Master Choclatier Oli the Choc Brings the Magic of Chocolate to Easter!

You'll be able to step into a world of pure chocolaty imagination with Oli The Choc, the visionary Master Chocolatier who is on a vital mission to inspire creativity through the magic of chocolate.

From growing up in his parents’ home chocolate factory to becoming a master of his craft, Oli’s passion is as rich as his creations.

His infectious love for chocolate isn’t just about taste, it’s about the experience, creativity, and fun!

Welcome to Oli’s Weird and Wonderful Chocolate World, where anything is possible!

So, the only question is… Are you ready to CHOC ‘N’ ROLL?

As seen on This Morning with Dermot O’Leary and Sian Welby, this Easter Oli The Choc unleashed the secret to making Dubai chocolate at home. Sian couldn’t resist getting stuck in—tasting the warm, melted chocolate straight from the bowl using a ladle like it was soup! It’s that irresistible!

Welcome to the Viral Dubai Easter Egg Masterclass—created to captivate both the taste buds and social media. This Easter Egg is set to become the must-have treat of the season. But it’s not just a dessert—it’s an experience.

Oli on the show

Are you ready to test your level of creativity today with chocolate?

If so, here’s how to make the Viral Dubai Easter Egg for the family – We dare you to share!

Ingredients

500g solid milk chocolate

200g Kataifi (Kataifi is a delicate, shredded phyllo dough pastry, but you can substitute with Shredded Wheat but may not be quite as crunchy)

60g Tahini

300g pistachio cream (shop bought or homemade / blended pistachios)

1 sheet gold leaf

20g green coloured chocolate (mix oil-based colour with white chocolate)

Equipment

Egg mould x 2 halves

Plastic microwaveable bowls x 2

Spatula x 2

Scraper

Greaseproof paper

Piping bags

Microwave

Recipe based on a 10” tall egg weighing approx. 1KG.

Method

Take one clean (half) egg mould and decorate the inside with drizzles of green chocolate using a piping bag and add gold leaf.

Fill the mould with tempered milk chocolate.

Empty out the excess chocolate, leaving a layer inside.

Once set, scrape off the excess and proceed to the next step.

Fill with a thick layer of the premixed pistachio, tahini, and Kataifi.

Cover the pistachio layer with another layer of milk chocolate and leave to set.

Once completely set, scrape any excess and place in the fridge.

Stick the two halves together with tempered chocolate—perhaps hiding some chocolate goodies inside, like Oli’s signature Holy Grail.

Looking to elevate your chocolate indulgence even further? The legendary Holy Grail chocolate can be purchased exclusively at Oli The Choc’s official store which you will find here https://www.olithechoc.com

You can follow Oli's recipe here as he shows Dermot and Sian how to make the truly stunning eggs!

That's Food and Drink: That's Christmas 365: Why We've Changed Our Title ...

That's Food and Drink: That's Christmas 365: Why We've Changed Our Title ...: That's Christmas 365: Why We've Changed Our Title to That's Christmas 365 : If you’ve been following us for a while, you might h...

Why We've Changed Our Title to That's Christmas 365

If you’ve been following us for a while, you might have noticed something different — That’s Christmas is now That’s Christmas 365. 

So, why the change? Don’t worry, it’s not just a rebrand for the sake of it. There’s a festive reason behind it, and we’re excited to share it with you.

Christmas Isn’t Just for December.

We believe that the magic of Christmas doesn’t have to be packed away with the decorations in January. 

From the comforting nostalgia of classic films and the joy of festive recipes, to planning the perfect gift or discovering next year’s trends, there’s always something worth celebrating. 

That’s Christmas 365 reflects our commitment to keeping the festive spirit alive all year round.

A Place for Year-Round Festive Fans

We know we’re not the only ones who sneak a Christmas song into a summer playlist or start planning the Christmas pudding in September. This change is for all of you who see Christmas not as a season, but as a feeling. Whether it’s cosy content in the off-season or full-on tinsel in December, we’ve got you covered — every single day of the year.

Expanding What We Share

The new name also allows us to explore more content outside of the typical Christmas countdown. Expect everything from festive DIY ideas and gift guides to heartwarming stories and interviews with makers, creators, and Christmas lovers across the globe. If it’s merry, magical, or meaningful — you’ll find it here. We'll even include features on health and beauty to make sure everyone is fit and well for the Christmas season!

Still the Same at Heart

While our name has grown, our heart hasn’t changed. We’re still the same passionate team, dedicated to bringing you all things Christmas — just with a little more room to sparkle.

So welcome to That’s Christmas 365 — because every day is a good day to believe in a little bit of magic.

How to Organise a Christmas Gift Swap Party in Spring

Yes, you read that right. Christmas… in spring. While the holly and ivy might be tucked away, who says we have to limit the festive fun to December? 

Whether you're craving a bit of yuletide cheer, want an excuse to reuse that novelty jumper, or just fancy a quirky gathering with friends, a springtime Christmas gift swap party is the answer.

Here’s how to pull it off like a festive pro (even with daffodils in bloom).

🎄 1. Pick a Date and Embrace the Contrast

Choose a date that gives guests time to prepare, ideally a weekend afternoon or evening. Lean into the contrast between the seasons: think Christmas decorations against bright spring sunshine, or a garden party with fairy lights and tinsel.

Tip: "Half-Christmas" is technically in June, but if you're doing it in early spring, call it “The Unseasonable Swap” or “Springmas” for extra flair.

🎁 2. Set the Gift Swap Rules

Make it fun, light-hearted, and budget-friendly. Here are a few popular formats:

Secret Santa: Everyone draws a name and buys a gift just for that person.

White Elephant / Yankee Swap: Everyone brings a wrapped gift and takes turns either unwrapping a new one or stealing someone else’s.

Themed Swap: Set a theme like “homemade,” “regifted,” “green gifts,” or “spring-inspired Christmas”.

Keep the spending cap low — £5 to £10 is plenty. It’s about fun, not flash.

🌟 3. Deck the Halls (and Garden)

Time to get creative. Dust off the Christmas decorations and mix them with springtime touches:

Hang baubles from budding trees or garden fences.

Mix poinsettias with tulips in table arrangements.

Use fairy lights, paper snowflakes, and spring garlands together.

Don’t forget the music! A Christmas playlist with a few sunny remixes or ironic inclusions like "Here Comes the Sun" can set the tone perfectly.

🍷 4. Festive Food, Spring Twist

Serve a mix of festive favourites and spring nibbles:

Mini mince pies next to lemon drizzle cake.

Mulled wine chilled and served over ice.

Hot chocolate with pastel marshmallows.

You could even do a potluck and ask guests to bring a “Christmas dish reimagined for spring”.

👕 5. Dress Code: Unseasonably Festive

Encourage guests to wear Christmas jumpers, Santa hats, or sparkly outfits — the more ridiculous for the time of year, the better. Bonus points for anyone who blends Christmas and spring (e.g. bunny ears with a Christmas jumper).

📸 6. Games, Giggles and Gifting

Aside from the gift swap, consider festive games with a twist:

Springtime Charades: Mix Christmas films with spring themes.

“Name That Carol” with a reggae or acoustic remix playlist.

Photo booth corner with reindeer antlers, bunny ears, and oversized sunglasses.

Capture the moments — nothing says “British eccentricity” like someone sipping iced mulled wine in a woolly jumper surrounded by blooming tulips.

🎅 7. Leave With a Smile (and Maybe a Leftover Mince Pie)

End the evening with a toast to spontaneous joy and doing things just because they’re fun. Maybe hand out silly certificates ("Most Unseasonable Outfit", "Best Gift Reaction") to wrap it all up with laughs.

Final Thoughts

A Christmas gift swap in spring is about bringing people together, surprising them with joy, and proving that festive spirit doesn’t need a calendar date. Life’s too short to wait till December — so hang the tinsel, wrap a gift, and embrace the merry madness.

Springmas is calling. Will you answer?

Transform Your Garden into a Christmas Wonderland: Start in Spring!

As the days grow longer and the first signs of spring appear, it's the perfect time to begin preparations for a magical Christmas garden. 

While winter may seem far away, creating a festive wonderland takes planning and care throughout the year. 

By starting in spring, you can ensure that your outdoor space is dazzling when the holiday season arrives. Here’s how to get ahead with your Christmas garden preparations.

1. Plan Your Christmas Theme

Before you begin planting and decorating, envision how you want your garden to look in December. Would you like a classic red-and-green theme, a sparkling winter wonderland, or a rustic woodland escape? Choosing your theme early will help guide your planting choices, lighting arrangements, and decorative elements.

2. Select Evergreen Plants for Winter Beauty

A key element of a Christmas garden is lush greenery that withstands the colder months. Spring is the ideal time to plant evergreen shrubs like holly, boxwood, and yew. Consider adding conifers, such as spruce or fir, which can double as natural Christmas trees when adorned with twinkling lights and ornaments in winter.

3. Grow Winter-Flowering Plants

Incorporating plants that bloom in winter will add colour and vibrancy to your festive garden. Hellebores, winter jasmine, and snowdrops are excellent choices that can be planted in spring to ensure they flourish in time for Christmas.

4. Install Lighting Infrastructure

Outdoor Christmas lights are essential for creating a magical atmosphere. To make installation easier in winter, plan your lighting layout in spring. Install outdoor-safe power outlets, hooks, and supports for string lights and lanterns. Solar-powered garden lights can also be placed early so they blend seamlessly with your landscape.

5. Build a Festive Focal Point

Consider creating a focal point in your garden that can be transformed into a festive centrepiece. A pergola, gazebo, or garden arch can be decorated with fairy lights, garlands, and ornaments when December arrives. If space allows, a fire pit or outdoor seating area can provide a cosy retreat for winter gatherings.

6. Start Growing Berries for Christmas Décor

Berry-bearing plants such as holly, cotoneaster, and pyracantha provide both festive decoration and a vital food source for wildlife. Planting them in spring ensures they are well-established by the time you need their vibrant red berries for wreaths and centrepieces.

7. Prepare for Wildlife Visitors

A Christmas garden isn’t just for people—it can be a haven for birds and other wildlife during the colder months. Install bird feeders, nesting boxes, and water sources in spring to encourage birds to visit your garden year-round. 

By winter, you’ll have a lively, natural backdrop for your festive scene.

8. Create a Pathway for a Magical Walkway

Lining your garden path with low-growing plants like lavender or thyme in spring ensures a fragrant and visually appealing walkway throughout the year. When winter arrives, you can enhance the path with lanterns, fairy lights, or even artificial snow for an enchanting Christmas effect.

9. Plan for Christmas Scent and Fragrance

Scent is a powerful element of festive charm. Consider planting fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme, which can be used in Christmas cooking and also provide greenery for decorations. Winter-flowering shrubs such as witch hazel offer a lovely fragrance even in the colder months.

10. Start DIY Garden Decorations

Handmade decorations add a personal touch to your festive garden. Use spring and summer to collect natural materials such as pinecones, twigs, and dried flowers. These can be crafted into wreaths, garlands, and centrepieces closer to Christmas, saving both time and money.

The Magic of Year-Round Preparation

By starting your Christmas garden preparations in spring, you’ll create a seamless transformation from lush greenery to a winter wonderland. With careful planning, thoughtful planting, and some early infrastructure work, your garden will be ready to shine brightly during the festive season. Embrace the joy of year-round gardening, and when December arrives, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the magical scene you’ve created!

Are you planning to transform your garden into a Christmas spectacle this year? Share your ideas in the comments below!

How Christmas and Easter Traditions Overlap

Christmas and Easter are two of the most significant celebrations in the Christian calendar, marking the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ, respectively. 

While they occur at opposite ends of the year. Christmas in the depths of winter and Easter in the heart of spring, though many of their traditions share striking similarities. 

From festive feasts to symbolic decorations, these two holidays have more in common than one might initially think.

1. Feasting and Festive Foods

Both Christmas and Easter are times of indulgence, centred around family meals and traditional dishes.

Christmas Feast: The British Christmas dinner is a grand affair, with roast turkey, stuffing, Brussels sprouts, pigs in blankets, and Christmas pudding taking centre stage.

Easter Feast: While the Easter Sunday meal may not be quite as elaborate, it often features a roast, typically lamb, accompanied by spring vegetables and, of course, hot cross buns.

In both cases, food plays a central role in bringing families together, offering a moment of joy and connection.

2. The Role of Sweet Treats

Sweet indulgences define both celebrations, with symbolic confections linked to their historical and religious significance.

Christmas Treats: Mince pies, yule logs, Christmas cake, and chocolate coins are all festive staples.

Easter Treats: Chocolate eggs, simnel cake, and Easter nests take the spotlight.

Interestingly, both Christmas and Easter have a shared love for marzipan—used in Christmas cakes and simnel cakes—as well as an abundance of chocolate treats.

3. Symbolic Decorations

Decorations are a key part of both celebrations, and although Christmas trees and Easter eggs may seem vastly different, the use of natural elements and lights creates a shared festive atmosphere.

Evergreens & Spring Flowers: Christmas uses holly, ivy, and mistletoe, while Easter is associated with daffodils, lilies, and tulips. Both reflect themes of renewal and eternal life.

Lights & Candles: Christmas is famed for its fairy lights and glowing candles, while Easter services often feature candlelit vigils, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness.

Additionally, both holidays make use of wreaths—Christmas wreaths are hung on doors, while some Easter traditions incorporate floral wreaths in processions or church displays.

4. Gift-Giving Traditions

While Christmas is the undisputed king of gift-giving, Easter also involves the exchange of presents, particularly among children.

Christmas Gifts: Santa Claus (or Father Christmas) brings presents on Christmas Eve, with gifts unwrapped on Christmas morning.

Easter Gifts: Easter eggs, whether chocolate or decorative, are given to children, and in some traditions, small toys or books may accompany them.

Both holidays have figures associated with bringing treats: Santa Claus at Christmas and the Easter Bunny at Easter.

5. Religious Observances

As Christian celebrations, both Christmas and Easter have deep religious significance and are marked by special services, prayers, and processions.

Christmas Mass & Carols: Many attend midnight Mass or a Christmas Day service, often accompanied by the singing of carols.

Easter Vigil & Hymns: Easter Sunday services are filled with hymns of resurrection, and some churches hold special candlelit vigils on Holy Saturday.

Additionally, both holidays are preceded by a time of spiritual preparation—Advent leading up to Christmas and Lent leading up to Easter.

6. Pagan Roots and Seasonal Influences

Both Christmas and Easter have roots that intertwine with older, pre-Christian traditions.

Winter & Summer Solstice Connections: Christmas aligns with ancient midwinter festivals like Yule, celebrating the return of light. Easter coincides with springtime fertility festivals, symbolising rebirth and renewal.

Eggs & Trees: The egg, a common Easter symbol, represents new life, much like the evergreen tree at Christmas symbolises eternal life.

Despite their Christian meanings, both holidays reflect humanity's long-standing traditions of celebrating the changing seasons.

Final Thoughts

While Christmas and Easter may seem worlds apart, their shared traditions—festive feasts, symbolic treats, meaningful decorations, and joyful gatherings—show how they are deeply intertwined. Whether it’s through the lights of Christmas or the flowers of Easter, both holidays celebrate life, hope, and togetherness, offering warmth in the heart of winter and renewal in the bloom of spring.

So, as you enjoy your Easter treats, you might just find a little bit of Christmas spirit lingering in the air! 

Spring Recipes with a Nod to Christmas Flavours

As the chill of winter fades and spring’s fresh produce starts to bloom, there’s no need to leave behind the comforting, nostalgic flavours of Christmas entirely. 

By blending seasonal spring ingredients with the warmth of festive spices and classic holiday tastes, you can create unique dishes that bring a touch of Christmas magic to lighter, fresher meals. 

Here are some delicious spring recipes infused with Christmas-inspired flavours.

1. Spiced Carrot and Parsnip Soup

A light yet warming soup that combines sweet spring carrots and parsnips with the festive spices of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Ingredients:

500g carrots, peeled and chopped

300g parsnips, peeled and chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

750ml vegetable stock

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground nutmeg

½ tsp ground ginger

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

A splash of double cream (optional)

Method:

Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.

Add the carrots and parsnips, stirring in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Blend until smooth, season with salt and pepper, and stir in a splash of cream if desired.

Serve warm with crusty bread.

2. Rosemary and Orange Roast Chicken

A springtime roast infused with the citrus and herbaceous notes reminiscent of Christmas dinners.

Ingredients:

1 whole free-range chicken

2 oranges, sliced

4 sprigs of fresh rosemary

3 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tbsp honey

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp ground allspice

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Preheat oven to 190°C (fan 170°C).

Rub the chicken with olive oil, honey, allspice, salt, and pepper.

Stuff the cavity with orange slices, rosemary, and garlic.

Roast for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, basting occasionally with the juices.

Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with spring greens or new potatoes.

3. Cranberry and Pistachio Spring Salad

A light, fresh salad packed with Christmas flavours of cranberry, nuts, and citrus.

Ingredients:

100g mixed salad leaves (rocket, spinach, watercress)

50g dried cranberries

50g pistachios, chopped

1 small red apple, thinly sliced

50g goat’s cheese, crumbled

2 tbsp pomegranate seeds

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tsp honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

In a large bowl, mix the salad leaves, cranberries, pistachios, apple slices, and pomegranate seeds.

Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.

Drizzle over the salad and toss gently.

Top with crumbled goat’s cheese and serve immediately.

4. Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding with Brandy Sauce

A festive take on a classic British dessert, using hot cross buns and a rich, boozy sauce.

Ingredients:

6 hot cross buns, sliced in half

500ml whole milk

100ml double cream

2 eggs

50g caster sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp cinnamon

25g butter, melted

2 tbsp brandy

50g raisins or sultanas

For the Brandy Sauce:

50g butter

50g brown sugar

100ml double cream

1 tbsp brandy

Method:

Preheat oven to 180°C (fan 160°C).

Arrange the hot cross bun halves in a buttered baking dish, scattering raisins between layers.

Whisk together milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, melted butter, and brandy. Pour over the buns and let soak for 15 minutes.

Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and set.

Meanwhile, make the sauce by melting butter and sugar in a saucepan. Stir in cream and brandy, simmering gently.

Serve the pudding warm with the brandy sauce drizzled over the top.

5. Minted Pea and Chestnut Risotto

A fresh and creamy risotto incorporating sweet spring peas and festive chestnuts.

Ingredients:

250g Arborio rice

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

750ml vegetable stock

150g frozen peas

100g cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped

50g Parmesan, grated

1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.

Add the rice, stirring for 1–2 minutes. Gradually add the stock, stirring continuously until absorbed.

Stir in the peas and chestnuts, cooking for another 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and mix in butter, Parmesan, and mint. Season to taste.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra mint and Parmesan.

Final Thoughts

Bringing Christmas flavours into spring cooking creates a wonderful bridge between the seasons, adding comforting nostalgia to fresh, vibrant meals. Whether it’s a hint of spice, citrus, or festive ingredients like cranberries and chestnuts, these recipes allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Which of these dishes will you be trying first? Let us know your favourite Christmas-inspired springtime meal!