Impress Your Christmas Guests: Dinner Designed for you by Masterchef Winner Steven Wallis

With the Christmas countdown well underway, why not impress your friends and family with a Christmas dinner designed by Masterchef winner Steven Wallis in partnership with recipe box company Chefs For Foodies. 

With all the ingredients you will need to create a standout centrepiece with all the trimmings, the Ultimate Turkey Christmas Dinner recipe kit is £139 for six people, which works out at only £23.16 per head.

With zero waste and an easy-to-follow and fun cook-a-long video presented by Steven, the kit includes quality ingredients sourced from British suppliers and family-run butchers including a turkey breast joint with rosemary and Parma ham and pigs in blankets. 

The delicious side dishes feature roast potatoes, sage and onion stuffing, maple roasted carrots with smoked salt, Brussel sprouts with lemon pangritata and, of course, delicious turkey gravy.

Masterchef winner and judge Steven Wallis commented: “There can be a lot of pressure on preparing the perfect Christmas dinner, but just imagine how easy and impressive it would be to have everything measured out and pre-prepared?

"With the recipe box I've created with Chefs For Foodies you're guaranteed to have a less stressful experience cooking the meal of the year, so you can spend more time entertaining your guests whilst wowing them with your skills at the same time.”

To ensure quality, fresh ingredients, the food boxes are delivered a few days before Christmas. Chefs For Foodies ensures minimum waste by supplying pre-portioned ingredients and recyclable packaging.

If turkey isn't your thing, don't despair, because Chefs For Foodies has some great alternative recipe boxes available, all of which are also designed by Steven. 

The Ultimate Festive Beef Wellington recipe kit is priced at £130 for four people. It includes a delectable chateaubriand fillet, roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, braised red cabbage with cranberries, maple roasted carrots with smoked salt and rich beef gravy.

If you have any vegan guests, they're in for a treat too. The Portobello Mushroom Wellington recipe kit is £55 for two people and features a vegan alternative to the traditional Wellington, roast potatoes, butternut squash with vegan blue cheese and cranberries, Brussel sprouts with roasted grapes and pine nuts, plus, of course, lashings of delectable vegan gravy.

If you're looking for a delicious way to end your festive meal, or some great snacks and starters, Chefs Foodies also has you covered.

Priced at £35 and serving four to six people, the Festive Cheeseboard includes British Farmhouse Cheddar, Burts Blue Cheese, Brie de Meaux with salt and virgin olive oil crackers, as well as Tracklements caramelised onion chutney. You can also upgrade this box to include a beautiful bottle of 2019 Montepulciano D'Abruzzo.

Perfect for a pre or post Christmas soiree, the Indian Feast platter created by celebrity chef and James Martin show regular, Dipna Anand, is £68 and serves six. It features turkey malai tikka with cranberry sauce, lamb tikki pittas, onion, spinach and potato bhajis and prawn pakoras, all served with mint and mango chutney.

All of these recipe boxes are available to pre-order now and if ordering for Christmas Day, they will be delivered on December 22. You can also use the discount code Autumn10 to get 10% off for a limited time.

To place your order and to obtain your 10% discount please visit Chefs for Foodies at https://chefsforfoodies.com/pages/christmas

Rediscovering the Magic of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" in the Modern Age

In the midst of the bustling Christmas season, few tales resonate as deeply with the spirit of Christmas as Charles Dickens' timeless classic, "A Christmas Carol." 

First published in 1843, this novella has captivated readers for nearly two centuries, offering a powerful message of redemption, generosity, and the transformation of the human heart. Dickens' work has had an enduring impact on our cultural understanding of Christmas, inspiring countless adaptations that continue to resonate with modern readers. 

In this article, we will delve into the world of "A Christmas Carol," examining its enduring themes, its influence on our contemporary celebrations, and the reasons why it remains a cherished masterpiece for readers of all ages.

The Dickensian Era

Before we dive into the heart-warming tale of "A Christmas Carol," let's take a step back in time to understand the world in which Charles Dickens lived and wrote. The 19th century was a period of tremendous change in England. The Industrial Revolution was in full swing, transforming society, and bringing about economic disparity and social injustice. As Dickens witnessed these changes first-hand, he became a fervent advocate for the underprivileged and a critic of the harsh conditions experienced by the working classes.

Dickens was a master storyteller, and he used his writing to shine a light on the social issues of his time. He wrote about the struggles of the poor, the suffering of children in workhouses, and the heartlessness of a society that often turned a blind eye to those in need. His works were not only entertaining but also deeply moving, and they were instrumental in raising awareness and inciting change. In "A Christmas Carol," Dickens took this mission to new heights, crafting a story that touched the hearts of readers whilst also delivering a powerful social message.

The Birth of "A Christmas Carol"

The genesis of "A Christmas Carol" was a journey from London to Manchester, during which Dickens visited some of the most impoverished areas in England. This experience deeply affected him, and it inspired him to write a story that would, as he put it, "strike a sledgehammer blow" on behalf of the poor. The novella was not just a product of his desire for social reform, but also a reflection of his own experiences.

The story was written in just six weeks and published on December 19, 1843, in a single volume. Despite its short length, "A Christmas Carol" resonated profoundly with readers and critics alike, swiftly becoming a bestseller. The story's universal themes and powerful narrative style made it accessible to a wide audience, and its immediate success established Charles Dickens as one of the foremost writers of his time.

Plot Overview

"A Christmas Carol" tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who despises the joy and merriment of the Christmas season. 

On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him of the terrible fate that awaits him in the afterlife if he continues down his heartless path. Marley's ghost is bound in chains, representing the weight of his own greed and indifference in life.

Scrooge is then visited by three more spirits: the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (or the Ghost of Christmas Future). These spirits take him on a journey through time, showing him scenes from his own past, the lives of those he knows, and a bleak vision of the future. Through these encounters, Scrooge is forced to confront the choices he has made and the impact they have had on others.

Ultimately, Scrooge undergoes a profound transformation. He realizes the error of his ways and the true meaning of Christmas, and he becomes a compassionate and generous man. He rekindles his relationships with his family and helps those in need. The story concludes with a joyous Christmas celebration, where Scrooge embodies the spirit of the holiday, bringing happiness and warmth to those around him.

Themes in "A Christmas Carol"

"A Christmas Carol" explores a range of timeless themes that continue to resonate with modern readers:

Redemption: The central theme of the novella is the possibility of redemption and personal transformation. Scrooge's journey from a heartless miser to a generous and kind-hearted man illustrates that it's never too late to change and make amends.

Compassion and Generosity: Dickens emphasizes the importance of compassion and generosity, especially towards those less fortunate. Scrooge's transformation is a testament to the power of these virtues.

Family and Friendship: The story highlights the value of relationships with family and friends. Scrooge's reconnection with his nephew Fred and his employee Bob Cratchit reveals the importance of love and companionship in life.

Social Justice: Dickens uses the novella to critique the social injustices of his time, particularly the plight of the poor. "A Christmas Carol" serves as a call to action, reminding us of our moral duty to help those in need.

The Spirit of Christmas: The story captures the essence of the holiday season, emphasizing the joy of giving, spreading cheer, and celebrating with loved ones.

Influence and Legacy

The enduring popularity of "A Christmas Carol" is a testament to its timeless themes and Dickens' masterful storytelling. This novella has left an indelible mark on literature and popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations, including stage plays, radio dramas, and film adaptations. Some of the most iconic portrayals of Ebenezer Scrooge include Alastair Sim in the 1951 film "Scrooge," and Michael Caine in "The Muppet Christmas Carol" (1992).

One of the most famous recent adaptations is the 1983 Disney animated feature, "Mickey's Christmas Carol," which introduced the story to a new generation of young readers. In recent years, modern retellings and adaptations have continued to breathe new life into the classic, such as the 2009 Disney's "A Christmas Carol" starring Jim Carrey.

Furthermore, the novella has had a lasting impact on our cultural celebration of Christmas. Phrases like "Bah, humbug!" and the idea of a "Scrooge" have become part of our lexicon, serving as shorthand for describing individuals who lack holiday spirit. Additionally, the charitable giving and acts of kindness depicted in the story have become central elements of modern Christmas celebrations.

Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" remains a beloved and enduring masterpiece that captures the essence of the holiday season. Its themes of redemption, compassion, and the joy of giving continue to resonate with readers of all ages, making it a story that transcends time and place. Dickens' powerful message about the importance of kindness and social responsibility serves as a reminder to us all, inspiring us to embrace the spirit of Christmas and to reach out to those in need.

As we gather with our loved ones and celebrate the holiday season, "A Christmas Carol" invites us to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and the profound impact that even one person's transformation can have on the world. In a modern age filled with distractions and materialism, the lessons of Scrooge's redemption are as relevant as ever, offering a timeless message of hope, love, and the possibility of change.

(Images courtesy of Prawny from Pixabay)

Want the perfect Christmas pudding? The Experts at DukesHill Share their secrets!

DukesHill's award-winning Christmas pudding is weighed, steamed and matured in-house, with an immense amount of passion and pride by the team.

For over four decades, DukesHill has remained committed to making Christmas puddings by hand to their traditional family recipe, with no commercial shortcuts in sight. 

Bursting with plump, vine-ripened fruits, cherries and free-range eggs, the team generously steep the puddings in the finest of French Brandy before allowing it to mature properly. This process allows the pudding to slowly absorb the rich aromas and develop a deeper taste profile.

And DukesHill's Christmas puddings uses butter in their recipe rather than of suet, which not only makes the puddings vegetarian, but also gives the pudding a much cleaner finish on the palate. The puddings are mixed in small batches to keep the texture light and prevent the fruit being crushed. 

Nicky Biddulph, Master Pudding Maker says, “A proper Christmas pudding is at the heart and soul of a Christmas feast, it's important to end the celebratory meal on a high note. Our team enjoys the cathartic process of making these puddings and we can't get enough of the rich, festive aromas in the air when it's Christmas pudding time. 

"Our recipe is time consuming to make and we only source the finest ingredients, but we know in our hearts that it's the closest way you can enjoy a genuine, traditional pudding, made in exactly the same way as you would at home.”

DukesHill Christmas Pudding weighs 454g and costs £14.50 available at www.dukeshill.co.uk/products/family-christmas-pudding 

The UKs Biggest and best Christmas Gift fair is back at the NEC

Be really inspired and get your festive preparations off to a flying start at the ever popular 4-day Festive Gift Fair this November. 

Now in its 27th fabulous year, it remains one of the most popular Christmas Shopping events in the UK for a good reason!

The Fair will be bursting at the seams with a colourful, eclectic mix of unusual stocking fillers and presents, festive food and drink and great Christmas decorations for your home and garden. 325+ stalls all in one hall …. with clever gift ideas for all ages and tastes … and lots of Special Show Offers!

The festive atmosphere is always fantastic! While browsing the stalls, let the music get you into tha Christmassy mood and enjoy being entertained by the Grinch … up to his usual menacing antics, Father Christmas with his amazing sleigh, a whole variety of Christmas harmonies by our live musicians and jazz stilt walkers who will be legging it up the aisles!

Make sure you visit the popular Festive Food & Drink area where you’ll find tempting stalls selling everything from cheese to chutneys, spices to spirits, puddings to preserves, chocolates to champagne, beers to brownies and hampers to hog roasts!

To get you in the mood here’s just a small sample of great presents ideas on offer this year!

Amazing children's gifts

You’ve managed to hide the presents out of sight from little eyes for weeks, and now the big day is here. All smiles on Christmas day!

Bright wooden Fair-trade toys for little astronauts and explorers by Lanka Kade that inspire kids to learn through play. Choose from a Noah’s Ark shape sorter to a 5-4-3-2-1 Blast Off space toy.

Welcome the UK’s No 1 sticker company Fun Stickers with over 1000 designs, you name it, they’ve got it! – tattoos, animals, party bag fillers and lots of Festive ones too.

Fun for all the family in the countdown to Christmas – advent calendars by In Sync Games. Solve the escape room questions for a sweet reward.

Award winning tech company Octagon Studio specialise in flash cards of animals, space, dinosaurs that bring 4D life onto your screens. Incredible technology and present for all ages.

Popular stall Oakmont Distribution will once again be selling branded toys and craft kits at unbeatable prices!

Head to Toys of Character for excellent range of Pocket Money Toys, from Everlasting play foam, Disney squish-a-boos to twiddle cubes and TY soft toys.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry!

Christmas is all about family, friendships and …. delicious food and drink. You’ll find a vast array of tasty treats and boozy delights that you can sample before you buy.

Choose from 15 fantastic cheeses by The Cheshire Cheese Company. Try their best sellers like ‘caramelised onion and rioja’ or ‘Irish whisky and stem ginger.’

For a sweet-tooth taste sensation, try good old fashioned gourmet fudge by Penny Lane Fudges.

Liquorice peanut butter, sea salt and caramel fudge to name just a few!

From plough to bottle, G & T Cornish Gin make a delicious range of tea distilled gins from ‘Cornish Cream Tea Gin’ to ‘Winter Blend Spicey Gin’.

The proof is in the eating, once tasted, Georgie Porgie's traditional melt-in-the-mouth Christmas puddings are impossible to resist!

Take your tastebuds on an adventure with Bugvita – superfoods packed with protein made from edible cricket insects!

Sheer luxury in a gold ingot box by Perfect Tipple, unique sparkling wine infused with 23 carat gold flakes! Great talking point!

Take home a box of gorgeously gooey brownies in over 30 flavours hand made by The Brownie Bar.

Discover your rebel spirit with O'Donnell Moonshine whose hand-made spirits and liqueurs are distinctively bottled in original Mason jars… try Sticky Toffee and Roasted Apple and Tough Nut….

Great stall for liquorice lovers, Black Liquorice Company source the finest liquorice from all over the world and have a vast range of both salty and sweet and even a liquorice syrup!

For partyware, stationery and cake decorating ideas – head to the Evelay stall full of cake toppers, flags, cracker kits and loads more.

For all the ladies in your life?

Pamper your Mum, Granny, Sister, Best Friends, Wife or Girlfriend with a special present this Christmas ….

Simply gorgeous – Primal Chakra make Reiki energy candles scented with pure essential oils and embellished with crystals – for an air of calm and relaxation.

Clutch bags, tote bags, back packs, shoulder bags, cross body bags and party bags – The Handbag Company specialise in premium leather bags at discounted prices.

The Cosy Chocolate Company sell handcrafted decadent drinking hot chocolate in individual pouches or gift sets – so find the perfect cosy moment to curl up and enjoy.

Jewellery designers The Picnic Blanket Company are passionate about creating beautiful whimsical beaded jewellery – stack a few bracelets on your wrist or ankle for the latest showstopping fashion.

Transform your hairstyle with the Golden Curl range of hair straightener and curlers, demonstrated at the Fair by Exclusive Retail.

To turn a head at parties or weddings, visit the Poppy Daisy stall to try on their exquisite hand-made flower headbands.

Husband and wife team formed Letterbox Love in the first National lockdown. Wanting to spread some positivity and kindness with their affordable jewellery message cards by post.

What about the hard to buy for chaps in your life?

Whatever he’s into, whether it be technology, sport, music…. there’s plenty of cool ideas at the Fair.

You’ll need time to browse on the Rebel Records and Toys stall.

Selling all your favourite vinyl discs from David Bowie to Queen and all the 80’s, plus nostalgic comics and toys.

For your after-dinner tipple – delicious Real Sloe Gin made from wild blackthorn bush and infused with gin by Condessa Fruit Liquers.

For hours of fun after your Christmas dinner! Puzzle Post have designed a cool and neat game for a group of up to 8 people – work together to solve 9 puzzles to get you all out of the challenging escape Room.

For great family fun. Take your micro drone by Extreme Flyers to the park – everyone will want a turn to testing their flying skills.

Get chopping the veg and carving the roast, Paudin sell Chef a fabulous set of 3 sharp Japanese Chef’s knives made of high carbon stainless steel.

Inspired by Super Mario, Pac-Man and Pokemon – Retro Gaming Centre will be showcasing their fun new gifts and stocking fillers.

For a unique personal gift, chose a men’s modern leather bracelet featuring their initial in a choice of classy colours by Instinct UK.

Décor for the festive season?

Dressing the tree? Well, that's just the start! Decorating your table, hall and mantle-piece with family heirlooms, twinkling lights, greenery, door wreaths and candles can all help make Christmas really special!

If a rustic traditional Christmas is your style, Tollhouse Country Crafts hand-make a huge selection of wreaths and garlands using dried fruit, cinnamon, pinecones and spices.

Nothing says Christmas more gloriously than a display of flickering candles that smell scent-sational by

Fragrance Sand

Popular 1 Stop Christmas Shop will be back with their great range of seasonal decorations.

Cards for Good Causes is the UK’s largest multi charity non-profit card retailer. By working as a collective group with lots of volunteers, they ensure that every penny of the customers money goes to those that need it most.

Baubles are not just for Christmas– mother and daughter team hand decorate every bauble with images of animals, flowers etc. to have on show all year.

For the dancing diva in you! Look out for LV Bespoke with their glitter ball range in which to hang your plants, plus loads of indoor plants and garden accessories.

Fairy Light Balloons will be selling stunning luminous helium LED balloons – fabulous for kids to wake up to on Christmas morning.

Join them with your friends and family for an inspiring and fun-filled day Christmas shopping at the Festive Gift Fair.

Tickets are on sale at www.festivegiftfair.co.uk

Great value! - Advance adult tickets from just £7 (plus transaction fee)

Take advantage of the Special Ticket Offer – ‘Buy 3 and get 1 FREE’ on advance Thursday/Friday adult full day tickets.

The Festive Gift Fair is open daily 09.30 – 17.00

Thursday 16th – Sunday 19th November at NEC, Birmingham.

For list of stallholders, entertainment programme and visitor information, please visit

www.festivegiftfair.co.uk

Searching for a special Christmas gift for a special person in your life? Emilia Mala has them for you

Whether you're in seeking out a gift for an animal enthusiast, a spiritually inclined individual, or someone with a penchant for hedonistic living, Emilia Mala offers a diverse selection of printed silk scarves. 

Each piece of artwork is a vibrant narrative in itself, making it a unique and meaningful choice. Crafted in England from high-quality 100% silk twill, these scarves are available in two sizes: 60x60 cm and 130x130 cm, priced at £85 and £189, respectively. You can find them for purchase on emiliamala.com.

Founded in 2017 in London, Emilia Mala's core mission is to re-invent the timeless silk scarf by employing the art of visual storytelling. These prints are derived from hand-drawn illustrations and encompass themes from shamanistic wisdom to materialism. The creative force behind the brand is Anna Tuomaala, responsible for all design and artwork.

Try Weirdstock for Christmas gifting

Weirdstock, a New Female-founded Ethical Bedding Brand, Making a Statement with Colourful Retro Designs.

Weirdstock is a small London-based homewares brand specialising in organic cotton bedding in bold, retro-inspired prints.

Launched by Johanna Haughey-Lewis in September 2023, their range bridges the gap between vintage style and modern quality, while also having a minimal impact on the planet.

Each product has been thoughtfully designed to be fun and uplifting, injecting some 1970s eclecticism into your unique and joyful home.

Their sheets are 100% organic cotton, ethically sourced, and have that deluxe 'hotel-feel', so you can have a positively groovy bedroom without compromising on quality.

While Weirdstock is predominantly an ecommerce branding selling at our own website weirdstock.co.uk, we have also taken part in the award-winning Salad Days market, and we are currently stocked at Radical Giving, a boutique independent store in Lewes East Sussex. We are also joining the Wolf and Badger family, and will be stocked by Wolf & Badger online from 1st November 2023. 

Maximum impact, minimal fuss - Easy to create Christmas recipe ideas from Wayfair

This Christmas, Wayfair is inviting you to embrace your style and space, inviting colour and joy into your home.

Putting unique finds at your fingertips, with an unparalleled selection all in one place, curating the perfect look to suit your scheme is made easy. It’s time to ‘Go Your Own Wayfair’ for Christmas 2023!

With a huge choice of bakeware, dining and cookware online at Wayfair.co.uk, be inspired with showstopping, Instagrammable recipes, for maximum impact and minimal fuss, for the extra wow-factor this December.

New for 2023 Christmas recipes available:

- Wonka-inspired 'Rocky Road Wreath'

- Enchanting colour changing 'Magical Mermaid Mocktail'

- Nod to nostalgia 'Kitsch Christmas Trifle Cake'

- Cranberry crush 'Festive Christmas Mocktail'

- Super simple canapé idea 'Honey Roast Beetroot Blinis with Goats Cheese' 

Honey roast beetroot blinis with goat's cheese recipe

Makes 12

Ingredients

- 12 shop bought blinis

- 4 tbsp of shop bought beetroot houmous

- 100g baby cooked (un-vinegared) beetroot, sliced into 12 wedges

- 2 tbsp honey

- 1 pinch of chilli flakes

- 75g, soft goats’ cheese, crumbled

- A few sprigs of fresh parsley to garnish

- Salt and pepper to season

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4.

2. Add the beetroot wedges to an oven proof dish, drizzle with the honey, a pinch of chilli flakes and a twist of salt and pepper.

3. Roast the beetroot for 15- 20 minutes, until sticky and glazed.

4. Arrange the blinis on a serving platter and top each with a tsp of beetroot houmous, a wedge of honey glazed beetroot and little crumbled goats cheese.

5. Garnish with a sprig of parsley and serve.

Let Desenio make your Christmas a stunning one

This Christmas season, deck your walls with all-new festive art prints and create the perfect backdrop for cocktail parties, mistletoe kisses and gift-wrapping marathons! Everyone celebrates differently - that's why Desenio is launching four interior collections, and four ways to celebrate the festive season!

"We know everyone celebrates the Christmas season in different ways. That's why we have launched four different interior collections, so that you can decorate your home in a way that suits you and your loved ones best," says Annica Wallin, Executive Creative Director at Desenio.

Christmas is a time for traditions. Turn your home into a nostalgic Christmas movie with a classic green and red aesthetic. 

"Embrace family traditions with a timeless aesthetic in reds and greens, creating a feeling of nostalgia and togetherness," added Annica Wallin.

It's a time for Peace

Reflect on the past year in a serene environment, with bright and hopeful hues.

 "Scandi minimalism meets the pure winter aesthetic in cool tones. This peaceful collection evokes a sense of serenity and hope," pointed out Annica Wallin.

A time for joy

Christmas is a time for playfulness! Have fun with colour and create a home full of joy.

"Make space for playfulness and joy this holiday season! Mismatching pinks and reds creates a festive but carefree aesthetic," said Annica Wallin.

A time for comfort

Light the fireplace and get cosy with your loved ones in a warming and nature-inspired home.

"Incorporate evergreen nature into your home this season with green tones and woodland imagery, creating a cosy and comforting atmosphere," says Annica Wallin.

www.desenio.com

Aldi’s Hotel Collection Candle Advent Calendar available soon

Counting down the days to Christmas has never been so luxurious as Aldi launches its first ever Candle Advent Calendar (£24.99). 

Featuring 25 candles ranging from Aldi’s best-selling scents to brand new and exclusive fragrances, all housed in a gorgeous premium teal and rose gold box complete with bow, Christmas is coming early this year! 

Available in stores from 29th October, it’s the perfect gift for those that love life’s little luxuries, although shoppers will need to need to be quick as with all Specialbuys once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Hidden behind numbered doors, candle fans will be stunned and surprised with a new single-wick scented candle each day as Christmas nears, including a selection of brand-new Hotel Collection scents. 

The NEW Birch & Hawthorn oozes leathery bark notes with a hint of vanilla and almond, while the NEW Tonka Bean & Pistachio is nutty and herbaceous with sweet, woody touches. Or, for a true scent of Christmas, Ginger Biscuit which will invite a warm, spiced scent into your home.

Ideal for lighting while unwrapping presents beneath the tree, there’s the delightful NEW Christmas Morning scent, as well as other festive-inspired fragrances such as Roasted Chestnut and fresh Peppermint.

Fans of Aldi’s Hotel Collection candle range will also be thrilled to see some returning favourites, including Peony Blush, Oud & Bergamot and Sweet Almond & Macaroon, as well as the best-selling Lime, Basil & Mandarin.

The full candle selection includes:

Ginger Biscuit

NEW Birch & Hawthorn

NEW Tonka Bean & Pistachio

Lime, Basil & Mandarin

Blackberry & Bay

Pomegranate

Pine & Eucalyptus

Bitter Orange

Peony Blush

Amber Woods

Velvety Rose

Oud & Bergamot

Fig & Cassis

Oak & Redcurrant

Sweet Almond & Macaroon

Opium Noir

Night Orchid

Myrrh & Sweet Tonka

Roast Chestnuts

NEW Snowdrops

Peppermint

NEW Midnight Musk & Amber

Oud Wood & Vetiver

NEW Cypress & Eucalyptus

NEW Christmas Morning 

Aldi’s Hotel Collection Candle Advent Calendar will be available in stores from 29th October while stocks last.

It costs £24.99.

www.aldi.co.uk

Christmas crisp alternatives from Aldi

Aldi’s latest launch of new limited-edition Walkers Christmas Pudding Crisps has caused a bit of a stir on heated social media.

Festive snack lovers are heading to Aldi stores to pick up the brand-new, limited-edition Walkers Festive Selection Pack, featuring unique Christmas-related flavours: Sweet & Spiced Christmas Pudding, Pigs in Blankets and Festive Turkey (£1.65, 5 pack).

The Christmas Pudding flavour, which has just landed on Aldi shelves, has sparked heated debate on social media, with one TikTok user calling the crisps a ‘crime against humanity’ while a Facebook user claimed that they taste ‘strangely nice’.

This new arrival will join Aldi’s existing range of quirky, festive crisp flavours in stores including the Specially Selected Hand Cooked Pigs in Blankets Crisps and the Specially Selected Hand Cooked Turkey and Stuffing Crisps, as well as the brand NEW Specially Selected Wagyu Dripping Roast Potato Crisps and Specially Selected Spicy Chorizo and Turkey Crisps (all £1.15, 150g).

As with all Aldi Specialbuys, shoppers best be quick to bag the new Walkers additions as once they’re gone, they’re gone. Aldi’s own brand festive crisp range will remain on shelves until Christmas.

Aldi’s Christmas Crisps range is available in stores now, so get down to Aldi as soon as possible!

https://www.aldi.co.uk

Have a fantastic Christmas from Melody Maison

Way back in 2004, in a spare room in South Yorkshire, Melody Maison’s director; Anna Elkington began to create the Melody Maison Empire that we all know and love today! 

She would use her garage as a miniature warehouse; take five parcels a day to the post office after the daily school run (kids in tow!) and answer emails at 2am. 

Over 15 years later, Melody Maison has become a leading retailer for Shabby French Chic and vintage style home furnishings. Melody Maison is still very much a family run business, with cousins, brothers, aunties and daughters all working together to offer a personal touch to every single Melody Maison customer. 

Of course, they have added some fabulous members of staff outside of the Elkington heritage since then, all of which we treasure just as much! 

The little things really do make a difference to us, that’s why if you give us a call we won’t put you through to a robot, we just have a customer care team here all day, happy to answer any questions you may have. 

They design, manufacture and distribute French style furniture to all corners of the globe, and have many thousands of satisfied customers worldwide. 

A spokeswoman said: "I hope you will agree that we have many beautiful things, mainly furniture ranges in our most popular colours; cream, ivory and white. Each range of furniture is either designed by us and made exclusively for Melody Maison, or sourced from our chosen suppliers from all over the world. 

"Here at Melody Maison we have the most unique selection of French style furniture and home accessories in the world, and pride ourselves in doing so. Our promise to you is to provide the smoothest and most stress free purchase you have ever experienced over the internet, with fabulous customer service at every step of the way. 

"You only have to read our reviews to realise we treat every customer with the up most respect that they deserve."

www.MelodyMaison.co.uk

Skincare Pamper Box for Mums and Daughters from Comme des Jumelles this Christmas

This Christmas, lovingly created brand Comme des Jumelles invites mothers and daughters to enjoy pamper time together.

Created by a mother wanting to spend more quality time with her three girls, Comme des Jumelles cares for the natural beauty of mums and their daughters and nurtures the bonds between them offering the opportunity of special moments of beautiful togetherness.

Consciously and cleverly made to cater for young skin as well as older skin with a minimum of 95% natural ingredients and easily recycled packaging, the product range offers natural, eco-friendly skincare that celebrates eternal beauty and is respectful of mums and daughters' skin as well as the environment. 

The concise range consists of the Magic Gelée, Double Act Gel to Milk Cleanser & Hydrating Mask and and Comme Une Caresse Hand & Body Cream. Both are available individually and together in the Pamper Box retailed at £59.

The gel to milk & mask Magic Gelée effectively removes daily grime as well as make-up, leaving skin nourished, clean, and fresh. Sweet Almond Oil harnesses powerful restorative properties while helping improve acne whilst Argan Oil melts away impurities creating the perfect combination for young skin facing challenging hormonal changes. Raspberry extract acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, whilst apricot gently moisturises any dry areas, providing balance to any complexion. Fragranced delicately with Vanilla Absolute, your skin is left with a beautiful, warming scent.

Comme Une Caresse Hand & Body Cream which means ‘like a hug’, deeply moisturises with Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter and envelops the skin with a veil of unique yet subtle honey, vanilla and lavender scents to relax and calm. Clarifying and antibacterial Blue Tansy Oil minimises redness, and provides a soothing sensation when applied, while the Sodium Hyaluronate deeply hydrates.

With two beautiful, delicate, and caring products to be used by mothers and daughters, Comme des Jumelles celebrates women and their special bond and encourages ‘us time

These will make absolutely gorgeous Christmas gifts from the women in your life. 

http://commedesjumelles.com

Sustainable lifestyle accessories and gifts from LanRetro

LanRetro is a Surrey based small company, specialising in handmade hair scarves, customised accessories, and gifts.

They are passionate about creating beautiful accessories that are also good for the planet, too.

Made to order, their cotton hair scarves are available in a variety of colours/patterns and where possible, produced from recycled fabrics. 

You can also choose a gift from their range of vibrant lifestyle accessories including clutch bags, phone cases and holders.

LanRetro is committed to reducing its environmental impact, by using recycled packaging and shipping products in carbon-neutral packaging.

Contact: lanretrovintage@gmail.com

www.instagram.com/lanretro_vintage

Unique Christmas gifts from Hannah B Pottery

Are you looking for gifts for the person or people in your life who have everything?

If so, you will need to take a look at what who Hannah B Pottery has to offer.

Hannah B Pottery has a wide range of absolutely gorgeous and beautiful, unique handmade ceramics. Made slowly and with lots of love in Cambridgeshire. 

From bowls and mugs, to Christmas decorations and coasters there's lots and lots to choose from!

You can visit Hannah at www.hannahbpottery.com.

Festive Feasts: Catering for Vegan Guests at Christmas

The Christmas season is a time for celebration, togetherness, and, of course, indulging in delicious food. While traditional Christmas feasts often centre around meat and dairy-heavy dishes, there's a growing trend towards accommodating diverse dietary preferences and needs, including veganism. 

Whether you have vegan guests joining your festivities or are simply looking to introduce more plant-based options to your holiday table, catering for vegans at Christmas can be a delightful and compassionate endeavour. In this blog post, we'll explore the world of vegan holiday cooking, offering tips and mouth-watering recipe ideas that will ensure everyone has a jolly time around the Christmas dinner table.

Communication is Key

Before you start planning your Christmas menu, it's important to communicate with your vegan guests. Find out their specific preferences and dietary restrictions. Some vegans may not consume any animal products, while others may be more flexible. This information will help you tailor your menu to their needs and preferences, making the holiday experience enjoyable for all.

Embrace Plant-Based Staples

To cater to your vegan guests, it's essential to incorporate plant-based staples into your dishes. Here are some vegan alternatives to traditional ingredients:

Use plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk in place of cow's milk for creamy sauces, mashed potatoes, and desserts.

Substitute vegan butter or margarine for dairy butter in recipes.

Replace eggs with flax or chia seed "eggs" or commercial egg replacers in baking.

Utilise plant-based proteins such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, or legumes like chickpeas and lentils for main courses.

Vegan Appetisers

Begin your festive feast with delightful vegan appetizers that everyone will enjoy:

Roasted Vegetable Platter: Roast a variety of colourful vegetables with olive oil, herbs, and spices. Serve with a vegan dip like hummus or a tahini sauce.

Stuffed Mushrooms: Fill mushroom caps with a savoury mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and vegan cheese.

Vegan Cheese Platter: Create a cheese platter featuring vegan cheeses made from nuts or soy, paired with fruits, nuts, and crackers.

The Main Event

For the centrepiece of your vegan Christmas dinner, consider these options:

Nut Roast: A well-seasoned mixture of nuts, grains, and vegetables, baked to perfection, and served with vegan gravy.

Stuffed Squash: Hollowed-out acorn or butternut squash filled with a delicious mixture of quinoa, cranberries, and herbs.

Vegan Wellington: Layers of roasted vegetables, mushrooms, and a savoury filling wrapped in flaky pastry.

Sides and Salads

Vegan side dishes and salads can be just as vibrant and flavourful as their non-vegan counterparts. Consider adding these to your Christmas spread:

Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with maple syrup for a sweet and savoury twist.

Vegan Green Bean Casserole: A creamy mushroom and green bean dish topped with crispy onions.

Winter Quinoa Salad: A hearty salad featuring quinoa, roasted winter vegetables, and a zesty vinaigrette.

Decadent Desserts

Don't forget the sweet treats! Vegan desserts are delicious and a wonderful way to end your Christmas meal:

Vegan Pumpkin Pie: A classic dessert with a vegan twist using coconut milk or cashew cream.

Chocolate Avocado Mousse: A rich and creamy dessert made with ripe avocados and cocoa powder.

Vegan Gingerbread Cookies: Adorable and flavourful cookies, perfect for decorating.

Catering for vegan guests at Christmas can be a delightful culinary adventure. By embracing plant-based staples, communicating with your vegan guests, and trying out creative vegan recipes, you can create a Christmas feast that delights everyone at the table. Remember, Christmas is about sharing and togetherness, so why not share the joy of delicious vegan dishes with your loved ones this year? Merry Christmas!

(Image courtesy of -Rita-👩‍🍳 und 📷 mit ❤ from Pixabay)

That's Food and Drink: Giffard Liqueurs Introduces Their No/Low Range

That's Food and Drink: Giffard Liqueurs Introduces Their No/Low Range: The Giffard House, known worldwide for its liqueurs and syrups, will be launching a new alcohol-free range, inspired by its liqueurs. Non-al...

That's Food and Drink: Unveiling the Carte d'Or Furoshiki: A Tale of Craf...

That's Food and Drink: Unveiling the Carte d'Or Furoshiki: A Tale of Craf...: A meeting of minds: Ryoko Sekiguchi, who is passionate about cooking, literature, and the role of women in the world of wine and gastronomy,...

Feeding Christmas Nostalgia with Natural, Pasture-Fed Dairy from Hollis Mead

With Christmas just around the corner, who doesn't look forwards to those special nostalgic indulgences like cheese?

Hollis Mead is one of the only certified 100% Pasture Fed, organic dairies and creameries in the UK and produces a growing selection of award-winning soft cheeses.

Their organic Benville Brie and Truffled Benville Brie have both won 3 Stars in the Guild of Fine Food, Great Taste Awards in 2022 & 2023, an accolade given to less than 1% of the 14,000 entries each year. And their special edition Corscombe Camembert, also returns this Christmas and joins their Brie's to form the perfect Christmas triad of cheese!

Founded in 2020, the vision at Hollis Mead is to help people fall back in love with natural, organic, dairy. To do this they realised they need to demonstrate there is a different, healthier, and more natural way of consuming dairy which is in balance with nature.

They are developing a unique dairy brand which disrupts conventional dairy and the growth of plant-based, highly processed alternatives. Their cows eat 100% pasture from our organic farmland and live outside for most of the year until the weather makes this intolerable for their wellbeing. They only milk their cows once a day which means much less stress on the animal and (they believe), a much higher quality of life for them.

From their 100% pasture-fed, organic milk, they produce a glittering array of award winning, natural dairy products including cream, yoghurts, fine cheeses, butters, crème fraiche, cottage cheese and cultured kefir's as well as exclusive Christmas products like Brandy Cream and Brandy Crème Fraiche.

The Great British Cheese Hamper - £50

Treat your tastebuds to their award-winning Sustainable British Cheese Hamper. Hand made with fresh milk on the farm, using only traditional methods. Unique in quality and taste, because of their 100% pasture fed organic cows' milk.

The hamper contains their Benville, an award winning triple cream cheese (250g), their Truffled Benville, an award winning brie style cheese with wild truffles (250g), their Corscombe - a delicious camembert style cheese (250g) and their unique Cottage Cheese - a creamy, protein rich cottage cheese (300g).

The Hollis Mead Christmas Hamper - £60

Treat family and friends to their award-winning dairy products this Christmas! Made by hand with fresh milk on the farm, using traditional methods. Unique in quality and taste, because of their 100% pasture fed organic cows' milk.

The hamper contains their Benville, award winning triple cream cheese (250g),  their Truffled Benville – award winning brie style cheese infused with wild truffles (250g), their Corscombe Camembert, their popular camembert style cheese (250g), their Salted Butter, award winning and hand rolled brandy butter (200g), their special Christmas Brandy Crème Fraiche, made with their 100% pasture fed organic cow's milk with a splash of Brandy (300g), and their Brandy Cream, made using 100% pasture fed organic cow's milk with a hint of brandy (300g).

All Christmas products will be available from https://hollismead.com from mid-November 2023.

Photograph courtesy of Richard Budd Photography (https://www.richardbudd.co.uk).

Paws and Claus: The Ultimate Christmas Gifts for Your Furry and Feathered Friends

Christmas is a magical time of year when we come together with loved ones to celebrate the spirit of giving and joy. Our pets are a significant part of our families, and it's only fitting that they receive their fair share of festive cheer. 

This holiday season, let's pamper our furry friends with thoughtful Christmas gifts that will make their tails wag and purr with delight. From cosy beds to interactive toys, we've curated a list of the perfect Christmas presents for your pets.

Personalised Collars and ID Tags

Start the Christmas festivities by gifting your pet a personalized collar and ID tag. This is not only a stylish accessory but also a practical one. Engrave their name and your contact information to keep them safe while adding a touch of personality to their daily attire.

A Cosy Bed or Blanket

As the temperatures drop, there's nothing your pet will appreciate more than a warm and comfortable bed or blanket. Choose one in festive colours or patterns to get them into the holiday spirit. Whether your pet is a dog, cat, or something else entirely, there are countless options available to suit their preferences.

Tasty Treats

Treats are a classic way to express your love and appreciation for your pets during the festive season. Consider buying them a special assortment of gourmet treats, ensuring they'll have a mouth-watering Christmas feast of their own.

Interactive Toys

Interactive toys are not only entertaining but also mentally stimulating for your pets. Puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, and electronic mice for cats can keep your furry friends engaged and happy for hours on end. These toys are the perfect way to curb boredom and anxiety while offering mental exercise.

Stylish Pet Apparel

For pets who love to strut their stuff, consider gifting them a fashionable outfit for Christmas. From sweaters to bowties and bandanas, there's an array of options to make your pet look even more adorable during the holiday season.

Grooming Kits

Help your pet look and feel their best by giving them a grooming kit. Brushes, shampoos, and nail clippers are essential for keeping your pet's coat clean and shiny. Plus, it's an excellent way to bond with your pet as you pamper them.

Customised Pet Portraits

Turn your pet into a work of art with a custom pet portrait. You can find artists who specialize in capturing your pet's unique personality in a beautiful painting or digital art piece. This gift is not only thoughtful but also a lasting memory of your beloved pet.

Subscription Boxes

If you want to keep the festive spirit alive all year round, consider a subscription box for your pet. These boxes typically contain a variety of toys, treats, and accessories delivered straight to your door each month. It's a gift that keeps on giving!

New cages

How about buying your pet bird a new cage for Christmas? There are plenty to choose from in all sizes and models. 

Christmas is a time for giving, and our pets deserve to be part of the celebration. The joy they bring to our lives is immeasurable, so why not show your appreciation with a thoughtful Christmas gift this year? Whether it's a cosy bed, tasty treats, or a personalized collar, the right present can make your pet's holiday season unforgettable. Remember, it's the thought that counts, and your furry friend will undoubtedly feel the love through your kind gesture. Merry Christmas to you and your beloved pets!

(Image courtesy of Oli R from Pixabay)

That's Food and Drink: Healthy Eating During Christmas: Balancing Traditi...

That's Food and Drink: Healthy Eating During Christmas: Balancing Traditi...: Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence. For many, it's a time when delicious feasts and sweet treats take centre stage....

That's Food and Drink: Exploring Indian Wines

That's Food and Drink: Exploring Indian Wines: When we think of world-famous wine regions, India may not be the first country that springs to mind.  But the truth is the Indian wine indus...

That's Food and Drink: Codorníu Vegan and Organic Wines

That's Food and Drink: Codorníu Vegan and Organic Wines: Vegan and organic wines have become increasingly popular over the past several years with discerning drinkers looking for more environmental...

Clayspoon heads to The Spirit of Christmas

Artisan giftware company Clayspoon will be heading to The Spirit of Christmas event on the 30th October to 5th November 2023 to showcase a range of hand-crafted, exquisite pieces for the home.  

Sussex-based Clayspoon, who will be on stand Q74, will be one of many exhibitors at The Spirit of Christmas which is being held at the Olympia in London.  The team at Clayspoon are looking forward to meeting up with existing customers and making new connections with retailers and suppliers from across the UK. 

Clayspoon brings you hand-crafted, ethical, giftware sourced and distributed from South Africa.  The Clayspoon products are all natural, beautiful and with a purpose.  Clayspoon will be showcasing their 2022 winner of “Gift of the Year” at The Spirit of Christmas, the organic, eco-friendly Halo Dish covers.  In addition, Clayspoon will be exhibiting a few exclusive pieces of stunning Wonki Ware tableware, Hope bracelets and Marmalade Leather hand-made bags.  

The team at Halo says: “We're firm believers in the concept of environmental kindness and this thread runs through everything we sell.  Clayspoon aim for their products to give in more ways than one, from the bracelets where each one feeds an orphan for a week to Wonki Ware which has helped to uplift the local communities for years”.

Launched in 2017 by two sisters, Katharine and Susan, Clayspoon was formed when Susan left England to move to South Africa.  Katharine, a former Design Engineer discovered and fell in love with a locally produced product called Wonki Ware. Wonki Ware products are clay moulded, shaped, smoothed and painted tableware. The two sisters are guided by the belief that something can be natural and beautiful, yet perform a real function and purpose.   To find a local stockist please visit the website www.clayspoon.co.uk. 

There's a range of giftware from Clayspoon, please check them out. Incidentally, Clayspoon also represents Wonki Ware, the handmade South African exclusive pottery. Wonki Ware stockists and local stockists are available on the website: www.clayspoon.com.

i: @loveclayspoon

i: @wonkiwareuk

Get into the spirit! Asda’s range of award-winning spirits and liqueurs are perfect for Christmas

Get into the spirit! Asda’s range of award-winning spirits and liqueurs are perfect for your Christmas partying

Asda has announced seven new drink lines, including Extra Special Chocolate Espresso Martini Cream Liqueur and Extra Special Cask Finished Blended Malt Whisky.  

With prices starting at £8, the beautiful bottles are perfect for Christmas gifting.

The range includes award-winning lines, such as IWSC 2023 Gold medal winner Extra Special Blonde Chocolate Liqueur 

Whether stocking up your home bar pre-Christmas or looking for what to gift friends and family members, Asda’s range of own-brand, award-winning spirits and liqueurs cater to everyone from Espresso Martini fans to Whisky connoisseurs. With prices starting at £8 for IWSC Gold medal winners, customers can find fantastic quality bottles for a bargain price tag.

New for this year, is the Extra Special Chocolate Espresso Martini Cream Liqueur (£8) which combines South American Arabica coffee with triple distilled vodka, indulgent cream, cocoa bean extract and sugar syrup. The drink is endorsed by the Good Housekeeping Institute 2023 and joins the already popular, Extra Special Blonde Chocolate Liqueur (£8) in the range, which customers love for its delicate caramel flavour with Madagascan vanilla. Its high quality was recognised by a Gold medal win in the IWSC Wine and Spirits competition 2023.

Expected to be popular for this year, are ready-to-drink cocktails, which deliver the wow-factor for minimal effort. The Extra Special Salted Caramel Espresso Martini Cocktail (£8) contains pronounced notes of 100% Arabica Latin American blend coffee, triple distilled vodka, coffee liqueur and light notes of Madagascan vanilla extract, sea salt and caramel syrup. Simply shake for 30 seconds and serve over ice for a classic frothy crema top. Complete the trio with Extra Special Passion Fruit Pina Colada (£8) a creamy blend of Caribbean white rum, coconut liqueur and tangy passion fruit and pineapple juice. Alongside the Extra Special Strawberry Daiquiri (£8), a refreshing mix of Caribbean rum, strawberry liqueur, a squeeze of lime and sweet strawberry purée.

For the gin fans amongst us, there is the Extra Special Botanical Gin (£16) is made in Yorkshire with hand foraged botanicals from the surrounding countryside. Containing nine botanicals, which is actually more than most premium gins on the market, the combination of gorse and crab apple is a unique offering and exclusive recipe for Asda. 

It’s also endorsed by the Good Housekeeping Institute 2023 and achieved a Bronze medal win in the IWSC Wine and Spirits competition 2023. With sustainability at the heart of how this gin is made, Asda's supplier Sloemotion, use an energy efficient still for creating the gin, which uses a fifth of the energy of a traditional copper still. The botanicals, once used in the distillation process, are also composted and used as fertiliser.

For customers looking for no/low alcohol options, our improved Extra Special Non Alcoholic Botanical Gin (£10) certainly doesn’t compromise on flavour and quality. Refreshing and vibrant, the botanical drink is based on traditional alpine juniper, Indian coriander seed and Sicilian lemon; the blend is then enhanced by Tahitian lime. Based on unique water from the Cairngorm mountains in the Scottish Highlands, filtered through granite rock for up to fifty years, results in a special, low mineral content.

Finally, for the whisky connoisseurs, Asda provides a truly unique addition to its premium range this year. Two Extra Special Blended Malt Scotch Whisky bottles, one matured in a Caribbean Rum Cask (£22) and one in an American Bourbon Cask (£22). Traditionally distilled using water and air-dried malted barley before being matured in traditional oak barrels for a minimum of three years, one is then finished in a rum cask for a further two years and the other in an American bourbon cask for 2 years, to impart even more flavour.

The Rum Cask Whisky is soft and delicately balanced, with a full-bodied spiced complexity and notes of honey and vanilla. Baked orchard fruits, sticky glazed pineapple and a gently warming finish, this smooth drink ends with soft wood spice, creamy vanilla and a hint of sweet cinnamon. Whilst the American Bourbon Cask Whisky has a rich flavour of warm summer fruits, complex caramel and a refined floral finish, it’s smooth with pure malty flavours, white chocolate and a drizzle of honey. Both bottles are Silver medal winners at the IWSC Wine and Spirits Competition 2023.

Shop in store and online at asda.com now, ready for the festive season. For customers planning ahead, Christmas grocery delivery and click and collect slots are already available to book online at Asda.com or via the Asda app, with over one million slots available in Christmas week.

www.asda.com

Hope Springs partners with local short-term letting firm for Christmas Fundraiser

Herefordshire clean water advocacy charity, Hope Spring is teaming up with a local short-term holiday accommodation provider The Queen Bee Cabin on a fundraiser to boost the charity’s Christmas fundraising effort. 

The international development charity relies on the Christmas period for a significant portion of the donation it uses to carry out its aim and objective. The charity’s main aim is to construct wells and boreholes for communities in dire need of water in West Africa.

The partnership will see The Queen Bee Cabin make a donation of at least £10 for each booking made from the Hope Spring page, and £5 for all other bookings the company made throughout December and January 2024. Fund raised f
rom the partnership is expected to help Hope Spring water fund its first borehole project in 2024.

Seun Olonade, partnership and platform manager for Hope Spring eCards said “we are absolutely delighted with the partnership with The Queen Bee Cabin and the potential to help us hit our fundraising targets this Christmas. 

"Beyond the money raised, the partnership will also introduce our cause to The Queen Bee Cabin guests, who may not otherwise have heard of our water poverty alleviation advocacy.”

Ms Olonade invited other organisations that may want to collaborate with her organisation, especially businesses that may want to send corporate Christmas ecard this year to get in touch with her.

Additional information about Hope Spring charity and its water poverty alleviation can be found on their website and their social media pages. Organisations that are interested in partnering with them can reach them via their website.

http://www.hopespring.org.uk

Christmas Drinks & Gifts: Salcombe Brewery's Christmas Tide and NEW Christmas Pub in a Box

The Salcombe Brewery Co. is absolutely delighted to announce the return of its hugely popular seasonal beer Christmas Tide (ABV 4.8%), which will be available from this month onward in 500ml bottles (8 x 500ml bottles RRP £19.50) from retail outlets, including the brewery shop and online for nationwide delivery from www.salcombebrewery.com.

Christmas Tide (ABV 4.8%) is a very special limited edition yuletide ale. It's a well-structured, malt-driven beer which will be available to be enjoyed throughout the festive season. The crystal, chocolate and wheat malts bring warmth and body to the beer, making it perfect for a winter's day. The plethora of hops build on the chocolatey malt base and add a bittersweet finish to this Christmas ale.

Christmas Tide is the perfect beer to get everyone into the festive spirit and if you're looking for gift ideas, the Christmas Tide Gift Pack, complete with two bottles of beer and a branded pint glass, makes the ideal stocking-filler (Gift Pack 2 x 500ml, 1 x branded pint glass £8.00 from the brewery's online shop.

New for this year, Christmas Tide will also be available in a Christmas Pub in a Box which is packed with beer, mats, glasses and tasty snacks, perfect for a festive night in! The box contains:

4 x 500ml bottles of our Christmas Tide beer (4.8% abv)

2x Salcombe Brewery branded 1/2 pint glasses

2 x Salcombe Brewery branded bar towels

6 x Salcombe Brewery beer mats

1 x Burts crisps

1 x The Dormen peanuts

The Christmas Pub in a Box will be available from late October priced £22.00 from the brewery's online shop.

For the full range of Salcombe Brewery Co. festive gifts visit www.salcombebrewery.com.

As we head toward Christmas, which cities in the UK are the most generous?

With Christmas rapidly approaching, the UK's leading Out of Home media and infrastructure company Clear Channel UK has released a new study focusing on ‘Gifting in the UK’.

 Based on a study of 1,000 respondents, it offers fascinating insights into the most generous cities in the UK, how much people spend on Christmas gifts, the most purchased gifts and the ways people shop for them, plus the main sources for gift inspiration and whose gift people put the most effort into.

Clear Channel wanted to find out where in the UK people are the most generous when it comes to giving gifts. The research revealed the most generous people live in Liverpool, with 60% of respondents claiming they enjoy giving gifts. Southampton is the second most generous city in the UK with 59%, closely followed by Nottingham, where 58% of people enjoy treating their nearest and dearest.

Londoners found themselves among the least generous, taking the 10th spot on the list with only 50% of people enjoying giving gifts. However, Manchester was the least generous city overall with only 41% of respondents embracing the gifting tradition.

The full list of the most generous cities in the UK can be found below:

1.Liverpool – 60%

2.Southampton – 59%

3.Nottingham – 58%

4.Leeds – 55%

5.Bristol – 55%

6.City of Edinburgh – 53%

7.Brighton and Hove – 51%

8.Leicester – 51%

9.Newcastle upon Tyne – 50%

10.Greater London - 50%

11.Glasgow – 48%

12.Birmingham - 48%

13.Sheffield – 46%

14.Cardiff – 45%

15.Greater Manchester - 41%

Other key findings from the survey:

- Only 25% of people plan to do their Christmas shopping online, while 34% plan to shop on the high street. The majority of people (41%) prefer to use a mixture of online and in-store shopping.

- The most purchased gifts are clothing (35%), toiletries & cosmetics (26%) and toys (27%).

- The most purchased gifts by women are clothing (43%), toiletries & cosmetics (35%) and toys (34%) while the most purchased gifts by men are clothing (28%), food & drink (21%) and toys (20%).

- Brits spend the most time and effort on their partners’ gifts.

- Brits plan to spend the same amount of money on Christmas gifts this year as last year.

- The majority of Brits plan to spend on average £101-£200 (23%) and £201-£400 (22%) on Christmas gifts.

Ben Hope, who is the Marketing Director at Clear Channel UK, said: “Christmas is the perfect opportunity for businesses to establish a connection between brand and audience. As they finalise their festive advertising strategies and start to consider their 2024 campaigns, we wanted to dive deep into consumer behaviour data and pull out some revelatory insights on shopping approaches in the UK. By creating the ‘Gifting in the UK’ report, we wanted to help businesses target their efforts more effectively and efficiently as they start their Christmas season marketing pushes.’’

FACTFILE: Clear Channel UK is one of the UK’s largest Out of Home media and infrastructure companies, operating over 33,000 advertising sites nationwide and employing 600+ people in 14 locations.

Clear Channel’s mission is to Create the Future of Media, transforming their estate to the benefit of all stakeholders through data-driven innovations and infrastructure. Their purpose is to provide both A Platform for Brands and A Platform for Good, delivering on advertisers’ media objectives whilst having a positive impact on the world around them.

We'd like to thank Clear Channel UK for sharing their data with us. 

https://www.clearchannel.co.uk/latest/gifting-in-the-uk-report

Send some love this Christmas from your heart into their hands

Send them some love this Christmas. From your heart into their hands, let Truly for You deliver a unique personalised gift to show your loved ones just how much you care.

Truly for You design hand made personalised Christmas Tree baubles, Welsh Lovespoons, wall plaques and shelf ornaments that make perfect keepsake gifts and stocking fillers for all, whatever the age of the recipient!

Truly for You have now designed the sweetest little puffy heart which fits comfortably into the palm of a hand, but also comes all ready to hang on the Christmas tree from an organza ribbon, too.

Hearts will be gilded to order, in a faux silver metal abstract pattern, each one being unique as no two patterns will ever be the same. Then they are carefully personalised with a choice of up to 30 characters of text on the metal disc in the centre of the heart, along with a cute Christmas tree design.

For safe keeping and gifting; each heart is presented in a silver coloured tin, decorated with the words “little tin of love” and a contemporary Christmas tree to complement the design on the heart bauble. The pre printed text inside of the lid sends Zmas Wishes to the gift recipient.

Our “little tin of love” ticks all the boxes of being an environmentally friendly, sustainable gift that is fully personalised, unique and can be cherished forever. So in today's throw away society, Truly for You are proud that their creations are not discarded but are kept for lifetimes, by thousands of happy customers, many of them repeat buyers year after year.

For more information about “Truly for You” and its range of unique keepsakes, visit www.trulyforyou.co.uk email trulyforyou@yahoo.co.uk or join their Facebook Group.

You are also most welcome to call FREEFONE 0800 612 8745 and ask for Kim.

M&S launches recruitment drive to fill 10,000 Christmas roles

Marks & Spencer has announced that is to recruit 10,000 new Customer Assistants to support in its stores over the Christmas period.

The number of vacancies is a more than 40% increase on last year and reflects the additional investment M&S is making in colleague hours to support customers on the shop floor.

A Customer Assistant at M&S is the face of the business and is responsible for delivering a great shopping experience for customers and championing and promoting products. From serving customers on the shop floor and at service points, ensuring shelves and rails are always stocked with product to engaging with customers to understand their needs and make recommendations; a Customer Assistant role is varied and wide-ranging.  

Christmas colleagues also play in integral role in delivering M&S’ Christmas Food to Order service, ensuring millions of customers get their all-important festival essentials and treats on time.

The new colleagues will join M&S from 19th November onwards, with a range of start dates, variety of roles and flexible working patterns available. Colleagues will also enjoy a range of benefits, including 20% colleague discount from the day they start working for M&S.

Sacha Berendji, who is Operations Director at M&S, said: “Our fantastic store colleagues play such a big part in delivering the magic of M&S at Christmas to all our customers. And this year we’re recruiting even more colleagues to ensure there’s always someone on hand to offer support and recommendations.

“The Christmas period is a busy but exciting time for M&S and no two days are the same, in fact, many colleagues who began their M&S careers at Christmas and have since gone onto progress across our business. With a range of roles and flexible working patterns available, anyone who's interested in being part of something special this Christmas should visit our careers website to apply.”

The Customer Service Assistant roles will span both Foods and Clothing & Home and are located all over the UK, with vacancies in every store.

To apply, you can visit https://jobs.marksandspencer.com/christmas where roles are now live and new vacancies being added all the time.

Aldi's fantastic new Christmas sandwich range hits the shops soon

Aldi's 2023 range includes a NEW Seafood Cocktail Bloomer and the returning favourite, Pigs Under Cheesy Blanket Sub Roll.

Aldi is serving up a delicious dose of fantastic festive cheer to shoppers this Christmas, with 2023’s highly anticipated range of mouth-watering festive sandwiches, including the NEW Specially Selected Seafood Cocktail Bloomer, and the Pigs Under Blankets Sub Roll. Available in stores from 28th October and priced from just £1.75, the range is sure to get shoppers bread-y for the season!

All-new Seafood Cocktail Bloomer is joining this year’s collection of Christmas sandwiches, the range is sure to stir excitement among shoppers craving a yuletide flavour fix.

NEW Specially Selected Seafood Cocktail Bloomer (£2.69) – A brand new addition to Aldi’s line up, the Specially Selected Seafood Cocktail Bloomer is the ultimate holiday delight. Succulent king prawns, surimi, and cold-water prawns combined with a rich Marie Rose cocktail sauce, a spritz of zesty lemon juice and Apollo leaf lettuce offers a fresh taste of the ocean nestled between hearty slices of malted bloomer bread.

Pigs Under Cheesy Blankets Sub Roll (£2.49) – For a moment of special yuletide feasting, submit to the ultimate Christmassy cravings with this sumptuous sub. Sausages paired with crisp rashers of streaky bacon, topped with creamy soft brie and perfectly complemented by a sweet cranberry sauce.

Limited Edition Christmas Turkey Feast Sandwich (£1.99) – Indulge in this limited-edition Turkey feast sandwich and enjoy all the best of the season in one mouth-watering moment. Tender slices of British turkey breast combined with crispy smoked bacon, meaty pork and sage onion stuffing, finished off with sweet cranberry sauce and creamy mayonnaise on seeded malted bread.

Turkey and Trimming Toastie (£1.75) – This toasted sandwich is a turkey lover’s dream and comes complete with all the Christmas dinner essentials in tasty toastie form. With turkey, bacon, stuffing, and a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese combining in bread to create a melty meal on the go, this toasted treat will be a hit with Aldi shoppers this festive season.

Vegan Festive Feast Sandwich (£1.99) – This jam-packed festive sub is a veggie filled feast that will sleigh your taste buds with plant-based perfection! Cranberry and poppyseed bread is filled with parsnip fritters, red cabbage, and apple, as well as cranberry sauce, pumpkin vegan sage, onion mayonnaise and spinach.

Turkey Feast Wrap (£2.29) – A seasonal feast to brighten up any lunchtime, the Turkey Feast Wrap combines tender slices of British turkey breast with crispy smoked bacon, meaty pork and sage onion stuffing, layered amidst sweet cranberry sauce and creamy mayonnaise.

Brie & Cranberry Chutney Sandwich (£1.99) – The ultimate French combo. This delicious vegetarian sandwich combines velvety brie cheese with a tangy cranberry sauce, complemented by orange and ginger chutney on oatmeal bread.

Salmon and Soft Cheese Sandwich (£1.99) – This go-to sandwich is a continual Christmas classic and combines Scottish Salmon, delicately infused with lemon, and finished with black pepper, with a creamy soft cheese on wholemeal bread. 

Aldi’s Christmas sandwich selection is available in stores from 25th October onwards. 

www.aldi.co.uk

Craft your way to Christmas with Stars for Europe

Stars for Europe offers step-by-step guides for festive DIY enthusiasts.

Whether as a pot plant or cut flower in bouquets and arrangements, with its beautiful bracts, the poinsettia, also known as the Christmas Star, is widely used as interior décor as the nights draw in and thoughts turn to Christmas.

Careful cultivation over the years has resulted in a broad variety of poinsettia plants in a beautiful array of colours, from trendy Viva Magenta and Apricot Crush (Pantone Colours of the Year for 2023 and 2024 respectively), to pure Scandi-chic white and cream to hot Barbie Pink and – of course – traditional red.

This spectacular array of coloured bracts can be turned to all manner of fun and satisfying craft projects, suitable for DIY enthusiasts with different skill levels. Here the experts at Stars for Europe set out a range of projects that you can enjoy creating at home, from beautiful centrepieces and planters to special wreaths and bouquets.

Homemade flower and candleholders featuring poinsettias make a natural table decoration that's quick and easy to make and can be used in a variety of ways. These DIY flower holders also make wonderful gifts.

For these mini flower vases and candleholders you will need mini poinsettias, frosted apples (available from florists), candleholders on spikes, taper candles, test tubes, moss, craft wire, gold glitter, a vegetable peeler, oranges, pins and red ribbon.

For the poinsettia candleholder, carefully remove the mini poinsettia from its pot, wrap the root ball with moss and bind the moss ball with the craft wire. Then insert a test tube into the hole, fill it with water and place a cut poinsettia in it. Tip: Immediately after cutting, dip the poinsettia stem in hot water (about 60°C) for a few seconds and then in cold water. In clean water, the poinsettia will stay fresh and beautiful for up to two weeks.

Tip: Water the plant beforehand so the root ball is moist before pushing in the candleholder.

Wrap the red ribbon around your oranges, tie a bow on top and secure in place with a pin in the base of the fruit. Arrange your homemade poinsettia vases and candle holders on the table. Place the decorated oranges and more frosted apples next to them.

Scandi-chic candle planter

This DIY candle planter makes a Scandi-style centrepiece out of gorgeous cut cream poinsettias that takes very little skill to make. You will need a bowl, chicken wire, floral tape, high-strength glue, a candle, a short piece of plastic pipe, poinsettias, kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos manglesii), winterberry (Ilex verticillata), wild asparagus (Asparagus acutifolius), eucalyptus pods (Eucalyptus robusta), James Storie orchids (Aranthera James Storie) and kiwi vines (Actinidia deliciosa).

Step 1: Stick the plastic tube to the bottom of the bowl using the glue.

Step 2: Cut a length of chicken wire to roughly the diameter of the bowl, scrunch it up and place it inside the bowl, around the section of pipe and fix it in place, using floral tape placed over the edge of the bowl.

Step 3: Insert the cut poinsettias and the other florals close together into the chicken wire. Finally, place the candle into the plastic tube and add water to the bowl. Tip: Cut poinsettias will last for up to two weeks if you immerse the cut stem end in hot water (approx. 60°C) for a few seconds immediately after cutting and then in cold water, then place the cut flower in fresh water.

This stunning bouquet of winterberry stems, grasses and cut red poinsettias has a long vase life if regularly given fresh water and is simple to make in just a few steps. In addition to the florals you will need small test tubes, craft wire and ribbon.

 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. Faded poinsettias can also be easily replaced in this winter bouquet.

Kokedama Advent Wreath

With its floating moss balls and scarlet mini poinsettias, this Kokedama decoration is show stopper. You can create this original design idea in a few steps using a log slice, mini poinsettias, moss, gold craft wire, three taper candles, three candle holders on spikes, wooden kebab sticks, a pine branch, a cordless drill and secateurs. 

Tip: The number of poinsettias you need will depend on the size of your log slice.

Step 1: Use the cordless drill to drill holes in the log slice for the candle holders and the wooden kebab sticks. You will place the kokedamas onto the sticks later, so make sure the holes are evenly spaced out over the log slice.

Step 2: Insert the spiked candle holders and the sticks into the pre-drilled holes. Space the candle holders out evenly.

Step 3: Remove the mini poinsettias from their pots, wrap the root balls with moss and secure it with the gold craft wire. Tip: Water the plants beforehand so the root balls are moist.

Step 4: Gently push the poinsettia kokedamas onto the wooden sticks so they are level with each other here.

Step 5: Finish off the arrangement with the pine branches. You can also attach the sprigs to the candle holders with craft wire. Finally, put the candles in the holders and place the arrangement in a bright place protected from draughts. Place the finished wreath in your desired spot and light the candles.

Tip: You can water the mini poinsettias gently from above. Alternatively, place the wrapped root balls briefly in a container with a little water to allow the moss to soak it up.

More information about the poinsettia and lots of decoration ideas can be found at https://www.starsuniteeurope.eu

Stars for Europe is a marketing initiative from European poinsettia breeders Beekenkamp Plants, Dümmen Orange, Selecta One and Syngenta Flowers.

The initiative was founded in 2000 with the aim to promote and secure long-term poinsettia sales. Through carefully defined themes, targets and an image refresh, the initiative taps into new buyer groups and increasingly inspires younger generations with poinsettias. The campaign is now active in 22 countries.

We'd like to thank Stars for Europe for providing the image used.