CHRISTMAS 2026 HOSTING AT HOME: INGREDIENTS FOR THE PERFECT FESTIVE GATHERING
From the art of a beautifully laid table to the pleasures of a perfectly poured drink, this season’s most covetable gifts for the home celebrate the joy of entertaining. Whether hosting an intimate supper, a festive gathering or a leisurely afternoon over coffee, these thoughtful finds promise to delight guests, elevate every occasion and make Christmas at home all the more special.
Chase and Wonder’s Alpine Lodge Gift Set, £185
Set the scene for a soirée with Chase & Wonder’s Alpine Lodge Gift Set, bringing the evocative scent of a mountain retreat to the home. Fir, pine, lavender and warming spices create an inviting atmosphere, while the ceramic candle, diffuser, room spray and elegant matches help set the mood for memorable evenings spent entertaining friends and loved ones.
Lavazza A Modo Mio SMEG machine, £249
For the host who believes good coffee deserves good design, the Lavazza A Modo Mio SMEG machine brings Italian flair to the kitchen worktop. Combining SMEG’s signature retro aesthetic with Lavazza’s coffee-making expertise, it delivers rich espresso at home, with adjustable drink sizes and a choice of chic black or white finishes.
Ameri Single Vineyard Malbec, £32
No well-stocked drinks cabinet should be without a distinguished red for the festive season. Domaine Bousquet’s Ameri Single Vineyard Malbec, produced in limited quantities from high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza, is a particularly polished choice. Expect concentrated black fruit, supple tannins and a refined finish, making it a fine bottle to have ready when friends and family arrive.
Remedy Sodaly Super Mix Pack, £14.99 (for 12)
Stock up for the sparkling season with Remedy’s Sodaly Mixed Case, a refreshing addition to any well-stocked drinks fridge. With a selection of sparkling, sugar-free sodas ready to pour, it makes entertaining effortless, whether serving a crowd, mixing a festive aperitif or offering a refreshing alternative between cocktails. A fizz-filled essential for the host.
Amaretto Lazzaroni 1851, from £21.30
Made by slowly infusing the family’s own Amaretti del Chiostro di Saronno biscuits, this classic Italian Amaretto Liqueur has a beautiful marzipan-rich character. A lovely after-dinner drink or a festive addition to desserts. Available from Ocado.
Lazzaroni Panettone Cream Liqueur, £19.95 (50cl)
Christmas dessert in a glass, this Panettone Flavoured Liquer Cream is a rich, creamy liqueur inspired by Italy’s beloved festive cake, with notes of candied fruit, citrus, orange peel and vanilla. Delicious chilled over ice, poured over vanilla ice cream or stirred into hot chocolate. It won a Master Medal at The Spirits Business Spring Tasting 2026 and is available from Master of Malt.
Good Phats’ Extra Virgin Olive Oil Set, £51.85
No kitchen is complete without a good olive oil. Good Phats’ Extra Virgin Olive Oil Set is a welcome addition to any home entertaining repertoire, bringing quality ingredients to Christmas Day cooking and festive lunches alike. Beautifully presented and worthy of a place on the kitchen counter, it combines everyday practicality with considerable shelf appeal.
Maldon Salt Pig, £27.50
Every accomplished host knows that a finishing flourish is never far from a pinch of salt. Maldon’s elegant Salt Pigs bring effortless convenience to the kitchen. Crafted from high-quality ceramic in a choice of cream or black, they keep the world’s finest salt within easy reach, ready for a finishing flourish at any festive feast.
TOG’s Paperboards, £200
A rather stylish addition to the kitchen, TOG’s Paperboards marry clever design with impressive practicality. Crafted from a durable composite of 50 per cent recycled paper, these lightweight, dishwasher-safe preparation boards are available in three sizes, with a beautifully considered stand for easy storage. Desirable essentials for the discerning home cook.
COMING SOON: neat clean’s Christmas Gift Set
For the host who appreciates a beautifully considered home, neat clean’s first Christmas Gift Set combines practicality with sustainable credentials. The B Corp-certified refillable cleaning brand brings together a brushed aluminium hand wash bottle, three seasonal refills, including limited-edition Frosted Pine & Mistletoe, and a soft guest towel. A thoughtful addition to any kitchen or bathroom.
Who Gives a Crap Christmas Collection
Don’t leave the bathroom out of the festivities. Who Gives A Crap brings a playful yet polished touch to the bathroom with its limited-edition Christmas collection, wrapping an everyday essential in seasonal style. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. The B Corp-certified brand donates 50% of its profits to clean water and sanitation projects worldwide, making this a thoughtful, playful and purposeful addition to any Christmas list. Available from 29 October at Tesco, Ocado and Waitrose, with six-packs priced at £6.75.
