As someone who eats beef at Christmas and turkey at New Years’; it is usually Christmas hampers that make me feel festive during the holiday season. If you are a foodie like me, then there are some things you look for in a good hamper. I usually zero in on the ones with a combination of wines and festive goodies …

Seasonal Spectacular by Crabtree and Evelyn It feels good to finally be able to talk about what to expect from one of my favourite stores, Crabtree and Evelyn. I have known about what’s coming up this Christmas since July but it was embargoed until now, so here we go. Like every Christmas, Crabtree and Evelyn has a Seasonal Spectacular in …

I was at Debenhams’ beauty press day recently to preview what they have in store for Christmas at their beauty halls. As expected, Debenhams’ has a fantastic selection of big and small brands and an array of gift packs coming up. The centerpiece of the night was the Debenhams’ Beauty 12 days of Christmas which had some fantastic gift sets. …

Packed full of fruit and rich dark muscovado flavour, the sprinkling of Demerara gives the perfect sweet crunchy topping to these mince perfect pies. Makes about 20 Preparation time: 30 minutes Bake time: 20 – 25 minutes. You will also need: a 5 cm star-shaped cutter and small holly leaves cutter (or these can be cut out by hand), 2 …

Bake your loved ones their very own personal pudding this Christmas, the spiced rum and lime mascarpone gives a different twist on the traditional brandy butter. Makes 8 Preparation time: 25 minutes Bake time: 45 minutes You will also need: 8 x 175ml pudding moulds, greased and bases lined with a circle of baking parchment Ingredients 100g Billington’s Unrefined Dark …

Packed full of rich fruit, nuts and flavour, this classic Christmas cake recipe is quick and easy to bake. Serves 16-20 Preparation time: 45 minutes, plus cooling Bake time: 2 hours, 10 minutes You will also need: a 20cm springform cake tin, base and sides greased and double-lined with baking parchment. Ingredients 150g Plain flour 50g Self-raising flour 1tsp Mixed …

Neurotic, stressed and panic buying has been my Christmas shopping tradition for as long as I can remember. This year, I’m taking the Zen approach to Christmas. Making sure Christmas shopping is completed at least a week before Christmas and ensuring that any gifts I buy will be meaningful and useful. So here are my Christmas gift ideas: Natural Empathy …

Christmas Parma Ham Salad Jewelled with Pomegranate, Mint, Toasted almonds and White Stilton. Serves 4 as a starter or 2 as a main. Ingredients 2 large handfuls mixed green leaves 120g White Stilton 20g toasted almond flakes 1 handful mint leaves, torn Seeds from 1 pomegranate 4 slices Parma Ham Dressing: Zest and juice of 1 lime ½ tsp runny …

David Beckham is extending his H &M Beckham Bodywear collection this Christmas by adding a hooded robe, draw-string pants, a long-sleeved shirt and a towel.   Pieces in the collection will no doubt make excellent gifts for David Beckham fans this Christmas. The special holiday edition will be available in selected stores and online from November 22. Check out behind …

As the chill of winter begins to set in and Christmas lights are lit up and down streets across the country, the fight to be number one on the high street has also begun. Big names like M & S, John Lewis and Boots have already unveiled their Christmas adverts but are they enough to convince you to spend, spend, …