That's Food and Drink: One-Pan Summer Meals for Quick Weeknight Suppers

That's Food and Drink: One-Pan Summer Meals for Quick Weeknight Suppers: When the sun is still shining at 8pm and the idea of standing over a hot stove for hours feels like total madness, one-pan meals can come ga...

Why Christmas Pudding Isn’t Just for Christmas

When most people think of Christmas pudding, they conjure up an image of a flaming dessert served with brandy butter, nestled among tinsel and the scent of pine.

It’s rich, dark, boozy, and unapologetically festive. But who says it should be banished to a single day of the year?

Here’s the case for enjoying Christmas pudding well beyond the 25th of December.

1. It’s Packed With Flavour That Deserves a Longer Life

Christmas pudding is a masterpiece of flavour—dried fruits, spices, citrus zest, nuts, and sometimes even treacle or stout. These ingredients only improve with time, making the pudding deeper and more complex. It’s a shame to relegate that sort of richness to just one day.

2. It’s the Perfect Cold Weather Comfort

From late autumn to early spring, the UK faces long, chilly nights. Even April and May can be cold and snow has been known to fall in mid-May. Hence the old saying: "Ne'er cast a clout till May be out." 

So, a slice of warm Christmas pudding with a dollop of custard or clotted cream is just the thing to lift the spirits on a grey evening. Why not treat it like a winter warmer, rather than a one-off?

3. It’s Surprisingly Versatile

Think beyond the traditional presentation. Christmas pudding can be reinvented:

Crumbled into ice cream for a boozy ripple

Baked into muffins or brownies

Stirred into porridge for a luxurious breakfast twist

Turned into a rich bread and butter pudding

These are great ways to use leftovers—or just an excuse to buy an extra one "for the freezer."

4. It Keeps Well

One of the marvels of a proper pudding is its longevity. Stored in a cool, dry place (or frozen), a Christmas pudding can last for months. That means you can enjoy it in March, July, or even as a cheeky September treat when you're dreaming of festive cheer again.

5. It’s a Celebration of Tradition—Any Time of Year

Eating Christmas pudding is a little like opening a time capsule. It connects us with centuries of British culinary tradition. Why should that sense of heritage be reserved for only one d

How to Avoid Scams This Christmas: Stay Safe While Getting Festive

Christmas is a time for giving, celebrating, and spending time with loved ones—but sadly, it’s also a peak time for scammers to try and take advantage of our festive spirit and busy schedules. 

Whether you’re shopping online, donating to charity, or even just checking your inbox, staying scam-savvy can save you a lot of stress (and money!).

Here’s how to keep the season merry and bright—and scam-free.

1. Stick to Trusted Retailers

Scammers love to set up fake websites that look eerily similar to the real thing, especially when everyone’s on the hunt for a last-minute deal. To stay safe:

Always type in the URL of your favourite retailers rather than clicking on links from ads or emails.

Look for the padlock icon in the address bar—though this isn’t a guarantee of safety, it’s a good first check.

Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. A £20 PlayStation 5? Probably not legit.

2. Watch Out for Fake Delivery Texts and Emails

Royal Mail, DPD, Evri and other couriers don’t usually ask for payment to redeliver a parcel. Scammers often send texts or emails pretending to be from these services, asking you to click a link or pay a small fee.

Never click links in unexpected texts or emails—go directly to the courier’s official website.

Check the sender address carefully. Scam emails often have strange email domains like @deliveryconfirm123.net.

3. Be Cautious With Online Marketplaces

Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and even eBay can be hotspots for scams during the festive rush.

Always pay through the platform’s secure payment system—never send money directly via bank transfer or PayPal Friends & Family.

Meet in person for local pick-ups where possible, and inspect the item before paying.

If it sounds dodgy, it probably is—trust your gut.

4. Don't Fall for Charity Scams

The season of goodwill can sadly attract fake charities hoping to prey on our generosity.

If you want to give, donate directly through a charity’s official website or a trusted platform like JustGiving or Virgin Money Giving.

Check that a charity is registered in the UK using the Charity Commission's search tool.

5. Avoid Too-Good-To-Be-True Social Media Ads

You might see tempting ads for incredible deals on everything from perfume to electronics. Many of these are scams.

Check reviews—not just on the company’s site, but through independent sources.

Search the company name with keywords like “scam” or “review” before buying.

Be wary of newly created pages with little to no information.

6. Keep Your Devices Secure

Use the Christmas season as a reason to do a bit of digital housekeeping.

Enable two-factor authentication on your email and bank accounts.

Keep your devices updated with the latest software and antivirus protection.

Use strong, unique passwords (a password manager can help if that sounds like a lot to remember!).

7. Educate the Whole Household

Scammers often target vulnerable people—especially the elderly. Take some time to chat with your family about common scams and how to avoid them.

Share what to look out for and encourage them to double-check with someone they trust if something seems off.

Final Word 

Scammers don’t take a holiday—if anything, they get more active. But with a little awareness and some common sense, you can enjoy a scam-free Christmas and focus on what really matters.

Wishing you a safe, happy, and scam-free festive season for 2025!

That's Food and Drink: Tomato Season is Here: 10 Juicy Recipes That Celeb...

That's Food and Drink: Tomato Season is Here: 10 Juicy Recipes That Celeb...: Summer is here, and with it comes the glorious return of tomato season!  Whether you grow your own, pick them up from your local farmer’s ma...

That's Food and Drink: How to Choose the Best Cutlery for Your Home: A Pr...

That's Food and Drink: How to Choose the Best Cutlery for Your Home: A Pr...: Cutlery might seem like a small detail when setting up your home, but it’s one of those everyday essentials that really does make a differen...

How to Start a Christmas Countdown Calendar Early

There’s something undeniably magical about counting down the days to Christmas. 

Whether it's the daily ritual of opening a tiny door, the excitement of small treats, or just the joy of anticipation, Christmas countdown calendars bring a sparkle of festive cheer. 

But who says you have to wait until December 1st to get started?

If you're the type who starts humming carols in October or you just want to make the most of the season, here’s how you can start a Christmas countdown calendar early—and keep the festive spirit going all the way to the big day.

1. Choose Your Start Date

You don’t need to wait for December. A good starting point could be:

1st November – for a full two-month countdown.

Mid-November – ideal if you want a warm-up to Advent.

The day after Bonfire Night – once the sparklers are out, it's fair game!

Pick a date that feels right for you—this is about creating joy, not sticking to rules.

2. Pick the Right Format

The classic cardboard calendar with chocolate is lovely, but if you're starting early, you might want something a bit more flexible. Consider:

DIY paper chain – Add a link each day with a festive activity or positive affirmation.

Reusable calendar – Fill it with mini gifts, messages, or decorations.

Jar of treats – Write 50+ fun festive prompts and pick one each day.

Digital countdown – Set up a festive daily reminder or story via an app or shared Google Doc with friends or family.

3. Add Personal Touches

Make your early countdown extra meaningful with themes:

Acts of Kindness – A small good deed each day.

Memory Lane – Write down a favourite holiday memory every morning.

Cosy Moments – A daily cosy suggestion (hot chocolate, fairy lights, a classic film).

Mindful Christmas – Prompts that encourage calm, gratitude, and slowing down.

4. Make It Seasonal, Not Just Christmassy

If early November feels a bit too soon for tinsel and carols, lean into the autumn-winter transition:

Think hygge vibes—blankets, candles, cinnamon everything.

Incorporate gentle seasonal prompts: nature walks, comfort food, journaling.

Gradually build the festive feel as December nears.

5. Get the Family (or Flatmates) Involved

A longer countdown gives you time to build traditions together:

Take turns adding to a communal calendar.

Make a festive playlist together and add a song a day.

Create a “Christmas craft night” rota.

More time means less rush—and more chances to truly enjoy each other’s company.

6. Don’t Forget the Fun

This isn’t about adding pressure or turning the countdown into a to-do list. It’s about savouring the season. If you miss a day, just pick up where you left off. The point is to enjoy the journey to Christmas, not tick every box.

Final Thoughts

Starting your Christmas countdown early is like giving yourself permission to slow down and savour the season. With the dark evenings creeping in and the world getting a bit colder, a little extra magic each day can go a long way.

So grab a mug of something warm, pop on your favourite cosy jumper, and start counting down—because the season of joy doesn’t have to wait.

Planning a Winter Wonderland Wedding During the Summer: Get Ahead of the Chill with Style and Sparkle

When the sun is high and the days are long, planning a winter wedding might seem a little counterintuitive. 

But if you're dreaming of frosted pinecones, candlelit ceremonies, and snow-dusted scenery, summer is actually the perfect time to start crafting your Winter Wonderland wedding. 

But if you're dreaming of frosted pinecones, candlelit ceremonies, and snow-dusted scenery, summer is actually the perfect time to start crafting your Winter Wonderland wedding.

Here’s why planning your magical cold-weather celebration during the warmest months of the year can be a savvy—and even joyful—choice.

1. Venue Availability & Better Deals

Winter weddings are still less popular than summer ones, which means many venues offer off-season rates. Planning in summer gives you the pick of the bunch and first dibs on prime winter dates—especially around Christmas and New Year, when venues can book up for festive events. If you’ve got your heart set on a romantic country manor or a castle surrounded by snow, booking early ensures your fairytale setting.

2. Dream Team Bookings

Photographers, florists, bands, and caterers often have more availability and flexibility in winter. By planning ahead in summer, you’ll have your pick of top-notch suppliers. Bonus: vendors are likely to have more time to work creatively with you during their quieter season, which can mean more personalised touches.

3. Fashion Forward Planning

Bridal fashion takes time—especially for winter weddings. Think long-sleeved gowns, velvet shawls, faux fur capes, and warm boots hidden under your dress. Starting early gives you time to track down the perfect seasonal pieces, or even have something bespoke made. And don’t forget your bridesmaids! Rich tones like deep emerald, burgundy, and navy look stunning against a snowy backdrop.

4. Décor & Seasonal Styling

Winter weddings are all about ambience—think twinkling lights, evergreens, warm metallics, and flickering candles. By planning in summer, you’ll have time to source décor thoughtfully (and potentially at lower prices, especially if you're buying during summer clearance sales). Planning ahead also gives you time to DIY any crafty winter touches like personalised baubles or pinecone centrepieces.

5. Save the Date Magic

Winter calendars fill up fast with Christmas parties, holidays, and family commitments. Sending out your save-the-dates early means your guests can plan accordingly and you’re more likely to have everyone you love gathered together on your big day.

6. Menu Magic

Winter weddings are a chance to indulge in comfort food with an elegant twist—think roast dinners, mulled wine, seasonal canapés, and hot chocolate bars. Starting your planning early lets you experiment with caterers, plan tasting menus, and ensure your winter fare is every bit as festive as it is filling.

7. Travel & Accommodation Logistics

Planning ahead allows you to help guests with travel arrangements and lodging, especially if your venue is in a remote or wintry location. You can negotiate group rates, organise shuttles if necessary, and give people time to budget for a winter getaway.

Final Thoughts

A Winter Wonderland wedding can be utterly enchanting—from glistening snow and cosy candlelight to rich seasonal colours and festive cheer. By beginning your planning journey in summer, you’ll give yourself the time and space to craft a celebration that feels effortless and unforgettable.

So, while the sun blazes outside, pour yourself a cool drink, and start dreaming of your warmest day in the coldest season.

Ready to plan your winter wedding? Let your imagination drift into snow-covered landscapes and start turning that frosty fantasy into a beautiful reality.