be inspired
Christmas 2021
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Your Privilege Card Magazine
MAKE CHRISTMAS MAGICAL Stunning displays designed to sparkle
INSPIRING GIFT IDEAS
Great gifts for all the family
COOK UP A TREAT
Recipe inspiration for the big day
Welcome
Whoever said that staying in is the new going out definitely got it right. This year more than ever has been a time when people have stayed at home, but chosen to make the most of their own environment, with gardening and home improvements featuring high on the agenda. Of course, Christmas has always centred on the home, so now is the perfect time to take advantage of all your hard work and enhance it with beautiful decorations. Far be it from me to put thoughts in your head, but I’m certain that after a visit to Bents you’ll be brimming with new ideas and inspiration for a magical Christmas Our team has worked extremely hard, under some challenging circumstances, to ensure Christmas 2021 is as spectacular as ever and we’re confident you’ll love it. We’re hugely proud of everyone who has helped make it a reality and we hope you’ll enjoy visiting us very soon. On behalf of the wider Bent family and all our colleagues we’d like to thank you for your fantastic support throughout the past 18 months and we hope you have a wonderful festive break.
Matthew Bent Managing Director
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B E N TS CH AR I TY O F TH E Y E AR
Contents Extended opening hours Page 03
Make Christmas Magical Be inspired by our spectacular Christmas scenes and decorations.
We’ve extended our opening hours til 9pm* for the festive season... - Beat the busy crowds - Enjoy stress-free shopping - Free parking - Choice of dining destinations Whether it’s Christmas shopping, winter shrubs or autumnal goods, shop late and make it magical at Bents.
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Christmas Lighting
We have the perfect set of lights for indoor or outdoor.
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Top Festive Tips
Top decorating tips from our Christmas design team.
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Reserve Wines
*Please note this does not include the 15th, 22nd and 29th of November as the store closes at 5.30pm for our exclusive Monday Evening Shopping Experience.
Festive drinks and cocktails, perfect for your Christmas get-togethers.
Visit bents.co.uk for more information.
Gift ideas for all the members of the family, including the furry ones.
The Charity of the Year for Bents 2021 is Solving Kids’ Cancer, not only does this effect so many children in the UK, but it is personally close to our hearts at Bents, with Brian Daniels, our Financial Director, losing his beautiful great niece Jossie to neuroblastoma cancer. Melanie Sykes, our senior buyer, was also affected after the loss of her godson Reggie to this same tragic illness earlier this year. The charity is a small charity so every amount helps them to do more research on this horrific cancer that affects so many families. We have already raised over £40,000 at our annual charity ball which is fantastic but any amount you can donate via our till collection points or text BENTSBUTTERFLY to 70085 to donate £3 now!
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Great Gift Ideas
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Christmas Decorations
Amazing decorations to make your Christmas sparkle.
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Real Trees
Top tips of how to choose your real Christmas tree.
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Christmas Recipes
Why not cook up something different this year. Recipes from Honeywells.
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Dress the Table
Impress your guests this Christmas with our range of festive tableware.
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CHRISTMAS THEMES
Make Christmas Magical
Everybody has one little weakness and ours is most definitely Christmas!
Our passion for statement themes and fresh fashion ideas results in an experience like no other and this year’s Christmas display marries style and exclusivity with brilliant basics and complementary products. Here we introduce a few of our favourites from our 2021 showcase...
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CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS
Homestead
Soft greens and lush forest ferns have been combined for a thoroughly enchanting and captivating display. Frosty whites and a little touch of magical magenta complete its whimsical appeal.
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CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS
So Scrumptious
Fans of Willy Wonka and his famous chocolate factory will love the sweetness of this delicious display packed full of donuts, cupcakes and candy stripes, all in a feast of bright and sparkly colours.
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CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS
So Good Together
Oozing romance with a beautiful combination of white, gold and silver decorations. Featuring soft feathers and love hearts it provides the perfect setting for a winter wedding.
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CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS
Grandma’s Kitchen
Red and white decorations set the scene for a welcoming and homely display which is bursting with love, festive flavours and all the ingredients reminiscent of Grandma’s Kitchen.
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CHRISTMAS LIGHTING
Christmas Lighting Our love affair with lights continues.
By dedicating more room and creating easy-to-shop displays, our range of lighting really makes an impact with stunning combinations to make your garden and home even more magical.
The Snowman 55cm £69.99
The Snowdog 31cm £39.99
Outdoor Skiing Snowman 85cm £249.00
Outdoor Pyramid 118cm £59.99
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EXPERT TIPS
Top Christmas Tips
Christmas at Bents is a labour of love; with a huge emphasis on the word love. We thrive at this time of year and want to share our passion with others. Discover our top tips for creating…
...the perfect wreath or garland 1. Fluff First, fluff out and straighten the branches of your selected garland to ensure a fuller appearance. 2. Add Lights (If not pre-lit) Start from the centre of the garland with the middle of the string of lights and work outwards. Switch the lights on to check they are evenly adjusted. 3. Add Decorations Add baubles, floristry picks and bows of your choice to bring your garland to life. Ensure that your decorations are in proportion to your garland.
...your perfect home How to dress your stairs Decide what you would like to adorn your banister. Examples include a dressed garland, cluster lights, bows etc. Fill the garland with netting, ribbons and bows (options depend on the look you want to achieve). Attach with wire. How to dress your mantelpiece Many items can be used to adorn your mantelpiece, from a garland, to Christmas figures, to light up twigs. Ensure the arrangement covers the size of the mantelpiece. Add fillers of lights, decorations and fresh foliage where applicable. How to dress your front door Wreaths are always a winner! To make one which suits your door, choose a plain green wreath and add fillers to compliment the colour theme of your home. Hang using a door hook. How to dress your table & chairs Ensure you have a large central focal piece for your table. Examples include bauble-filled vases, candelabras and light up twigs. Use large bows to dress the back of chairs, matching the colour to your cutlery and table colour theme.
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Top tips to remember
Floristry and Picks These help add volume and interest, and can be inserted in the foliage/bow/wreath with wire. Delicate Decorations With unique pieces, put them in pride of place throughout your arrangement. Fillers Use shatterproof and themed baubles to fill out your arrangement. Finishing touches Stand back and ensure that everything looks just how you’d like it!
FESTIVE EVENTS
Christmas Exclusive Shopping Evenings
Looking for a quiet and calm shopping experience filled with inspiration and gifts galore? Bents Christmas shopping evenings are the answer. Exclusively shop our Christmas collections, extensive range of products and indulge in our NEW festive high tea experience, all under one roof. The price per person is £24.99 and the evening will include: - Festive high tea experience - Entertainment from a harpist - 10% off all items in store - Exclusivity of the whole store - FREE Gift for all guests Booking is essential and dining time slots are spaced every 30 minutes between 6pm to 8pm. Visit bents.co.uk for more details and to book your place.
Festive Wednesdays Join us on Wednesday evenings throughout November as we get you into the festive spirit with a selection of seasonal demonstrations. - Giftwrap demonstrations - How to dress a wreath & garland - How to make a floristry arrangement - Christmas bow making - Fresh Wreath demonstrations Enjoy a festive tipple and a mince pie for a donation to our Charity of the Year, Solving Kids’ Cancer and watch our experts bow making, flower arranging and much more.
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RESERVE WINES
Festive Cheers from Reserve Wines
From popping the fizz on Christmas morning to bringing in the New Year in style, the experts at Reserve Wines can advise on the perfect wine or glass of good cheer.
Reserve Wines is one of Manchester’s finest independent wine merchants and here at Bents we stock a huge variety of wines, spirits and beers, all carefully selected from around the world. 12 | be inspired
Kate Goodman Owner of Reserve Wines
Cocktail hour
This winter, let’s make things extra fun with a couple of super easy make-it-at-home cocktails.
Sidecar
Bramble
50ml Cognac 25ml lemon juice 25ml Triple Sec A handful of ice cubes Sugar An orange peel twist
50ml gin 25ml lemon juice ¾ tbsp sugar syrup ¾ tbsp Crème de Mure A handful of fresh blackberries Sliced lemon A handful of ice cubes A handful of crushed ice
Wet the rim of a coupe glass with a little lemon juice and dip it in sugar. We’ve chosen to sugar half the rim on our glass. Chill down the glass in the fridge Tip all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker Shake well, until the outside of the shaker feels cold Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass Garnish with a twist of orange peel. Cut a little slice into the middle of it to slot it onto the glass rim next to the sugared area
Shake the gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup in your cocktail shaker with the ice cubes and then strain into a tumbler glass full of crushed ice Drizzle with the Crème de Mure over the top so that it ‘bleeds’ into the drink and creates that beautiful berry colour Garnish with the sliced lemon and your fresh blackberries
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GIFT IDEAS
Gorgeous gifts
Do you dream of an easy Christmas, all boxes ticked and lists crossed in one place? 3
It can become a reality with a little help from Bents. We have everything for the home and garden as well as a stunning selection of gifts for friends and family alike.
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Gifts for the home
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1. The Bakers Afternoon Tea £16.99 2. Cole & Mason 16 Jar Herb & Spice Carousel £49.99 3. LSA 4 Champagne Tulip Glasses £49.99 4. Pot Pourri £12.99 (be inspired price £9.99) 5. Yankee Candle WOW Christmas Gift Set £39.99 (be inspired price £29.99) 6. Cheese Platter £14.99 7. Charlie & Ivys The Chilli Collection £19.99 8. Festive Food Survival Kit Spice Pots £14.99 9. Espresso Gift Set £29.99
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GIFT IDEAS
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1. Smart Ball Speed Football £25.99 2. My First Railway Beginner Pack £39.99 3. Lego Duplo Learn to Count £14.99 4. Heroes of Goo Jitzu £12.99 5. The Original Spirograph Design Set £10.99 6. Little Live Pets Gotta Go Turdle £32.99
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1. Decorate Your Own Gingerbread House £9.99 2. ‘To Santa’ Cushion £24.99 3. Christmas Eve Box £7.99 4. Jelly Cat Gingerbread House £32.99 5. Make Your Own Freakshake Spiced Gingerbread & Santas Workshop £7.99 6. Colour-in Jigsaw Puzzle Christmas £3.99 7. Jelly Cat Elf Teddy £24.99
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GIFT IDEAS
Gifts for her
(L to R) Bathsecco Bath Bombs £6.99; Bottle ‘n’ Bar £11.99; Barber Pro 12 Days of Christmas Essentials £39.00; Mulberry & Mistletoe Light-up Luxury Bubble Bath £12.99; Joma Jewellery Christmas Wishes Cracker £17.99; Gin & Tonic Bath Bombs £6.99; Gin Mug & Sweets £9.99; Ella Memory Foam Slippers £12.99; Joules Festive Fluffy Socks £9.95
Gifts for him
(L to R) Bottle ‘n’ Bar ££11.99; Joe & Sephs Gourmet Popcorn Make Your Own Kit £24.99; Barber Pro 12 Days of Christmas Essentials £39.00; Beer Mug & Sweets £9.99; Cognac & Brandy Warmer £19.99; The Fuzzy Duck Men’s Grooming Tin £14.99; Men’s Slippers £22.99 (be inspired price £19.99); The Fuzzy Duck Men’s Wash Bag £19.99
Gifts for your furry friends (L to R) Luxury Cat Stocking £6.99; Festive Dog Treats £2.99; Christmas Wreath £5.99; Natural Selection Box – Festive Cat Treats £6.99; Santa Carrot £4.99; Kong Kickeroo £5.99; Merry Elf Jumper £8.99; Jingle Bells Cat Toy Bauble £4.99; Christmas Puzzle Tree £4.99; Cheeseboard Platter £5.99
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GIFT IDEAS
Allumi
The festive period can be a frantic time with lots to do and people to see. Our handcrafted selection home fragrance products from local supplier Allumi provides the perfect antidote. These all British home fragrances use only the finest, purest ingredients and are the perfect gift or treat for yourself.
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1. 3 Pack Grey Energize Votives £30.00 2. Noel Noir 6 Tea lights £10.00 3. 3 Pack Black Zen Votives £30.00 4. 16 pack of assorted wax melts £24.00 5. Noel Noir Large Vase Candle £52.00
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CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
Dec the Halls
NEW IN! Amazing decorations to make your Christmas sparkle. Our collection of stunning festive decorations are guaranteed to bring the magic of Christmas to your home. 10.5” Merry Christmas Sign £9.99
4” Beaded Ornament £8.99
3” Holiday Sweets Ornament £9.99
4” Jewelled Ornament £8.99
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5” Gingerbread Man Ornament £3.99
9” Red Top Hat £19.99
REAL TREES
Choosing your real tree
There a several tree types available, all of which will provide a fantastic festive centrepiece and here at Bents we have four beautiful options to choose from:
Norway Spruce
Nordman Fir
The Norway Spruce is considered to be the original Christmas tree, much loved by the Victorians after it was introduced to England by Prince Albert.
With its lush dark, glossy green fragrant needles and perfect shape, the Nordman Fir is considered the Rolls Royce of Christmas trees and is one of our most popular varieties of fir tree types.
Blue Spruce
Fraser Fir
A relative of the Norway Spruce, the Blue Spruce can be identified by its dusty blue-green needles.
The Fraser Fir is the one of the most popular trees in the US and with its good needle-holding properties it is fast becoming a rival to the Nordman Fir in this country.
How to buy your real tree Buying you tree is as easy as 1,2,3
1. Choose from our forest of freshly cut, premium grown trees, all in our undercover and brightly lit Open Skies Glass House 2. Take the tag from your tree to the till and we will have it netted and ready for collection 3. Drive to our collection point where your tree will be ready and waiting to take home
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CHRISTMAS RECIPES
Cook up a treat
At Bents, food is one of our biggest passions and with Christmas just around the corner we asked the team from Honeywells Butchers to recommend some of their favourite festive flavours.
And with these delicious recipes they didn’t disappoint; simple, delicious and designed to impress…
Prep Time: 30min
Cook Time: 1hr 30min
Free range pork loin with crispy crackling 1 x 2kg Free range pork boneless pork loin with the rind on and scored. 1 x bulb garlic
Rapeseed oil Sea salt flakes and pepper
Pre-heat the oven to 220c (Get the oven nice and hot; the secret to amazing crackling). Drizzle rapeseed oil over the pork rind along with a generous amount of sea salt flakes, massage this into the pork rind. Cut the garlic bulb in half and pop into the roasting tray and place the pork on top. Add a good ½ an inch of water to the tray and place in the oven. (During the cooking time, if it runs dry, top it up again). Leave the pork to cook for 20 minutes but keep an eye on it, you want to see it begin to bubble and puff up but not burn, if it’s starting to catch, turn the oven down a little. After 20 minutes, carefully baste the pork with the pan juices and return to the oven for a further 20 minutes. After this time the rind should be beautifully bubbled. At this point baste the pork once again and turn the oven down to 160c. Cook for a further 20 minutes and baste again. Pop back in the oven for the final 20 minutes. Probe the centre of the meat, it should be 75c, return to the oven for a further 10 minutes and check again. Check on the rind after this time, it should be looking temptingly crispy but if you think it’s lacking in these crispy bubbles, whack the oven right up again and give it a further 8-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on it. Remove from the roasting tray and pop on a tray or plate. Leave to rest, uncovered as you don’t want to create steam that could make the crackling go chewy. Skim off the fat in the roasting tray. Remove the garlic bulb and save all those lovely juices to add to your gravy!
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Prep Time: 5min
Cook Time: 20min
Pigs in blankets with honey and mustard glaze and a wholegrain mustard mayo 1 x pack 12 pigs in blankets 2 x tablespoons of your favourite honey 1 x tablespoon wholegrain mustard
For the mayo 5 x tablespoons of your favourite mayo 2 x tablespoons wholegrain mustard
Pre – heat the oven to 180 degrees. Lay out the pigs in blankets on a non-stick baking tray or line a tray with baking parchment. Mix the honey and mustard until combined and brush on to the sausages to coat them well. Place in the oven and cook for around 20 minutes, until cooked through and deliciously caramelised. Meanwhile mix the mayo and mustard and set aside until ready to use. You can make this a couple of days ahead, just pop in the fridge in a sealed container.
DRESS THE TABLE
Lay the perfect table
Take time to think about the Christmas table and make setting up for your special meal a simple task with stunning results. You want to create an environment where guests will choose to stay and relax; chatting, playing games or pondering over the port.
Christmas Tree Tea-Light Holder £29.99
Decorative Red Plate £2.99
Oasis Square Decanter £29.99
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WINTER FOOD MARKET
Why not come and enjoy all the flavours of a traditional winter food market in the comfort of our relaxing, all-weather environment. Our popular Yorkshire pudding wrap is back, along with all our festive favourites including sizzling bratwurst sausages, pulled pork sandwiches and vegan wraps as well as a selection of delicious sweet treats including hot chocolate with all the trimmings, crepes and molten tray bake. Add a hot apple toddy or warm mulled wine and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a festive taste sensation throughout the Christmas period. Open from 12 noon, into the evening, with live music Thursday to Saturday from 11th November.
Winter Food Market Singers
Winter Food Market is returning for another year, and so is our live music. Enjoy our festive treats and special atmosphere while being entertained on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. What better way to soak up the festive feel.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11th November - 23rd December - 6.00pm to 7.30pm
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Bents Garden & Home Member App
be inspired, be refreshed, be rewarded
£5 OFF in January Spend £50 or more in store this December and receive a £5 voucher to spend during January exclusively for be inspired members. T&C’s: Excludes concessions. Spend must be in one single transaction between 01.12.21 and 24.12.21. One £5 voucher per be inspired member. Vouchers will be emailed or posted to eligible be inspired members at the end of December.
Yankee Candle WOW Gift Set Non-Member Price
£39.99 Member Price
£29.99
T&C’s: In store only. Available until 24.12.21, whilst stocks last.
Pot Pourri
Non-Member Price £12.99
Member Price
Download our app today! It features a handy store guide, menus, gardening tips and all our latest news. Plus, you can now use it to manage and redeem your fabulous be inspired rewards, track every purchase and access top offers whilst also discovering gardening and homemaking tips and much more. The Bents app is simply inspirational, and keeps you connected to everything that’s new and amazing about Bents.
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£9.99
T&C’s: In store only. Available until 24.12.21, whilst stocks last.
Already a member, but want to hear even more from our be inspired team? Register your email address with us and we’ll make sure you never miss out on our news and offers. Simply email beinspired@bents.co.uk with your member number to add your email address.
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DINING AT BENTS
Take time to treat yourself Christmas is all about treating others, but make sure you take time to treat yourself. It’s the season for enjoyment and indulgency which is exactly what we offer in our various dining destinations. Treat yourself to a delicious meal from The Fresh Approach Restaurant or a quick bite to eat at Caffé nel Verde, whilst The
Pet Café is perfect for humans and hounds to celebrate together. There really is something for everyone to enjoy! All our meals, in every establishment, are freshly prepared here on the premises by our team of chefs who ensure every dining experience is a treat worth repeating!
The Fresh Approach
Winter Food Market
Caffé nel Verde
Visit bents.co.uk for our festive opening times Bents Garden & Home, Warrington Road, Glazebury, Cheshire WA3 5NT. Images for illustration purposes only. All products subject to availability. Prices correct at time of printing
The Pet Café
Extensive free car parking. For the latest events and online shopping visit bents.co.uk 01942 266300