Ok, ok, I know we are in July. But for this post, can we
ignore the season and just pretend that it’s Christmas? Last week, I headed to
London for an exciting press day; Waitrose Christmas. The sun was blazing and
it was the week of the hottest weather on record, but I found myself surrounded
by Christmas trees, desserts and turkey and it was just wonderful:

I wasn’t quite sure when to publish this post, as it does
seems ridiculously early to be thinking about Christmas. Press days are
traditionally for newspapers and magazines who are starting to put together
their winter features now. With the rise of blogging which is so ‘in the moment’
and quick to publish, it almost felt like I should hold this post back for a
few months. However I wanted to talk about the range whilst it was fresh in my
mind and I had already shared some snaps on Instagram, so as long as you aren’t
all glaring at me for mentioning Christmas already, I’m going to carry on!

I genuinely love Waitrose, despite how middle class that
may make me, and I was excited to see some of my favourite products featured for
Christmas this year. Heston’s Earl Grey and Lemon gin is a firm favourite of
mine and I also finally got the chance to try the Cherry Bakewell Vodka which I
have been eyeing up in stores. A vodka combined with cherries and amaretto, we
were served the spirit as an espresso martini with iced coffee and chocolate liquor and the coffee
really brought out the sweet chocolate tones to the drink. It was something
which I would never have thought of combining, but worked amazingly well – a theme
which was evident throughout all the range.

Waitrose’s big Christmas product this year is the ‘Signature
Spice.’ Expertly blended and balanced, this spice is to be sold as a pot to
cook with or a bag for mulling. After struggling to find an affordable mulling
kit last year, this version is under £2 and I will definitely be stocking up on this genius idea.
Sipsmith, one of my favourite gin brands, were also there and had made use of
this mulling bag to create a mulled gin. Who would have thought of hot gin?
Apparently it was popular during the London ‘big freeze’ when Londoners warmed
themselves on hot gin and ginger cake and Sipsmith have taken inspiration from
this to combine the Signature spice with cloudy apple and some sloe gin. It was
delicious, even on a hot day, and I will definitely be recreating it in the
cooler months. The Signature Spice will also be available in various cakes,
biscuits and chocolates. It was even offered as part of a Greek yoghurt, which
was topped with spiced biscuit – another example of an unusual pairing which
actually worked perfectly as a healthier, alternative Christmas breakfast.

Heston’s range of course made an appearance and you can now
buy everything you might need for Christmas dinner with a Blumenthal twist. I
was also pleasantly surprised to see that the gluten free range had been
expanded. I’m not gluten free myself but after trying two different types of
turkey and stuffing, I genuinely couldn’t tell which one was the gluten free
option; great news for anyone with a wheat intolerance this Christmas. There
are some fabulous party ranges if you are looking for to get social and the
gift range is also impressive. Waitrose seems to be slowly developing their own
homeware and accessories separate to John Lewis and I can see myself picking up
a couple of decorations whilst shopping this Christmas, especially as Christmas
tree decorations start from just £1.

I’m excited for the Waitrose Christmas range to hit
stores and already planning some fun recipes to create and share for Christmas
2015. Does this feel too early? Perhaps – but I couldn’t wait to share it with
you!