Christmas gifts of the day: Christmas spirit

Selection of alcohol that would make good Christmas presents | H is for Home

Almost everyone (disclaimer… over the age of 18!) would appreciate unwrapping a gift of Christmas spirit of some description.

We all have our different poisons. I’m not a whisky (or whiskey) drinker – I’ve never been able to even smell the stuff – nor do I much care for brandy (except for in an Alexander or Christmas pudding). However this Christmas, I’d happily sit in front of the fire and quaff a bottle of Chocoholic stout or glass of port. Justin, on the other hand, does dip into whisky world – and loves an old fashioned glass of Maker’s Mark with one ice cube. Our minds and tastes meet at a full-bodied red wine – a fruity shiraz maybe… or cold, dry, crisp bubbly of any type – champagne, prosecco, cava – perhaps all three – it’s Christmas after all!

Here’s a selection of tasty tipples that might take your fancy.

  1. Two Birds Christmas spiced vodka – 70cl: £32.95
  2. Dalwhinnie Winters Gold: £37.90
  3. Grahams 30 year old tawny port: £64.79
  4. Babycham sparkling perry 20cl & glass gift pack: £7.99
  5. Slingsby rhubarb gin: £39.99
  6. Saltaire Triple Chocoholic stout: £2.75
  7. 30 year old whisky gift set – 5 x 3cl: £150.00

Monthly Mood Board: Tartan

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Mood board of tartan homewares | H is for Home

What is it about tartan that makes us feel Christmas-y? Think tartan, think roaring fires indoors, snowy blizzards outside; hot toddies and wee drams of whisky!

Tartan is often made of wool and tweed – thick, warming and water resistant – ideal outerwear materials to combat the ‘dreich‘ Scottish weather. The pattern & material is often brought indoors and used for blankets and throws, seating upholstery and curtains. Tartans are strong patterns and often vibrant colours – great for adding flashes of interest, but don’t overdo it – unless of course, you happen to live in a Scottish baronial castle!

  1. Lois 2-seater sofa and armchair Highland tartan, wool – £749 and £499, Made
  2. British Isles hand-crafted fabric map – £399 to £449, Mappliqué
  3. Cardboard cake stand – £8, Paperchase
  4. Barbour stainless steel hip flask, brown – £26.36, John Lewis
  5. Hamish McPlaid cheeky chicken doorstop – £12, Etsy
  6. Turnberry fabric lampshade by BeauVamp – £175, Notonthehighstreet
  7. John Hanly pink & green lambswool throw – £110, Liberty