Tesco Magazine Big Book Of Christmas November 2025

PERFECT GIFTS SEASONAL DRINKS DECS & DINEWARE FESTIVE FASHION

CHRISTMAS WRAPPED UP

Get your glad rags on, party season has arrived! We’ve got you covered with gifts for the host, drinks for raising a toast and sparkling tableware to give your festive food the wow-factor. ‘Sleigh’ Christmas shopping with cashmere scarves, the perfect PJs or party games that’ll bring the family together. You’ll also find glittering ideas to deck the halls (bows are big this season) and the softest throws for snuggling up on the sofa. Put your feet up, pour some fizz and have a flick through this guide… and don’t forget to subtly circle the things you’d love Santa to bring you!

WHAT’S INSIDE…

5 DECORATIONS

Pick your baubles, bows, garlands and glow-ups

17 GIFTS

Perfect presents for all of your favourite people

33 DINE

Glitzy glassware and plates for parties

41 PARTY

Cocktails, the LBD and festive jumpers

GIVE ME MORE!

Scan this QR code to find loads of gifts, decs and home accessories for everyone from the online-only sellers at Tesco Marketplace.

D e c s Decs

MIX AND MATCH

Dial up your decs collection with a few new pieces you’ll cherish for years to come

BRIGHT IDEAS

From lights to candles, we show you how to add festive sparkle to your home

Candy Cane Sweets Decoration Set, £1.50; Candy Cane Baubles 34-pack, £7

#SOFASCAPING

Yes, really. Cosying up with cushions and throws is the latest seasonal trend

Bayswood Luxury Garland 1.8m, £15; Firework String Lights, £10; Warm White Lights, £9; Tarnished Gold Baubles 4-pack, £8; Icy Baubles 4-pack, £8; Neutral Baubles 100-pack, £15; Christmas Workshop Glass Tree Bauble, £3.50; F&F Home Small Pillar Candle, £1.75; F&F Home Medium Pillar Candle, £2.75

JUST ADD…

…a few new statement decorations to your existing collection for festive magic

BRANCH OUT

Update a simple garland with a fresh string of lights and themed decorations –welovethefir-treelook–and drape over a mantle for a chic focal point with drama.

TAKE A BOW

Statement bows are in, so tap into the trend by swapping out your usual star or angel topper for something big and beautiful. It’llmakeyourscheme feel brand new even if the bow is the only thing you’ve bought this year.

FESTIVE FLOURISH

Give your cutest decs standoutwiththischarmlikedecoridea,belowright. Perfect for hanging on door handles around the house.

Top right Bayswood Velvet Bow, £8; Cinnamon Stick Decoration, £1.50; Flocked Bauble Assortment, £1.50; Wine Marble-effect Bauble, £2.50; Bayswood Beaded Snowflake, £2.50; Warm White Lights, £9

Right Candy Cane Hanging Decorations 6-pack, £2; Bayswood Gingerbread Treats Assortment, £3.50

GIVE ME MORE!

Scan this QR code to find further decoration ideas.

CHOOSE YOUR CHARACTER! Time to rewrite the Christmas decor rules? Style up your tree with cute cotton candy, hang hot sauce from a garland, or tuck T-rex into a wreath for instant festive joy.

TIME FOR A GLOW-UP

Layer your lighting scheme with illuminating designs on every level

Fairy lights on the tree are a given, but there are plenty of ways to give your whole home a glow. Create cosy spaces with candlelight, and team ficker with fragrance for an immersive festive feel. Pre-lit decs like the silver tree, left, are easy to move around and bring sparkle to dark corners. An enchanted staircase decorated with fairy lights is a lovely way to get kids excited for bedtime.

Far top left White Twig LED Tree, £9; Bayswood Bow Hanging Assortment, £1.50; Candlelight Wooden Reindeer, £6

Top left Candlelight Ceramic Tree Hurricane, £12

Bottom left Winter Frost Star Candle 200g, £7; Cinnamon & Amber Star Diffuser 150ml, £7, both F&F Home

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Sticking to walls without leaving marks, these clever limited-edition hooks are perfect for hanging stockings and more. Command DamageFree Hanging Medium Hooks 2-pack, £15

ALL THE FEELS

Cosy meets chic with these luxe-to-touch cushions and throws

Winter layering isn’t just for your wardrobe. Mix and match cushions in sumptuous textures and rich colours for a sofa fit for film night. The tree detail on the forest green fur throw adds a subtle festive touch, or choose plain burgundy for an on-trend accessory that’ll see you through winter. Extra points for twinkling decorations.

Top right Chocolate Washed Cotton Cushion, £8; Cosy Faux Fur Cushion, £10; Tarnished Gold Baubles 4-pack, £8; Icy Baubles 4-pack, £8

Bottom right Candlelight Concrete Vase, £18; F&F Home Green Faux Fur Throw, £26; F&F Home Burgundy Faux Fur Throw, £28

GET INTO THE FESTIVE SPIRIT

Is there anything cosier than putting on Christmas music and sipping festive drinks while decorating the tree? There’s something for everyone here

MALTED MILK HOT CHOCOLATE

Serves 4 Takes 10 mins

Whisk 150g caramelised biscuit spread with 100ml milk until fully combined. Transfer to a saucepan and whisk in 700ml more milk. Warm over a medium heat for 5 mins, scraping the bottom frequently with a rubber spatula, until steaming hot; do not boil. Divide among 4 heatproof glasses or mugs. Whisk 200ml whipping cream in a bowl for 30-60 secs until

thick enough to hold its shape. Gently dollop or pipe the cream on top of the drinks. Roughly chop 1 milk chocolate malted milk biscuit and sprinkle over the whipped cream. Serve with more biscuits on the side, if you like* Each serving contains

Tesco Finest The Melodist Gin

70cl, £21** (£30/ltr), is made with five botanicals, serving notes of juniper, coriander seed and angelica with yuzu and green tea. 1 unit per 25ml serve

CITRUS SPICED MULLED GIN

Serves 4 Takes 15 mins plus infusing 1.1 units per drink

Cut 4 thin rounds from 1 small orange and set aside to garnish. Use a peeler to remove the zest from the rest of the orange, avoiding the bitter white pith. Place the zest in a lidded saucepan with 700ml cloudy apple juice, 1 star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 cloves and a 6cm piece fresh ginger, scrubbed and sliced. Cover and set over a low heat and gently warm for at least 30 mins or up to 2 hrs; do not boil. Divide 100ml Tesco Finest The Melodist Gin among 4 heatproof glasses. Strain the mulled apple juice between the glasses, discarding the aromatics. Garnish with the reserved orange rounds and 4 more star anise.

Each serving contains

Jose Cuervo Tradicional Blanco

Tequila 70cl, £27.50** (£39.29/ltr)

Smooth and sweet, this famous tequila is perfect for mixing into modern cocktails. 1 unit per 25ml serve

TEQUILA SHERRY TWIST

Serves 2 Takes 5 mins 1.9 units per drink

Put 50ml Jose Cuervo Tradicional Blanco Tequila, 100ml medium-dry sherry, ½ tsp grapefruit or Angostura bitters or fresh grapefruit juice (optional) and 2 tsp sugar syrup*** in a cocktail shaker with 2 big handfuls of ice. Shake for 10 secs, until the outside of the shaker is frosted. Strain into sherry glasses. Garnish with grapefruit zest

Each serving contains

G i f t s Gifts

PRESENT PERFECT

Give just the right pressie to just the right person with our ultimate gift guide

WRAP STARS

From paper and ribbon to bags and tags, we’ve got your presents covered (literally)

BOTTLES BEAUTIFUL

Fancy spirits, posh bubbles – bestow these bottles made for gifting

JET-SETTER

The world is their oyster with these travel-inspired gifts, from global food to globetrotting accessories

Clockwise from top right Chilli Sauce Selection, £12; World’s Smallest Vacuum, £5; F&F Cashmere Hat & Scarf, £15; Key Finder, £5; The Delicious Deli Tasting Selection, £10; Blue Sky Penguin Handwarmers, £3; F&F Home Wash Bag, £15; Paperchase Ultimate Bucket List Journal, £12; Bubble Tea Gift Set, £7

GIVE ME MORE! Scan this QR code to find further gift ideas.

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Gift a bottle of this premium-aged port and suggest serving it with the cheeseboard.

Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage Port, £18*

1 unit per 50ml serve

HOST WITH THE MOST

Thank them with cute cookware, barware that’ll make hosting a breeze and premium drinks to match

JOY SEEKER

Little rays of sunshine for the glass-half-full person

Clockwise from top F&F Pyjamas, £18 (adult), £10 (kids); Kir Royale Set, £15; Make Your Own Cheese Set, £8.50; Paperchase Hot Sauce Hanging Decoration, £7; Tech Cleaning Set, £4

GIVE ME MORE!

Scan this QR code to fnd further gift ideas.

COOL CHRISTMAS

Cue difficult-to-buyfor dads, or aunts with everything: these gifts will raise a smile

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Matured in ex-sherry and bourbon casks, this unpeated 12-year-old single malt whisky is rich and full-bodied with flavours of vanilla and caramel. Delish. Bunnahabhain

12 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

70cl, £45.50* (£65/ltr).

1.2 units per 25ml serve

DEEP SLEEPER

Sweet dreams are made of this bundle of sleep treats, including cooling PJs in a satin finish

DEAR

SANTA

Find fun for all the family with these novelty gifts, decs and Christmassy treats

F&F and F&F Home are available to shop in the majority of larger Tesco stores, with selected lines available online via Tesco.com Paperchase products available in selected stores and online. *Alcohol prices exclude Express stores and may differ in Scotland and Wales. Products available in selected stores

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Apothic Red Blend 75cl, £10*, is a smooth Californian red wine that serves up notes of rich red fruit with hints of vanilla and mocha. It’s got a snazzy label to boot too. 1.7 units per 125ml serve

Clockwise from left F&F Alpaca & Wool Blend Jumper, £35; F&F Bra, £16; F&F Knickers, £7; F&F Home Cinnamon & Amber Candle, £12; Bayswood Wreath, £15; F&F Home Purse & Scrunchie Set, £6

LUXE LOVER

A little luxury goes a long way with these chic homeware, fashion and drinks ideas

Mix and match wrap designs for a properly festive feel

Clockwise from above Candy Cane Gift Wrap Set 3-pack, £5; Green Velvet Ribbon, £2; Striped Gift Wrap, part of Candy Cane Extra Wide Gift Wrap Set, £6; Stars Ribbon, £1.50; Gingerbread Tags 5-pack, 50p; Reindeer Gift Wrap, £1.50; Red Velvet Ribbon, £2; Glitter Ribbon Assortment, £1; Town Houses Gift Wrap, £2.75; Gingerbread House Gift Bag, £1.25

WRAPPERS’ DELIGHT

Make the outside as exciting as the gift inside with joyful wrap and tags to match

SANTA’S BEEN!

Jewel-bright boxes under the tree are always a sight to behold. Whether you relish wrapping presents or need a hand just locating the sticky tape, you can’t go wrong with these gorgeous papers. Pick a gift bag for awkward shapes, finish presents with velvet ribbons and don’t forget to add matching gift tags.

SENT WITH LOVE

Handwritten cards are something to cherish, and these cute designs are no exception. Pick a card that’s a bit of them!

Top, clockwise from top left Bows 2-pack, £3; Tissue Pack, £3; Bottle Bag, £3; Medium Gift Bag, £3; Shredded Tissue Pack, £2; Large Gift Bag, £4; Christmas Roll Wrap 3-pack, £8; Small Gift Bag, £2.50; Geo Roll Tags, £2.50

Bottom right Cats Cards

6-pack, £5; Kawaii Cards 6-pack, £5; Geo Cards 6-pack, £6

All from Paperchase

WRAP AND BE MERRY

Put the kids to bed, turn up the Christmas playlist and pour yourself a mocktail, it’s time to get wrapping.

SAGE-THINKING MOCKTAIL

Serves 4 Takes 10 mins plus infusing

Put 150g caster sugar in a saucepan with 200ml water. Place over a medium-high heat and bring to the boil, then cook for 5 mins, stirring occasionally, to fully dissolve the sugar. Add 5g fresh sage leaves and boil for 1 min, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and set aside for 1 hr to infuse. Strain to

remove the leaves. Pour 2 tbsp sage syrup into each glass and top up each with 100ml grapefruit juice and 100ml Mediterranean tonic. Garnish with fresh sage leaves to serve.

SERIOUSLY SPECIAL

From spirits in fancy packaging to awardwinning Champagne, these are the bottles to bestow this year…

DOWN UNDER

Whether in a G&T or with a flavoured soda, this Australian gin mixes well. It’s made from native botanicals with notes of fresh citrus, cardamom and a zing of ginger. Papa Salt Coastal Gin 70cl, £39.50 (£56.43/ltr) 1.1 units per 25ml serve

FIZZ-TASTIC

Made from quality Chardonnay grapes, aged in the cellar and made only in the best years, this vintage fizz bubbles over with ripe citrus flavours. Tesco Finest Vintage Champagne 75cl, £32 1.6 units per 125ml serve

OFF THE SCALES

No fewer than 10 botanicals, including rock samphire, are in this Isle of Wight gin. The result? Smooth flavours of lemon zest and a hint of sea air. Mermaid Gin 70cl, £39 (£55.71/ltr) 2.2 units per 50ml serve

Simple but elegant gift ideas that are perfect for the host

WEE DRAM

Whisky connoisseurs will appreciate a bottle of this singlemalt variety. It’s finished in Madeira wine casks for a rich, elegant sweetness.

Penderyn Single Malt

Welsh Whisky

Madeira Finish 70cl, £41 (£58.57/ltr). 1.2 units per 25ml serve

F&F Home is available to shop in the majority of larger Tesco stores, with selected lines available online via Tesco.com

ELEVATED ENTERTAINING

From serveware to styling, here’s how to put on a show this season

WINING & DINING

Whether perfect pairings or brilliant bottles, consider this your Christmas wish list

MAGICAL MOMENTS

Carve out ‘me time’ in the hustle and bustle of Christmas

Left Bow Napkin Ring, £6; Napkins 2-pack, £4; Turin Green Plate, part of 12-piece set, £23; Mabel Cream Plate, part of a 12-piece set, £40. Below Cavendish 16-piece Cutlery Set, £14; Gold Star Platter, £12. All items F&F Home

TABLE TALK

Add some sparkle with statement dineware and thoughtful styling

SPINNING PLATES

Mix and match crockery in whites, golds and greens for a joyful but modern look. We love the simple star detail on these platters, bowls and glasses for bringing a hint of Christmas sparkle, enhanced with muted gold touches on cutlery and accessories. Plus, guests will love the understated design of these textured-rimmed plates that’ll fit happily in your home beyond the festive season.

HELP YOURSELF

Bring out a beautiful platter for serving arguably one of the best bits about Christmas: the cheese. This elegant board, right, is good enough to gift, and comes with its own cheese knives in a gorgeous gold colour.

Top right Soho Wine Glass 4-pack, £10; Cheeseboard Serving Set, £15. Right Gold Star Bowl, £8; Mabel Cream Plates, part of a 12-piece set, £40. All F&F Home

TIME TO WINE AND DINE

From bubbles and blinis to Cabernet and cheese, here are four of the best pairings to toast with this Christmas and beyond…

BEST WITH CANAPÉS

The zesty, fruity and nutty flavours of this English sparkling wine cut through rich canapés like salmon blinis and sausage rolls to bring out the best of both.

Kingscote Sparkling Brut, £18. 1.4 units per 125ml serve l s o K B p

BEST WITH DESSERT

Dry, with lip-smacking notes of stone fruits and vanilla oak, this Chardonnay is perfect with festive desserts. Its rich character mirrors the sweet flavours of buttery, vanilla or toasted puddings. Tesco Finest Brooks Road Chardonnay, £15. 1.6 units per 125ml serve

BEST WITH TURKEY

Swap your usual white or red for rosé to pair with turkey this year. The lightness of this Sancerre complements the lean meat, while its freshness won’t overwhelm the delicate flavours of the bird. Tesco Finest Sancerre Rosé, £16. 1.6 units per 125ml serve

BEST WITH CHEESE

Pair the elegant yet powerful flavour of this classic Barolo with the equally punchy tastes of a classic cheeseboard. Its bright acidity cuts through rich varieties such as Gouda and Roquefort. Tesco Finest Barolo, £21. 1.8 units per 125ml serve

DRINKS CABINET

From aperitifs to digestifs that’ll round out dinner, we’ve curated the only festive drinks you need, including a trending cocktail that’ll get everyone talking!

Bushmills 12 Year

Old Irish Whiskey 70cl, £40 (£57.14/ltr), is a single malt aged in sherry casks and bourbon barrels for at least 12 years before maturing in marsala casks for another six months for a smooth and warming tipple. Enjoy neat or over ice.

SERVE IDEA Mix with soda water, a squeeze of lemon and lots of ice for a wintery highball. 1 unit per 25ml serve

TOMATO & CAPER MARTINI

Serves 2 Takes 10 mins 1.9 units per drink

Place 8 halved baby plum or cherry tomatoes in a cocktail shaker with 6 capers and 2 pinches of sugar. Muddle for 30 secs until very pulpy. Add 100ml Tesco Imperial Vodka, 2 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp caper brine and 2 large handfuls of ice. Shake for 1 min. Place a cocktail strainer on the shaker, then pour the mixture into Martini glasses, frst setting a fne-mesh tea strainer over them to catch any tomato bits. Garnish with cherry tomatoes, lemon zest twists and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper, if you like.

Whether mixed into festive cocktails or enjoyed neat over ice, Glen Moray Classic Speyside

Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl, £24.50 (£35/ltr), is a smooth single malt distilled and matured in Speyside. Expect rich notes of vanilla, toffee and just a touch of spice.

SERVE IDEA Pour a measure into a flute with a sugar cube and a dash of bitters; top with fizz and an orange twist. 1 unit per 25ml serve

CAFÉ CULTURE

Whether it’s taking a moment for yourself during the hustle and bustle of Christmas, or simply finishing your meal with a flourish, make it special with a beautiful cafetière and mugs to match. Just add florentines for a chic festive touch.

P a r t y Party

RAISE A GLASS

From bubbles to beer, here are our top pre-drinks to serve up this season

BEST-DRESSED Sparkle and shine this year with fashion that takes you from day to night

FESTIVE FUN

Which Christmas jumper are you? Rock the one that brings you festive joy

DRESS TO IMPRESS

Getting ready is just as exciting as going out with these sparkling outfits

Go from desk to dance floor with a few standout pieces. This faux fur coat looks just as luxurious draped over a tee and jeans as it does wrapped around a dress. And the metal detail on this handbag makes it all the more special. A classic tux is a wardrobe staple, and for kids’ fashion, stick to fun clothes in which they can move about freely. This party dress is simply bow-tiful!

Top right Faux Fur Jacket, £59.50 Bottom right Metal Detail Handbag, £16. Both F&F

GIVE ME MORE! Scan this QR code to find more F&F fashion online.

TURN UP THE GLAMOUR

Level up your LBD with monochrome detail and silky fabric in a fattering length. Breakfast at Tiffany’s vibes…

JUMPER WEATHER

Pick a fun festive jumper to reflect your personality, from reindeer to Christmas stars. Wear them loud and proud!

BREAK THE ICE

From a classic beer to a brand-new cocktail, here are some simple serves to try

Style up a trayscape on a side table with glasses, spirits, mixers, garnishes and lots of ice for guests to serve themselves drinks

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Originally from the Italian Alps, this floral and fruity beer serves up complex, malty flavours that taste just as good on their own as they do with snacks. Sure to evoke winter sun! Menabrea Italian Alpine Birra 4 x 440ml, £6.50 (£3.69/ltr). 2.1 units per 440ml serve

TREND SPOT

Forgo the traditional cheese and wine combination after a festive meal and serve up a Mediterranean-style aperitivo board laden with breadsticks, charcuterie, burrata, olives, pecorino, nuts and more before the main event instead.

PAIR WITH…

Serve nibbles with an Italian beer such as the one above, to bring out the best flavours and textures of each. Make the moment Instagrammable by displaying everything on a rustic wooden board in the centre of the table, then invite everyone to dig in. Saluti!

Sweet aromas and sharp flavours combine in this warming rhubarb and gin liqueur. Enjoy straight-up, or mixed with sparkling wine for a seasonal wintery spritz. Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb & Ginger Liqueur 50cl, £17 (£34/ltr). 0.5 units per 25ml serve

RHUBARB RUDOLPH FIZZ

Serves 4 Takes 5 mins 2.2 units per drink

Made to a 220-year-old recipe, this sweet and delicate tequila uses 100% blue agave harvested with traditional farming methods. 1800 Blanco Tequila 70cl, £32.50 (£46.43/ltr) 0.95 units per 25ml serve

PEAR TREE

Serves 4 Takes 5 mins 1 unit per drink

Juice 2 lemons. Thinly slice ½ a pear lengthways and brush with a little lemon juice to stop them browning. Put the seeds from ¼ of a vanilla pod into a blender with 1 peeled, cored and chopped ripe pear, the remaining lemon juice, ¼ tsp ground cinnamon and 1 tbsp clear honey; purée until very smooth. Divide the purée among tumblers, add 25ml 1800 Blanco Tequila to each glass and top up each one with 50ml sparkling water or tonic water. Garnish with the reserved pear slices and 1 vanilla pod per glass (see picture on previous page). Stir to serve. Each serving contains

This light, crisp iconic cider from County Tipperary has been made to the same recipe since 1935, using apples grown by over 100 Irish farmers. Magners Original Irish Cider 10 x 440ml, £10.50 (£2.39/ltr) 2 units per 440ml serve

TREND SPOT

Cider is stepping into the spotlight this season. Lovers of fine wine and craft beer will also appreciate its foodworthy, year-round appeal – it’s not just a summer tipple. From draught and flavoured to alcohol-free, the range of ciders are tickling our tastebuds – and some can even be served with festive classics.

In a large jug, mix 200ml Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb & Ginger Liqueur, 400ml pomegranate juice drink and 400ml sparkling rosé wine (we used Cava). Put ice cubes in 4 coupe glasses, then divide the cocktail between them. Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds, if you like. Each serving contains

PAIR WITH…

Match a crisp, sparkling apple cider, such as the one above, with cheese, sides or charcuterie to cut through the richness of the food. Better still, cider won’t overwhelm lighter bites such as turkey and will act as a palate-cleanser between seasonal courses.