Marks and Spencer has just unveiled the biggest gift of all for the festive season, with the launch of their sparkling Christmas collection and boy are we in for a treat!
The range, which includes over 450 new products for 2024, is going to make Christmas gifting (and Christmas food and fizz), so much easier to plan this year as there are some serious gems in the range!
Out of so many exciting products to choose from, we narrowed it down to one thing that really caught our eye and will be the ultimate gifting option this season, and that's the stunning Magical Snowing Forest Gift Box.
It's the light-up chocolate box, and it's filled with 'snow'! All you have to do is gently shake the box to loosen the snow, switch it on and watch as an enchanting fluttering of glitter and magical light fills the box.
Plus, there's a drawer hiding at the bottom, and it's filled with crunchy Belgium milk and blond chocolate ganache truffles - yum!
Just like the Starry Night light projecting shortbread tin and the light up gin liqueur snow globes that went viral from M&S in previous years, this one will also be up there with must-have items from the range. Just imagine how gorgeous this light-up chocolate box keepsake would be on the mantlepiece or beneath the Christmas tree!
The Magical Snowing Forest is available in stores now, and retails for £15 for 200g. You might want to get down to your nearest M&S and stock up as these won't be around long!
More than just chocolate: M&S's Christmas food range
The 2024 range features 450 brand new products
M&S have just unveiled their Christmas food range for 2024. And with over 450 brand new products, this festive season promises to be rich in flavour.
From light-up chocolate boxes to a range of hot honey cheeses and a first-to-market white mulled wine, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Kathryn Turner, Director of Product Development for M&S Food, said: "Forget Santa’s workshop - we all know the true magic of Christmas happens in the kitchen.
"And our chefs have been working for months behind the scenes to bring outstanding quality feasts from our kitchen to yours, relentlessly trialing and testing before landing on the perfect bite across 450 new products! From the exceptional restaurant-quality party food, starters, mains and desserts in our 'Our Best Ever' range – all based on our customers’ Foodhall favourites, to our unique mantlepiece and centrepiece-worthy gifts, and every artisan touch in between."
READ MORE: The West London café with the richest hot chocolate so thick you need a spoon to eat it
"There really is no beating the magic of an M&S Christmas, and this year’s collection – with over 450 new festive additions, including hundreds of returning favourites - is even more spellbinding than ever." And here at MyLondon, we've put together a selection of our top picks from the 2024 Christmas range.
Priced at £15 and now available in stores, the Magical Snowing Forest is a world-first light-up chocolate box, featuring fluttering snow. Inside, you'll find crunchy Belgian milk and blond ganache truffles.
The Hot Honey Brie Brûlée consists of a whole creamy brie, drizzled with English Provender hot honey and sprinkled with brown cane sugar. It'll be available in-store from Wednesday, November 27 at £7.
The Build Your Own Charcuter-Tree (£25) will also make an exciting appearance on November 27. Perfect for a good time with friends and family, the centrepiece comes with salchichón, chorizo, gouda cheese, manzanilla and kalamata olives.
This Christmas, M&S is offering its take on the traditional turkey. Coming to shops on Wednesday, December 4, the Turkey Feast Lasagne (£10) features layers of turkey, smoked bacon, cranberries, sautéed leeks and a creamy béchamel sauce.
The popular Triple Chocolate Panettone, in-store from Friday, November 1, is coming back for 2024 - but with a twist. This year, the light Italian bread is not only studded with milk and dark chocolate chips, it’s also filled with chocolate sauce, coated in rich dark chocolate and scattered with white and blond chocolate chips.
A taste of Christmas: Editor's picks from M&S's 2024 range
As the cold months begin ushering in, the countdown to Christmas is officially on, with just 95 days to go before the big day. But you've probably noticed your local supermarkets have already been flogging early deals for your Christmas dinner or party - or both.
Marks & Spencer has already jumped on the festive hype, releasing its first wave of Christmas goodies for the public to stock up on, or indulge in early, whatever takes your fancy. Editor Rachel Pugh was lucky enough to check out some of its offerings early. Forget that it's September.
From picky bits to sweet treats, Rachel detailed her top ten picks from this year's M&S Christmas range, reported Manchester Evening News. This is what she thought.
"It may only be September, but Marks and Spencer is already urging people to get into the festive spirit, with the retailer unveiling its food and drink range for Christmas 2024. I'm definitely a bit of a food snob when it comes to Christmas, and M&S is nearly always the top of my agenda for tasty treats, charcuterie boards, nibbles, and products for the main event.
"A plethora of major supermarkets launch their own Christmas ranges each year, all angling for custom with their own unique twists on festive fayre. But Marks and Spencer often proves the most popular - and for good reason, too.
"This year, Marks and Spencer has added more than 450 items to its Christmas range. There is quite literally something to appeal to everyone, whether you're a big meat eater, vegan, gluten-free, or just plain picky. There's also plenty to keep the kids entertained and their tummies full.
"Earlier this week, I was lucky enough to try everything that will be on offer for Christmas 2024 in Marks and Spencer food halls. And when I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING.
"I ate and drank so much at the M&S Christmas food and drink showcase, I thought I'd need to be rolled out of the food hall. I can safely say there wasn't really anything I didn't like, and was absolutely spoiled for choice. But I've narrowed down all the options to ten of the best.
"Here are my ten best items from Marks and Spencer's 2024 Christmas food and drink range."
- Champagne Delacourt Rose Medium Dry, £26
"Anyone who knows me knows that Rose Champagne is my all-time favourite drink. So it's no surprise that this one gets the top spot in these ratings.
"My house is normally stocked with M&S Rose Prosecco, so I was very excited to see a more luxurious champagne offering to try. I wasn't sure if it would be worth the £26 price tag, but let me tell you, it is SO worth it. A little sweet, but not overpowering, I could have drank it all night. This is one item I'll be buying time and time again over the Christmas and New Year period.
- Turkey Feast Lasagne, £10 (in store from December 10)
"Okay, so if you're thinking turkey and lasagne don't belong in the same sentence, you're not alone. When I was first presented by this idea, needless to say, I was skeptical. But my god, it's good. So good, in fact, my plus one said 'it's better than normal lasagne' - high praise indeed.
"Taking inspiration from M&S' famous Turkey Feast Sandwich, the lasagne combines roasted British turkey, pork, sage & onion stuffing, cranberry chutney and bacon. I never thought a lasagne would be my top pick when trying out Christmas food, but I promise you, it's epic. Give it a try and you'll never look at lasagne in the same way again.
- Baking Burrata (price and launch date TBC)
"Apparently this Christmas is set to have an Italian flavour, as we see yet another Mediterranean dish taking the third top spot. I generally prefer these kinds of dishes to more traditional British ones, so this was a big hit with me. It's creamy, spicy and moreish. The perfect alternative to a camembert if you're looking for a change from a classic. Unfortunately, if you're veggie, you won't be able to have this one, as it does contain pork.
- Cocktail Party Pack, £19.50 (in store from October 9)
"M&S cocktail cans are a mainstay in my friendship group. Not only are they convenient, but they're also delicious, and definitely pack a punch. For Christmas 2024, M&S has put all of the most popular flavours into one party pack, which I'm sure will be music to the ears of many shoppers, as it was mine.
"I have a feeling this is going to be a huge hit this Christmas, so don't sleep on it.
- Hot Honey Brie Brulee, £7 (in store from November 27)
"More cheese incoming - this time in the form of a whole creamy brie, drizzled with English Provender hot honey and sprinkled with brown cane sugar. It's as delicious as it is Instagrammable, and I couldn't help but keep dipping crusty bread into the gooey mess. Hot honey really elevates an otherwise basic brie, so if you don't mind a bit of sweet and spiciness, try it. Apologise to your waistline in January.
- 12 Halloumi in Blankets with Hot Honey, £5.50 (in store from October 16)
"Oh look, more cheese, quelle surprise. These bad boys merge a traditional take with something a little different, and they're absolutely gorgeous. It's the perfect hybrid of a charcuterie board - meat, cheese and dip - in one mouthful. I could probably do the whole 12 pack in one sitting, so if you're planning to buy them to share with friends or family, I recommend stocking up on a few.
- Collection Santa Popping Down the Chimney Dessert, £25 (in store from December 1)
"I'm not really keen on more traditional Christmas desserts, especially when they're jam packed with mincemeat. But this dessert alternative has my heart. An undeniable showstopper, it may look too good to eat, but it tastes too good not to.
"Made using an exclusive roof shaped mould, it’s filled with a dark and milk chocolate mousse and oozing butterscotch caramel sauce on a white chocolate and toasted popcorn crisp base. All topped with white chocolate mousse and the cutest edible decorations.
- Christmas Colin the Caterpillar (price and launch date TBC)
"It would be an absolute travesty to tell you guys about Marks and Spencer's Christmas range for 2024 without a mention of Colin, so here he is. If you're a fan of the little fella, I have good news for you, as Christmas Colin is the most chocolatey one to date.
"It's particularly good news if you live in a household that fights over the solid chocolate face (poor Colin), as the Christmas caterpillar is embellished with a large sleigh - all made from solid chocolate. Mini Colins will also be returning - this year covered with festive coloured snowflakes.
- Double Wrapped Pigs in Blankets (price and launch date TBC)
"While the double wrapping of these pigs in blankets may appear to be the biggest selling point, for me, it was the quality of the sausage itself that really impressed. Pigs in blankets can often prove a little dry, but these were juicy and absolutely bursting with flavour.
"They tasted gorgeously herby, and will prove a brilliant party snack, as well as an accompaniment to Christmas dinner. The double wrapped dry-cured bacon also means it's less likely to fall off in the oven or air fryer - so they're practical, hurrah!
- King Prawn and Lobster Thermador Gratin (price and launch date TBC)
"If, like me, you're a boujee on a budget person, this is the dish for you. It's creamy and luxurious, but much cheaper than buying it at an upmarket restaurant.
"Shoppers will be able to access the Christmas Food To Order site online at M&S soon - with many of the festive items heading into store then as well. M&S is yet to confirm the exact date, but we'll be sure to keep you updated."
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