Even though I’m a firm believer in setting up my Christmas tree and basking in the festive spirit from December 1, not everyone shares my enthusiasm. As summer winds down, many are already anticipating the major events in the year’s latter months, reports the Express.
Christmas is one of those significant occasions. Supermarkets are preparing for their busiest period of the year, so I managed to get an early look at what will be gracing their shelves in just a few weeks’ time.
Sainsbury’s held its Christmas showcase this week, and despite the odds – irritating delays and detours due to train strikes – there was a hint of early festive cheer. Alongside its clothing brand Tu, Argos, and Habitat, I had the chance to see, sample and enjoy its festive offerings – even if I couldn’t eat all of the display food.
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My pick – the Taste the Difference Lobster Mac & Cheese (£4.75)(Ellen Jenne)
This year’s theme is based on what they’ve termed ‘new-stalgia’, which celebrates old and beloved classics with a contemporary twist. Imagine caramel-filled mince pies, luxurious lobster and prawn cocktails, and banoffee-flavoured Irish liqueur.
Regrettably, many of this year’s food items were for display only, so I’ll have to wait like the rest of the nation to savour any of the main attractions. However, it wasn’t all about the Christmas dinner table, and there was one dish that particularly caught my eye.
This might land me in hot water at many Christmas dinners, but the Taste the Difference Lobster Mac & Cheese (£4.75) was my top pick. Pasta at Christmas may seem like a major faux pas, but this is genuinely worth it.
A truly cheesy sauce that’s not too heavy on the belly, perfectly balanced with delicate lobster, topped off with crispy breadcrumbs for that essential crunch and added texture. Seafood and cheese don’t always pair well, but this is the exception.
Get a taste of ‘new-stalgia’ with Sainsbury’s Banoffee and Chocolate and Pistachio Irish Cream Liqueurs(Ellen Jenne)
If you’re a seafood aficionado, this year you won’t be let down. Personally, one of my favourite parts of Christmas Day is actually the grub after the main event. I’m talking about nibbles, miniatures, snacks and cheese.
Usually supermarket cheese doesn’t cut the mustard, but the Taste the Difference British Cheese & Quince Selection (£12) is not to be sniffed at. Or maybe it is….
My favourites are the extra mature cheddar and their luxurious blue. There’s also a gooey ‘adult’ brie, which looks like molten golden lava. Absolutely divine.
Don’t overlook the condiments either. Sainsbury’s Hot Maple Mayonnaise is perfect for dipping or slathering on a roast spud.
A trip to The Sainsbury’s Arms is always the right idea(Ellen Jenne)
Regrettably not all of the sweets were available to sample, but one to keep an eye out for this year is the Taste the Difference Irish Coffee Tira-Merry-Su (£12). Try pronouncing that five times in a row.
Another treat I’m keen to sample is the dual-chocolate mountain-shaped mousse, which offers a Toblerone-like experience in dessert form, and the sleigh-shaped chocolate and orange dessert, which was pitched to me as an “adult’s version of a Jaffa Cake”. I’m sold, take my money.
In a nod to the viral Dubai Chocolate, Sainsbury’s has also introduced a Taste the Difference Pistachio & Chocolate Irish Cream Liqueur (£10). It’s delightfully smooth and not overly sweet, which I sometimes find with Bailey’s.
My other festive tipple choices include the Taste the Difference Blackcurrant Spritz (£6.50), which transitions me nicely from Aperol season into winter. That way, spritz season can last all year, not just for the summer. There’ll also be an alcohol-free version.
Frozé isn’t just for summer thanks to the Ninja Slushie Frozen Drink Maker(Ellen Jenne)
I also savoured a Winter Sun Collins at The Sainsbury’s Arms, which showcased Sainsbury’s’ French Grain Orange Vodka. For those who love a bit of fizz, keep an eye out for the Taste the Difference Prosecco Rose Brut Millesimato.
For those seeking a comforting drink, this year the supermarket is introducing a white wine to its mulled selection. To warm the soul, I’d recommend a cup of the Winter Blend Espresso, it makes a cracking flat white.
You’re sorted when it comes to gift ideas from Argos. The crowning glory was the Ninja Slushie Frozen Drink Maker (£350), which was filled with rose wine (zero per cent, mind you).
It might seem a bit bonkers to serve iced drinks in the winter, but I’ve seen stranger things. I had the chance to see it in action and even pour my own frozé slushie. It’s the novelty that really pulls people in.
Other high-end items include the Sage Barista Touched Brush Coffee Machine (£1,050), Ninja 1.19ml CREMi Deluxe Ice Cream Maker (£250), an abundance of air fryers, and all sorts of gadgets and gizmos for the whole family.
If you’re on the hunt for festive home inspiration, Habitat has got your back. They’re launching their tallest Christmas tree yet, a whopping 12 feet tall and pre-lit.
They also have Christmas trees measuring five and six feet to suit every household. Whether you’re after a sultry jazz club vibe, a bold and bright display, or Alpine ski chalet inspiration, there are decorations to match all themes.
A standout from Tu Clothing was the endless collection of PJs. Nothing screams ‘UK winter’ quite like a cosy pair of pyjamas.
Whether you’re after traditional tartan for Christmas, something bold, or a nod to Christmas tipples, there’s plenty of choice. My personal favourite was the cream cheesecloth pjs with cute little gingerbread men. Prices start from as little as £10.
Faux fur chic seems to be the trend this winter. Although it’s not my personal coat of choice, they’ll undoubtedly be snapped up quickly in the run-up to the Christmas party season.
I’m all in for Sainsbury’s concept of ‘new-stalgia’, and if its sneak peek is anything to go by, we’re set for a real delight this Christmas.
There are various release dates for all the products across the four brands, with the earliest arriving in just a fortnight. Products will be introduced in-store and online gradually over the coming months.
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Dining and Cooking