That's Food and Drink: It's Crunch Time! Introducing New Sweet & Crunchy ...

That's Food and Drink: It's Crunch Time! Introducing New Sweet & Crunchy ...: Peanut butter lovers have something new to try from Bonne Maman can enjoy the new Bonne Maman Sweet & Crunchy Peanut Spread, which is a ...

You Can Make a Difference for Disadvantaged Families in the UK this Christmas

The company I work for in my day job always goes the extra mile, or two, to ensure that disadvantaged people are helped every Christmas. Which has encouraged me to invite other UK-based businesses to join in the efforts to make a good, positive impact this Christmas. I'm inviting you to share this message with friends in business, clients and family members, too.

As Christmas approaches, the season brings joy, warmth, and celebration to many. But for some, it’s a time of struggle. 

Many disadvantaged families and individuals across the UK face uncertainty and hardship during a period when financial pressures increase, and the costs of keeping up with festive traditions can feel overwhelming.

So, what can you and your business do to contribute to improving the lives of those in need during the festive season and beyond?

Here are some ideas:-

1. Providing Essential Support

For those struggling to make ends meet, basic necessities such as food, clothing, and heating can be difficult to afford. To help alleviate this burden, you can partner with local food banks, charities, and community organisations to provide vital resources. Whether it's donating non-perishable goods or funding energy vouchers to keep homes warm, it's good to ensure that no family goes without essential support this Christmas.

You can get involved too! Donations, whether financial or in-kind, are always welcome and can make a huge difference. By working together, companies can ensure that every family has enough food on the table and the comfort they need during the cold winter months.

2. Spreading Christmas Cheer

Christmas isn’t just about material items—it’s about creating memories and fostering a sense of belonging. You can organise community events where people can come together, share a meal, and enjoy festive activities. We believe in creating opportunities for connection, whether through a warm Christmas lunch, a small gift for a child, or simply offering time to listen and care.

You too can spread Christmas cheer by volunteering your time at local shelters, organising community events, or even hosting your own small initiative to bring people together. Acts of kindness, no matter how small, can lift spirits and make Christmas brighter for those who feel isolated or overlooked.

3. Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing

For many individuals, Christmas can be a lonely or stressful time, especially those who are already facing financial and personal challenges. You can investigate partnering with mental health organisations to offer support services, recognising that emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical needs.

By providing access to counselling, helplines, and support groups, we hope to offer a safe space where individuals can seek help and find comfort. You can help by raising awareness, volunteering for mental health charities, or simply reaching out to someone who might be struggling this festive season. A kind word or gesture can be a lifeline for those feeling isolated.

4. Empowering Through Employment and Skills

Long-term change requires more than just seasonal support—it requires opportunities for growth. This Christmas, we are launching a programme aimed at providing job training, skill development, and employment opportunities to disadvantaged individuals. By investing in people’s futures, we can empower them to break the cycle of poverty.

You can play a part by supporting local businesses that invest in communities, offering mentorship, or providing work experience opportunities. When we help people build skills and confidence, we’re not just giving them a gift for today but a chance for a better tomorrow.

5. Fostering Community Spirit

Christmas is a time for unity and togetherness. Through our various initiatives, we aim to foster a sense of community and remind everyone that they are not alone in their struggles. Whether it's through corporate giving, community events, or simply spreading kindness, be committed to making this Christmas a time of joy, inclusion, and hope for all.

You too can contribute by joining or supporting local initiatives, lending a helping hand to neighbours, or advocating for causes that support the less fortunate. By coming together as a community, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.

How You Can Get Involved

Making a difference doesn’t always require grand gestures. Here are a few simple ways you can help make Christmas brighter for disadvantaged families and individuals this year:

Donate to food banks, toy drives, or charities that support vulnerable groups.

Volunteer your time at shelters, community centres, or Christmas events.

Organise a fundraiser or collection drive within your workplace or neighbourhood.

Reach out to someone who might be struggling emotionally, offering friendship or a listening ear.

Support businesses and organisations that give back to their communities.

A Christmas of Hope and Compassion

Everyone deserves to feel the warmth and joy of the Christmas season. By working together, we can make a real difference for families and individuals facing hardship, not just during the holidays but all year round.

This Christmas, let’s make kindness, generosity, and community our guiding principles. Together, we can bring hope and happiness to those who need it most.

You can check with your local council, the local Salvation Army, churches in your area and foodbanks in your community to see what assistance they require in order to make Christmas special for everyone in your community.

That's Food and Drink: Celebrating British Food Fortnight 2024: A Feast f...

That's Food and Drink: Celebrating British Food Fortnight 2024: A Feast f...: Each year, as autumn sets in, Britain’s finest homegrown produce takes centre stage with the much-anticipated British Food Fortnight. This a...

Ideal Christmas Gifts for the Gardener in Your Life

As the festive season approaches, many of us are pondering the perfect presents for our loved ones. 

If you have a gardener in your life, finding a thoughtful and useful gift can be a delight, as there’s no shortage of items to make their gardening experience even more enjoyable. 

Whether they are seasoned horticulturists or just starting their journey into the world of plants, here are some ideal Christmas gift ideas that will surely bring a smile to their face.

1. High-Quality Gardening Tools

Every gardener appreciates sturdy and well-crafted tools. A set of high-quality hand tools – think trowels, pruners, and weeding forks – makes an excellent gift. Brands such as Burgon & Ball or Spear & Jackson are known for their durable and ergonomically designed tools. For a special touch, consider personalising the tools with their name or initials.

2. Personalised Garden Markers

Help your gardener stay organised with personalised plant labels or markers. These can be made from wood, slate, or metal, and can be engraved with the names of plants, herbs, or flowers they’re growing. A set of stylish, reusable plant markers is both practical and charming, adding a personalised touch to their garden beds.

3. Indoor Plant Kits

For those who may not have a large outdoor space or prefer tending to houseplants, an indoor plant kit is a lovely option. These kits often come with seeds, pots, and soil, along with instructions on how to grow various herbs, flowers, or even succulents indoors. It’s a great way for them to enjoy gardening throughout the winter months.

4. Gardening Gloves

Every gardener needs a sturdy pair of gloves to protect their hands while working. Opt for high-quality gloves made from materials such as leather or breathable fabrics. Look for pairs that offer flexibility, comfort, and durability – some are even waterproof or thorn-resistant, making them perfect for those who deal with prickly plants.

5. Compost Bin or Wormery

For environmentally-conscious gardeners, a compost bin or wormery can be a thoughtful and practical gift. These bins allow gardeners to recycle their organic waste into rich compost, perfect for nourishing their plants. Modern designs are compact, stylish, and odour-free, making them suitable even for smaller spaces.

6. Garden Kneeler

Gardening often involves a lot of kneeling, which can be tough on the knees, especially during long planting sessions. A comfortable, cushioned garden kneeler makes a fantastic gift. Many models come with handles to help with getting up and down, and some even double as a seat for when they need to take a break.

7. Wildlife-Friendly Gardening Kits

Encourage your gardener to create a wildlife haven with kits designed to attract bees, butterflies, and birds. Bee hotels, bird feeders, or even wildflower seed mixes are excellent choices. These gifts not only benefit the garden but also support the local ecosystem.

8. Books on Gardening

For gardeners who love to read, a beautifully illustrated gardening book can be a great source of inspiration. Look for titles that focus on their specific interests, whether it’s growing vegetables, container gardening, or landscaping ideas. Books by renowned British gardeners like Monty Don or Sarah Raven are sure to be appreciated.

9. Stylish Watering Can

A high-quality, stylish watering can is a practical gift that also adds a touch of elegance to their garden or indoor plant collection. Choose one with a long spout for easy watering, and consider an eye-catching design in copper, brass, or enamel for a timeless look.

10. Subscription to a Gardening Magazine or Seed Club

Give a gift that keeps on giving with a subscription to a gardening magazine such as Gardens Illustrated or The English Garden. Alternatively, a seed subscription club, where they receive new seeds to plant each month, will keep their garden flourishing all year round.

11. Packs of seeds

You can buy large orders of seeds from local garden centres, some supermarkets and from Amazon. Why not buy them a range of seeds for planting flowers and also herbs and food plants? Microgreen kits are also a good idea.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect Christmas gift for the gardener in your life doesn’t have to be a challenge. Whether it’s practical tools, stylish accessories, or a little indulgence for their hobby, any of these thoughtful gifts will surely add joy to their gardening experience. This Christmas, help them make the most of their passion with a gift that nurtures both their green thumb and their heart.

Happy gifting!

That's Food and Drink: The Hidden Hygiene Risks of Leaving Cutlery Out in...

That's Food and Drink: The Hidden Hygiene Risks of Leaving Cutlery Out in...: In the hospitality industry, maintaining impeccable hygiene is a top priority. However, one often overlooked aspect of food safety and hygie...

Creating a New Family Christmas Tradition: A Feast by All, for All

Christmas is a time for coming together, celebrating family, and indulging in delicious food. 

If you’re looking to add a touch of novelty and excitement to your festive feast, why not start a new family Christmas tradition? 

One way to make the day even more memorable is by getting everyone involved in preparing the meal. 

You can have each family member take charge of a different course – from the starter to the dessert – creating a shared experience that blends creativity, tradition, and fun.

Here’s how you can kick off this wonderful new tradition:

1. Plan the Courses Together

A successful collaborative Christmas meal starts with a bit of planning. Decide in advance how many courses you’ll have, keeping it festive but manageable. For a traditional Christmas feast, you might opt for four key courses:

The starter

The main (usually meat)

The vegetables or side dishes

The dessert

Gather your family and decide who will be in charge of each course. You could draw names from a hat, assign roles based on cooking skills, or let everyone choose what they’re most excited to prepare.

2. Incorporate Personal Tastes and Traditions

A family feast is about blending everyone’s tastes and traditions. Encourage each person to bring their own twist to their dish. The starter could be inspired by an old family recipe or a modern favourite, while the main course might reflect the region’s traditional roast or something entirely different. The vegetables can be a mixture of classic options like Brussels sprouts and roast potatoes, or something more adventurous like spiced carrots or glazed parsnips.

The beauty of this approach is that it allows everyone to share a bit of themselves through the meal, blending old and new flavours.

3. Host a Family Cooking Day

If you have the luxury of time, consider turning the day before Christmas into a family cooking day. Gather in the kitchen to prep ingredients and help one another with the more time-consuming aspects of cooking. For example, the person in charge of the starter can begin preparing soup or baking bread, while others peel and chop vegetables, or prep the pudding. This not only lightens the load but creates bonding moments around the stove.

If there are younger children in the family, assign them simple but important tasks like mixing ingredients or setting the table. It’s a great way to include everyone, no matter their age.

4. Presentation: A Feast for the Eyes

Another way to elevate this tradition is by making each course a showstopper, not just in taste but in presentation. Encourage each family member to think creatively about how they want their dish to look. The starter could be plated in individual portions, the vegetables arranged artfully, and the dessert garnished with a festive flair. You could even take photos of each dish to create a ‘family feast album’ – a fun way to commemorate the day and see how everyone’s skills evolve year by year.

5. Create a Story with the Meal

As each family member presents their course, ask them to share a little about why they chose that dish. Perhaps there’s a story behind the recipe, or it reminds them of a fond Christmas memory. This transforms the meal into more than just food – it becomes a tapestry of shared stories and experiences, weaving together everyone’s history.

6. Enjoy the Moment – Together

When Christmas Day finally arrives, sit back and enjoy the fruits of your collective labour. The beauty of this tradition is that the feast isn’t solely the responsibility of one person – it’s a shared creation, made with love by the whole family. Plus, you’ll likely discover new flavours and dishes you never thought to include before.

7. Rotate Responsibilities Each Year

To keep things fresh, rotate the roles each year. This way, everyone has a chance to try their hand at a different course, challenging themselves and exploring new recipes. It also ensures that each person has the opportunity to shine as the ‘star’ of the meal. Over time, this tradition could even spark new family favourites and become the highlight of the festive season.

Final Thoughts

Starting a new family Christmas tradition that involves everyone in the kitchen brings a new layer of meaning to the festive season. It’s about more than just the food – it’s about creating memories, sharing stories, and enjoying each other’s company. With each person contributing to the feast, the meal becomes a true reflection of the family, filled with love, laughter, and a delicious blend of flavours that are uniquely yours.

So, this Christmas, why not begin this wonderful new tradition? Get the whole family involved, roll up your sleeves, and create a Christmas feast that’s as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

Evercalm Christmas gifting as if you mean it

Evercalm Cleanse & Nourish Duo   

RRP: £25 

Will smooth and strengthen skin around-the-clock. Perfect for all skin types & ages including sensitive. 

Products include; Cleansing Gel, Overnight Recovery Balm & a free gift of cleansing wristbands 

Evercalm Gift of Calm

RRP: £55

Unwrap calm skin this Christmas season with this essentials trio from REN's award-winning Evercalm range. 

Products include: Barrier Support Elixir, Global Protection Day Cream, Overnight Recovery Balm & a free gift of a beauty bag 

Radiance Brightening Duo 

RRP: £25

Two brightness-boosting skincare essentials for glowing skin. Featuring REN's cult product Ready Steady Glow AHA Tonic.

Products include: Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic, Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream & a free gift of cotton rounds 

Radiance Gift of Glow

Reveal a 3-step glowing-giving skincare trio. Get your glow with radiance boosting skincare formulated to limit irritation. 

Products include: Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic, Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel Cream, Glow and Protect Serum and a free gift of a beauty bag

https://www.renskincare.co.uk