Dedicated Bakers Deliver A Decade of Support for Orangutans - Celebrating Cakes for Apes 10th Anniversary

Henry Bird & colleagues

The month of April marks International Animal Rescue's (IAR) 10th Anniversary of Cakes for Apes. The month-long 'bake-off' encourages people to bake cakes to fundraise and support orangutan conservation efforts.

Recently TV Bake Off contestant Henry Bird joined IAR to host an afternoon tea at Brighton's Hotel Du Vin. 

The celebration welcomed nearly 100 attendees who enjoyed an afternoon filled with inspiration and reflection, joined by conservationists and some special guests while indulging in delectable cakes.

Since launching back in 2015, Cakes for Apes has brought together passionate bakers across the globe who have generated close to £100k to support orangutan conservation efforts.

These funds have been essential to support IAR's crucial efforts, which, along with their Indonesian partner YIARI, have supported the rescue, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and release of orangutans back into the wild.

Attendees enjoyed an exclusive Afternoon Tea with lavish cakes, scones and finger sandwiches to support an important cause. 

Guest speakers included Esteemed guests who delivered powerful talks to mark the event. TVs Great British Bake Off former contestant Henry Bird spoke about his dual interests in baking and wildlife preservation, and President of IAR Alan Knight OBE and CEO Gavin Bruce discussed global efforts to save and rehabilitate animals during the event.

Guests received exclusive Cakes for Apes goody bags to show appreciation and remind them of their support for orangutans in need. The bag also contained a handmade cupcake Henry Bird had created for every attendee.

The Afternoon Tea began a month-long " Ape-ril " campaign that encouraged supporters worldwide to organise bake sales and similar gatherings to support orangutan conservation efforts.

"Celebrating 10 years of Cakes for Apes shows the power of community when they come together. 

"With their support, we have rehabilitated and released over 170 orangutans, and more recently, we've witnessed five live births in the wild, which is remarkable. 

"The support and dedication from our community members have been truly motivational, and it was great to honour this occasion together," said Alan Knight OBE, President of IAR.

He went on to say: "We really cannot thank our supporters enough. There's still time to join us & make a difference by hosting your own cake sale."

You can learn more at www.cakes4apes.org

Together, we can create meaningful change by baking one cake at a time!

That's Food and Drink: room to Redefining Cocktail Experiences

That's Food and Drink: room to Redefining Cocktail Experiences: room two has established itself as London's premier cocktail events company, blending backgrounds in film, music, and interior design to...

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!