CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

A new nationwide study has revealed that despite half (50 percent) of Britons feeling under pressure to deliver Christmas lunch this festive season, as many as 28 percent claim they have it absolutely NAILED.

And when it comes to the best Christmas lunch hacks, according to those who consider themselves a seasoned pro, the number one tip is tidy as you cook (51 percent), to avoid a washing up nightmare.

While 46 percent of confident festive chefs suggest that remembering to use plenty of tin foil is the way to go, whether for wrapping up food for later or to cover the top of the turkey to keep it from drying out.

Also on the list of the tips for a top Christmas lunch include always chuffing your potatoes (shaking par boiled spuds in a colander to roughen the texture and increase surface area before roasting) (39 percent) – and make sure you’ve got plenty of Christmas crackers (37 percent).

The research, commissioned by Thermapen, found that 26 percent recommend using a meat thermometer.

To help create a succulent turkey, those surveyed recommended putting butter under the skin before cooking (25 percent).

Jason Webb of Thermapen, said: “Cooking Christmas lunch with all the trimmings is always a big undertaking – our research reveals just three in ten cooks are confident they know how to get it right.

“These findings show the key to the perfect Christmas meal lies in good planning and saving yourself time by doing as many jobs as possible in advance so you can focus most of your efforts on cooking the turkey well on the day. Our key recommendation on the big day, is to always use a meat thermometer to minimize stress and ensure you end up with tender, succulent meat for the entire family to enjoy.”

Other top tips for getting Christmas lunch perfect is to cook up extra pigs in blankets as inevitably people want more (36 percent).

Ensuring you have enough pots and pans before the big day (35 percent) and setting the table the night before, on Christmas Eve (30 percent) we also among the top hacks.

The best Christmas Day chefs also advise stocking up on cling film for storing away any leftovers (27 percent), making the gravy ahead of time (26 percent) and NEVER overcooking the sprouts (37 percent).

And don’t be afraid to tell everyone to leave the kitchen when you’re busy getting lunch ready – in fact, just enlist only ONE assistant to help you out (26 percent) try to get a good night’s sleep on Christmas Eve (23 percent), so you feel fresh and raring to go in the morning.

And it’s important that the cook gets a well-deserved break once lunch is over – 68 percent agree it’s only right they put their feet up while everyone else clears up afterwards.

And when it comes to making sure the experience of tucking into the lunch is enjoyable, talk of politics, religion or race should be avoided at all costs (53 percent).

Masterchef runner-up and Thermapen ambassador Mike Tomkins said: “When I’m in the kitchen, I aim to remove all the stress from my Christmas day lunch by following two essential rules; prepping in advance and cooking to temperature.

“We’ve all had too many dry turkeys over the years to keep putting up with it, and by following these two golden rules you can totally avoid a Christmas day disaster!

I always brine my turkey on Christmas eve and cook until my Thermapen is showing 67°c. I then remove it from the oven and allow the bird to rest, the temperature will continue to rise to 74°c and this guarantees you have the perfect Christmas turkey.”

The research of 2,000 Britons also reveals that 15 percent of chefs have had near cooking disasters on Christmas Day – but remained calm, sorted it out and no-one was any wiser.

And as 39 percent of Brits confess there’s nothing more disappointing than an underwhelming Christmas lunch, over a third (35 percent) admit they’ve previously packed their own snacks to secretly nibble on in case they don’t enjoy the food prepared by the chef for the day.

But perhaps this is no surprise considering that up to 20 percent of the nation have suffered from a bout of food poisoning during the festive season – and pointed the finger at the Christmas Day chef, admitting they think the lunch they prepared was to blame.

Meanwhile the jury is out on whether the traditional Christmas pudding is required or not – while three in ten see it as an essential part of the festivities, a quarter can’t stand the taste, while 45 percent will serve it with an alternative dessert to choose from too.

Hosts this year might want to think carefully about the Christmas Day seating plan, as over a fifth (22 percent) of the Britons polled admit they can’t STAND sitting next to a relative they dislike for lunch.

But you might be able to break the ice by ensuring you have a good soundtrack prepared for the day, with 30 percent saying it’s essential for lunch on 25th December.

And although 86 percent of the nation spend time together as a family after lunch, whether playing a board game or sitting in front of the TV, 15 percent admit they have to get away from it all, and wind up going for a solo walk by themselves or just retreating to their bedroom for the rest of the day.

The survey also revealed that up to 15 percent of cooks will be showing off their culinary skills this year by cooking their meat in a less traditional fashion, such as on the BBQ.

HOW TO NAIL CHRISTMAS LUNCH, ACCORDING TO BRITS WHO CONSIDER THEMSELVES AN EXPERT

1. Tidy as you go       51%
2. Tin foil is your best friend     46%
3. Chuff your potatoes      39%
4. Don’t forget the Christmas crackers    37%
5. Don’t overcook the sprouts     37%
6. Buy extra pigs in blankets as you can never have enough 36%
7. Have all the right pots and pans     35%
8. Lay the table the night before     30%
9. Don’t forget cling film for the leftovers   27%
10. Use a thermometer to ensure a perfectly cooked bird 26%
11. Make your gravy ahead of time     26%
12. Enlist one person to be your helper and throw everyone else out the kitchen 26%
13. Put butter under the skin of the turkey to stop it getting dry    25%
14. Make a note of your exact timings    25%
15. Get a good night’s sleep on Christmas Eve   23%
16. Plan everything with military precision   21%
17. Don’t forget the cranberry sauce    20%
18. Ensure you have enough soft drinks    19%
19. Wake up before 7AM      18%
20. Make sure your knives are sharpened    18%

For more information, please visit www.thermapen.co.uk.

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 !!!!!