Homemade Christmas Hampers

Hampers are a lovely Christmas presents especially for loved ones who you really want to spoil. There are a variety of ready-made hampers available to purchase straight from the shelf- John Lewis sell an affordable choices and Fortnum & Mason sell luxury hampers which define Christmas indulgence.

However, hampers are a great gift to prepare yourself, and the best thing about homemade hampers is that you can add whatever you like to best suit the person who will be receiving it. I like to theme hampers- chocolates, cheese, sweets, and wine- for those who are fond of something particular.

But classic hampers are a great last minute gift, which are easy to put together too. Here’s a quick rundown of how I’d create a beautiful Christmas hamper with only a couple of days to go until the big day.

Homemade christmas hamper

 

 

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The best Christmas TV adverts 2012 – part one

This year seems to have flown by and I can hardly believe that there is only 35 days to go until Christmas. To get us into the festive spirit high street shops are playing Christmas tunes, town centres are turning on their Christmas light and Christmas adverts are on the television.

Over the past couple of years Christmas TV adverts have become highly anticipated, and this year was no different. Retailers have once again excelled themselves, creating a brilliant selection of Christmas TV adverts that genuinely put you into that Christmas spirit. Here’s a selection of my favourites…

John Lewis- The Journey

John Lewis’ Christmas adverts seem to be everyone’s favourite including mine. This year the department store used the tag line ‘Give a little more this Christmas’ and the advert tells the story of a snowman trekking across mountains, fields, rivers and roads to purchase the perfect gift for his snowwoman. The lovely Christmas advert is accompanied by a beautiful cover of “The Power of Love” by Gabrielle Aplin; another great success for John Lewis.

 

Marks & Spencer – The Greatest Hits this Christmas

Christmas is all about having a fabulous time with your loved ones and Marks and Spencer’s 2012 Christmas advert brilliant displays this. I love the variety of music used in this advert “Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “Mr Big Stuff” and Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration” all feature, giving the advert a real feel good feeling which is perfect for the festive period.

 

Waitrose- Give More this Christmas

Last year Waitrose recruited Delia Smith and Heston Blumenthal to create a spectacular Christmas advert which saw them create delicious festive goodies – I featured Delia’s Christmas cake on the blog and lots of readers loved it.

However, this year Waitrose have stripped their advertising back. Instead of creating a lavish (and expensive) advert Waitrose has used a simple setting to encouraging its customers to ‘Give more this Christmas’.

The advert focuses on Waitrose’s Community Matters green token scheme, which gives customers the opportunity to contribute to charity and community projects. Although it’s not particularly festive the advert shows Waitrose’s passion towards good causes and hopes to push forward the scheme during the season of good will.

More importantly the money that Waitrose saved on an expensive advert, an estimated £1 million, is being ploughed into projects that the Community Matters Scheme supports.

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Bath-Knight’s Favourite Diamond Jubilee Merchandise- Talking Tables Jubilee Range

 

diamond jubilee merch

On Tuesday I started to list some of my favourite Diamond Jubilee products. My first item, Lydia Leith’s Jubilee Jelly Mould, was an interesting choice but one which I think will go down a treat with anyone hosting a Jubilee street party in June.

To continue the theme of Jubilee inspired street parties and fates I wanted to share a fantastic collection of party accessories by Talking Tables. Available to purchase online via Talking Tables’ website or alternatively in John Lewis the collection includes Jubilee cake stands, paper plates and cups and royal napkins.

talking tables jubilee collection

Further to the party basics Talking Tables have also created a collection of cake accessories which will make your Jubilee party sparkle. The Jubilee cake wraps give ordinary cupcakes a Royal Britannia feel whilst their collection of cake toppers including figures of The Queen, Buckingham Palace, Union Jacks and Royal Guards will transform your Victoria Sponge from drab to Royal Jubilee fab.

But my absolute favourite piece has to be Talking Tables’ Cupcake Thrones. Working as individual cupcake holders, the mini thrones are a nod to how regal the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations should be- a fantastic way to serve your neatest cupcakes and the perfect finishing touch.

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Happy New Year from everyone at Bath-Knight

Happy New Year

On behalf of myself and my team I would like to wish everyone a very happy New Year and all the best for 2012.

After a wonderful festive period I’ll be using this time to relax and recuperate before the hard work of the New Year begins. Now is the perfect time to hit the shops and indulge in the famous January sales. For those of you who prefer to avoid the high street at busy times, go digital and check out sales online.

My favourites including Marks and Spencer, Next, Debenhams and John Lewis, all great British brands who have online sales offering brilliant value and a great selection.

We’re back in the office on 3rd January. Until then have a wonderful New Year!

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Christmas TV Adverts – John Lewis

Christmas television advertising has become a huge hit in recent years with many large brands using their adverts to mark the start of the Christmas season in real style.

I thought it would be a nice idea to share a couple of my favourites here on the Bath-Knight blog. I’d be interested to see what you make of the adverts and whether or not they draw you into the brands Christmas selection or not.

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2011

john lewis christmas advert

Renowned for creating adverts which move the audience to tears this year is no different for John Lewis as the 2011 advert documents a young boy’s anxious wait for the big day. Complete with advent calendar chocolates, nativity play fancy dress and restless night not forgetting almost constant clockwatching it’s a true triumph, which so brilliantly captures childhood memories of Christmas time.

John Lewis end the advert with a clever twist which definitely made me ‘aww’ as its revealed that the little boy was in fact so anxiously waiting because he couldn’t wait to give his gift to his mum and dad- very fitting for the brand’s slogan ‘For gifts which you can’t wait to give’.

For me it’s a wonderful advert, one which so wonderfully has the ability to convert anyone into a complete softie for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Not convinced…? Watch it here.

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Websites of the Week 25th-29th July 2011

Annette's websites of the week

SlimmingWorld1In an attempt to get a little healthier I’ve joined Slimming World and what a fabulous success I have had.

Over the past three weeks I’ve worked on the ‘Extra Easy Plan’- by far Slimming World’s easiest and most effective yet- and managed to lose 10 pound, which I am really happy with.

The Slimming World website is a great place for members to visit, or potential recruits to find out where their nearest club is. I really like the online recipes for inspiration on what to make for dinner and the online advice is a great to keep the plan on track in between meetings.

If you’re looking to find a healthier approach to eating, or just in search of  delicious and healthy meal ideas it worthwhile paying www.slimmingworld.com a visit.

 

Earlier this week I blogged about the Southwark Circle, a social care scheme which helps members socialise and get practical help whilst growing older.

I’m really taken with the schemes credentials as so many people appear to be benefiting from the simplicity and effectiveness of the organisation.

southwark  circle

 

With a simple design, easy navigation and plenty of ways to inform potential members on how to get involved the websites does its job very well.

My favourite aspect is the monthly social calendar. Mainly because it includes so many fantastic opportunities for its members; with everything from social events, sporting events, teaching sessions providing the opportunity to learn a new skill and a variety of Q & A sessions.

In my opinion a website (and organisation) which really is worth looking into.

 

john_lewis_logoI was thrilled earlier to discover that John Lewis online stock so many great names from Bath-Knight’s local town Stoke-On-Trent with collections from Emma Bridgewater, Wedgewood and Royal Doulton featured.

The latest to join John Lewis is the BTC Teapot Pendant, which was featured on The Apprentice and is manufactured here in Stoke-on-Trent. It’s a great boost to know that local products are such a hit with huge retailer.

Of course, there is more to www.johnlewis.com than ceramics from the potteries, as the site offers a huge selection with ranges of clothing and home ware, electrical goods and beauty products. A one stop site for everything you need. Perfect!

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BTC Teapot Pendant made in Stoke-On-Trent

original-btc-england-ceramic-teapotsIt’s great to see that this stylish invention, which was also featured on The Apprentice, is produced here in Bath-Knight’s hometown of Stoke-on-Trent.

The original BTC Teapot Pendant caused quite a stir on Lord Alan Sugar’s show and now the bizarre house hold accessory is available to be purchased from department store John Lewis.

Finally pottery is back in ‘the potteries’, wonderful!

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The best buy Royal Wedding commemerative memorabilia

Treat yourself to one of my favourite Royal Wedding memorabilia pieces in celebration of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Best Buys the royal wedding

‘Love is in the Heir’ tea towel- www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk
Royal Wedding Prince William & Kate Middleton Plate- Emma Bridgewater

‘Will & Kate’ Royal Wedding tea towel- Cath Kidston
Catherine Close & William Road’ Mug- John Lewis

Bride & Groom Gingerbread biscuits- Waitrose
William & Kate Dress up Doll book- Penguin Books
Union Jack Flask- Sainsbury’s
The Royal Wedding for Dummies book- Amazon.co.uk

‘Kate & Wills Pie’- pieminster
Knit your own Royal Wedding by Fiona GobleJohn Lewis
Party Box- Tesco Direct
‘It Should Have Been Me’ ladies t-shirt- www.mycrownjewels.co.uk

Crown & Union Jack Cupcake set- Accessorize
‘We heart a Royal Wedding’ Key ring- Cath Kidston
William and Kate novelty tea bags- Donkey-Products

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