THE
[EDIT] Christmas Edition
Welcome to Crowngate Christmas 2017. Gifts that sparkle
WELCOME
W H AT ’S I N - S TO R E Contents 3 Santa’s coming to town 4 Welcome 5 Santa’s Grotto 5 Elf Workshops 6 Crowngate Kitchen 7-10 Crowngate Advent Calendar 11-21 Crowngate Gift Guide 12-13 Gifts for him 14-15 Gifts for her 16-17 Gifts for the home 18-19 Gifts for teens 20-21 Gifts for toddlers 22-23 Ho-Ho-Hursty’s Christmas 24-25 Crowngate shopping centre map 26-27 Christmas wishlists 28-29 A very Pennell Christmas 30-31 Worcester City events 32-33 Nostalgic gift ideas 34 Park for £1 35 Best Dressed
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S A N TA’S COMING to Crowngate!
November 26th
12.30pm watch Santa arrive Visit Santa and his helpers in his grotto every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December, from 10:30am-4:00pm.
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W e lc o m e to Christmas in Crowngate 2017 Get ready to sparkle this festive season in the heart of Worcester. Crowngate is Worcester’s largest shopping centre comprising 70 retailers in two unique areas, Friary Walk and Chapel Walk.
The shopping centre is equally accessible from two of the city’s busiest streets; High Street and Broad Street. Paired with a safe and secure car park – with 750 parking bays - and the city’s busy bus station.
There are all your trusted high street names and fashion brands in Friary Walk, including New Look, Superdrug, Bon Marche, Vision Express and Mothercare. In Chapel Walk and Unicorn Walk you will find intriguing emerging independents, including Rise Records and Cornucopia, who are sat alongside much loved family favourites and department stores with brands including House of Fraser, Primark, Boots, Jojo Maman Bebe, The Body Shop and Debenhams.
With so much to offer, Christmas with Crowngate is set to sparkle this festive 2017. We’re celebrating 25 years of Crowngate which means 25 years of sharing Christmas with you. So, this festive season, we’ve compiled some extra special gifts to celebrate this important anniversary.
Chapel Walk also offers the Crowngate Kitchen, with a cosmopolitan alfresco dining experience. It has popular restaurant and café brands including, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Carluccio’s, Bill’s, Wildwood and the unmissable independent Coffee Dough. Café favourites Boston Tea Party and Quinn’s in Friary Walk add to the wide choice of eateries across Crowngate.
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As well as some sparkling shopping, there’s lots of exciting things to entertain you and yours. Make sure you are in the good books with our top picks on gifts and be sure to make a note using our wish lists.
We wish you a very merry Christmas 2017. The Crowngate team
W e l c o m e to Christmas in C r o w n gat e Santa’s here! Visit Father Christmas at his Crowngate grotto: Sunday 26 November 2pm-4.30pm Friday 1 December 10:30am-4:00pm Saturday 2 December 10:30am-4:00pm Sunday 3 December 10:30am-4:00pm Friday 8 December 10:30am-4:00pm Saturday 9 December 10:30am-4:00pm Sunday 10 December 10:30am-4:00pm Friday 15 December 10:30am-4:00pm Saturday 16 December 10:30am-4:00pm
Bring the kids to join the fun at our free Elf Workshops taking place in Friary Square from 11-4 on these days: Monday 18 December Write and post letters to Santa Tuesday 19 December Games galore with Santa’s elves! Wednesday 20 December Make gingerbread with our elves Thursday 21 December Storytelling and Christmas colouring with Mrs Claus Friday 22 December Wrap mum and dad’s presents with the elves’ help Saturday 23 December Toy building with our elves Sunday 24 December Design your own Christmas Eve pillow case
Sunday 17 December 10:30am-4:00pm Friday 22 December 10:30am-4:00pm Saturday 23 December 10:30am-4:00pm Sunday 24 December 10:30am-4:00pm
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An eat and enjoy experience in the heart of Worcester City... Eat with Curiosity A vibrant food quarter offering delicious eateries in a unique back drop. This space has taken on a festive feel, to create the perfect place for you to enjoy a truly magical food and drink experience. With well know brands like Carluccio’s, GBK, Wildwood and Bills, we have everyone catered for. Whether you need to stock pile the energy before a full days shopping, take in a lazy brunch while you work through your shopping lists or celebrate with friends and colleagues.
FREE WIFI while you Christmas shop with Crowngate
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The music sounds better with you – see our ‘What’s on’ for our live music line up or take a chance to catch one of our registered buskers and soak up the atmosphere. We will have a DJ Ed Steelefox on Friday 24th November between 5pm and 8pm and live music between 12.30-15.00 from Jamie Knight on Saturday 25th November – book up to avoid disappointment!
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CHRISTMAS IDEAS of how to have a magical December with Crowngate
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1st
5th
9th Climb to the top of the Cathedral for a different view of a festive Worcester.
Decorate together- put on the festive tunes and enjoy putting up the tree.
2nd
Victorian Fayre Immerse yourself in Worcester’s Victorian Fayre with Baileys Hot Chocolate and roasted chestnuts.
3rd Take in an alternative shopping experience with Worcester’s independent stores, then warm up in Crowngate Kitchen.
Make your own this year: Christmas gift tags, made by you, with love.
6th
Warm up chilly cheeks with hot chocolate.
10th Time for a lazy stroll along the river, over Diglis Bridge and round back to Millennium Fountain.
11th Put a hamper of goodies together for a foodie friend.
7th Oohs and ahhs… the magic of Christmas with the Crowngate lights for late night shopping.
4th
Bake cupcakes and cookies with the kids, all the ingredients you need are at Iceland.
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8th Think about others this season… make a donation or give your time to those in need of a friend.
12th Baby’s First Christmas, make it one you’ll never forget.
13th
17th
Feel thankful for the festivities, visit the Christmas trees in the Cloisters at Worcester Cathedral. From 9 December until 4 January
Festive lunch with the family in Crowngate Kitchen..sit back and enjoy the live music as you eat.
Need more family time? Plan a 2018 holiday to make lasting memories.
18th 15
It’s Christmas Jumper day – Get in the festive mood for more than just giggles and help support a charity.
16th
Let’s get the table laid for Christmas lunch. Don’t forget the crackers!
22nd
14th
th
21st
He’s behind you! It’s panto time: Sleeping Beauty at the Swan Theatre, from 4 December until 7 January
19th
Get Christmas all wrapped up with a visit to the Crowngate elf workshops where the kids can gift wrap your presents!
Christmas carols at 6.30pm in Worcester Cathedral – then warm up with festive food and cheer in Crowngate Kitchen.
23rd Put in a last minute wish to Santa… he’s still in his Crowngate grotto!
24th Last minute shopping… stress free in Crowngate until 4.30pm. And then… relax!!!
20th Cosy up with family, friends and your favourite festive film.
Get competitive (but let Mum win!) bring out Monopoly or Trivial Pursuits.
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25th Our gift to you: memories of the Christmas Number Ones you grew up with…since Crowngate was built in 1992. 1992 Whitney Houston, I Will Always Love You 1993 Mr Blobby, Mr Blobby 1994 East 17, Stay Another Day 1995 Michael Jackson, Earth Song 1996 Spice Girls, 2 Become 1 1997 Spice Girls, Too Much 1998 Spice Girls, Goodbye 1999 Westlife, I Have a Dream 2000 Bob the Builder, Can we fix it? 2001 Robbie Williams & Nicole Kidman, Somethin’ Stupid 2002 Girls Aloud, Sound of the Underground 2003 Michael Andrews and Gary Jules, Mad World 2004 Band Aid 20, Do they know it’s Christmas 2005 Shayne Ward, That’s my Goal 2006 Leona Lewis, A Moment Like This 2007 Leon Jackson, When you Believe 2008 Alexandra Burke, Hallelujah 2009 Rage Against the Machine, Killing in the Name 2010 Matt Cardle, When we Collide 2011 Military Wives with Gareth Malone, Wherever you Are 2012 the Justice Collective, He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother 2013 Sam Bailey, Skyscraper 2014 Ben Haenow, Something I Need 2015 Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Choir, A Bridge over You 2016 Clean Bandit featuring Sean Paul and Anne-Marie, Rockabye
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SHOP WITH CURIOSITY Inspired ideas from our Christmas Edit to give the gift of sparkle in 2017. We have done the hard work for you... effortless, thoughtful, unique shopping in Crowngate for brighter, bolder, brilliant gift choices.
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F OR A
It’s never been easier to shop for him. From luxe or foodie treats to clothes and on-trend accessories. Give him something special under the tree.
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Debenhams, Rocha John Rocha luxury leather holdall £170, Rise, The world of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones book £25, Cornucopia, Catsete London men’s wash bag £23.95, New Look Man Borg denim jacket £39.99, Animal, Odyssey men’s jacket £189.99, Primark, men’s t-shirt £8, Cornucopia, Ted Baker brogue hip flash £43.75, Ice, Tom Hope bracelet for men £39.00, House of Fraser Emporio Armani Luigi smart watch £259
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Unwrap the magic of Christmas with our top picks for her: a gorgeous selection that glisten with glamour and style. She’s a show-stopper and deserves to sparkle.
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House of Fraser, Mint Velvet, Beaded detail pompom hat £39 and matching beaded detail pompom scarf £59, Warren James, Rachael Sterling Silver Diamond Flash Cubic Zirconia Cluster Ring £19, Phase Eight, Katy necklace in silver £29, House of Fraser, Fiorelli Mia tan casual grab bag £65, Boots, YSL Shock Mascara Set £23, Debenhams, Principles Ben de Lisi bright pink coat £99, Debenhams, Primark, Harry Potter pyjama top £10, Coast Luella faux fur scarf £59.00, House of Fraser, Gabrielle de Chanel, 50ml eau de parfum £79, House of Fraser, Warehouse, deer woodland dress, £49
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F OR A
Deck the home with boughs of holly. Dress your castle with some festive treats sure to impress.
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House of Fraser, Biba Royale decanter £40, Debenhams Karlsson - Marble Delight gold white wall clock £43, Gift Company, Forget the Dog Beware of the Kids Doormat £5, Debenhams, Costa - Pack of two ‘Costa’ latte glasses £16, Cornucopia, Buddy cork screw £12.95, Cornucopia, Cozy Living Grape cushion £39.95, House of Fraser, Nespresso Inissia coffee machine £59.99, Rise, NUMARK Touring record player £65
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GIFTS FIT FOR
yo u r
Millenials
From gadgets to accessories and teen toys, give gifts that will get a smile from even the coolest kids.
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Animal, Turtle Shell 2.0 Boombox £79.99, House of Fraser, Barbour saltburn backpack £79.95, HMV, Beats Solo 3 Wireless Gold Headphones £209.99, House of Fraser, Skagen mens or ladies smart watch £175 each, Two Seasons, Vans Old Skool £52, Cornucopia, Katie Loxton Ta-Dah bag £16.99, Hawkins Bazaar, X5HC drone with camera £59.99, Newlook, Pink Iridescent Lightbox £14.99, Debenhams, Marvin’s Amazing Magic Tricks £30, The Works, VR headset £7, Hawkins Bazaar, unicorn nail dryer £10
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GIFTS FIT R LI T T L E FO
Angels
Spoil your little angels with clothes for cuddling and toys to feed their imagination.
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Mothercare, Teletubbies shuffle and giggle Ping £25, Jojo Maman Bebe, Elephant comforter £10, Mothercare, Little Bird by Jools Oliver £16, Mothercare, Rudolph Slipper Sock £9, Debenhams, Vtech Crazy Colours torch £13, Jojo Maman Bebe, 5 pack Woodland Finger puppets £18, Rise, Mog, the Forgetful Cat, £6, The Works, The Peter Rabbit library £15
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You’ll know his voice – local radio presenter Richard Hurst, known to us all as Hursty, has just moved to his own weekday show with the Home Run and recently he shared with us his favourite Christmas traditions! What does Christmas mean to you? – how does it normally play out… I still turn into a big kid and I don’t care who judges me for it! The truth is, in October I’m already on the look out for pubs with the fire going, when the various local markets are then what date we’re going to put the tree up (which I always get shot down on and ends up being in early December!) Then December comes, I’ve not bought any presents, decs or planned any Christmas nights out and then before you know it, the final week is here and it’s almost all over...and you make that promise that you’ll stop and take it all more next year...and repeat above.
What’s your favourite Christmas memory? That’s a tough one...I always used to enjoy taking an empty Saturday in early December to decorate my room when I was a kid. It’s up there with Christmas Eve when mum and dad would be running around the house preparing for a party whilst I sat and chilled with all the films on telly sippin’ on coke and popping a few Quality Street (or Roses, or Celebrations in later years) Is there a special place you visit in Worcester at Christmas that feels really festive? The Cathedral on Christmas Eve is awesome... but the King Charles on New Street is equally festive! It just feels like the hidden cosy country pub you find in the middle of nowhere but then you step outside and you’re in town. The beams, the beer and the log fire tick so many boxes for me. If they could set up a pop up in the Cathedral, then dreams really would come true! What has been your best ever Christmas present? LEGO – I was always happy with anything lego, but then I also got bored very quickly as a kid...my poor parents Favourite Christmas food? Pigs in blankets – have to be bought in bulk to eat WHILST cooking the dinner (normally not me cooking the dinner, just come in to nick a P.I.B. and run back into the lounge!)
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Best Christmas movie (s)? Home Alone either 1 or 2...probably 2 as its New York and until I get to go there for Christmas, it’s the closest I can get. Favourite family Christmas tradition? Christmas Eve or Christmas morning drinks round someone’s house. It always happens when I go home for the festive period... open door policy for a strict couple of hours so everyone can go home and cook/eat. Favourite place to eat and drink in Worcester? Bills never fail to offer up something that little bit different that always sounds incredible. There have been occasions where we’ve never got past starters as we couldn’t decide so just ended up having a few. Why not? Do you believe in Santa…… What!? Who doesn’t! Look, let’s be realistic... there is no way anyone can do all that work in one night...health and safety just wouldn’t allow it. I know that man who visits on the train around the centre is the real one, no doubting that. I reckon on the night, he’s got a few of those drones you get in House of Fraser to spread the load, whilst he makes a few token appearances on a few rooftops. Smart guy!
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S TO R E GUIDE Shop with curiosity Crafts & Stationery -
Crowngate Kitchen -
Entertainment Huntingdon Hall
Fashion - Children Debenhams House of Fraser Jojo Maman Bébé Mothercare Primark
Animal Bonmarché Debenhams Gerry Weber House of Fraser New Look Phase Eight Primark Two Seasons
Health & Beauty The Body Shop Boots Debenhams House of Fraser Superdrug
Homeware -
Cornucopia Debenhams House of Fraser
Opticians -
Vision Express
Services -
Crowngate Physiotherapy DIAL Randstad Shopmobility Waves Car Wash
Shoes & Accessories Claire’s Debenhams House of Fraser Ice Fine Jewellery New Look Primark Warren James
Toys & Games -
Early Learning Centre - Mothercare Hawkins Bazaar
Travel -
Eurochange Thomson Virgin Holidays
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ER END CAL LUB C
S
Fashion - Women
Iceland
MA RIST CH THE SHOP
Animal Debenhams Gaudet Luce House of Fraser New Look Primark Two Seasons
Groceries -
UNDER OFFER
S MA RIST CH THE SHOP
Fashion - Men
A Write Card Calender Club Cornucopia Flowers of Worcester Gift Company Hawkins Bazaar HMV Little Card Co Retro Signs Rise Records Sundance The Christmas Shop
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Bill’s Boston Tea Party The Café at Debenhams Café Zest Carluccio’s Coffee Dough Gourmet Burger Kitchen Quinn’s Wildwood
Gifts, Music & Cards -
E TRE AD S BRO
Rags Ryman Smiggle Spa Books The Works
HIGH STREET
GAUDET LUCE
SPA BOOKS
RETRO SIGNS
A L S O AVA I L A B L E O N BA N K H O L I DA Y S
CE
SUNDAN
CARD
THE CHRISTMAS SHOP
A WRITE
PARK FOR £1 £1
A L L DA Y S U N DA Y and
E V E R Y DA Y AFTER 5PM
Free wi-fi available throughout Crowngate
f r i a r y wa l k c h a p e l wa l k
Winner of a safer parking award
u n i c o r n wa l k C R O W N GAT E K I T C H E N
City centre parking available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
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WISH UPON A S TA R and drop some festive hints. Give Santa a nudge with these Christmas lists.
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Shop 1.
Gift
For
Gift
For
Gift
For
2. 3. 4. 5.
Shop 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Shop 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
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Chris Pennell is one of Worcestershire’s leading sporting figures as captain of the Worcester Warriors. We meet Chris to find out more about how he, his wife Joanna and their two young children celebrate Christmas.
My uncle used to own a pub down in Essex that he would close over Christmas and the whole family would descend. They were superb Christmases for me and thinking about it, for the adults having a lock-in every year was probably quite good fun too. Joey’s father was a big Christmas fan and he used to deck out their family home like some kind of Winter Wonderland for her Brothers and Sister.
What does Christmas mean to you? – how does it normally play out…
Is there a special place you visit in Worcester at Christmas that feels really festive?
As a couple we used to have fairly mixed views on Christmas. I come from the whole big family Christmases whereas Joey was always keen to have a quiet one with a Chinese takeaway! Since the kids though (Harla, 4 and Tristan, 1) I’ve managed to soften her up and we’re now keen to put our own stamp on things and make some really fun memories as a family. Having kids has definitely brought back that childhood excitement for us both.
For the last few years we’ve walked the length of the high street up to the Cathedral to see all the lights. There’s a decent amount of effort that goes in to make the whole city centre look festive. I think Harla might be a bit warmer towards Father Christmas in Crown Gate this year now she knows his opinion is important!
Usually we’re up early of course. Bacon sarnies for breakfast and we try and put off the present opening until after 7am. We’ve been over to my Mum’s for Christmas lunch the last few years which has been great, excellent food, very little stress for us...
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What’s your favourite Christmas memory?
What has been your best ever Christmas present? I’m hoping this year might be the best. This season our Christmas fixture is on the 22nd against London Irish so there’s a good chance I’ll get a few days off either side. Joey is holding out for a puppy however Santa doesn’t think she’s been good enough this year.
Favourite Christmas food? I’m a huge fan of turkey. Never have it enough throughout the year but with a blob of cranberry, it’s a dream! Joey is a sucker for pigs in blankets however I’m not supposed to have those. It’s a real test of will power that I usually fail. Best Christmas movie(s)? We’re in agreement it’s not Christmas without Home Alone. It’s just awesome on so many levels and we both grew up with it every year. Also, Elf and The Grinch are favourites. Favourite family Christmas tradition? We were both lucky as kids to hang stockings at the end of the bed and by Christmas morning they’d be full. Our kids have inherited this miracle too, satsuma, nuts, chocolate coins and all. Favourite place to eat and drink in Worcester? We’re spoiled for choice these days! Of course we love Wayland’s Yard. Also we go to Bill’s and Carluccio’s quite a bit. Breakfast out as a family is a common event, usually nice and early before town gets busy. Do you believe in Santa… Of course, I know him!
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W e lc o m e to Christmas 2017 in Wo r c e s t e r City Join the festive fun in the heart of Worcester NOVEMBER
15 NOVEMBER
18
NOVEMBER
23
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Ballet Theatre UK presents The Nutcracker, Swan Theatre, 7.30pm, www.worcesterlive.co.uk Worcester Cathedral, Durufle Requiem Performed by Worcester Festival Choral Society, Saturday 18 November, 7.30pm www.ticketsource.co.uk/wfcs Christmas light switch on Hosted by BBC Hereford & Worcester in aid of Children In Need, starts 4pm, lights on at 6pm Guildhall www.worcesterbid.com
NOVEMBER
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Father Christmas, very cool arrival fun for all the family starts on the high street at 12.30pm www.crowngate.net 2pm - Santa is in his grotto and will be every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from December 1st up to and including December 24th between 10.30-4pm
NOVEMBER
30 NOVEMBER
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Christmas Fayre 30 November - 3 December www.worcestercitymarkets.co.uk
DECEMBER
2 DECEMBER
4
DECEMBER
7 DECEMBER
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Small Business Saturday Worcester city centre www.worcesterbid.com Sleeping Beauty 4th December - 7th January The Swan Theatre, Worcester www.worcesterlive.co.uk The Hive Lantern Parade www.thehiveworcester.org Worcester Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival www.worcestercathedral.co.uk
Worcester Cathedral Christmas Fayre 30 November - 3 December www.worcestercathedral.co.uk
Bring the kids to join the fun at our free Elf Workshops taking place in Friary Square from 11-4 on these days:
Thursday 21 December Storytelling and Christmas colouring with Mrs Claus
Monday 18 December Write and post letters to Santa
Friday 22 December Wrap mum and dad’s presents with the elves’ help
Tuesday 19 December Games galore with Santa’s elves!
Saturday 23 December Toy building with our elves
Wednesday 20 December Make gingerbread with our elves
Sunday 24 December Design your own Christmas Eve pillow case
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Over the 25 years of Crowngate, trends have change. These nostalgic picks are back in style and back in the shops for Christmas 2017. Cornucopia
HMV
746 retro classic telephone £55
Box set Only Fools and Horses, the Complete Collection £34.99
Retro Sign Co
Classic Le Mans sign £15 Rise
Numark Portable Turntable £70 DEBENHAMS
Christmas retro sweet mix £9.50 Boots
Blockbusters Game £12.50
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Hawkins Bazaar
Retro space hopper £15 Hawkins Bazaar
Original Top Trumps £5 JoJo Maman Bebe
Le Toy Van, wooden London Bus £50
St Richard’s Hospice Christmas tree
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PA R K F O R
£1
EASTERN EUROPE’S COOLEST CITIES
A L L DA Y FO R B OX I N G DA Y SA L E S Don’t wor ry about the mess & eat in our Kitchen
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BEST DRESSED Stylish tables, dressed to impress! Eat drink and be merry with family and loved ones with your festive feast. It’s as much about your picture perfect table plan as your instagrammable food! Here’s our handy hacks for a pinterest worthy spread. White and silver with a touch of green look stunning on a Christmas table. Start off with white crockery, add some metallic accessories (try glittery Christmas baubles) and even cut some greenery from the garden. Add a simple strip of fabric as a table runner this will add colour and warmth without the clutter of a full table cloth. A stylish table needs depth – build layered levels with a striking centrepiece: candles of different heights, a festive flower arrangement or a cake stand filled with coloured baubles. Pick up tiny wooden pegs in The Works and attach a hand written name cards to each guest’s wine glass or champagne flute.
Include best glasses, crockery, cutlery, and serving dishes and ensure they are clean and sparkling! As you’ve worked hard enough, allow guests to serve themselves, layer the crockery at each place setting with a decorative plate, and top with a cracker! For added wow factor, present each guest with a tiny table gift, wrapped up on their empty layered plate setting. Add a napkin tied with a piece of foliage from the garden or folded into their wine glass. Creating homemade place settings adds a welcoming, personal touch. Get the kids to make name place cookies which they can ice themselves, wrap up in cellophane and tie with pretty ribbons. Or create a cool yule personalised name setting with a hand written card tucked into pine cones. And when all is said and done, have a very merry festive feast!
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