A CHEESE HAMPER
ORGANIC TEA

The range includes a variety of playfully named black teas, white teas, green tea, caffeine free tea, classic teas and organic and herbal fruit infusions. Our two favourite caffeine-free teas within the range included: Feisty Turmeric Guru (a fiery ginger flavoured turmeric) and a very trendy tea at the minute for those of you who like to post your tea pics on Instagram, and the Rest-Repeat Rooibos (a rich, smooth full-bodied organic rooibos). Available from Joe's Tea Co. priced from £4.25.
TRUFFLE OIL There's nothing more decadent than truffle oil, especially when it's drizzled over your favourite dishes. Given that black truffle oil has a more herby, garlic flavour than white truffle oil, it can e used on a variety of dishes. We love ours drizzled over a heaping bowl of fresh pasta, as a finishing oil on top of pizzas or even drizzled lightly over scrambled eggs. With it's cute imagery of a truffle hunting dog, it makes a lovely gift and will look great proudly displayed on the kitchen counter. Available from Fine Food Specialist for £8.50 (100ml). GIN Gin is the perfect Christmas cocktail staple. Whether you're planning on serving a traditional G&T or a more festive concoction such as a Bramble, you can't go wrong with giving a bottle of gin. We recently disovered Rock Rose Gin, a fabulous award-winning premium Scottish gin made with hand-foraged botanicals. For those of you who want to go extra Christmasey, Rock Rose Gin has launched a limited edition Winter Edition Rock Rose Gin, with earthy spruce tips as the dominant botanical. Hello Christmas tree gin! Rock Rose Gin (£34.00 for 700ml) and Rock Rose Gin - Winter Edition (£37.50 for 700ml) are available from dunnetbaydistillers.co.uk. HOT CHOCOLATE Is there anything more relaxing than sitting by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate in hand? We love this of luxury hot chocolates trio by Cartwright & Butler, which boasts three indulgent flavours including salted caramel, chocolate orange, and milk chocolate. This gift set and other marvellous foodie gifts are available from the RNLI (the charity that saves lives at sea) at shop.RNLI.org. They currently have a 10% discount on hampers, so now's the time to splurge! |
For the foodie who deserves an extra special treat, you can't go wrong with a visit to the new Laura Ashley Tea Room at Highbullen, Hotel Golf and Country Club. Located in North Devon, Highbullen Hotel enjoys panoramic views across North Devon’s Exmoor and Mole Valley, an oasis of tranquillity with manicured lawns and meadows that stretch out to the edges of this 128-acre estate. In the heart of this beautiful countryside, Laura Ashley the Tea Room brings together the timelessness of afternoon tea and elegant country living.
The menu offers a traditional Devon cream tea as well as full afternoon teas and Laura Ashley’s own special tea blend – all featuring an array of locally sourced produce, home-made sandwiches and jams, buttermilk scones, cakes and other sweet treats. There is also a savoury afternoon tea for those without a sweet tooth, and finger sandwiches, chocolate treats and candyfloss for children.