Christmas is as much about what we share as what we give — the bottles opened, the table set, the rituals repeated year after year with just a little more care. This KCR Christmas food and drink edit celebrates those moments, bringing together a considered selection of festive wines, celebratory fizz, artisanal chocolates and beautifully designed kitchen essentials chosen to elevate the season’s most joyful gatherings.
From refined Champagne and Prosecco to characterful reds and whites ideal for gifting or serving to guests, these bottles have been selected with the festive table in mind — whether you’re arriving as a guest, hosting friends and family, or curating your own celebrations at home. Alongside them sit thoughtful kitchen pieces that make cooking and entertaining feel more pleasurable, and chocolate gifts designed to delight both hosts and loved ones alike.
Together, these are gifts that go beyond wrapping paper: generous, useful and made to be enjoyed. A bottle shared, a meal prepared, a box of chocolates opened after dinner — this is Christmas as it should be, centred around good taste, good company and moments worth lingering over.
By Lisa Curtiss
Tormek MC-1 Cover for Tormek T-1
It’s rare to find an accessory that feels as thoughtfully designed as the product it protects, but the new MC-1 Cover for the Tormek T-1 achieves exactly that. Created by Jeansverket, the cover is tailor-made specifically for the Tormek T-1 knife sharpener, offering a refined solution for protecting it from dust and moisture when not in use — without compromising on aesthetics.
Crafted from premium denim produced in Borås, Sweden, the MC-1 Cover reflects Jeansverket’s roots in Scandinavian craftsmanship, where durability, function and understated style go hand in hand. The addition of a Swedish leather handle elevates the design further, lending it a tactile, heritage feel that sits comfortably in both modern and traditional kitchens. The handle is easily removable, allowing the cover to be machine washed, ensuring long-term practicality as well as longevity.
Thoughtful detailing sets this cover apart. A dedicated storage pocket keeps small accessories close to hand, while a sturdy loop securely holds the EM-15 Edge Marker, ensuring everything you need is exactly where it should be.
Behind the product sits Tormek, a respected Swedish brand renowned worldwide for its precision sharpening systems and commitment to quality engineering. The MC-1 Cover is a fitting extension of that philosophy — practical, beautifully made, and designed to last.
Available from shop.tormek.co.uk.
KitchenAid Monochrome Collection in Porcelain White
Few kitchen brands are as instantly recognisable — or as enduringly desirable — as KitchenAid. With its unmistakable silhouettes and reputation for performance-led design, the brand has long occupied the space where culinary craft meets lifestyle aspiration. This season, KitchenAid elevates that legacy with the introduction of its Monochrome Collection in Porcelain White, a quietly confident edit that celebrates timeless form through a fresh, modern lens.
Headlining the collection is the debut of the Artisan Tilt-Head 4.7L Stand Mixer in NEW Porcelain White, paired with a striking 4.7L studded ceramic bowl. More than a functional upgrade, the bowl transforms the mixer into a true design statement. Its sculptural, three-dimensional stud detailing brings texture and depth to the countertop, while the durable ceramic construction ensures it remains robust enough for everyday baking and entertaining. The result is a piece that feels equally at home in a working kitchen or as a standout Christmas gift.
Porcelain White itself is a satin-glazed, soft neutral, chosen for its warmth, versatility and enduring appeal. Clean and calming, it complements both contemporary and classic interiors, pairing effortlessly with vibrant seasonal accents or more muted, minimalist palettes. Designed to transcend trends, it offers a refined backdrop that works beautifully throughout the year.
Alongside the stand mixer, the Porcelain White Monochrome Collection includes a carefully curated selection of KitchenAid icons:
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NEW KitchenAid Pure Power Blender in Porcelain White, £159
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KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8 in Porcelain White, £1,899
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KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine in Porcelain White, £699
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KitchenAid Variable Temperature 1.7L Kettle and 2-Slice Toaster, both in Porcelain White, £179
Each piece reflects KitchenAid’s commitment to thoughtful engineering and enduring design — appliances created not just to perform, but to be lived with and enjoyed.
Available from kitchenaid.co.uk – Artisan Tilt-Head 4.7L Stand Mixer with studded ceramic bowl: RRP £599.
KitchenAid NEW Pure Power Blender
Renowned for combining performance with enduring design, KitchenAid continues to refine the modern kitchen with the launch of its NEW Pure Power Blender — a thoughtfully engineered appliance created for everyday versatility, precision and ease.
Designed to give you full control over texture and results, the Pure Power Blender features variable speed settings from 1 to 10, allowing you to fine-tune everything from silky soups to chunky sauces. Three intuitive pre-sets — Ice Crush, Smoothie Cycle and Clean Cycle — make it effortless to achieve consistent results, while the powerful motor ensures smooth blending whether you’re working with hot or cold ingredients.
At the heart of the design are 360° asymmetrical blades, engineered to draw ingredients into the centre for efficient, even blending. A ribbed jar further enhances movement and flow, while the vented lid allows steam to escape when blending warm mixtures — a practical detail that underscores KitchenAid’s user-focused approach to design.
Available in a refined palette of Matte Black, Porcelain White, Empire Red and Charcoal Grey, the Pure Power Blender sits comfortably within a wide range of kitchen styles, from contemporary minimalism to classic culinary spaces. Like all KitchenAid appliances, it balances form and function with ease, making it as attractive on the countertop as it is capable in use.
Ideal for smoothies, sauces, soups and more, the Pure Power Blender is a strong addition to KitchenAid’s line-up — and a thoughtful gift for confident home cooks and design-led kitchens alike.
Available from kitchenaid.co.uk.
Audrey’s Chocolates
For anyone seeking delicious, beautifully presented chocolate gifts, Audrey’s Chocolates offers an enchanting world of handmade British chocolate that feels just as thoughtful as it tastes. From classic bars and delicate thins to whimsical shapes and bespoke selections, this Sussex-based chocolatier brings an artisanal touch to gifting — perfect for Christmas, birthdays or any occasion that calls for something truly special.
Audrey’s specialises in a range of collections that speak to both timeless craftsmanship and playful charm. Its Whimsical Figurines stand out as particularly delightful — from cute chocolate animals to festive shapes — making each piece a gift in itself, whether for children or the young at heart. Alongside these sculptural treats, the Handcrafted Collection features artisanal boxes of chocolates crafted with attention to texture and flavour, suited for sharing or gifting in style.
The Chocolate Cabinet encompasses everything from classic bars and elegant thins to chocolate-covered fruit and novelty sweets, allowing you to tailor your chocolate gift to any taste. For something even more personalised, customers can explore bespoke options or create their own box from Audrey’s extensive range — a lovely way to curate a gift that feels truly unique.
Whether you’re selecting a luxurious box of handcrafted pieces or choosing a whimsical figure to delight a loved one, Audrey’s Chocolates makes it effortless to find something that feels both beautiful and delicious.
Available from audreyschocolates.co.uk.
A Festive South African Wine Selection to Elevate the Table
For those looking to bring something a little more distinctive to the festive table this season, these three South African wines offer depth, elegance and food-friendly versatility — perfect for Christmas lunches, winter entertaining and thoughtful gifting.
Vergelegen Estate Red 2022
Rich, complex and beautifully structured, the Vergelegen Estate Red 2022 is a confident choice for those who favour depth and refinement in their reds. In the glass, it shows a deep garnet colour with a youthful ruby rim, hinting at both concentration and ageing potential.
The bouquet is layered and expressive, opening with blackcurrant and ripe plum, followed by crushed spice, subtle notes of plush leather, and well-integrated oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and structured, delivering dark fruit intensity balanced by fine tannins and a savoury edge. The finish is elegant and poised, carrying through the richness of the nose with impressive harmony.
A natural pairing for roast beef or turkey with rich gravy, this is a wine that feels celebratory and assured — ideal for the heart of a festive feast.
Buy from Majestic
Meerlust Chardonnay 2023
Vibrant yet composed, the Meerlust Chardonnay 2023 showcases balance and finesse. Bright and clear in the glass, it displays a pale straw colour with a green-tinged rim, reflecting its youthful freshness.
The nose is elegant and layered, with white peach, apricot and citrus zest, alongside pear and apple. Subtle floral notes sit beautifully with toasted almond, vanilla and a hint of brioche from oak maturation, all underpinned by a clean mineral line. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a creamy texture, lifted by lively acidity. Flavours of lemon curd, nectarine and ripe pear unfold gently, complemented by hints of hazelnut and spice. The oak remains supportive rather than dominant, leading to a long, fresh, slightly nutty finish.
This is a superb partner for roast turkey, duck à l’orange or pork tenderloin, offering enough richness to stand up to festive flavours while remaining beautifully precise.
- Buy from Waitrose Cellar | Selfridges | RAKQ | (v’2022) Fortnum & Mason | Cambridge Wine Merchants | Frontier Fine Wines
Babylonstoren Mourvèdre Rosé 2025
Elegant, fresh and quietly distinctive, the Babylonstoren Mourvèdre Rosé 2025 brings a refined touch to festive starters and lighter dishes. Officially recognised as the Rosé of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, it arrives with both pedigree and charm.
Its delicate pale salmon-pink colour is luminous and inviting, evoking spring gardens even in the depths of winter. Aromatically, it is fragrant and poised, with wild strawberries, rose petals and a whisper of watermelon rind, lifted by subtle citrus notes. The palate is dry, crisp and refined, offering flavours of pomegranate, red berries and gentle spice, finishing with a refreshing mineral lift.
Perfect with prawn cocktail, smoked trout, or salmon blinis with crème fraîche and dill, this rosé adds a touch of brightness and elegance to the start of any festive gathering.
Buy from Waitrose
La Gioiosa Prosecco Rosé Millesimato Brut
Elevate any celebration with the crowd-pleasing effervescence of La Gioiosa Prosecco Rosé Millesimato Brut, a sparkling wine that brings a fresh, lively twist to the classic prosecco category. This rosé expression blends approachability with a sense of festive joy, making it a superb choice for pre-dinner toasts, aperitifs and seasonal gatherings.
In the glass, it dazzles with a delicate pink hue and lively mousse, inviting you in with a sense of brightness and charm. The bouquet offers fresh red fruit notes, harmoniously balanced with crisp citrus and floral lift, creating an aromatic profile that feels both refreshing and refined. On the palate, the wine is crisp, dry and finely poised, with gentle berry flavours and vibrant acidity that carry through to a clean, uplifting finish.
La Gioiosa Prosecco Rosé Millesimato Brut is wonderfully versatile at the table — equally enjoyable with light canapés, seafood starters or simply on its own as part of a celebratory moment. Its lively character and polished structure make it an excellent complement to festive occasions or everyday indulgence.
Available from Waitrose Cellar.
Domaine Bousquet Finca Lalande Malbec
From the foothills of Argentina’s Mendoza Valley, Domaine Bousquet Finca Lalande Malbec is a compelling expression of one of the country’s most celebrated grapes — offering richness, structure and a pleasing balance that makes it both approachable and memorable.
In the glass, this Malbec displays a deep, inviting colour, hinting at concentration and complexity. The bouquet is expressive, with layers of ripe dark fruit — think black cherry and plum — supported by gentle spice and subtle earthiness, characteristic of Mendoza’s high-altitude terroir.
On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and well-structured, with flavours that seamlessly marry dark fruit intensity with refined tannins and a touch of savoury nuance. The finish carries through the fruit with elegant persistence, leaving a lasting impression of both warmth and finesse.
Versatile at the table, Finca Lalande Malbec pairs beautifully with grilled red meats, rich stews or mature cheeses — making it an excellent choice for festive meals or elevated everyday dining alike.
Available from domainebousquet.com. and Waitrose Cellar
Cabolani Prosecco Spumante Brut
Effervescent and refined, the Cabolani Prosecco Spumante Brut captures the lively spirit of Italian sparkling wine with an elegantly balanced profile that works beautifully as an aperitif or alongside light seasonal dishes.
In the glass, this Prosecco displays a bright straw-yellow hue with fine, persistent bubbles that speak to its refreshing character. The bouquet reveals delicate floral notes mingling with hints of fresh orchard fruit, offering a sensation of lift and brightness that sets the tone for what follows.
On the palate, the wine is crisp and dry, with flavours that are both clean and lively — citrus and green apple up front, underpinned by a subtle creaminess in texture that enhances its appeal without heaviness. The finish is clean and refreshing, making this a superb choice for light starters, seafood or simply to toast special moments.
With its approachable style and classic Brut structure, Cabolani Prosecco Spumante Brut is an inviting introduction to Italian sparkling wine — perfect for gifting, celebrations or adding a touch of effervescence to any gathering.
Available from Amazon and cabolani.it.
Champagne Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée
Elegant, expressive and meticulously crafted, Champagne Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée embodies the house’s commitment to precision, balance and the pure joy of fine bubbles. As one of the signatures in the Bruno Paillard range, it offers a beautifully harmonious introduction to the brand’s ethos — where freshness and complexity coexist with effortless style.
In the glass, Première Cuvée shows a delicate golden hue and a fine, persistent bead, hinting at the careful attention paid to each stage of its creation. The bouquet unfolds with enticing notes of white flowers, crisp orchard fruit and citrus zest, supported by subtle brioche and almond nuances that speak to deft ageing on lees.
On the palate, the wine is refined and poised, with a lively yet smooth texture that carries bright fruit flavours alongside elegant mineral undertones. The finish lingers with a clean, refreshing vitality that makes this Champagne a versatile choice for both celebration and pairing at the table.
Perfect as an aperitif or alongside seafood, poultry or festive canapés, Champagne Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée is a thoughtful gift for hosts and a worthy addition to special occasions where finesse and quality matter.
Available from champagnebrunopaillard.com. And from The Champagne Company
Zonin Prosecco DOC Cuvée 1821 Spumante Brut
A quintessential expression of Italian sparkling wine, Zonin Prosecco DOC Cuvée 1821 Spumante Brut brings together crisp freshness and refined effervescence, making it an excellent choice for celebrations, gifting or simply elevating everyday moments.
In the glass, this Prosecco displays a bright straw-yellow hue, setting the stage for its lively character. The bouquet is fresh and inviting, with gentle aromas of citrus, green apple and white flowers that reflect the varietal’s classic profile. Easy-drinking yet elegant, its aromatic clarity makes for an instantly appealing pour.
The palate is dry and crisp, with fine, persistent bubbles that lift flavours of citrus zest and crisp orchard fruit. The balance of refreshing acidity and delicate mousse makes the finish clean and upbeat — a style that feels versatile enough to pair across a range of occasions.
This Spumante Brut works particularly well as an aperitif, but also partners beautifully with light starters such as seafood, sushi or salads — where its vivacious energy complements fresh, delicate flavours.
Zonin Prosecco DOC Cuvée 1821 Spumante Brut is an accessible yet refined expression of classic Prosecco character, ideal for gifting or adding a spirited touch to any gathering.
Available from zonin.co.uk.
