Sunday, 6 October 2024
That's Food and Drink: Recipe: Rich Christmas Cake Without Dried Fruit – ...
That's Food and Drink: Recipe: Rich Christmas Cake Without Dried Fruit – ...: When you think of Christmas cake, the image of a rich, dark cake packed with dried fruit often comes to mind. However, for those allergic t...
Contact Coffee Co Unveils Coffee Advent Calendar Tailored for the every day missions
Boasting coffee varieties sourced from all over the world, this treasure trove of individualised sachets delivers an innovative way to discover beloved and new brews in your own kitchen or wherever you happen to be.
Each daily sachet contains 18g of freshly ground coffee, encapsulating the rich, unique flavours of 13 distinct blends.
A carefully designed window at the bottom of the calendar allows for fuss-free retrieval, ensuring your daily coffee experience remains as smooth as the drink itself.
Conceived with their unyielding attention to detail and an unquenchable passion for coffee, this Advent calendar truly epitomises Contact Coffee Co.'s mantra. "Making and drinking great coffee with ease."
The story of Contact Coffee dates back to two serving Royal Marines who became frustrated and a little bit disgusted by having to drink poor quality freeze dried coffee during operations and exercises all over the world. (In the 24 hour ration packs! We at That's Christmas know them quite well!)
Difficulty in resupplying and low budgets resulted in either no coffee or the freeze dried substandard instant coffee only reaching deployed Royal Marines and soldiers wherever they were stationed in the world.
Obviously, they wanted to launch a military coffee company that would provide serving military personnel with good quality coffee, no matter which environment their career might take them into.
Their mantra of “Quick Coffee” drives them to seek ways of brewing the best fresh coffee with minimal equipment and in the shortest amount of time possible. Very important if you are involved in a military operation.
Field testing every product to ensure it's properly “soldier proof” and tastes delicious continues to take priority over aesthetics. Their coffee has been trialled and tested in all sorts of environments, from the Arctic circle to jungles. All of their coffee and products give theior customers the best fighting chance of making and drinking great coffee with ease. No matter where they are.
That's Christmas thinks this should be in the Christmas stockings of all military personnel and all coffee lovers, no matter where they are!
To learn more or to place your order please visit http://www.contactcoffee.com
Say hello to the new 2024 Tealight Advent Calendar from St Eval
Introducing the enchanting St. Eval Tealight Advent Calendar, a magical journey through 24 unique fragrances, each day revealing a new scent to warm your home this festive season.
Behind every door, you'll find a beautifully crafted tealight, accompanied by a charming tealight holder to elevate your daily ritual.
With whimsical fairytale illustrations, intricate gold foiling, and delicate details that bring the magic of the season to life, the design draws inspiration from nature and the world of castles and magical creatures, transporting you to a place where wonder is just around the corner.
Each fragrance in the collection is carefully curated to delight your senses and create an atmosphere of joy and tranquillity.
Whether you prefer the rich, cosy warmth of festive spices or the fresh, invigorating notes of pine and citrus, there’s a scent for every moment in the lead-up to Christmas.
This year, let the St. Eval Tealight Advent Calendar transform your home or office into a sanctuary of festive cheer and wonder, one tealight at a time.
Carefully packaged with true attention to detail, the calendar is designed to arrive safely at your doorstep, ensuring that the magic begins from the moment it's delivered.
Perfect as a gift for loved ones or as a treat for yourself, the St. Eval Tealight Advent Calendar is the ultimate way to make this Christmas season unforgettable.
Nestled on their own farm in North Cornwall, St. Eval are unique scent seekers who sustainably craft candles and home fragrances inspired by their close affinity with nature.
Proudly B Corp certified, St. Eval incorporate a blend of traditional and contemporary crafting methods to prioritise sustainably and maintain their superior mark of quality.
John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar 2024. £900 worth of beauty for £195
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The John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar 2024 which includes 20 full-size beauty must-haves.
Launching the sign up page earlier than ever before following a +400% surge in online searches on johnlewis.com.
The Advent features a total of 32 beauty products from top beauty companies such as Charlotte Tilbury, Sol De Janeiro and Parfums de Marly.
The John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar is back again and the 2024 edition features more full-size beauty must-haves than ever before.
Following a +400% surge in customers searching for ‘Beauty Advent Calendar' on johnlewis.com over the summer, they launched their customer sign-up page earlier than ever this year.
Last year's calendar was am utter sell-out success and this year their in-house team of beauty experts has worked to curate 25 drawers of delight, fully packed with a whopping 32 beauty products in total.
It has the highest number of full-size beauty must-haves for a John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar to date, with 20 in total.
The advent lineup features brands such as Sol de Janeiro (new to John Lewis from this year), Laura Mercier, Charlotte Tilbury and OUAI alongside Parfums de Marly, Rodial, Living Proof, and Bobbi Brown. The calendar also features a range of B-Corp brands including Aromatherapy Associates, Elemis, Neom, Rituals and Sunday Riley.
Like in previous years, the advent calendar is housed in a fully recyclable box with reversible drawers so customers can upcycle or fill up the Advent next year. They’ve also included more surprises than ever before:
Ten lucky customers will open a draw to find a £500 John Lewis gift card (WOW!)
30 advent calendars include a luxurious 40-minute Elemis Expert™ Facial Voucher treat.
Over 200 advents include a voucher for a treatment at a John Lewis Cavendish Clinic * *
Plus two ultimate spa breaks are up for grabs:
One advent includes a luxury spa break with NEOM at the 5* Rockcliffe Hall for two.
One advent includes an Aromatherapy Associates Spa Experience for two at St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel & Spa.
Tomas Warwick, John Lewis Lead for Skincare, Haircare and Wellness at John Lewis says: “The John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar is back and this year’s is our most impressive yet! It is filled with products from our best-selling brands, from TikTok trenders to skincare favourites and makeup must-haves.
"Plus we’ve included some very special treats for a number of lucky customers from facial vouchers to luxury spa breaks. Our customers are already counting down the days until December 1st, ‘Beauty Advent Calendar’ is one of our top five most searched-for beauty items at the moment.”
How to Set Up a Christmas Photo Opportunity Party for Friends and Family
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Hosting a Christmas party with a dedicated photo opportunity setup is a brilliant way to add fun, creativity, and a lasting touch to your celebration.
From Instagram-worthy backdrops to festive props, a photo-friendly party is sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.
Here’s how to set up a fabulous photo opportunity Christmas party that everyone will be talking about long after the season ends.
1. Choose the Perfect Location
First things first, find a spot in your home or venue that can serve as the main photo area. It should be a well-lit space with enough room for guests to comfortably stand or pose. Ideally, choose an area with a blank wall or neutral background, as this makes it easier to create your photo backdrop. If natural light isn’t available, make sure to use soft, warm lighting that enhances the festive glow.
2. Create a Festive Backdrop
The backdrop is the focal point of your photo opportunity setup, so make it festive and eye-catching. You don’t need to spend a fortune to create something impressive. Here are a few budget-friendly ideas:
Christmas Wrapping Paper: Tape festive wrapping paper to the wall for an instant backdrop. Choose designs with snowflakes, candy canes, or holly for a seasonal look.
Fairy Lights and Garlands: Hang fairy lights in a curtain style for a soft, magical glow, and layer garlands or tinsel around the edges.
Balloon Arch: A balloon arch in Christmas colours (red, green, white, gold) can add a striking, celebratory touch to your photo area.
Christmas Trees or Presents: Position a small Christmas tree or a pile of wrapped presents nearby to enhance the festive setting.
Get creative! Your backdrop should reflect the theme and feel of your party, whether it’s classic Christmas, winter wonderland, or modern holiday chic.
3. Add Fun Props
Props are key to taking your photo opportunity setup from good to great. They encourage guests to be playful and will make the photos more memorable. Create a collection of festive props that guests can use while taking pictures. Some easy ideas include:
Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and elf ears: Classic Christmas headgear always adds a fun, festive touch.
Christmas signs: Create small signs with holiday phrases like "Merry Christmas," "Ho Ho Ho," or "Naughty or Nice?"
Fake snow: Scatter some around for winter-themed photos, or make a snow-filled accessory like a snowman or snowball.
Giant candy canes or oversized baubles: These larger-than-life props make for playful poses and dynamic pictures.
Gift boxes: Wrap empty boxes in pretty paper, and let guests use them in their photos as if they are delivering or receiving gifts.
You can also find free printable prop templates online, such as mistletoe, beards, or speech bubbles, which you can mount on sticks for easy handling.
4. Set Up a Photo Booth or Camera Station
To ensure guests take full advantage of the photo opportunity, you’ll need to set up a camera station or photo booth. There are a few ways you can do this depending on your budget:
Smartphone Stand: If you’re keeping it simple, set up a smartphone on a tripod or a selfie stick that guests can use to snap their photos. Be sure to position the camera at a flattering height and angle.
Polaroid Camera: If you want instant photos with a retro twist, provide a Polaroid or instant camera so guests can take home physical copies of their pictures.
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Photo Booth Hire: For a more professional setup, you could hire a photo booth service. Many come with festive-themed templates, and guests can receive printed photo strips or digital copies right away.
Whichever option you choose, make sure the setup is simple to use and accessible for all ages. Adding a photo printer to the mix means guests can print their snaps right at the party as a keepsake.
5. Lighting is Key
Good lighting is essential for quality photos, especially indoors. Natural light is ideal, but if your party is taking place in the evening, you’ll want to make sure the space is well-lit. Consider using:
Ring lights: These create flattering, even light and are a popular choice for photo booths.
Softboxes or lamps: Position these near the photo area to eliminate shadows.
Fairy lights: As mentioned earlier, they can double as a decorative element and ambient lighting for photos.
Ensure that the lighting is bright enough but not harsh, as softer lighting will create a more flattering, festive effect.
6. Encourage Guests to Dress Up
Since your party is centred around photos, encourage your guests to wear their most festive outfits. You could even turn it into a themed dress-up event! Whether it’s ugly Christmas jumpers, fancy cocktail attire, or full-on Christmas costumes (think Santa, elves, or reindeer), getting everyone in the spirit of the event will make the photos even better.
You could also offer small prizes for the best-dressed or most creative outfits, giving guests an extra reason to go all out.
7. Create a Photo Sharing Station
Make it easy for everyone to access and share their photos by creating a digital space where all the images can be uploaded. You could set up a shared online album using services like Google Photos, Dropbox, or a private Facebook group. This way, guests can download, share, and print their favourite pictures after the party.
For those who like instant gratification, you can provide a small printer that connects to phones or cameras for instant photo prints.
8. Capture Candid Moments
While the designated photo area will undoubtedly be popular, don’t forget to capture the candid moments that make the party truly special. Whether it’s a child’s excitement while opening a gift, friends laughing over a Christmas cracker joke, or family members sharing a festive toast, these natural moments often create the best memories.
If you can, designate a family member or friend to act as a photographer for part of the night, so you can focus on hosting while still ensuring that all the fun is documented.
Final Thoughts
A Christmas photo opportunity party is the perfect way to combine festive fun with memories that will last long after the party is over. With a well-thought-out photo setup, festive props, and a dash of creativity, you’ll give your friends and family the chance to capture the magic of the season. And most importantly, you’ll have a wonderful collection of photos to look back on for years to come.
Happy snapping, and Merry Christmas!
How to Stage a Fantastic Christmas Party on a Budget
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With a little creativity, some smart planning, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic, you can host an unforgettable party on a budget. Here’s how:
1. Set a Budget and Stick to It
Before you get carried away by the Christmas spirit, it’s important to set a clear budget. Decide how much you’re willing to spend overall, then allocate amounts for food, drinks, decorations, and entertainment. Having a financial limit in mind will prevent overspending and help you focus on affordable yet enjoyable options.
2. DIY Decorations
You don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy decorations. With a bit of DIY effort, you can create a cosy and festive atmosphere for your party. Use natural materials like pinecones, holly, or sprigs of evergreen for centrepieces or garlands. If you have some old Christmas ornaments, you can easily upcycle them with paint or glitter.
Here are some quick and budget-friendly decoration ideas:
Paper snowflakes: Hang them around the room or in windows for a classic, wintry look.
Fairy lights: String lights add a magical glow and can be draped around doorways, windows, or even tables.
Candles: Place tea lights in mason jars or old glasses to create a warm, inviting ambiance.
3. Get Creative with Food
Food can be one of the biggest expenses, but there are clever ways to keep costs down while still offering a delicious spread. A Christmas party doesn’t have to mean a full sit-down meal; opt for a buffet or potluck-style party instead. Invite guests to contribute their favourite dishes or snacks—this makes for a varied and plentiful spread without the expense falling solely on you.
For budget-friendly ideas, try:
Homemade mulled wine or cider: These festive drinks are easy to make in bulk and much cheaper than buying bottles of wine or fancy cocktails.
DIY food stations: Set up a baked potato bar or a taco station with various toppings for guests to customise their meals.
Mini desserts: Think mince pies, gingerbread biscuits, or cupcakes, which are cost-effective to make and easy for guests to enjoy while mingling.
4. Plan Affordable Entertainment
Entertainment is the heart of any Christmas party, and you don’t have to hire a band or DJ to keep your guests entertained. Here are some budget-friendly ideas that will guarantee a good time:
Christmas-themed games: Organise a Secret Santa gift exchange or a festive quiz. You could even host a “best Christmas jumper” contest with a small prize for the winner.
Music playlists: Create a playlist with all your favourite Christmas classics to set the mood. You can easily find ready-made holiday playlists on Spotify or YouTube if you don’t want to make your own.
Karaoke: All you need is a microphone (or even just a phone app), and your guests will be belting out “All I Want for Christmas Is You” in no time.
5. Send Digital Invitations
Why spend money on printed invitations when you can send out stylish digital invites for free? There are plenty of websites and apps that let you customise your invitations, and many are free to use. Alternatively, create a Facebook event where you can invite guests, share details, and keep everyone updated on the party plans.
6. Shop Smart for Supplies
If you need to buy party supplies or decorations, do it smartly. Check out discount stores, pound shops, or online marketplaces for affordable deals. You can also wait until closer to Christmas when stores may start discounting seasonal items. Another tip: reuse decorations from previous years or borrow from friends to save money.
7. Limit the Drinks Menu
Alcohol can be one of the costliest aspects of any party. Instead of offering an open bar, create a limited drink menu featuring just a few options. You could make a festive punch or signature cocktail that’s inexpensive to prepare in large batches. Another idea is to ask guests to bring a bottle of their favourite drink, which can help share the expense.
8. Focus on the Atmosphere
A fantastic party is all about the atmosphere and the memories you create. Focus on the little details that make your guests feel welcome—play soft Christmas music in the background, dim the lights to create a cosy vibe, and make sure there’s plenty of laughter and conversation. At the end of the day, it’s the experience that matters most, not how much you’ve spent.
Final Thoughts
Hosting a Christmas party on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing style or fun. By using your creativity, planning ahead, and making smart choices, you can throw a festive celebration that your guests will remember long after the season has passed. So put on your Santa hat, deck the halls, and get ready to throw the best budget-friendly Christmas party ever!
Happy Christmas!
Looking for Christmas gifts for bookworms? Then the Butser Book Festival is ideal
This unique event offers a genuinely thrilling programme designed to ignite the imaginations of bookworms and aspiring writers of all ages.
Whether you're an avid reader of historical fiction, folklore, or nature writing, or someone seeking inspiration for their art or music, this festival has something for everyone, no matter your age.
From talks and meet-and-greets with bestselling authors to hands-on workshops, this is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of storytelling while surrounded by the gorgeous beauty of the South Downs and an inspiring historical backdrop.
Highlights of Butser Book Festival include:
Children’s workshops and events: There’s something for the whole family to enjoy with a huge range of activities at the festival, including an engaging children’s writing workshop led by bestselling author Caroline Lawrence, famous for her historical Roman adventures for young readers, some of which are actually inspired by Butser Ancient Farm itself!
Writing and creative workshops: Creative writers can sharpen their skills with exclusive workshops from celebrated authors Lucy Holland and Tiffany Francis-Baker on incorporating history and the wheel of the year into your work, or if getting hands-on with an ancient site and nature appeals to you.
Join the storytelling workshops to forage for inspiration outside. Lovers of all things crafty and folklore can attend a workshop on lino-cutting a bookmark with designs inspired by mythical creatures and create a beautiful keepsake to take home or to gift someone a truly memorable Christmas gift.
Crafts, music, folkloric games and more: In addition to the literary events, visitors of all ages can try their hand at crafts inspired by our ancestors, enjoy live music performances, have a go at folklore-inspired funfair games, and hands-on activities that celebrate both history and creativity.
Cosy down around the hearth in small, atmospherically ancient buildings to enjoy music performances with the whole family.
Pre-booking workshops: All the Butser BookFest workshops are designed to help participants hone their craft and bring their stories to life, and come with a fee to help fundraise for Butser Ancient Farm’s experimental archaeology efforts. Pre-booking is highly recommended for these interactive sessions, so reserve your spot early!
"We're really very lucky to reach so many booklovers, artists and writers, and feel so excited to bring them all together in a venue like no other book festival takes place with such a diverse, fascinating programme of workshops, talks and much more besides."
But Butser Book Festival is more than just a celebration of books. "It's a real opportunity to experience the magic of stories both ancient and new in an inspiring setting, making it the perfect weekend for families, bookworms, craft-lovers and writers alike.
That's Christmas recommends that you should book your tickets as soon as possible. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary festival at Butser Ancient Farm. Purchase tickets, book workshops, and explore the full programme here: www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/butser-book-literary-writing-festival.
Advance booking is strongly advised as spaces for workshops are limited.
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