The owners of this period home in Glasgow bought the property long distance from London, knowing they wanted a good-sized family house within the catchment area of a good school.

‘My dad showed us around on Facetime and we immediately knew we wanted it,’ says the owner. ‘It was in need of renovation but we were very happy to undertake a project and we didn’t want to live with someone else’s taste. It felt less wasteful to buy something in relatively poor condition.’

Exterior

Image credit: Future/ Douglas Gibb

While wanting to update their home, the couple also wished to preserve the existing period features. Adding some Art Nouveau and Art Deco hints and touches, including gold edging and repeated organic motifs.

Glasgow is steeped in the influence of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the couple were inspired by his love of natural forms and his elegant, unmistakable sense of proportion. Beautiful light switches and carefully colour-coordinated bookshelves highlight the couple’s attention to detail.

Hallway

Image credit: Future/ Douglas Gibb

Right from the get-go the bold hallway colour scheme gives you a sense of the braveness with which this family home is decorated.

Kitchen

Image credit: Future/ Douglas Gibb 

‘The house hadn’t been altered since the 1970s. The renovations we wanted to make took about a year and a half, and included a new extended kitchen across the back of the house.’

‘We got the messiest jobs done first and focused on creating a fun home and space for the children,’ says the owner.

Dining area

The owners approach to decorating her home is bold and deeply instinctive, ‘I choose wallpapers as additional artworks for my home.’ The leaf motif wallpaper connects inside and outside perfectly.’ 

The high ceiling gives this wallpapered feature wall idea even more impact.

Living room

Image credit: Future/ Douglas Gibb

The brooding dark living room colour scheme creates an ambient atmosphere, ideal for cosy nights in. The dark painted walls are soften and contrasted beautifully by the jewel tones of the mustard accent colours.

Image credit: Future/ Douglas Gibb

Touches of metallic brass and velvet mustards welcome a warmth to the dark colour scheme. Colour coordinated books also enhance the look.

Master bedroom

Image credit: Future/ Douglas Gibb

A captivating patterned wallpaper sets the scene in the master bedroom. Providing the perfect backdrop for this show-stopping blue velvet, button-back headboard that commands attention.

Bedroom

Image credit: Future/ Douglas Gibb

As with the rest of the house, vibrant colours and patterns bring warmth and character to the attic bedroom. The beautiful Christian Lacroix bedroom wallpaper idea makes a bold statement. Enhanced by navy blue low level walls and white ceilings, to ensure the wallpaper stands out.

Bathroom

Image credit: Future/ Douglas Gibb

This stylish new bathroom was part of the renovations. The owner chose a traditional style of sanitaryware, beautifully complemented by peacock coloured metro tiles. 

Garden

Image credit: Douglas Gibb

The south-facing garden, had a stand-alone garage they could convert into a recording studio, which made it a must-have for the creative couple. They created this stylish sunken patio area, featuring bottle green tiles. It serves as an outside room almost all year round. 

Feature originally written by Alison Gibb.

The post Bold colours combined with patterns create drama in this period Glasgow home appeared first on Ideal Home.

Even as we all return to leaving our houses more often, there’s not one of us who isn’t looking for more ways to keep our homes safe and secure. With smart home devices now becoming more affordable and commonplace, families are seeking more control over how they monitor comings and goings as well as any unwanted visitors who may come around.

This can easily be done with the best security cameras, whether they’re standalone, part of a larger system (for more on this check out our guide to the best video doorbells) or even built-in to a home security system.

Huge improvements in the reliability of Wi-Fi as well as a near-universal adoption of smartphones mean that high-quality, app-controlled, noise and motion-sensitive wireless cameras can be set up at home with just a few clicks. Once up and running, these smart devices will remotely alert you to unusual activity inside and outside of the house – depending on where you have your camera or cameras set up.

They can also be linked to other smart products around the home including Alexa or Google Home speakers so that, for example, if motion is detected by the front door, connected lights or sirens can be activated automatically.

We’ve looked at some of the best security cameras on offer right now to help you choose the right one for your home. Scroll down to see what we thought, as well as for more advice on what to look out for.

The best security cameras 2021

1. Ring Spotlight Cam

Best security camera overall

Credit: Ring

Power: Wireless
Resolution: 1080p
Two-way audio? Yes
Extras: LED spotlight, siren
Dimensions: 15.2 x 2 x 16.5cm

Reasons to buy

• Siren and spotlight included
• Brilliant 1080p video
• User-friendly app

Reasons to avoid

• More expensive than competitors
• Battery will need recharging

Top of the pack is the Ring Spotlight Cam, which is completely wireless and includes both an LED spotlight and an in-built alarm for additional security coverage. Like Ring’s other products including its doorbells, you can use the camera’s two-way audio to communicate safely with someone outside, and you’ll receive an alert when motion is detected.

The 110dB siren can be activated from your chosen device and serves as both a warning to your household and neighbours and a deterrent for unwanted visitors. All of this plus live view (available on your phone, tablet or PC) are included with the camera, and you can choose to pay for a Ring Protect Plan if you want to record, re-watch and share footage that’s been captured.

Ideal Home rating: 5 out of 5 stars

2. Ezviz C6CN

Best budget security camera

Credit: Ezviz

Power: Wireless
Resolution: 1080p
Two-way audio? Yes
Extras: Privacy shutter
Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 8.7cm
Weight: 2.6kg

The cheapest security camera on our list, the Ezviz C6CN offers brilliant value for money. Like more expensive models, the camera can be used with the Ezviz app on a smartphone to view footage in real-time and, with 360-degree motion tracking, you’re unlikely to miss anything important. Motion detection will send you alerts when the camera senses movement, even taking a snapshot of the event for viewing at your leisure.

Those concerned about their camera constantly watching will also be pleased with the C6CN’s privacy shutter, which gives you the power to pick and choose when your camera needs to be operational. Two-way audio means you can communicate with whoever is around even when you’re away from the house. All in all, the C6CN is a bargain.

Ideal Home rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

3. Ezviz C6N

Best budget security camera (runner-up)

Credit: Ezviz

Power: Wired
Resolution: 1080p
Two-way audio? Yes
Extras: Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT
Dimensions: 8.8 x 8.8 x 11.9cm
Weight: 4.7kg

Reasons to buy

• Smart home compatible
• Sleep mode
• Affordable price tag

Reasons to avoid

• No wireless option

A smarter alternative to the entry above, the Ezviz C6N can connect your security solutions to Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT for more interactive monitoring. The camera boasts a 360-degree Pan & Tilt function and automatic motion tracking, as well as the ability to access live view through the Ezviz app on your phone.

As with other Ezviz cameras, you will receive an alert when motion is sensed, and a snapshot will be captured for a better idea of whether it was triggered by a genuine intruder or your furry friend wandering somewhere they shouldn’t be. If that happens, two-way audio means you can speak with the culprit from wherever you are.

Ideal Home rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

4. Netatmo Welcome

Best complete security system camera

Credit: Netatmo

Power: Wireless
Resolution: 1080p
Two-way audio? Yes
Extras: Compatible with Alexa
Dimensions: 4.5 x 4.5 x 15.5cm
Weight: 7.3kg

Reasons to buy

• Lovely design
• Local storage
• Can be hooked up to a wider home security system

Reasons to avoid

• Tricky to find a good placement

The standout feature of this cute cylindrical design is the ability to identify faces, not just react to noise and motion. As a result, you can be told precisely when the kids get in from school, whether they’ve come back with ‘new’ friends and even text you when the cleaner shows up. And unlike Nest and others, face recognition comes as standard.

The face detection technology isn’t flawless but it is reliable once it sees a face a few times; for instance, you would need to identify yourself with and without glasses via the app. You can set the camera to only record strange faces, so you don’t feel spied upon once you’re all home.

Full HD 1080p video quality is great even in low light and thanks to the 8GB MicroSD card included you can store a week’s worth of content without the need for a cloud subscription.

It’s a reliable system with features unavailable elsewhere, and the design is stylish, but unless you have a shelf or sideboard in a very prominent position in the hallway or living room, finding the perfect location for it to track faces accurately is tricky. A wall mount would earn this camera a test-winning five stars.

Ideal Home rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

5. Ezviz C3A Smart Security Camera

Best wireless outdoor security camera

Credit: Ezviz

Power: Wireless
Resolution: 1080p
Two-way audio? Yes
Extras: Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
Dimensions: 21.5 x 11.8 x 13cm
Weight: 3kg

Our favourite wireless security camera, the Ezviz C3A battery cam is a bite-size option that’s easy to mount to your home wherever it will capture the most action. It’s completely weatherproof so can be used both indoors and outdoors, and the fact that it’s battery-powered means you have far more choice about where you place it.

Two-way audio and a wide 126-degree field of view are both present and correct, and full HD 1080p video and effective night vision ensure you’ll be able to see everything you need to. You can also connect the C3A to your Google Home or Alexa, making it even easier to protect your home from unwanted guests.

Ideal Home rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

6. Hive View

Best stylish security camera

Credit: Hive

Power: Wireless or wired
Resolution: 1080p
Two-way audio? Yes
Extras: Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT
Dimensions: 13.7 x 8.8 x 8.8cm
Weight: 1.8kg

Reasons to buy:

• Available in silver or bronze
• Can be used wireless or wired

Designed by the hugely respected Yves Behar, Hive View is a stylish little camera. You can choose from black and brushed copper or white and champagne gold – it doesn’t exactly scream CCTV!

It can be mounted just about anywhere and the dinky 56mm cube can even be removed and used remotely for up to an hour. I had no issues with setting up and adjusting settings is straightforward. It took a while to get the sensitivity levels on the alerts right, but it’s worth persevering to avoid false alarms.

You can choose to ignore pets and just focus on people, and you get 24 hours of cloud recording for free, so you can look back over the day’s events without a subscription. If however, you have a particularly amusing pet you can upgrade for £3.99 per month and download any hilarious clips.

Likewise, you can also save clips of your house being burgled, or your partner stealing your chocolate, and they’re stored on the cloud for 30-days.

Since we last reviewed the Hive the app has had a complete overhaul. The camera is now compatible with the other products in the Hive range – you can improve home security by turning lights on in the house if the sensor is activated – and the app now comes with all the useful push alerts, motion notifications and sound detection we would expect.

Ideal Home rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Are security cameras worth it?

Credit: Ring

From a security point of view, an app-controlled security camera means you can now catch an intruder and – thanks to high definition cameras with night vision – have evidence for the police, while also being able to call 999 instead of simply scaring the baddies off with an old-fashioned alarm.

Wireless security cameras are useful if you need to keep an eye on both the young or elderly. The smartest Wi-Fi cameras can now recognise faces and alert you when a specific person gets home – from school, for instance. Just being able to log on and check that an elderly relative is home safe, or that their carer has been in, can offer genuine peace of mind.

Doorbell cameras are also helping us to cope with our insatiable appetite for online shopping. Receiving an instant message when someone comes to the front door and being able to talk to the courier through your smartphone will diminish the need to waste time collecting parcels in the post office.

And then there’s Fido to think of, stuck at home all day with only the sofa to chew on. With a new Wi-Fi camera, you can watch your pets in action, and if you choose a model with a built-in microphone you can even yell at them to get off the sofa.

How much should I spend on a wireless security camera?

At the cheapest end of the market, you’ll find plenty of Wi-Fi cameras costing around £70-100, but the flagship brands such as Nest, Hive and Logitech can cost between £150-300 per camera. These generally have the best image quality and most useful features.

Logitech, Netgear and Blink, to name just three, also sell multiple camera bundles which can help reduce costs, but if you want to cover your house – front and back doors, in the living room, office and nursery, maybe the garage – you will need to budget at least £600.

The great thing about smart home kits is that, unlike the old fashioned wired CCTV systems, being wireless means you can simply add on components as and when you like.

What are the key features of a wireless security camera?

• Motion sensors – If someone walks in front of your Wi-Fi camera it will instantly start recording and send an alert to your smartphone. With more advanced wireless security cameras you can choose where in a room (and how far from the lens) it senses motion
• Noise sensors – Like motion, these listen for extremes in sound before alerting you, such as breaking glass. This isn’t available on all wireless security cameras.
• HD Camera – The vast majority of Wi-Fi security cameras offer 720p HD resolution, which is perfectly acceptable for most needs, but cameras with 1080p HD will have sharper images and smoother video.
• Lens – Look for the widest possible lens angle to ensure your security camera covers as much of the room as possible. Most are around 120-150° but some 180° models are available. By the end of the year, we expect to see 360° cameras that can view an entire room from one point.
• Outdoor use – The majority of Wi-Fi cameras are designed for indoor use, but brands have started to develop all-weather designs with long-lasting batteries that can be mounted on the outside of buildings and offer another layer of home security. As with traditional security systems, just having a camera can be deterrent enough to the opportunistic burglar.
• Night Vision – An essential if you’re using the camera outside, with infrared LEDs they can pick out surprising levels of detail, even in (almost) pitch black.
• 2-Way Communication – With a built-in microphone and speakers these wireless security cameras allow you to talk – or shout – via your smartphone. Essential if you’re installing it by the front door and want to chat with any visitors.
• Smartphone App – All ‘smart’ gadgets come with an app that gives you total control and quick access to the live camera and alerts. The best brands also offer compatibility with other devices – Nest, for instance, has thermostats, smoke alarms and other cameras, plus cross-brand compatibility with smart lighting and locks.
• Power – Mains powered wireless security cameras can often have more sophisticated features as battery life isn’t an issue, but you will have to hide more cables. Battery operated cameras are increasingly popular as you can install them anywhere. Some can last for years, but it’s more typical for them to last a few weeks, so you’ll need to remember to charge them (the app will warn you when it’s time).

What other questions do I need to ask about Wi-Fi cameras?

• Do I need voice control? Some Wi-Fi security cameras now work using voice-control systems, so you can simply say “set the alarm” or “is the front door locked?” If you’ve invested in Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant-enabled products, it’s a nice feature that will only improve as time goes on.
• Do security cameras need Wi-Fi? If you have a large house your security cameras may struggle to connect to the Wi-Fi, especially if mounted outside. If you suffer from regular drop-outs in coverage it might be wise to buy a Wi-Fi extender from a brand like TP-Link.
• How many wireless security cameras do I need? To cover every inch of your home you’ll need at least four cameras, but that’s not always necessary. A single well-located camera in the hallway will capture everyone coming in the front door.
• Do security cameras deter crime? If synched to a siren your wireless security camera will definitely spook unwanted visitors, but being mainly silent they’re better at catching intruders in the act. Outdoor and doorbell cameras are especially good at identifying opportunistic villains before they act.
• Should I stick to one brand of smart home kit?  Sadly, there’s still not one universal language allowing smart lights, cameras, thermostats and fridges to all work happily together, which makes the argument for choosing one brand stronger, particularly as they can all be controlled using just one app. Apple users might want to look for HomeKit compatible products that, regardless of brand, can all be accessed through the Home app on their iPhone.
• Are security cameras an invasion of privacy? There have been stories in the news about computer hackers being able to access your smart home products and watch you through your cameras, but in reality, as with anything involving the internet, if you choose a decent password, have anti-virus software and use common sense when opening attachments on the e-mail you shouldn’t be at risk. If you or your family are concerned about being recorded at home you can set up many smart Wi-Fi cameras to turn off at those times you’re at home, some come with lens covers to guarantee nobody can record you, while others use your phone’s GPS to track your locations and turn off when you get home.
• What about wireless security camera subscription services? Although all the Wi-Fi security cameras we’ve tested come with some free features – and a certain amount of memory for video and pictures, either saved on SD cards or in the cloud – to get the best features you generally have to pay extra. Costing from £2.99 to £7.99 per month, these subscription services allow you to save between 14 and 31 days’ worth of video, meaning you never miss an important alert. Subscriptions can also upgrade the camera, adding extra features such as face recognition, as well as offering discounts on other ‘smart’ products. Paying extra might be a good investment if you’re creating a dedicated home security system, but for casual use, it might be better to stick with the standard features or choose a brand like Blink or Netatmo that don’t charge extra.

What is the best security camera?

We rate the Ring Video Doorbell as the best security camera to buy right now. The Netatmo Welcome is our top pick for those with children and teens at home.

How we test our security cameras

Chris Haslam is one of the leading technology journalists in the UK, with two decades of experience. He has installed all of the leading wireless security cameras in his own home, and tested them out over weeks and months, getting the whole family involved – including the dog! This is key, as many cameras have pet modes, so he’s been able to give them truly thorough reviews.

Chris has set up hundreds of smart home products over the years, so he is an excellent judge of how easy – or tricky – these products are to install. And as a former Ideal Home staff member, he knows which cameras will truly work for you, day to day.

The post Best security camera – the top wired and wireless cameras for better home security appeared first on Ideal Home.

Colour experts have revealed the paint tones to steer clear of in the heart of the home. Getting a new kitchen – or even updating it – can feel overwhelming.

So it’s good to rule a few things out from the get-go when thinking of kitchen ideas. According to colour psychologist Lee Chambers, brown and dark grey paint has no place in the kitchen.

Image credit: Cult Furniture

Unless you’re lucky enough to have a huge open-plan space complete with kitchen island, your kitchen is bound to be more petite than you’d like. Often a relatively compact room, it’s still got to meet the demands of everyday life.

The colour to never paint your kitchen

Smart small kitchen ideas will make it a practical area to prepare food and have a debrief of the day. Because kitchens are often small, Lee says that dark greys and browns aren’t ideal. They could ‘make a space feel colder and less inviting,’ he says.

He says that while this may go against trends, they might make cooking and hanging out in the kitchen less appealing. Lee comments that the kitchen is a ‘space where cleanliness is paramount,’ and ‘these colours are synonymous with dirt and a lack of sterility.’

Image credit: Future PLC

Although brown and grey are both considered to have a grounding quality, they can also induce an element of sadness. The colour psychologist goes on to say that grey and brown could even ‘blunt the creativity of your cooking and socialising.’

‘It is also worth considering the opposite,’ he adds. If you do get stressed and on edge while preparing a big meal, the intensity of a bright and bold colour might be too much, leaving you irritated and overwhelmed, he says.

So, whether choosing the colour of your kitchen cabinets or walls, what should you go for? ‘My advice is to go for a lighter, warmer tone that opens up the space, feels welcoming and creates a social ambience that complements all the uses of the space,’ says Lee.

Image credit: Future Plc

Lick’s Head Colourist and Interiors Expert, Natasha Bradley advises clients to stay away from blue in their kitchens. ‘Blue is a known appetite suppressor, as there are very few foods that are naturally blue.

‘Even blueberries are purple, meaning it’s not a colour that your mind associates with eating,’ says Natasha. Like Lee, she also warns against using dark greys because they can be cold and unwelcoming.

A soft pink, or green – or even a warm white – would work brilliantly.

The post This is the colour to never paint your kitchen, according to colour psychologists appeared first on Ideal Home.

Looking for Christmas gifts for foodies? You’ve come to the right place, because we’ve been trying out some of the top gadgets and edible treats for food lovers to bring you our complete roundup. With 25 options including foodie stocking-fillers and generously lavish gadgets, you’ll be able to find a Christmas gift for the food lover in your life with our guide.

Perhaps you want to buy your dad something a little boozy, or treat your chocolate-loving partner. Or, you could be stuck in a rut trying to find the perfect gift for the office secret Santa. Food-themed gifts are a great place to start, because not only are they suitable for everyone, but they come at the right time of year for guilt-free indulgence. Find our top 20 Christmas gifts for foodies below. 

Kitchen gadgets for foodies

Always Pan

Any foodie will be sure to recognise the Always Pan from Instagram, and this versatile and stylish frying pan has amassed a cult following since its launch in the UK this year. It comes in a range of delightful colours, from a bright and vibrant red to the newest colour, a muted blue called Blanch. The quality of the non-stick is outstanding, and it’s so pretty they’ll never want to put it in the cupboard. 

Always Pan, £125, Our Place

KitchenAid mixer

Image credit: KitchenAid

It wouldn’t be a foodie gift guide without mentioning the iconic KitchenAid Artisan. One of the best stand mixers on the market, it’s available in a range of colours, including this limited edition light and shadow combo exclusively at the KitchenAid side. This is the ultimate gift for serious home cooks and those who fancy themselves worthy of a spot in next year’s Bakeoff tent. 

Smeg citrus juicer

Elevating your brunch game just got easier thanks to the Smeg citrus juicer. It’s delightfully simple to use and a really stunning piece of kit that’s easy to clean, too. Just press down your citrus on the dishwasher-safe reamer to get every last piece of juice from your fresh oranges, perfect for baking or simply drinking a fresh glass of OJ for some morning indulgence. It’s one of the best juicers we’ve tried. 

Ooni Karu 12 Pizza Oven

The Ooni Karu 12 is a mid-price pizza oven from the sell-out brand that becomes impossible to get hold of each and every summer. That’s why it makes the perfect Christmas present for foodies, because while you won’t be able to break it out on Boxing Day, you’d be surprised at how easy it is to use in even early spring. This wood-fired pizza oven is currently our top picks of the best pizza ovens, and if your foodie friend fancies themselves a bit of a pizzaiolo, there is no better gift. 

Ooni Karu 12, £299, Ooni.com

Samuel Groves Cast Iron Double Handle Skillet

Sometimes the best gift is something they’d use every single day, making it worth a real investment. Samuel Groves is made in the UK and used by chefs such as Tom Kerridge. The quality is outstanding, and this cast iron skillet is certainly display-worthy. We love taking it from stovetop to the oven, perfect for charring. 

Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser

‘Tis the season for a hot glass of cocoa, and Hotel Chocolat’s Velvetiser is perfect for making luxurious drinks all year long. A far cry from powdered chocolate, you can use shavings of authentic quality chocolate in the Velvetiser. Simply add a milk of your choice. Choose between copper, white, and charcoal colours for a range of kitchen designs, you can also use it as one of the best milk frothers. 

Meater Plus

BBQ lovers and picky carnivores will enjoy the smart, app-compatible Meater thermometer. It can be used to monitor the internal temperature of any meat as it cooks, so whether they like their steak cooked to a very specific medium-rare, or they enjoy making elaborate feasts on the best BBQ, this gadget is guaranteed to get used all year round. 

Stocking fillers for foodies

Warner’s Christmas Cake Gin

Made with dried orange, nutmeg, and cherries, this gin has all the notes of a fruity Christmas pudding. It’s syrupy and sweet, perfect for drinking neat or topped up with your tonic of choice, but be warned, it’s deceptively strong! 

Warner’s Christmas Cake Gin, £38, Amazon

Lily O’Brien’s Desserts Collection

Those with a sweet tooth will love the variety of dessert-themed flavours in the Lily O’Brien’s Desserts Collection. It has everything from Banoffee Pie to Passionfruit Posset, but our favourite has to be the Hazlenut Torte, which has the perfect balance of sweetness and deep chocolatey flavours. 

Kocktail The Christmas Collection

Bringing bespoke and interesting drinks to your door (or more specifically, your letterbox) is Kocktail’s drink subscription. You can buy one-offs as gifts, and we think this Christmas Collection is the perfect tipple for a Christmas evening drink. The four flavours include Orange and Cranberry Spritz, Mulled Wine Hi-Ball, Gingerbread Espresso Martini, and a Winter Spiced Negroni. A brilliant boozy stocking filler for those who take cocktails seriously. 

Kocktail Christmas Collection, £29, Kocktail

Foodie gifts for home chefs

Robert Welch Signature Cookbook/Tablet Stand

Every foodie will recognise the iconic Robert Welch logo as soon as they open the box, and the Robert Welch Signature Cookbook/Tablet Stand is a perfect choice for those who love to cook and have an ever-growing pile of cookbooks in the kitchen. It slots together effortlessly and is sturdy enough to support even the heftiest books. For under £30, we also think it’s a deceptively affordable gift from a brand that’s known for quality. 

Tala Mixing Bowl

Many baking lovers will already have a Tala mixing bowl in their kitchen, but if they don’t, it’s an essential that’s guaranteed to get years of use. Newly available in fun pastel colours, and with an iconic patterned exterior that’s recognisable across celebrity chef kitchens, don’t be surprised if it’s used to bake next year’s Christmas pudding! 

Tastesmiths Personalised Fresh Curry Kit Gift Box

With recipe cards for easy cooking and all the spice blends and fresh spices you need to make the perfect curry, the Tastesmiths box offers everything you need to make six curries and will keep you going into the new year. Perfect for leftovers! Our favourite was the goan fish curry, which was perfectly balanced. 

Little Cooks Co Baking Subscription

You can be a foodie at any age, and the Little Cooks Co Baking Subscription is designed to cater to the budding baker in your family. The recipes are designed to be tasty but use high-quality, organic and natural ingredients. The recipes are kid-friendly and every ingredient is pre-packaged in the perfect quantity to save measuring and focus on the fun stuff. Mum and Dad will love snacking on the end result, too.

Baking Subscription, starting at £12.99 per month, Little Cooks Co

Cookbook and Ingredients Set from Sous Chef

Sous Chef is the home of restaurant-quality ingredients for serious foodies. They sell everything from high-quality flour to cookware, but their top gift for the festive season is their selection of cookbook sets. We tried out the Nigella Cook, Eat, Repeat set, which included the cookbook, a drawstring bag, and a range of high-quality ingredients that feature in the cookbook itself. This makes it really easy to get stuck into the recipes, and whether you opt for the Pizza Pilgrims set or Ottolenghi’s new Test Kitchen option, there’s bound to be a cookbook set your foodie friend doesn’t already have. 

Sous Chef Cookbook Sets, £39.99-£59.99 at Sous Chef

Christmas hampers for foodies

Hampers.com Luxury Family Christmas Hamper

There’s something for everyone in the Hampers.com Luxury Family Christmas Hamper. We loved the mince pies and the gingerbread caramel spread, and those with less of a sweet tooth will get through the delicious pork rillette in no time. With prosecco, port, red wine, and ale, this is also a brilliant boozy option for unwinding after Christmas dinner.

Luxury Family Christmas Hamper, £185, Hampers.com

Classic Wensleydale Hamper

Cheese-lovers will adore the Classic Wensleydale Hamper. Each cheese brings a different and interesting flavour to the perfect cheeseboard, and the pickle pairs perfectly. Lovers of a strong cheese will get through the Wensleydale Blue in no time at all, and when you’re finish with the cheese you should dig in to the rich Cockett’s Bakery Wensleydale Fruit Cake, which is absolutely packed with delicious dried fruit. It’s also amazing value for such high-quality cheese.

Classic Wensleydale Hamper, £35, Wensleydale Creamery

Dukeshill It’s A Wonderful life Hamper

Famous for holding the Royal Warrant to the Queen for their cured hams, it doesn’t get much more luxurious than a Dukeshill hamper. The ham is truly divine (after all, if it’s good enough for the Queen, it’s good enough for us!) and the cheese and Boxing Day chutney will be a brilliant addition to any cheeseboard. The Parmesan & Pistachio Sablés are particularly moreish.

It’s A Wonderful Life Hamper, £150, Dukeshill

Love Cocoa For Her Chocolate Gift Box

Wash down Christmas dinner with the Love Cocoa For Her Chocolate Gift Box. It comes with four fascinating chocolate bars (we particularly loved the sea salt dark chocolate) and the dipped roasted almonds are perfect for snacking. Made by James Cadbury, the great-great-grandson of John Cadbury, the chocolate is climate-positive and comes in sustainable packaging.

For Her Chocolate Gift Box, £37.50, Love Cocoa

Borough Market Vegan Christmas Hamper

Vegans will love the Borough Market Vegan Christmas Hamper. It comes in a reusable Borough Market bag and has animal-free favourites from some of the most popular stalls. We were blown away by the Sea Salt Brownies from Free From Bakehouse, and the Salsa Macha from Padre is perfect for dipping. You can also opt to add vegan wine from Bianca Mora.

Vegan Christmas Hamper, Borough market, £57.50 

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