As the nights draw in, our thoughts turn to holiday season and Christmas is getting nearer and near, bring on the festive feels with these delicious Christmas cocktails, perfect for showing off your mixology skills and getting merry with your loved ones.

Christmas Negroni

The Negroni keeps making waves in the cocktail scene (yep, we’re looking at you, House of the Dragon fans), and we predict that the Christmas Negroni will be the next big thing this festive season. To make one, you’ll use the original Negroni recipe but add some flair by making your own Christmas-infused gin and using winter spice garnishes.

Ingredients (per person)

Method

How to make festive gin

To make your infused gin, grab your favourite gin and pour out a drink for yourself and a friend to make some space in the bottle to add the spices. Next, toast 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 staranise pods, 5 cloves, a teaspoon of black peppercorns, and 3 fresh bay leaves in a dry pan until fragrant. Transfer into a pestle and mortar and crush roughly. Add the spices to your ¾ bottle of gin, seal, and give it a good shake. Leave overnight – or for up to 3 days in a dark space – to infuse. Strain into a pitcher using a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove the spice bits. Pour the gin back into the bottle, and voila!

Eggnog Martini

A hands-down number one hit and family favourite at Christmas is eggnog. But what happens if you skip the rum, add a vanilla vodka and amaretto twist, shake it up and strain it into a glass? The Eggnog Martini, that’s what, and it’s epic! As far as best vodka Christmas cocktails go, this one is packed with sweet and indulgent holiday cheer. You absolutely have to try it.  

Ingredients (per person)

1.5 Oz Vanilla Vodka

0.5 Oz Amaretto

2 Oz Eggnog

Ice

Chocolate shavings, simple syrup, and cinnamon sugar to garnish

Method

Hot Toddy

Sip on a Hot Toddy cocktail for a drink to soothe your soul after a long (long) day of family and Christmas activity chaos. It’s the ideal drink to enjoy slowly for that fireplace feeling. Also, it will be just what you need if you feel yourself morphing into the Grinch about to steal Christmas gifts from sugared-up children. It’s in our book of easy winter cocktails, and you can customise it with your favourite alcohol and flavourings.  

Ingredients (per person)

2 Oz Bourbon Whiskey

0.5 Oz Fresh lemon juice

2 Teaspoons brown sugar

5 Cloves

Sliced lemon

Boiling water  

Method

Mexican Hot Chocolate

Nothing warms the cockles quite like this intensely rich, spiced tequila hot chocolate. Mexicans have been enjoying hot chocolates like this in the snowy mountains for thousands of years, dating back to the Aztecs. Perfect to make in a batch for a movie night in with friends or at festive season gatherings.

Ingredients (per person)

Method

Brandy Alexander

The glitzy Brandy Alexander hails from the 1920s Great Gatsby era and became the coolest cocktail of the 1970s when Beatles fans discovered it was John Lennon’s favourite drink. Glamorous, romantic and oh-so-sweet, it brings a delicious mix of brandy and chocolate liqueur to the party. This boozy dessert cocktail is ideal for those who always crave an after-dinner sweet.

Ingredients (per person)

Method

For more cocktail inspiration please visit: ​​https://www.themixer.com/en-uk/

Ahead of the Christmas period, new research has revealed the most disappointing presents that have left Brits feeling insulted.

Out-of-date chocolates (29 percent) and toilet plungers (28 percent) top the list of the most embarrassing and downright weird Christmas gifts of all time, along with weed killer (26 percent) and even a wig (24 percent).

The ‘Bad Gifts Haul of Fame’ research, commissioned by Wish, one of the world’s largest mobile ecommerce platforms, also revealed a tin of baked beans (24 percent), mop and bucket (23 percent), spot cream (22 percent) and hoover bags (22 percent) among some of the worst gifts Brits have been handed.

In fact, 44 percent have been completely lost for words after opening a present because they hated it so much, with over a fifth (21 percent) ending up having a row with the person who gave them the gift.

The study also revealed that 37 percent of the nation has at least one family member who always gives them the worst presents, while a quarter (23 percent) said their in-laws are the biggest offenders.

And 18 percent confess they can’t stand the gifts that their other half buys for them every year.

But it needn’t be all doom and gloom. Brits wanting to get their gifting right next time need look no further than online retailer, Wish, which is known for its vast range of affordable products, from the weird and wacky to the everyday essentials.

Commenting on the research, Tarun Jain, Chief Product Officer & Chief Customer Officer of Wish, said: “It’s quite astounding what people will gift their loved ones. There is clearly a large disconnect between what people want from their loved ones to what they actually receive. At Wish, we pride ourselves on being able to offer something for everyone – the range is enormous so you’d be hard pushed not to find something friends and family will be genuinely happy to receive.”

Typically, after unwrapping a present, 73 percent will manage to force a smile and a polite “thank you”, while over a third of the 2,000 Brits polled (34 percent) said that after years of receiving presents they hate, they can now pretend to like unwanted gifts. But 24 percent will simply end up regifting it to somebody else.

And while 14 percent will secretly try to get a refund or swap it for something else, almost one in ten Brits (eight percent) go completely quiet as they’re so disappointed or offended by what they’ve been gifted.

Three in ten (29 percent) even confess they’ve had a dramatic moment when unwrapping a present they dislike, either by storming off, sulking or even turning on the waterworks by bursting into tears.

Figures also show that each festive season, on average we’ll receive at least three unwanted gifts, with one in two Britons (47 percent) admitting they’d rather not get anything at all than have to unwrap something they hate on Christmas Day.

THE WORST CHRISTMAS GIFTS BRITS HAVE EVER RECEIVED

1. Out of date chocolates                                                                    29%
2. A half dead plant                                                                                29%
3. A toilet plunger                                                                                     28%
4. Weight loss pills                                                                                    26%
5. Weed killer                                                                                             26%
6. A wig                                                                                                        24%
7. A can of baked beans                                                                           24%
8. A mop and bucket                                                                                23%
9. Spot cream                                                                                          22%
10. Hair removal cream                                                                           22%
11. Hoover bags                                                                                           22%
12. Shoe polish                                                                                             20%
13. A jar of pickles                                                                                        20%
14. Horrible smelling perfume or aftershave                                            20%
15. An item of clothing you’ve seen the person wear                          19%
16. An ironing board cover                                                                        18%

The phrase “gifts for men” has been searched online by an estimated 96,000 this month alone, and it’s easy to understand why. Men are notoriously difficult to buy for and Christmas swiftly approaching, it’s time to start ticking off your Christmas shopping list now.

With this in mind, we sought the help of TM Lewin’s James Kearns to bring you a premium selection of timeless, stylish clothing and accessories that every man will love this Christmas and beyond. 

Knitwear

Cashmere jumpers are an absolute must-have in every man’s wardrobe. Cashmere is renowned for its luxuriously soft, scratch-free texture and heat-retaining capabilities – as well as being lightweight, comfortable, and impeccably stylish. In these colder seasons, a cashmere jumper is the perfect layering piece for every man’s winter wardrobe. What more could you ask for in a gift?

If you’re not completely sold on cashmere, Merino knitwear might just be the answer you’re looking for. They are slightly more affordable than cashmere, but don’t let that dissuade you; Merino wool is incredibly comfortable, durable, and practical. The moisture-wicking fabric impressively regulates body temperature, but the breathability allows for wear during the warmer and cooler seasons alike. If your giftee loves the outdoors, Merino knitwear would make for the perfect gift.

Leather gloves 

A classic gift for the refined man. 100% leather gloves exude sophistication and are world-famous for their durability, waterproof qualities, and longevity. Leather gloves will never go out of style, making them the perfect gift for men who want to introduce a touch of elegance into their wardrobes.

Chelsea boots 

Typically associated with well-dressed men, chelsea boots are a style all-rounder. Whether the dress code is casual or formal, these versatile shoes can be worn with almost any outfit; from professional workwear to a casual flannel and jeans. On top of that, chelseaboots are typically crafted from durable, long-lasting Italian leather, making them a wardrobe-elevating gift that will also double as a timeless investment.

Classic black suits

For the man whose social calendar is packed with work events and formal parties, you cannot go wrong with a classic, slim-fit black dinner suit. Otherwise known as the tuxedo, this versatile suit can be styled to suit smart-casual and formal settings alike. For RSVP settings, your giftee can keep things formally elevated with a dress shirt and bow tie. On the other hand, these suits can be subtly dressed down for holiday parties with friends and family by simply swapping out a dress shirt with a black merino roll neck.

Cufflinks 

Small details can truly elevate an outfit, and that’s where our next pick comes into the picture. Any work or social outfit can be enhanced with a striking pair of cufflinks; from gold to silver, bright to muted, or even personalised. No matter your giftee’s taste, the possibilities are endless. The more adventurous and brighter you opt for, the more likely you are to have a conversation starter on his hand or, rather, his sleeves.

Weekend bags

If your giftee is always on-the-go, either for work trips or weekend getaways, he’ll be sure to appreciate the practicality of a well-made weekend bag. If they like to travel in style, a leather holdall balances the line between convenience and elegance perfectly. Alternatively, if you’re leaning towards durability, canvas weekend bags are an excellent choice for the outdoorsy man.  

To round off his list of perfect gifts for men this holiday season, here is what T.M.Lewin’sJames Kearns had to say on the importance of finding well-made, sustainable, and timeless gifts:

“Upgrading your boyfriend, husband, friend, or family member’s wardrobe with a special investment piece will always be a welcome gift. There’s no better gift than clothing and accessories that will stand the test of time, and if you can treat your loved ones with a timeless gift they’ll love far beyond Christmas day that also happens to be incredibly well-made, you’ve got a win-win situation on your hands! Ultimately, it’s the thought that counts – but nurturing those quality connections with a quality gift is truly special to me.”

I don’t want to bring the mood down, in the run up to this cheery season, but we all know things are tight at the moment and everything seems to be increasing in price. With this in mind and the increasing trend of scaling back giving, without taking the joy out of it, we have looked at a selection of stocking filler ideas that don’t cost a fortune but still all have that WoW factor attached to them.

For, maybe the man who has everything and is super difficult to buy for, the will be a Breath of Fresh Air,
37-Year-Old Blended Grain which is rather limited with 417 bottles worldwide, RRSP£1,450

This exceptional blend of aged grain whiskies from across Scotland possesses a character that is stunningly clean, fresh almost minty on the palate. A showcase for the diverse, beguiling identities that old grain whisky can take on, its invigorating, reviving and entirely unique character offers something new for even the most experienced of palates.

Give your lips a sweet treat with this luscious, hydrating Lip Balm in a limited edition. festive Salted Caramel flavour. Formulated with 100% natural origin ingredients, this Lip Balm is infused with responsibly sourced Beeswax, antioxidant-rich Vitamin E and Shea Butter to intensely nourish and condition lips, leaving them soft and smooth.

These Slip Scrunchie Ornament Gift Set, Moonflower Nights. The perfect gift for your hair-obsessed friend, little sister, girlfriend.  Add a little Slip to your tree these holidays. Anti crease, anti-breakage. Upgrade your hair tie game. The Slipsilk difference: Traditional hair ties can tug on delicate hair which can lead to damage and breakage. Slip scrunchies are made with Slipsilk, the same silk used in the award-winning Slip pure silk pillowcase

Perfect for use on a tabletop surface or as a hand-held camera prop. Each leg extends individually for convenient use on uneven or outdoor surfaces. Adjustable handle for accurately positioning the camera angle, including a built-in level to ensure picture is level.

Adventurers assemble! The RUGD Power Brick is an all in one Power Bank and Camping Light that’s here to make your outdoor adventures worth it. Perfect for Campers, Hikers, Fishermen, Bikers, Content Creators and all outdoor enthusiasts, the RUGD. Power Brick is packed with tech features to get you through your adventure & it only weights 280 grams!

So what better way to spruce up the season than Wype’s ‘Naughty & Nice’ mystery box? This Christmas, they’re giving you the power to win Secret Santa and gift the angels in your life or give those a**holes what they deserve. The catch? Nobody knows which one they’re going to get, not even you!

Take control of your holiday season by being the first to unbox the drama!

All of the products found in their bundles are made in the UK and support small local businesses

The Angels will receive:
3 x Wype Mini (classic formula)
1 x Candy Cane scented Candle (soy wax, made in small batches in Wales)
1 x Peach Bellini Bath Bomb (vegan, made in London)

The A**holes will receive:
3 x Wype Mini (classic formula)
1 x Honey & Tobacco scented Candle (soy wax, made in small batches in Wales)
1 x ‘Ring of Fire’ Ghost Pepper BBQ Hot sauce (vegan, freshly made in Portsmouth)

Ascend the throne with this jewel-toned 2-Piece Mini Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer Set. Named after the Queen’s Crown, which is worn during special ceremonial occasions and symbolises the passing of authority, this luxe set features Knees Up, a cheeky metallic red, and All Hail the Queen, a posh holographic shimmering beige nail lacquer hue for when not just any nude will do. Our signature Patent Shine 10X good-for-you nail formula is proven to promote brighter, stronger, healthier-looking nails. The patented Shock Resisting Polymer Technology delivers a gel-like finish and undeniable shine with up to 10 days of wear.

The Zerowater LYT Cap is no ordinary bottle lid. It has a powerful ultraviolet light that is built right into the cap, it uses UV-C rays to kill 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and pathogens in the water. These UV-C rays are on the same wavelength as the UV used to sanitise operating theatres and water treatment plants. These UV-C rays destroy various micro-organisms in your drinking water. So strong they are third-party tested to kill 99.9% of e-coli.

Now Bertie from British design dynamic duo LRM might be smaller than most wallets, But Bertie is ideal for slotting into any handbags. With the perfect amount of space for your cards, coins and notes. Made in beautiful Italian leather the big question will be whether you go matching your bag or choose a contrasting colour!

Take some festive selfies with this Wide Angle Lens, from Fred Aldous Take perfect selfies with this super wide-angle lens. Clips securely over the camera lens of your mobile phone and eliminates the need for telescoping sticks or other gadgets.

Mozart, not not that one,  the perfect indulgent chocolate liqueur for the Christmas season (to enjoy for yourself or to gift to that chocolate lover in your life). Including flavours such as Strawberry, White Chocolate, Cream or Coffee, there’s a flavour for every taste, and the mini gift packs are also ideal stocking fillers. Mozart also has a deliciously decadent selection of cocktails and the Chocolate Espresso or White Chocolate Martini are the perfect after dinner drinks.

Úr Exfoliating Gel is an effective, uplifting way to achieve smooth and refined skin. Hibernicis’s uniquely designed exfoliator is to be used prior to showering or bathing, either on dry or damp skin.

A blend of 7 seaweed extracts provides anti-oxidant and moisturising properties and helps detoxify, clear and tone the skin aiding in the  reduction of cellulite.

As the process of exfoliating and massaging is an active process, Úr Exfoliating Gel is supported with energising essential oils of spearmint and peppermint. The addition of cooling menthol helps improve circulation as well as revitalise, refresh and invigorate the skin.

With us all now working far more from home and such fangled things as Zoom, Teams and WFH now in our everyday vocabulary. This Computer Clip-On Phone Stand with an adjustable clip clamps on either left or right side of monitor. It can also be placed upright on your desk. The silicone spacer ensures sufficient clamping pressure, avoiding screen scratches. Perfect for home office.

Hair are but more importantly curlcare brand Bouclème have partnered with luxury fashion brand, Preen By Thornton Bregazzi to create
a must-have scarf that can be tied around curls, worn as a fashion accessory or used to wrap up gifts, what upstanding fashionista would be seen without one.

Keep your kicks looking fresh! With the Sneaker Cleaning Kit. The Kit includes 1 beechwood handle bristle brush, 1 easy erase sponge, 1 microfiber cloth and 10ml cleaning solution. Now these kits are not only essential but brilliant and others in the handy travel tin collection include the beard care tin, the bike repair tin, the glasses repair tin, the emergency tech tins etc etc !!!!!

I can’t believe we already are into the second week of our Christmas themed posts for this year. Today our sights turn to the focus of the lady in our lives, whether that be Wife, Girlfriend, Best friend, Partner, Sister, Daughter, Gran, whoever, that female who makes our lives that little bit better and at this time of year we can show our appreciations.

Drybar is here to help the ladies’ hair get party ready this holiday season. Whether its big bouncy waves, sleek and straight styles or a trending up do, Drybar has everything they could possibly need to achieve their favourite look with ease. No trip to the salon required! They also make great gifts for the beauty aficionado in your life.

This 2-in1 dryer brush is a must this busy holiday season for a simple and easy way to achieve silky smooth and frizz free hair. Combining the hot air of a blow-dryer with the structure of a round brush, it allows you to effortlessly create a shiny blow-dry with tons of volume in one quick and easy step. Simply place it underneath the section of hair and slowly work your way from the roots to the end.

Now these are made with a soft and breathable cotton-viscose blend, this ice floral pyjama set  by FatFace is perfect for a cute bedtime look. The shirt is comfortable and relaxed and comes with a matching pair of oh-so-comfy bottoms, which feature an elasticated waistband, side pockets, and adjustable tie for the perfect fit.

This gift set includes three Burt’s Bees favourites and is designed to naturally moisturise and nourish skin. The Honey Lip Balm is loaded with Beeswax and antioxidant-rich Vitamin E to hydrate lips. Next up is a deeply hydrating Milk & Honey Body Lotion that moisturises skin for up to 24-hours, thanks to nourishing Milk, Honey and Vitamin E. The final step is a conditioning Honey & Grapeseed Oil Hand Cream, made with Honey, Jojoba Oil and Rosemary extract. Gift away to family and friends or keep as a pampering treat for yourself.

Presented in a high-end, slipcased package, Chanel: the Karl Lagerfeld Campaigns offers an unrivalled overview of the house of Chanel as seen through the eyes – and lens – of Karl Lagerfeld himself. Conceived in collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld and the House of Chanel, this definitive publication opens with an essay by Patrick Mauriès before exploring the campaigns themselves, organized chronologically

Now can any woman say her life is completely until she has this 3 in 1 heated lash curler, from Lash Star, that will lift, curl and style your lashes into place with gentle heat which helps lock in the curl for longer-lasting results. This sleek, lightweight, portable device is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups and it charges from any USB port. Simply power on, wait 10 seconds, rest the heated rod against the lash base which allows your lashes to settle in the deep grooves and sweep the heated rod upward for a beautifully lifted curl

Pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, cloves, and cinnamon with a hint of vanilla and amber, not this isn’t a season cocktail it’s the key ingredients which create the quintessential aroma of the season. Holiday Grand Candle from Nest New York create the quintessential aroma of the season with this bestselling fragrance, Holiday. This exquisitely fragranced Grand Candle features the iconic scent’s blend

Now who wouldn’t want  to wake up on Christmas morn to feast on their Yuletide brekkie upon Bella Freud’s breakfast set. A set of 4 bone China breakfast pieces. Includes teacup and saucer, egg cup, and plate, packaged in a gift box.

‘Tis the season to gift, decorate and “throw” some cheer! You’ve got the lights and the tinsel ready and In2green has got the throws to ensure that your holidays feel both festive and cozy. From warm colors to charming motifs, shop the selection of holiday-ready blankets that will delight guests and make for great gifts.

In2green’s throws are made from recycled cotton from refiberized t-shirt fabrics that are spun into beautiful cotton-blend yarn. This process helps reduce landfill use and requires no additional cotton dyes or chemicals. Their unique indoor/outdoor line is made from 100% recycled polyester. More than 78 post-consumer plastic bottles go into making each fade-resistant, quick-drying throw.

There’s nothing like a festive tipple at Christmas. Whether you opt for irish cream or a festive liqueur there are so many dreamy drinks to choose from.

It’s good news for gin lovers as Manchester based distillery, Didsbury Gin, has brought back their much loved Christmas Pudding Liqueur… and it is delightful!

To get you into festive spirit, expect this tipple to taste exactly like a classic Christmas pudding. Flavour-wise, expect flavours of juniper, citrus peel, cinnamon and a blend of mixed fruits and spices.

The Glo32 Teeth Whitening System formulated with Coconut Oil for a healthy way to achieve a whiter, brighter smile, will help you prepare for this party season. A 14 day treatment of Advanced Whitening Strips to brighten your smile, and the Glo32 Whitening Stilo for that on the go glow! Perfect to slip into a handbag and touch up on the go

Christmas is traditionally a time for excess – but your celebrations needn’t cost the earth! Every single purchase from the Woodland Trust shop – including Christmas cards and gift wrap – makes a contribution to the Trust’s work with woods and trees, meaning you can fight climate change and help create havens for wildlife, while also ticking off items from your Christmas to-do list.

And this year every product in the Trust’s Christmas range is eco-friendly, whether it’s FSC-certified wooden garden tools or bird feeders made from recycled plastic.

And if you’d rather move away from giving traditional gifts completely, the Woodland Trust can still help with a selection of green ‘virtual’ gifts and unique tree and woodland dedications in woods across the UK

More of a gift for the family than specifically for her, but ohhh well. Spot The Intro is the crazily addictive audio quiz game in which teams compete to recognise songs from just 10-second clips. It’s a memory-jogging mix of fun and nostalgia for anyone with a passion for music. Featuring hits from the last six decades, and utilising your favourite music-streaming service, there are 1,200 great tip-of-the-tongue tracks for every generation to try and guess.