Food & Drink Advent Calendars – Each year, Advent – or ‘Countdown to Christmas/Holidays’ calendars seem to become more interesting…or even, perhaps, outrageous? My childhood memories of opening a paper window to find a cute little image of the nativity are long gone, of course, and now it seems that all manner of companies and products produce something special as we hurtle towards Christmas.
You can spend a small fortune if you’re so inclined, but there are also some excellent value calendars to be found, if you know where to look. In the past, I’ve always been such a fan of the Divine Chocolate Advent Calendars – not only is it a highly ethical, Fairtrade producer, but for years the Advent Calendar actually represented what Advent is all about. Sadly, I was shocked to learn that this year, they’ve ‘gone rather woke’ and changed from a lovely nativity scene to a general festive one. It’s still excellent value at just £5.60 (on offer from £7.50) at Ocado or at full price at other retailers including Oxfam.
Hurrah! Help is at hand if you want to instil the true message of advent to your friends and family. Good old Marks & Spencer, which always has a great value range, has a ‘proper’ one, complete with chocolate pieces and amazingly good value at just £2.75
Another chocolate calendar that I’d recommend is the Guylian one that contains three different flavours of 100% Fairtrade cocoa Belgian chocolates: new sea salt caramel seahorses; original praline shells and milk truffle seahorses. In recyclable packaging is available from Sainsbury’s Ocado and Amazon for £15
If treating yourself or an adult loved one, you might consider this beautiful one from luxury Belgian chocolatier Pierre Marcolini, which has an Art Deco theme to its Christmas range this year. This calendar has a luxury chocolate behind each door: pralines, powdered truffles and Petits Bonheurs. It’s not cheap, but luxury never is – it’s £54 (179g) from Harrods (mail order available too) or from the Notting Hill or Marylebone High Street shops
Another luxury chocolate one to consider is Venchi (with a lovely shop in Richmond, don’t forget). It has a limited-edition Christmas collection beautifully illustrated by internationally acclaimed artist Alice Bureau. The Advent calendar is an elegant countdown to Christmas and filled with assorted Venchi chocolates. £58 (356g)
The last of the choccy ones, but by no means the least, is a fabulous one from British company Chococo. You will need to order by 26 November. Uniquely, it offers a different flavour of their delicious chocolates each day. They have also created several new flavours, including Cocoa Fruit Caramel and Purely Pistachio. On opening door 25, festive feasters will find ‘Fizzy Pudding’ a festive-spiced praline topped with popping candy. There are two Advent Calendars to choose from at £37.50 for 250g, the classic selection of 25 different flavours and a vegan-friendly, plant-based selection of 13 different flavours, all crafted with Chococo’s sustainable, slave-free Direct Trade chocolate from Colombia and Ecuador. All packaging is 100% plastic free too, in keeping with the company’s ethos. These Advent Calendar boxes and other Christmas lines are available online at chococo.co.uk
If chocolate isn’t your choice, then there are so many others, ranging from cheese to gin and whisky, alcohol free drinks and even chilli sauces.
How about Fever-Tree’s Ultimate Gin & Tonic Advent Calendar: This year’s calendar features a botanical design with door and drawers to unveil either a Fever-Tree mixer (150ml) or a premium gin mini (60cl). Together, these create 12 perfect seasonal serves. Tonics include Mediterranean, Elderflower and a ginger ale, chosen to pair with Tarquins Rhubarb & Raspberry Gin. Household spirit names such as Sipsmith and Hendricks are joined by up-and-coming brands to tickle the tastebuds. Available in-store and online at John Lewis, Harvey Nichols, Ocado, and Waitrose. RRP £70.
For a non-drinker, you could consider Wise Bartender’s Alcohol-Free Advent Calendars, the perfect choice for anyone cutting back or skipping alcohol this festive season. Each calendar (£80 incl. delivery) includes 24 drinks from top brands like Lucky Saint, Tom Holland’s Bero Beer, Sea Arch and Sip Cocktails. Choose from: Sweet & Tasty – cocktails, ciders & botanical spirits; Beer – a line-up of AF craft brews; Mixed – the best of both. Available now at wisebartender.co.uk
And now, for the Ultimate Foodie, the Ultimate Hot Sauce & Spice Calendar from Chilli No. 5. It’s a very luxurious and spicy journey through 24 days as each day reveals a new treasure, using the finest ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned chilli connoisseur or just beginning your spicy journey, this is a great gift for anyone who appreciates both heat and flavour. £125.00 from Selfridges or chilli-no5.com Contents include Chinese Hot & Sour Sauce, Wicked Wasabi, Cheeky Chimichurri. White Truffle and much, much more.
Poppy Watt