt it down to create bars, truffles and all things chocolatey which you can buy in store as well as online for national deliveries. The perfect gift for any chocolate lover is Darts Farm's Cow & Cacao Chocolate Lover's Hamper (£22). This hamper contains a 30g Single Origin Bar, a 150g Broken Chocolate Slab and a 150g bag of Chocolate Buttons.
The Farm Table, their fantastic new flagship restaurant, showcases the best produce available from the farm and shop.
It celebrates the simplicity of beautiful ingredients grown, reared, caught and crafted on their doorstep. What they cannot grow themselves on the farm, they source from their vibrant community of like-minded artisan producers, farmers and fisherman who share their passion for flavour, seasonality & sustainable, traditional methods.
The menu includes their iconic Ruby Red beef, dayboat fish and seasonal vegetables, all cooked over charcoal and accompanied by wines from their own Pebblebed Vineyards, plus an amazing selection of beers, ciders and spirits from the cellar. Join your friends and family for a Christmas meal or book your place at The Farm Table's Festive Indulgence Evening on 29th November.
Just over the hedge from where they graze their Ruby Red Cattle, you'll find Darts Farm's Pebblebed Vineyard where they produce their award-winning sparkling and still wines. They are one of very few single estate producers; growing their grapes and producing their wines in the same place.
And why not treat someone to a bottle of their fabulous fizz or stock up on a mixed case or two for the festive season. Their collection includes still white, red and rosé wine as well as sparkling white and rosé.
As always, there will be a packed calendar of Food and Drink Events at Darts Farm in December, including a Christmas Masterclass Evening, Willow and Wreath Masterclasses and a Carol Service.
For further information on Darts Farm please visit www.dartsfarm.co.uk and follow Darts Farm on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.