Heston and Delia work their magic on Christmas classics - plus goodies for mums to be and family time saving delights
Christmas food is SO much more than mince pies this year! Waitrose has been wowing us with everything from penguin biscuits to self-glaze get-your-hands-messy with the kids gammon.
The scent of real Christmas trees hit us first - and then the smoked salmon. Not that the whole room smelled of it, don't get us wrong! But we're big fans, and happy to see it featuring in everything from Heston Blumenthal's range (his Christmas pudding comes in a small version with a hidden clementine for £3.49) to a hand-topped terrine. Little tummies looking for a treat this festive season will be spoiled with anything from penguin biscuits to Reindeer cupcakes by Fiona Cairns (£5.50 for a pack of 6), who was responsible for one of the Royal Wedding cakes this year. It wasn't just about the nosh, though. Stocking fillers for mums and dads ranged from skincare by the simple and sweet-smelling Balance Me (Travel and discovery miniature sets are £16), as well as mugs, notepads, cooking acessories and gift sets. A new range called The Rapsberry Thief caught our eye - everything from notepads to pencils starting at £4. The flower department has been busy putting together the most gorgeous bouquets - that's Grandma sorted! Lust-have of the day was a Rose table decoration with candle for £80. Set in oasis to keep it fresh we're assured you can invest and it'll see you through to New Year.
The Waitrose cookery school (prices start from £35 for a stress-free christmas course) was on hand to help guests decorate their own biscuits. Just as we turned from there to check out the essentials mince pies range, we spotted none other than Heston Blumenthal himself, next to his 'must-have' this festive season - Prawn Cocktail infused with Vodka (£2.99 for for 6 portions). Cheese, canapes, responsibly sourced meat... if you can nibble it, Waitrose had it.
Christmas dinner is officially served - in July!
