The typical British household is set to spend around £819 on Christmas this year*, and with just five months to go, now is the perfect time to start planning to ease financial stress, prevent last-minute overspending, and help you sidestep the usual Christmas chaos. Let the countdown begin.

July: be a summer saver

You should start saving for Christmas when the mercury is rising. Begin by setting realistic budget, factoring in gifts, food, decorations and travel. Work out what you usually spend in each area. For example, if Christmas normally costs around £800 in total, you will need to save £160 a month to cover costs. The simplest way to do this is to set up an automatic transfer each payday into a dedicated savings account. Even £10 a week will make a welcome difference to your funds by December.

August: bag cheap travel

When most are hunting down summer flights and package holidays, the real bargain hunters are snapping up cheap Christmas travel and accommodation before seasonal price spikes. Spending Chrimbo overseas? Typically, savvy shoppers can expect to save up to 20% on flights and up to 25% on accommodation if they book in July, with Expedia’s 2026 Air Hacks* revealing this month to be a particular sweet spot for winter travel deals.

September: sort presents and cards

Ward off last-minute madness by brainstorming what you would like to give friends and family. Slash costs by agreeing to buy only for children in the family, or organise a Secret Santa as a fun alternative. Once you have a list, check out the summer sales. As they say, the early bird catches the bargain.

For cards, search online for clearance deals. The super-thrifty stockpile boxes in the January sales – but you can still grab your season’s greetings for pennies by taking advantage of off-season deals. Or get crafty, putting small hands to work with glitter, potato-stamps and paints.

October: stock up early

Tempting Christmas items start flooding supermarkets in October, so buy a few items now to ease your December spending. If it is your turn to host, confirm guest numbers and plan your menu. Pick up long-lasting ingredients and drinks as and when they are on offer. You could even buy a frozen turkey – or cheaper still, chicken – ready for the big day. Frozen birds can be 50% cheaper than fresh, especially when buying before the gobble season.

Plan to do a little baking before the big day? Late-October is also a good time to make your Christmas cake. This will allow the flavours to deepen – and knock yet another ‘must-do’ off your Christmas list.

November: assess decorations and finish shopping.

As Christmas draws closer, resist panic-buying even more presents by going through your list and checking what you have already bought. Anything missing can be picked up in Black Friday offers, and remember charity shops can be treasure troves for gift ideas too!

And before you plump for an entirely new colour scheme for your decorations? Get out what you already have and see what needs to be repaired or refreshed. A coat of paint and fresh greenery can work wonders – and not only is buying less better for the environment, but it is also better for your festive finances too.

December: shop around and relax.

And when December finally arrives? Hopefully you can enjoy the season without worrying about shopping or scrambling for ways to pay for it. The supermarkets will be full of tempting offers, but vow to shop only for what is on your shopping list, and don’t buy everything in one place. Supermarkets have 101 clever ways to get us to do our ‘big shop’ with them but compare prices before you go and remember that the store with 8p vegetables have probably hiked prices on other items in your festive feast. The scrupulous shopper shops around. Here’s to a happy, debt-free 2026 Christmas.

SOURCE:
https://www.nimblefins.co.uk/average-christmas-spending-uk#2026
https://www.expedia.com/see/airhacks?msockid=1f08e59b93826bb23379f2b892cc6ab2

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Compiled by Claire Muffett-Reece and Lisa Burn

FOOD & DRINK

Le Faîte Rouge, £24.99
An iconic red wine from South-West France, expect layers of blackcurrant, blackberry and liquorice, with subtle toasted notes from barrel ageing. Perfect alongside a Father’s Day spread, paired with duck breast, cured meats or a classic steak tartare.

Char-Broil Patio Bistro E2Coal Electric/Charcoal Hybrid Barbecue, £349
Ready to cook those steaks? Use this, so you can go for that traditional smoky taste, or opt for less hassle and plug in. On electric, it heats up to a high of 370°C, so you’ll still get the grill lines and seared taste, while Char-Broil’s Tru-Infrared technology ensures a flavourful finish with moisture locked into the food.

Vocation Exploration Case, £50
This pack features a curated 12-can mixed case featuring everything from bold IPAs and juicy pales to rich stouts and more. From fan favourites like Life & Death and Hop, Skip & Juice to decadent brews including Naughty & Nice Chocolate and Death By Cherries, this collection is made for craft beer lovers who want to explore the full spectrum of flavour.

Lyme Bay Winery Traditional Mead, £13.49
Mead is the world’s oldest alcoholic drink, dating back thousands of years! This traditional version is a good starting point for anybody new to the drink. It’s crafted with fruits, spices and botanicals, as well as honey, to create a sweet, rich flavour that’s just perfect paired with roast meats or cheese.

Black Bee Honey The Large Honey Jar Gift Box, £32.95
Enjoy four wildly different but exceptional tasting ‘hive to jar’ seasonal honeys; from award-wining Spring, foraged from rapeseed, hawthorn and plum blossom; to Winter – sourced from Hampshire where the bees mainly forage on ivy during the cold months.

Clubhouse Roastery Fairway Fuel Coffee Beans, £10.99
Crafted for those who start their mornings on the green, Fairway Fuel is a big, bold espresso made from speciality Arabica beans. Expect smooth caramel sweetness, dark chocolate depth, and a full body that keeps you going through every round.

Vonhaus Vonshef Teppanyaki Grill, from £39.99
Another one for foodies, this is available in three sizes and promises feasting Japanese-style, as guests sit around the grill and help out with the cooking. It has five heat settings, is easy to clean, and features a removable oil drip tray. You can even use it outdoors – perfect for balmy summer evenings.

Driftwood Designs Beaufort Scale Mug, £16
With a stunning infographic of the Beauford scale, which classifies wind speeds on a 12-point scale, the images go from a serene paddle boarder on a calm day, through a jaunty sailing boat on a slightly wavy sea, a fishing boat negotiating bigger waves, right up to a sea devoid of life and filled with enormous waves in a hurricane.

Bloom & Wild The Italian Deli Box, £42
This bag of foodie treats is sure to whet his appetite. What’s inside? A jar of truffle salted roasted nuts, a bag of TartufLanghe pesto crisps, a jar of Viani pesto, a jar of Nocellara del Belice olives, and a bottle of basil olive oil. Good stuff indeed.

HOBBIES & TECHNOLOGY

Brumate Muv 250z Leakproof Insulated Mug, £34.95
This hefty mug is perfect for refreshing chilled water in hot weather, or for a morning coffee on the daily commute. It’s leakproof with an easy-to-use lockable spout, secure twist and lift-off lid, and fits into a standard car cup holder. Drinks stay hot for over six hours and cold for more than 24.

Casetify “Remove All Electronics Before Boarding” Laptop Case, from £43
This is sure to get the Dad who has to travel for work amused! Suitable for 13 inch (£43) or 16 inch (£47) devices, aside from its unique design it of course protects from bumps and scratches – a must regardless of whether it’s his own laptop or one from work. 

Luna Smart Ring Gen 2, £299
This measures activity, heart rate, stress levels, calorie, sleep and more, even working out what sort of activity fits best with the way he’s feeling each day, whether gentle movement or being rested enough for a full workout. And he can input his steps and how much he drinks to keep an eye on his hydration.

Gooloo F3 Electric Air Duster, £29.99
Just the thing for car-proud dads – no more dust in the air vents or struggling to get that last little lint piece with the vacuum. It has three speeds, delivering four hours run time on low, 30 minutes on medium, and 19 minutes on high. It comes with four interchangeable nozzles, and because it’s rechargeable it’s also a sustainable choice.

Daewoo Charging Station, £29.99
This is compatible with Apple, Samsung and Google devices, and can charge several items at once, from his phone to his earphones, and smart watch. Keep it next to the bed as it has an integrated night light, as well as a clock and alarm to get him up in the mornings. And because it’s a multi-use charging station, there’s no need for multiple chargers and messy cables everywhere. 

Oxo Rapid Brewer, £45
It takes just two minutes to conjure up a hot coffee, and five minutes for a rich cold brew, with all the flavour of a barista-prepared drink. Simply pop ground coffee in the basket, tamp down, add hot or cold water and leave – depending on the desired strength – before pressing down gently on the pump.

Rise Mix Bluetooth Speaker, Charger & Alarm, £42
This bedside companion offers wireless charging and high-quality Bluetooth audio. He’ll stay on track with its clear LED display, easily switching between 12- and 24-hour formats. Choose from three distinct alarm modes, adjust the screen brightness to match a preferred ambiance, and an optional date and room temperature display provides helpful details at a glance.

Sandisk Creator Phone SSD, from £201.99
This storage drive is available in 1TB and 2TB versions, so will stop him overloading his phone with content. Simply attach to the back and film in high-quality 4k at 60fps for professional results and editing on the go. Alternatively, it can be popped on a laptop to edit at home. It’s compatible with iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows, and features a silicone shell to protect it from drops up to three metres.

FASHION & GROOMING

Arran Sense of Scotland Bath & Shower Gel Duo, £34 
These fragrances have been inspired by Arran’s rugged landscape and beauty. They’re named after Lochranza at the north (vetiver, lemon and anise) and Sannox towards the east (leather, amber, oud, saffron and pink pepper), and both have been crafted with local mineral-rich water.

 PO.P Adult Striped Pyjamas, £45

Deck out Dad this Father’s Day in PO.P’s super-soft, classic stripe pyjamas! Made from 100% organic cotton, the PO.P stripes range is perfect for lounging. With coordinating children’s pyjamas in a range of colours, these are sure to be a firm family favourite.

Dad & Dolly Wise Guy T-Shirt, £55
A cool t-shirt with a cool slogan and a charity donation to boot? Sounds good to us. Made in Leicester, the tee’s 100% organic, with a 250 gsm cotton relaxed fit. Plus, for every one sold, they donate £2 to Alzheimer’s Research UK — to help find a cure and protect future generations from this disease.

Prices are subject to change. Please drink responsibly.

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Smart Games Grabbit, £14.99

Kids: don’t forget your veggies! Hungry rabbits are jumping around the vegetable garden, with the different vegetables becoming visible as the rabbits look under leaves. The race is on, will they be the first to collect all four vegetables?

Cuddlebunny Bamboo Soft Hooded Towel, £31.99

The gorgeous bunny design, complete with floppy ears and bunny tail, makes getting out of the bath as much fun as being in – and encourages imaginative play with lots of smiles. The bamboo cotton towelling won’t lose its softness after washing either, and you can even personalise it.

Etta Bunny Kids Chair, £89

The only chair little ones need this season (well we think so!). This super soft, super cute, gorgeously playful and perfectly sized, calming toddler chair blends comfort, character and modern style. It’s the ideal spot for little ones to sit, read and relax. 

Ewan Deluxe Baby Shushing Sleep Sheep, £44.99

The iconic sleep aid, which has helped millions of parents and babies get a peaceful night’s sleep, now features a new and improved removable control pod. This pod recharges fully, includes 10 sleep-inducing sounds, and offers continuous playback.

Infantino Lil Nibbles Carrot Teether, £7.80

This teether is easy to hold, perfect to nibble and textured for soothing tender gums. It’s also made from 100% food-grade silicone that’s BPA-free and safe to chew, bite, and explore.

Bling2o Party Pink – Funfetti Swim Goggles, £19

Adding the fun factor in the pool, these goggles are the must-have accessory for those aged 3+. The 100% silicone designs are latex and lead free, with anti-fog resistant lenses that also provide maximum UV protection.

WOW Toys Freddie’s Farm Truck, £26.99

Place the farmer Play Friend into Freddie Farm Truck’s front cab and Freddie’s powerful Push & Go motor sends him off to collect his cow, sheep, pig and donkey. The farmer can also be placed in the back of the lorry to feed and look after his farmyard friends.

CuddleCo Soft Play Small Arch 3 Piece Set, from £79.99

Get toddlers moving, exploring and having fun with the Small Play Arch 3 Piece Set, suitable for children aged 12 months and over. Designed for early climbers and crawlers, this compact soft play set supports coordination, balance and core strength through hands-on, energetic play.

The Little Green Sheep Teepee Play Tent, £85

Play the natural way with The Little Green Sheep’s range of stunning teepee play tents. Beautifully designed using a 5-pole solid wood structure and 100% cotton canvas, it gives your little one the creative space to make their own – and keeps them occupied for hours.

SmarTrike XTend Ride-On, £109

Designed to grow with your child from 12 months to 12 years, this begins as a parent-controlled ride-on, then becomes a foot-powered ride-on, a three-wheel scooter, and finally extends to fit kids up to 12 years old.

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HAAR at Home Luxury 5-Course Valentine’s Day Menu, £129

Featuring the best produce from Scottish shores and fields, chef Dean Banks and his team at 4-AA Rosette restaurant, HAAR, have woven their signature flavours throughout this five-course tasting menu for your Valentine’s celebration. Start with fresh corn and sunflower seed loaf with miso butter. Next, it’s pork belly with kimchi purée, pear purée and puffed pork skin. After that there’s also trout pastrami. Then Scottish hand-dived scallops, beef bavette, and a miso caramel and chocolate pavé. You can then even upgrade with Platinum caviar, wine pairing and more.
READER OFFER! Get 20% off all luxury boxes with the code CHECKLIST20. New orders only; cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion; sides, drinks, gifting & shipping excluded; offer ends 15 March.

Simon Rogan Valentine’s At Home Menu, from £99

Simon Rogan’s Valentine’s Day offering uses local and seasonal ingredients – including produce from their own farm. This seven-course menu, available for delivery or collection on Thursday 12 or Friday 13 February, gives you the choice of standard or vegetarian options. There’s also plenty of upgrades thrown in to the mix. Can you make it to course number seven after dishes including Cornish smoked mackerel, West coast lobster, Stuffed Herdwick lamb shoulder, and more? Give it your best shot.

Indulge Dining Valentine’s Day Meal Kit, £75

With this six-course kit – created by Michelin-trained chef Andy Bowler – 90% of the meal is already prepared. That means it’s simply a matter of putting things in the oven, reheating, and then plating; removing the hassle of shopping and complex recipes. Again you’ve the choice of standard and vegetarian options. We’re torn between the beef rump cap, butternut squash, king oyster mushrooms and kale, or the salt-baked celeriac with truffle, potato and leek. That’s then finished off with Yorkshire rhubarb, vanilla and ginger and some salted caramel truffles.
READER OFFER! Use code CHECKLIST10 for 10% off your first order. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.

British Fine Foods Valentine’s Best of British Hamper, £100

This hamper is packed full of award-winning British produce from across the British Isles, and includes award-winning Severn & Wye Smoked Salmon, Posh Pickle, organic chicken liver pâté with cranberries and cognac, Lancashire Bomb cheese, savoury crackers, chocolate truffles and also a whole lot more. All of which can then be washed down with a bottle of Chateau Goulefaisan.
READER OFFER! Get 15% off this hamper with the code VDAY15. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.

Cookaway Indian Street Food & Chai Experience, from £55

Indian street food is an explosion of flavours, aromas, and texture and a trademark of Indian culture. This menu includes just that: chicken malai tikka, paneer tikka, palak pakora, gobi machurian, coriander mint chutney, and masala chai. Vegan? They’ve a dining at home experience, too. Plus with no subscription and free delivery across mainland UK, you can enjoy Cookaway on your own terms, be it special occasions or simply when you want to experience the true joy of cooking.
READER OFFER! Get 15% off all menus with the code VDAY15. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion; offer valid until 28 February.

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Hugo Boss Bottled Eau De Toilette Men’s Aftershave Gift Set, £65.99

With top notes of apple and citrus fruits, along with geranium, cinnamon, and cloves, this also features base notes of sandalwood, vetiver, cedarwood, olivewood, amber, and musk.

Minimal Wall Our First Date Map Print, £19.95

Remember that moment you first laid eyes on your other half? Preserve it forever with a custom map print of the exact location where it all began.

Charles Tyrwhitt Fox Print Woven Boxers, £24.95

Feeling foxy? Yes, we went there. These woven boxer shorts are made from pure cotton. They’re also made from comfortable, hardwearing, and breathable material that’s soft on the skin.

Clinique for Men Intense Hydration System, £44

Dermatologist and allergy tested, this system includes a Charcoal Face Wash, Face Scrub, and Maximum Hydrator 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator to boost and hydrate for 72 hours.

Remington Vacuum Beard and Stubble Trimmer, £79.99

Keep your beard, five o’clock shadow and sideburns in shape with this innovative tool, allowing you to style and edge with precision – plus the vacuum chamber captures up to 95% of hair trimmings.

Cyberjammies Indigo Men’s Jersey T-shirt and Printed Stripe Pyjama Set, £46

The navy T-shirt, cut from a 50/50 blend of cotton and modal, is soft yet structured, while the pyjama bottoms, in a 60/40 cotton-modal blend, are both breathable and soft on the body.

British Fine Foods Hap-Pie “I love You” Hamper, £55

As well as a 4lb pie with “I Love You” written in pastry, in this wooden gift hamper he’ll also enjoy Westmorland Chutney, the perfect match to enjoy with meat and cheese.

Oddballs The Love Bundle Men’s Boxer Shorts & Socks 3 Pack, £42

This underwear bundle includes three pairs of limited-edition underwear with matching socks, featuring exclusive Valentine’s designs such as Cupid, Loved Up, and Smooch, and is available in both soft cotton and breathable bamboo viscose.

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Boux Avenue Lisette Embroidered Lingerie Set (bra, £45; thong, £18; suspenders, £30 and hold ups, £12)

This feminine, flirty and beautifully romantic set comes in an angelic sheer white mesh. It’s also detailed with red flowers, bows and white heart embroidery.

AERIN Amber Musk Eau de Parfum, £110

Aerin is a warm and delectable fragrance with vanilla blends and notes of marshmallow. Orange flower also infuses the signature rose centifolia with a gourmand feel.

Hotel Chocolat Straight from the Heart Box, £49.95 

For an all-out statement, surprise your special someone with this box packed with 35 of their most coveted creations, from Pink Champagne Truffles to Salted Caramel hearts, Praline Oysters and more.

LEGO Ideas Love Birds, £44.99

Who said LEGO’s just for kids? This 750-piece set – for ages 18+ – features two coral-pink birds among its spring foliage. You can also zoom, rotate in 3D, track your progress and then follow step-by-step digital instructions.

Bloom & Wild The Flower Lover’s Box Subscription, from £22

This flower delivery service guarantees a beautiful bouquet every month. Choose either pre-pay for a three, six or 12-months subscription or pay as you go.

Top Hampers Toast for Two Gift, £62

For a little something for the two of you, this hamper includes two 20cl bottles of Champagne, 12 chocolates, and a patchouli and Tibetan musk candle inscribed with ‘for love.’

Lush Limited Edition Love Burger, £16

This Sicilian lemon oil burger bubble bar is layered between rhubarb and custard-scented salad soap. All within a cherry-fragranced bath bomb burger bun.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum Women’s Perfume Spray, from £29.99

With tea, lime and a floral trail of jasmine, rose, freesia, cattleya orchid, musk and patchouli, the bottle of this perfume has been designed in the shape of a multi-faceted diamond.

Elemis Mayfair No9 Scented Calendar, £44

Hand-poured in England, this elegant signature scented candle includes nine essential oils, including lavender, geranium and eucalyptus, working together to create a feeling of peace and relaxation.

Sandford Orchards’ Devon Rosé Hamper, £21.50

Enjoy two bottles of Devon Rosé with the fruitiness of English pinot noir grapes, a branded glass, a pair of pink sunglasses, a bottle opener keyring and two bars of Willie’s Cacao chocolate.

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Heart Box Gift Set, £75

This luxurious set, worth £84, features a Peony & Blush Body Crème packed with the opulence of peonies in bloom, perfectly complemented by its matching Cologne – all artfully wrapped in a heart gift box.

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Did you get a ring under the tree – or did you see in the New Year with one of you getting down on one knee? With a Global Wedding Report revealing that December is the most popular month for couples around the world to get engaged, wedding experts at Wedissimo — a platform that helps one in every 200 couples getting married in the UK — have shared the essential steps to protect your finances and plan ahead after getting engaged.

Insure the ring

Your engagement ring should be insured as soon as it’s purchased because it’s valuable, sentimental, and worth protecting. Check if it’s covered under your home contents policy or opt for standalone jewellery insurance. It’s also important to understand exactly what’s covered, from loss and theft to accidental damage or loose stones, so you are prepared for any scenario.

Research the wedding market

Begin researching the wedding industry to understand typical costs because knowing average prices, even geographically, such as per-guest catering, floral arrangements or hiring a DJ, helps you and your partner make informed choices before allocating your money, instead of blowing the budget on a single supplier.

Establish a realistic budget

The thrill of getting engaged can sometimes lead you to overspend. Establishing a sensible budget from the start helps guide every decision, from choosing a venue to hiring suppliers, which reduces the risk of financial stress later. Consider budgeting in at least 10 to 15% extra to cover unforeseen costs like service charges, too.

Have a serious conversation about finances

Before making major decisions, have an open discussion about income, savings, debts, and assets to ensure you’re on the same page. These conversations not only prevent misunderstandings but also make it easier to set a realistic timeline for bookings and payments.

Create a blueprint before booking

Once the budget and financial discussions are clear, have a wedding blueprint session to prioritise what matters most before booking anything. With so many decisions, from rings and venues to catering, décor, and entertainment, planning helps identify where to invest, where to save, and what to exclude.

Use credit cards and get wedding insurance

Paying deposits with a credit card offers extra protection, as Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act may cover the full amount if a supplier fails. However, this doesn’t always cover everything, which is where insurance comes in, from supplier failure, venue problems, illness, accidents, and other disruptions. Just remember to always read the terms carefully before booking.

Ask suppliers what isn’t included

In the excitement of booking suppliers, you may often assume the price covers everything, but that’s rarely the case. Hidden extras, such as delivery fees, overtime, setup costs, photographer travel or accommodation, venue charges like corkage, and items like glassware or furniture hire, can quickly push your budget far beyond what you expected — so do your research.

Consider booking through a supplier platform

It’s also worth discussing the benefits of using trusted wedding platforms when making bookings, which offer extra protection if a supplier cancels, stepping in to find a replacement or refund the money. They also keep all bookings, contracts and payments in one place, making it far easier to sort if anything goes wrong.

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CHRISTMAS CAROL SINGALONG 

The Barbican Hall, London

Saturday 20 December 

This festive celebration for the whole family is led by the inimitable Jonathan Cohen and features West End star Louise Dearman. Packed with festive favourites and all the carols you love to sing, bring the family and bask in the magic of live music at Christmas. Enjoy toe-tapping renditions of Winter Wonderland, Merry Christmas Everybody and Frosty the Snowman, as well as O Come, All Ye Faithful, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, O Little Town of Bethlehem, and The Twelve Days of Christmas.

CHRISTMAS WITH KING’S COLLEGE CHOIR

The Barbican Hall, London

Sunday 21 December

The world-renowned King’s College Choir, Cambridge, returns to Barbican Hall, bringing their signature purity and power to a programme of beloved carols and festive classics. Joined by the City of London Choir, under the direction of Daniel Hyde, whether you’re continuing a cherished tradition or discovering this experience for the first time, this is Christmas at its most majestic. Celebrate the season with one of the greatest choirs in the world. Book early: this concert sells out quickly. 

CANDLELIT CAROLS

The Barbican Hall, London

Monday 22 December

Step into the gentle glow of candlelight and experience Candlelit Carols, a heartwarming evening of music blending uplifting carols and cherished seasonal classics in a beautifully staged setting. Let the soaring soprano of Harriet Eyley, the elegance of the Mozart Festival Orchestra and Coro Spezzato, and the refined direction of Steven Devine transport you through a festive programme featuring Cullen’s Joy to the World, Handel’s Christmas Sequence from Messiah including the iconic Hallelujah Chorus, and more.

THE BEST OF JOHN WILLIAMS
The Barbican Hall, London
Sunday 28 December

Experience the magic of the movies with The Best of John Williams, joining the London Concert Orchestra as they bring to life the unforgettable scores of one of cinema’s greatest composers. From soaring adventure themes to sweeping emotional moments, this evening of orchestral brilliance takes you on a journey through the legendary soundtracks of John Williams, including Harry Potter, E.T., Star Wars, The Fabelmans, Jurassic Park, The Witches of Eastwick and Indiana Jones.

BEETHOVEN’S NINTH
The Barbican Hall, London
Monday 29 December

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Christopher Warren-Green, brings to life an all-Beethoven programme featuring two of the composer’s towering masterpieces. The evening begins with the bold and majestic Piano Concerto No. 5 ‘Emperor’, a work of heroic spirit and lyrical elegance. It culminates in the monumental Symphony No. 9 ‘Choral’, building to the electrifying Ode to Joy – a triumphant anthem of unity, hope, and humanity.

NEW YEAR’S DAY PROMS
The Barbican Hall, London
Thursday 1 January

Ring in 2026 in style with the New Year’s Day Proms with a vibrant celebration of classical favourites, uplifting anthems, and cherished operatic gems. Experience an afternoon of music with the London Concert Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Inglis, as they bring to life stirring pieces that capture the spirit of the season. Let the melodies set the perfect tone for the year ahead, featuring all your New Year’s Day favourites.

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What are lab diamonds?

“Otherwise known as man-made or cultured diamonds, they’re grown in a lab (hence the name) using cutting-edge technology that mimics the conditions under which natural ones develop. As they’re formed from the same material and exposed to the same conditions, they’re optically and chemically identical to the natural variety.”

Why buy them?

“For a start it’s their value: up to 30% cheaper than natural, which is perfect if you’re on a tight budget or wish to maximise your diamond size for the same price. They also exude the same beauty and quality as natural finds.”

How are they made?

“Each diamond starts its life as a tiny carbon seed, and is then exposed to extreme heat and pressure or entered into a deposition process, to mimic the process of natural formation. It then grows within a lab in six to 10 weeks, and is cut and polished in exactly the same way.”

Are they real?

“Yes! Lab-created diamonds are real; just with a different origin. As we said above, they’re visually and chemically identical, so they can’t be differentiated by eye, and specialist equipment is required to tell them apart.”

So what’s the difference?

“The only real difference is their origin: in the lab as opposed to natural diamonds formed within the Earth’s mantle. Just remember: lab-grown are up to 30% cheaper and none of your friends or family will know any different.”

What else should we know?

“Cut: this refers to its symmetry, and more specifically to the overall polish and proportion. As lab-grown diamonds can be made more uniformed in shape in a lab, diamond cutters can often cut better stones, meaning less imperfections and a better overall cut in comparison to natural.”

“Clarity: natural diamonds can have imperfections, with clearest, colourless diamonds the most valuable, so are the most sought-after. Lab diamonds are almost always colourless or nearly so, putting them on par with more valuable natural diamonds on the market.”

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A wet weather plan

The British summer can be notoriously wet, and so you might be planning to keep your celebrations indoors. To turn your home into a party palace, spray the ready-to-use Zoflora Disinfectant Mist in your living room to eliminate odours on sofas and cushions to leave a beautifully fragrant space. Don’t forget, the mist can also be used on hard surfaces, leaving them touch-dry and disinfected in as little as 45 seconds and soft furnishings disinfected within a two-minute contact time.

In the kitchen, once you’ve finished finalising party-food preparation, use a disinfectant cleaner over your worktops. Simply spray and effortlessly wipe over with a clean cloth or sponge. 

To ensure your bathroom and downstairs toilet is ready for your guests, beautifully fragrance the room using Zoflora’s Concentrated Multipurpose Disinfectant. Great for freshening up, simply pour two neat capfuls of your favourite fragrance down the sink drain, into the toilet basin as well as the toilet brush holder to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria and leave your bathroom beautifully fragrant all day long. 

And don’t forget about high contact areas such as light switches and door handles which would benefit from a pre-party clean.

Braving the British weather

If your street is feeling brave and holding out hope for the sun to shine, here are some ways to make sure your street is sparkling, too: 

Wheelie bin barriers

Mark off any proposed street celebration area using neighbourhood wheelie bins. This will help define your designated party space for decorations, furniture, and food and drink as well as an area for guests to relax and socialise. The wheelie bins also serve to quickly dispose of any litter. 

But don’t let your bins overpower your party, refresh them by spritzing the insides with Zoflora’s Disinfectant Mist or Multipurpose Disinfectant Cleaner and give them a quick wipe down. 

You can also use Zoflora’s Biodegradable* Antibacterial Cleaning Wipes on the bin lid handles and around the outside for a quick surface spruce up. The new product format kills 99.9% of enveloped viruses and bacteria and leaves a beautiful, fragrance. We recommend a zesty fragrance, such as Lemon Zing, to fill the air with an invigorating scent.

Disinfect the drains

Whilst you are tucking into your Victoria sponge and scones, the last thing you need is the street drains ruining your celebratory feast. Ahead of the party, pour a cap or two of Zoflora’s Concentrated Multipurpose Disinfectant in drains close by to eliminate odours from the drains, and kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses at the same time. 

We recommend a crisp fragrance, such as Cypress & Sea Sage, to fill your street with a fresh and energising feel. 

Tables and chairs 

Make it comfortable! The celebrations could last all day so make it a party space you and your neighbours can gather, sit, relax and enjoy.

Outdoor furniture often goes unloved. To give seats and tables a royally good clean up, use Zoflora Multipurpose Disinfectant Cleaner to give them a hygienic refresh. The convenient, ready to use disinfectant spray makes it quick and easy to wipe over. 

Freshening up cushions and soft furnishings for your street party couldn’t be any easier, either. Simply spray Zoflora’s Disinfectant Mist to create beautiful fragrance for 24 hours whilst killing 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2). 

If you have the space, we’d suggest placing long trestle tables down the middle of the street and asking everyone to bring a brightly coloured tablecloth for a patchwork quilt effect alongside the amazing spread of party foods. Zoflora’s convenient Biodegradable* Antibacterial Cleaning Wipes were created with quick clean ups in mind, so bring a pack to the table for any spillages.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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