Festive Flavours & Foodie Gifts 2025. What’s Trending on Every Table

Food and drink gifts have become the heart of Christmas giving, a way to share comfort, craftsmanship, and delicious nostalgia. 

The 2025 festive season brings a mix of luxury hampers, artisan teas, and sustainable indulgence.

The Return of the Luxury Hamper

The classic Christmas hamper has gone gourmet again. Think British cheeses, local chutneys, and craft spirits presented in wicker baskets or reusable wooden crates. Small producers are thriving – look for Shropshire cheese selections, Ludlow gin, and Yorkshire preserves.

(Read our feature on The Ultimate Christmas Hamper Ideas 2025.)

Tea & Calm – The Wellness Gift Trend

Calming teas and mindful brews are perfect gifts for the stressed or sleep-deprived. Whittard’s Calm Collection, Fredsted’s Spiced Christmas Tea, and Yorkshire Tea’s Winter Warmer blends are firm favourites. Bundle them with a pretty mug and a scented candle for a simple but heartfelt set.

(Explore more in our National Tea Day Series.)

Retro Kitchen & Home Bar Gadgets

Vintage-inspired kitchenware and home bar tools are a hit – air-pop popcorn makers, milkshake blenders, and mini beer dispensers give a nostalgic twist to entertaining. These gifts appeal to food lovers who love both form and function, and many are available via Amazon UK’s Kitchen Retro Range.

Sustainably Sourced Treats

Eco-friendly foodie gifts, such as refillable jars, recycled-glass bottles, and zero-waste hampers, are an easy win. Farm shops and refill stores across the UK are now offering “low-impact Christmas bundles”, an excellent way to shop local while keeping sustainability top of mind.

Sweet Nostalgia Gifts

From handmade fudge to Victorian-style puddings, traditional flavours are back in fashion. Offer readers recipes and recommendations for heritage British sweets and puddings.

(Try our recipe for Traditional Shropshire Christmas Pudding.)

Conclusion

Whether it’s a box of locally made fudge or a hamper filled with fine wines, foodie gifting in 2025 is about indulgence with intention, quality, story, and sustainability matter more than quantity.

Traditional Bonfire Night Party Foods: Warming Classics for 5th November

As the nights draw in and the scent of smoke and fireworks fills the air, Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes Night, is the perfect excuse to gather around the fire with comforting, hearty foods that warm you from the inside out. 

From sticky toffee treats to savoury favourites, here’s how to serve up a proper Bonfire Night feast that celebrates one of Britain’s cosiest traditions.

1. Hot Dogs and Sausages in Buns

Simple, smoky, and endlessly popular sausages are a Bonfire Night staple.

Go for locally sourced pork sausages or try something a bit different like Cumberland rings or spicy chorizo for a modern twist. Pile them into soft rolls, add fried onions, mustard, or ketchup, and wrap them in foil to keep them warm by the fire.

2. Jacket Potatoes

Few things beat the joy of a baked potato on a cold evening.

You can cook them in the oven, slow cooker, or even in the embers of the bonfire itself (wrapped in foil). Serve with butter, cheese, baked beans, or chilli con carne. For a twist, try sweet potatoes topped with crème fraîche and chives.

3. Chilli Con Carne and Hearty Stews

A big pot of chilli or stew is ideal for feeding a crowd.

It’s warming, easy to ladle out, and can be made well in advance. Beef chilli, vegetable stew, or even a curried lentil hotpot are all great options. Serve with crusty bread or rice, and keep it bubbling on a low heat for guests to help themselves.

4. Parkin Cake

A true Yorkshire classic that has become synonymous with Bonfire Night.

This dark, sticky ginger cake made with oats, treacle, and syrup gets even better after a day or two in a tin. The gingery warmth pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or a tot of whisky as the fireworks light up the sky.

5. Toffee Apples

No Bonfire Night would be complete without them!

The glossy red coating, the crunch of the apple — it’s pure nostalgia. You can make your own with caster sugar, golden syrup, and a dash of vinegar, or buy them ready-made for a low-fuss option. For adults, try dipping apples in dark chocolate and crushed nuts.

6. Bonfire Toffee

Also known as “claggum” or “treacle toffee”, this traditional sweet is a must for November 5th.

It’s dark, brittle, and packed with molasses flavour. Wrap small pieces in wax paper for guests to take home — or nibble on while watching the fireworks.

7. Soup and Crusty Bread

Keep things simple with big flasks of soup, tomato, leek and potato, or butternut squash are all excellent seasonal choices.

Serve with thick slices of buttered bread or cheese-topped croutons. It’s a great way to warm up chilly fingers after a sparkler session.

8. Mulled Drinks

Whether it’s mulled wine, spiced cider, or even hot chocolate with marshmallows, warm drinks are essential.

Add cinnamon, cloves, orange peel, and a touch of honey for that unmistakable Bonfire Night aroma. For little ones, warm apple juice spiced with a cinnamon stick is just as comforting. Though if there is a bonfire and fireworks perhaps non-alcoholic options are advisable?

9. Marshmallows for Toasting

Don’t forget the simplest (and most fun) treat of all, marshmallows on sticks toasted over the fire.

Perfect for kids and adults alike, and you can even make s’mores by sandwiching them between digestive biscuits and squares of chocolate.

A traditional Bonfire Night party isn’t about fine dining, it’s all about warmth, comfort, and togetherness.

Stick to hearty, fuss-free dishes that can be prepared ahead and served outdoors with ease. Wrap up warm, light the sparklers, and enjoy a night of good food, good company, and a bit of fiery spectacle.

The Benefits of (Still) Having Your Milk Delivered to Your Home

For many people, the gentle clink of glass bottles on the doorstep used to be the soundtrack to early mornings. 

Though supermarket aisles have long since taken over the milk run for most, a growing number of households are returning to traditional doorstep deliveries, and for good reason. 

Here’s why keeping your milkman (or milkwoman) on the round is one of the best choices you can make for your home, your community, and the planet.

Freshness You Can Taste

Locally delivered milk often comes from nearby dairies, reaching your doorstep within hours of bottling. That means it’s fresher, creamier, and has a noticeably better flavour compared to milk that’s travelled hundreds of miles and sat in a supermarket fridge for days.

A Greener Choice

One of the greatest advantages of doorstep delivery is the return of the reusable glass bottle. Instead of single-use plastic, your bottles are collected, sterilised, and reused up to 25 times before being recycled. 

With plastic pollution and packaging waste becoming ever more pressing issues, this simple switch can make a real difference.

Many milk delivery services now also use electric vehicles for their rounds, cutting down on emissions even further.

Supporting Local Farmers and Businesses

Every pint you buy through local delivery helps sustain British dairy farmers and small independent dairies who’ve been hit hard by supermarket price wars. By sticking with doorstep milk, you’re helping ensure fairer pay for producers and keeping local food networks alive.

Convenience and Reliability

You don’t need to dash to the shop when you run out of milk for your tea or cereal, it’s waiting for you first thing in the morning. Most modern milk delivery services let you manage orders online, add extras like eggs, bread, or orange juice, and adjust your schedule around holidays or changes in routine.

A Bit of Nostalgia (and Community Spirit)

There’s something wonderfully comforting about the sight of a milk bottle on the doorstep. It evokes a sense of continuity, reliability, and community that’s easy to lose in today’s fast-paced world. Many milkmen and women know their customers personally, checking in on elderly residents or keeping an eye on local happenings, which makes them a subtle but important part of the neighbourhood.

More Than Just Milk

Many modern dairies now offer organic milk, non-dairy alternatives, yoghurts, butter, fruit juices, and even pantry staples alongside traditional milk bottles. It’s a simple way to stock up while still supporting local producers.

A Small Change with a Big Impact

Switching back to doorstep delivery may seem like a small, nostalgic gesture, but it supports British farming, reduces waste, and keeps your mornings running smoothly. Whether you prefer whole, semi-skimmed, or oat milk, the convenience, freshness, and environmental benefits make it well worth considering.

Where to Start:

If you’re tempted to bring the milkman back into your life, visit websites like Milk & More or check with your local dairy. 

Many villages and towns still have long-established milk rounds, and you might be surprised just how easy it is to set up a regular delivery.

In short: doorstep milk delivery isn’t a thing of the past, it’s a tradition perfectly suited to the future.

You can find milk delivery firms local to your area here:- https://findmeamilkman.net

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Could cheese help protect the brain? What new Japanese research suggests

New Japanese research suggests that eating cheese at least once a week might help lower the risk of dementia in older adults. 

Learn what the study found, how it works, and which cheeses could be best for brain health.

A surprising new study from Japan

A new Japanese study has found that older adults who ate cheese at least once a week were less likely to develop dementia than those who didn’t eat cheese at all.

Researchers from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) followed nearly 8,000 adults aged 65 and over between 2019 and 2022.

 About half of them ate cheese weekly, and the rest rarely or never did. After three years, 3.4% of cheese eaters developed dementia, compared with 4.5% of non-cheese eaters.

When the scientists adjusted for lifestyle and health factors, the difference still held: cheese eaters had around a 24% lower risk of dementia. The results were published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients in October 2025.

How could cheese protect the brain?

Cheese isn’t just delicious, it’s rich in nutrients that may support brain health.

Vitamin K₂, found especially in hard and aged cheeses, supports vascular and bone health and may protect brain cells.

Amino acids and bioactive peptides produced during fermentation can reduce inflammation and support nerve function.

Probiotic bacteria in some cheeses may influence the gut-brain axis, which affects mood and cognition.

And since vascular health is closely linked to brain health, the calcium, protein and fats in cheese could all play indirect protective roles.

Interestingly, most of the participants in Japan were eating processed cheese, not traditional aged varieties, so the benefit might come from overall diet quality or other associated habits as well.

A few words of caution

Before you reach for the cheeseboard, it’s worth noting that this was an observational study. It shows a link, not proof of cause and effect.

Other points to consider:

Cheese intake was self-reported, and portion sizes weren’t tracked.

The dementia diagnoses were based on care records rather than clinical testing.

The risk reduction, while encouraging, was relatively small, about one fewer case per hundred people over three years.

So while the findings are promising, scientists say more research is needed before recommending cheese specifically as a preventive measure.

How this fits into a brain-healthy diet

For UK readers, the takeaway is balance. Cheese can be a valuable source of nutrients, but moderation remains key, too much saturated fat or salt can have the opposite effect on heart and brain health.

To include cheese as part of a smart brain diet:

Choose aged or fermented varieties like cheddar, Gouda, or blue cheese for beneficial bacteria and vitamin K₂.

Pair with fruit, wholegrains, or nuts rather than processed meats or refined carbs.

Keep portions moderate, about 30 g (1 oz) several times a week is plenty.

Combine this with other protective habits: staying physically active, eating vegetables, oily fish and wholegrains, keeping socially connected, and challenging your brain daily.

The UK perspective

The average person in the UK eats around 9 kg of cheese per year, that’s roughly 170 g a week, far more than in Japan. This could mean British diets already include the protective range seen in the Japanese study.

But since lifestyle and ageing factors differ between countries, UK researchers may want to explore whether similar benefits appear here, especially among older adults at higher risk of cognitive decline.

Final cheesy thoughts

The idea that a weekly nibble of cheese might help safeguard the mind is both comforting and intriguing. 

While we shouldn’t treat it as a miracle cure, it adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that enjoying nutrient-rich, fermented foods in moderation supports long-term brain health.

So next time you’re planning a snack or supper, you might just consider a little mature cheddar or creamy blue on your plate, not just for flavour, but perhaps for your future self too?

Boosting Your Defences Against Flu: Foods, Supplements and Everyday Habits

As cases of flu rise across the UK this season, it’s more important than ever to support your immune system through good nutrition and sensible habits. 

While no single food or supplement can make you completely flu-proof, the right mix of nutrients and lifestyle choices can help your body fight off infection more effectively.

Build a Strong Foundation

A balanced diet is your best defence. The NHS advises us to eat a variety of foods, including plenty of fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, and lean sources of protein such as beans, pulses, eggs, fish and meat.

This variety provides your body with the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre it needs to function properly. A healthy gut is especially important, research suggests that the balance of bacteria in your digestive system has a direct impact on your immune response.

Simple tip: aim for colour on every plate, greens, reds, oranges and purples, as a visual reminder that you’re feeding your immune system the range of nutrients it needs.

Foods That Help Support Immunity

Citrus fruits and red peppers are well known for their high vitamin C content, which supports the immune system and helps protect cells from damage. Add oranges, kiwis, strawberries and red peppers to your weekly shop.

Leafy greens such as spinach, kale and broccoli are packed with vitamins A, C and E, as well as beta-carotene, all of which help keep your immune system in balance.

Garlic, ginger and turmeric have long been valued for their natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Add crushed garlic to sauces, fresh ginger to tea, or turmeric to soups and stir-fries.

Yoghurt and kefir containing live cultures help maintain healthy gut bacteria, supporting the body’s natural defences. Choose plain varieties with no added sugar.

Oily fish, nuts and seeds provide omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, both of which play a role in immune cell health. A serving of salmon, mackerel or a handful of almonds and sunflower seeds is a simple way to include these nutrients.

Key Vitamins and Minerals to Focus On

Several nutrients have been linked to better immune function, and while it’s best to obtain them from food, supplements can sometimes help if your diet is lacking.

Vitamin D plays a vital role in helping the immune system respond to infections. In the UK, sunlight exposure is limited during winter, so a daily supplement of 10 micrograms (400 IU) is recommended for most adults.

Vitamin C supports immune cell function and is easily obtained from fruit and vegetables. While supplements are popular, there’s little evidence they prevent flu, you’re better off eating fresh produce regularly.

Zinc is important for the development and communication of immune cells. Good sources include meat, shellfish, eggs, pulses, nuts and seeds. Too much zinc, however, can have the opposite effect, so avoid over-supplementing.

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and can be found in sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach and avocados. Most people get enough through food alone.

B-vitamins (particularly B6, B12 and folate) are essential for producing healthy immune cells. They’re found in meat, fish, eggs, dairy and leafy greens. Vegetarians and vegans should look for fortified foods or consult a GP about supplementation.

Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish, flaxseed and walnuts can help regulate inflammation and support overall immune health.

When Supplements Make Sense

Supplements are best seen as a safety net, not a shortcut. If you spend little time outdoors, follow a restricted diet, or have increased nutritional needs, it may be worth considering a supplement, especially for vitamin D during the darker months.

A simple multivitamin can help fill gaps if your diet is inconsistent, but it’s not a replacement for eating well. Always check with your GP or pharmacist before taking anything new, particularly if you take medication or have ongoing health conditions.

Healthy Habits That Strengthen Your Defences

Good nutrition works best when paired with other supportive lifestyle choices:

Sleep well: Aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep a night, tiredness weakens immunity.

Manage stress: High stress raises cortisol levels, which can suppress immune function. Try relaxation techniques, time outdoors or gentle exercise.

Keep moving: Moderate, regular activity such as walking, swimming or yoga boosts circulation and helps immune cells do their job.

Stay hydrated: Fluids help transport nutrients and support the mucous membranes that act as barriers to infection.

Practise good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face, and get your annual flu jab if eligible.

A Day of Immune-Friendly Eating

Here’s a simple day’s menu to inspire your readers or social media followers:

Breakfast: Greek yoghurt with live cultures, topped with mixed berries and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds.

Snack: An orange and a handful of almonds.

Lunch: Grilled salmon fillet on a spinach and red pepper salad with quinoa.

Snack: Wholegrain toast with mashed avocado and garlic-chilli flakes.

Dinner: Chicken and vegetable stir-fry with turmeric, ginger and brown rice.

Evening drink: A cup of green tea or lemon-ginger infusion.

Final flu Thoughts

You can’t stop every virus that comes your way, but you can give your body the best tools to fight back. Focus on a colourful, nutrient-dense diet, get enough rest, manage stress, and top up vitamin D during winter.

Supplements can help bridge small gaps, but food, hydration and consistent habits are what truly strengthen your resilience, not just against the latest flu strain, but for long-term health too.

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Time to Rethink “Dog-Friendly” Dining. Why Dogs Don’t Belong in Eating Establishments

There’s a growing trend across the UK for cafés, pubs, and restaurants to brand themselves as “dog-friendly.” 

For many, it’s a charming idea, customers can relax with a coffee or a pint while their furry friend lounges nearby.

But after a recent experience, I can’t help but think we’ve taken the concept a step too far.

My wife and I recently visited one of our favourite café bars for a late lunch, a place we’ve enjoyed many times before. 

But this time, our appetites vanished the moment we saw a large dog standing on its hind legs, licking the surface of a dining table. The owner seemed oblivious. The staff didn’t intervene. And that was enough for us to quietly leave.

As we stepped outside, I turned to my wife and said, “You know, Tim Martin, the owner of the Wetherspoon pub and hotel chain, has a good point in not allowing dogs in his premises.” 

She nodded in agreement and added, “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen dogs licking tables in ‘dog-friendly’ places. I think it’s time dogs were banned from places that serve food.”

And she’s right.

While many pet owners are responsible and considerate, there’s a fundamental issue at stake, hygiene. Food establishments are held to strict cleanliness standards for good reason. Staff must wash hands, sanitise surfaces, and adhere to food safety regulations that protect the public. 

Yet somehow, in “dog-friendly” venues, it’s considered acceptable for an animal to put its paws, or tongue, on tables where people eat.

There’s also the comfort of other diners to consider. Not everyone enjoys eating next to a panting Labrador or a barking terrier. Some people have allergies. Others are frightened of dogs. And while a well-behaved dog under the table might not bother anyone, too often the reality is far less civilised.

Tim Martin’s Wetherspoon chain is sometimes criticised for its no-dogs policy, but it’s hard to argue with his logic. It’s not about disliking animals, it’s about maintaining an environment where food, drink, hygiene and safety come first. 

You’ll still find dog-friendly beer gardens and outdoor seating areas at many pubs, but once you step inside to eat, there’s a clear line between the dining table and the dog bowl.

Perhaps it’s time more establishments reconsidered their stance. By all means, love your dog, take them for a long walk, spoil them with treats, and visit dog cafés specifically designed for pets and owners alike. 

But in standard restaurants, cafés, and bars where food is being prepared and served to the public, the presence of dogs simply doesn’t belong.

If we wouldn’t allow a child to stand on a table and lick it, why should it be acceptable for a dog?

What diseases can be passed from a dog's tongue to a table surface it is licking? That's a good question. 

These include the following:-

Bacterial infections

Capnocytophaga canimorsus: Found in the mouths of healthy dogs (and cats). It can enter the body through bites, scratches, or contact with broken skin, causing serious infections in rare cases — particularly in people with weakened immune systems.

Pasteurella multocida:  Common in dog saliva. It can cause local skin infections or, more rarely, respiratory infections.

Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA):  Dogs can carry MRSA and pass it to humans through saliva or close contact.

Campylobacter: Can cause food poisoning symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever, and cramps.

Salmonella: Dogs can shed Salmonella in their saliva and faeces, especially if they eat raw food diets.

Parasitic and fungal infections

Giardia: A microscopic parasite that causes gastrointestinal illness.

Cryptosporidium: Another parasite that can cause diarrhoea and stomach cramps.

Ringworm: Not an actual worm but a fungal infection; can spread through contact with saliva or contaminated fur.

Viral infections

Rabies: Rare in the UK due to vaccination and import controls, but still a major concern globally.

Why this matters in eating establishments

Even if a dog appears healthy, its mouth can carry pathogens from:

licking its own body, including its genitals or rear end, scavenging or eating spoiled food drinking from puddles or public water bowls, including those placed at the doorway of the food premises you are entering, interacting with other dogs.

Food safety and customer comfort should always come first.

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