olivemagazine
type: channel
link: https://www.olivemagazine.com
date: 2025-12-04T12:40:50.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Best festive afternoon teas in London 2025
items: The festive tablescape buys we're dreaming of this Christmas
items: Best restaurants in Canary Wharf
items: Best alcohol Advent calendars to buy 2025
items: Best foodie Advent calendars for Christmas 2025
items: Cherry-coded Christmas: the red-hot trend taking over this festive season
items: Best Christmas foodie hampers to buy 2025
items: Best Christmas gifts for foodies 2025
items: Best European mountain escapes to visit in 2025
items: Best chocolate gifts to buy 2025, tried and tested
items: Best Greek food trips
items: Best tea Advent calendars to sip all December long, tried and tested 2025
items: Best coffee Advent calendars to buy in 2025
items: olive Christmas Taste Awards 2025 - the best supermarket buys you need this year
items: Best greens powder to buy, tried and tested 2025
items: Best European city breaks
items: Winter greens: the shades to add to your kitchen this autumn
items: Best autumn home decor ideas
items: Best baking gifts to buy 2025
items: The kitchen interiors trend making us feel cosy for autumn

Best festive afternoon teas in London 2025
type: item
date: 2025-12-02T16:21:40.000Z
creator: Lucy Roxburgh
subject: London
subject: Reviews
subject: Restaurants
description: Looking for a festive treat? We’ve found the best spots to take friends and family over the Christmas season, from traditional afternoon tea at The Ritz to afternoon tea with a view from The Shard
encoded: Treat loved ones and dine in style over the Christmas season with one of these festive afternoon teas for a Christmas treat. Classic afternoon tea menus of sandwiches, scones and perfect patisserie get a festive makeover at this time of year, from turkey sandwiches and cranberry jam to go with scones, to carefully crafted yule logs, Christmas trees made of cake, savoury mince pies and many more magical discoveries. You're sure to leave full and with a wonderful new Christmas tradition to return to year after year. If you're not after a Christmas theme, check out the best afternoon teas in London and the best across the UK, too. Best festive afternoon teas in London 2025 Corinthia London, Whitehall Corinthia London will be serving its festive afternoon tea in The Crystal Moon Lounge with a selection of festive treats from 14 November-4 January 2026. Relax in the stylish lobby under the glistening chandelier and listen to grand piano playing in the background while you feast on elevated turkey or honey roasted ham sandwiches, followed by scones with both strawberry and blackcurrant jams. Finish with the patisserie, including a black forest bûche de Noël, gingerbread and mandarin cake and pear and Tahitian vanilla choux, to name just a few of the many treats on this classically luxurious menu. Price: Festive afternoon tea from £95pp Mon-Thurs, £105 Fri-Sun, caviar afternoon tea from £150pp. Address: Whitehall Place, Westminster, London SW1A 2BD Book festive afternoon tea at Corinthia London here. The Ritz, Piccadilly The Ritz will be serving its traditional afternoon tea with a fun festive twist from 15 November-3 January 2026, with five sittings per day. Take in the luxurious surroundings while you feast on six different sandwiches (think classic cheddar and chutney, ham and mustard mayonnaise, traditional smoked salmon sandwiches and more), Christmas-inspired British pastries; and choose from over 20 different teas including a bespoke Ritz Christmas spiced tea. Price…

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The festive tablescape buys we're dreaming of this Christmas
type: item
date: 2025-11-20T17:17:23.000Z
creator: Lucy Roxburgh
subject: Home and kitchen
description: From bold table runners to chic cheeseboards, this is everything you need to decorate your Christmas table with this year
encoded: Entertaining at Christmas isn’t just about what you serve – it’s how you set the scene. The festive season is the time to lean into some fun tablescaping and make every meal feel extra special, turning even the simplest feast into a memorable occasion. From hand-glazed serving platters to quirky glassware and beautifully crafted linens, we’ve rounded up 10 standout pieces that elevate your festive table with effortless style. Plus, we've included some products you'll be able to use all year round, to get the most out of what you buy. They're too pretty to be in a cupboard for the rest of the year! Tartan stoneware platter Available from Anthropologie (£48) A statement platter is an essential for a Christmas table. We fell in love with the colourful tartan border and pink centre of this glazed stoneware dish. Whether you arrange dainty canapés on it, pile it high with roast potatoes or lay a Yule log down the middle, it is going to instantly make your food stand out. You'll be reaching for it long after the festive season is over. Available from: Anthropologie (£48) White marble cheeseboard with cutlery Available from What a Host (£76.49) It's always worth saving room for cheese at Christmas, and this chic cheeseboard set lets you serve up in style. Made from solid white marble, it will keep your cheeses cool – it would also be great for a charcuterie board, or serving up Christmas leftover cold cuts. The gold cheese knives add that extra festive touch. Available from: What a Host (£76.49) Pearl bow napkin rings Available from M&S (£15, set of 4) Combining two trending interiors themes, pearls and bows, these elegant napkin rings are an irresistible extra touch to add to your Christmas tablescape. Available from: M&S (£15, set of 4) Festive bow cake plates Available from La Redoute (£26.25, set of 4) There's nothing we'd rather serve our Christmas cake on than these festive bow plates from Eleanor Bowmer. They add a delightfully kitsch pop of colour to your celebrati…

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Best restaurants in Canary Wharf
type: item
date: 2025-11-13T10:50:16.000Z
creator: Lucy Roxburgh
subject: London
subject: Restaurants
subject: London area guides
description: Discover our favourite restaurants in Canary Wharf, from a top-quality French brasserie to Eastern Mediterranean all-day dining and more
encoded: Looking for Canary Wharf restaurants? These are the spots worth knowing, from irresistible Taiwanese dumpling at Din Tai Fung to modern Anglo-Indian delights at Kricket. For more restaurant guides, check out our picks of the best restaurants in Soho, best restaurants near Oxford Street and best restaurants in Covent Garden. Best places to eat and drink in Canary Wharf CRATE Brewery, Wood Wharf Known for its experimental and expansive array of craft beers, as well as thin and crispy stone-baked pizzas, Crate is bringing its signature cool to Canary Wharf with its second site opening. Think industrial chic created with upcycled materials and handcrafted furniture situated by the water’s edge with laid-back vibes. Crate is perfect for anyone who wants the traditional pizza and beer experience but elevated: eclectic pizzas with a global influence ranging from Middle Eastern lamb to Malaysian chicken laksa. My personal recommendation? The sweet potato, stilton and walnut pizza – tangy, sweet, with a little bit of crunch, a perfect hearty, comfort food go-to. Furthermore, sustainability is always at the forefront with all dough bases being mixed using Wildfarmed renegerative flour. However, Crate’s crowning glory has to be its extensive range of craft beers, perfect for both aficionados and laymen alike. Once again, sustainability is key, the brewery’s own core range is brewed in partnership with Purity Brewing on a farm with one of the world’s most sustainable brewing kits. Punters can also expect new world Hazy Pales, a rotating line of guest beers, a range of limited-edition seasonal sours (triple fruited mango sour was a firm favourite for me), as well as its new gin, lemon and koji, and vodka, raspberry and yuzu soda cocktails. cratebrewery.com Mallow, Park Drive From the same team behind Mildreds, Mallow Canary Wharf offers a fully plant-based menu. Seasonal and sustainable ingredients are the threads that brings the menu together, which draws from a diversity of in…

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Best alcohol Advent calendars to buy 2025
type: item
date: 2025-11-10T11:37:36.000Z
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Drink
subject: Guides
subject: Reviews
subject: Products
description: From high-end whiskies to exclusive craft beers, the countdown to Christmas has never been more fun. Here are our best alcohol Advent calendars to buy this year
encoded: The beauty of a boozy Advent calendar (aside from the obvious) is that it’s a great way to try lots of different drinks without having to commit to the expense of larger bottles. We’ve got all bases covered here – from flavoured G&Ts to spiced rum and craft beers, so get sampling! Still looking for Advent calendar inspiration? Check out our picks of the best coffee Advent calendars, best tea Advent calendars and best Advent calendars for foodies for plenty more ideas. Best alcohol Advent calendars to buy 2025 Craft Gin Advent calendar Available from Craft Gin Club (£95) Craft Gin Club's calendar features 25 different double measure servings to open all month long, including seven mystery spirits. It's impressively compact and although the cardboard design doesn't feel excessively luxe, you could definitely refill the satisfying-to-open boxes year after year. Alongside larger brands such as Salcombe, it's a great way to discover small craft distilleries from across the UK, with unique gins without novelty flavours. Available from: Craft Gin Club (£89.99) MOTH cocktail Advent calendar Available from MOTH (£79) If a well-mixed cocktail is your drink order of choice, then this is the alcohol Advent calendar for you. The design is minimalist monochrome on the outside but each door hides a colourful cocktail can. The calendar contains nine of MOTH's most popular flavours, so there's enough variety to not feel repetitive, while still getting a couple of each of your favourites. Cocktails include a negroni, margarita and paloma. Available from: MOTH (£79) Drinks by the Dram rum Advent calendar Available from Master of Malt (£124.95) An alcohol Advent calendar is a great way to explore the complexities of a single spirit – and this rum calendar from Drinks by the Dram does just that. Any rum lover will enjoy the chance to deep dive into this journey of discovery of 25 different wax-sealed rums sourced from around the world. For an even more specific experience, a spiced rum …

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Best foodie Advent calendars for Christmas 2025
type: item
date: 2025-11-10T09:48:16.000Z
creator: Lucy Roxburgh
subject: Guides
subject: Reviews
subject: Products
description: Help build up the excitement to the big day with these indulgent foodie Advent calendars, whether you’re after a daily dram of whisky or chocolate truffle.
encoded: Looking for the best foodie Advent calendar or a new chocolate Advent calendar to enjoy this year? We've chosen our favourite calendars from those available, and there's sure to be something for everyone. In the world of chocolate calendars alone, you can take your pick from truffles, pralines, mini bars and more. Alternatively, treat yourself to a decadent whisky or hot sauce calendar might be a new favourite for those who prefer savoury over sweet. Read on to discover the best Advent calendars to buy this year. For more inspiration, see our round-ups of the best alcohol Advent calendars, the best coffee Advent calendars and best tea Advent calendars. Once your Advent calendar is sorted, check out our best gifts for coffee lovers, best beer gifts or gin gifts for gifting inspiration. Best foodie Advent calendars to buy 2025 Chococo classic Advent calendar Available from Chococo (£37.50) A classic chocolate Advent calendar gets a serious upgrade with this Chococo option – redesigned this year as a full calendar, not just a selection box. Every day includes a different handmade truffle or chocolate, all intricately designed and multi-layered. There are plenty of festive flavours and new chocolates to discover this year, including 'Purely Pistachio' and earl grey tea, alongside fruity, boozy and caramel chocolates. The sea salt caramel and marzipan are two of our favourites. A plant-based version is also available for vegans. Available from: Chococo (£37.50) Hotel Chocolat The Grand Advent calendar Available from Hotel Chocolat (£80) Go all-out with a luxury chocolate Advent calendar from Hotel Chocolat. It's a reliable luxury chocolate calendar choice every year. There's more than just a single square behind each door – in this giant calendar, you'll find a whole range of chocolate treats, from truffles and chocolate penguins to hot chocolate and even minis of the famous Hotel Chocolat Velvetised creams. Available from: Hotel Chocolat (£80) The Cartwright and Butler …

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Cherry-coded Christmas: the red-hot trend taking over this festive season
type: item
date: 2025-10-31T14:44:01.000Z
creator: Lucy Roxburgh
subject: Home and kitchen
description: From statement platters to glassware and table linens, these are the best cherry red buys
encoded: This Christmas, it’s all about cherry-coded decor – a bold, joyful take on festive styling that’s on-trend but still timeless. Think lacquered finishes, glossy baubles, cherry-hued candles and stand-out accessories that bring instant cheer to your table and home. But this isn’t just about one-month wonder buys. Cherry is not just for Christmas! We’re championing pieces you’ll love all year round – from soft linens in muted berry tones to high-shine enamel and deep cherry-red glassware that feels festive now but effortlessly stylish come January and beyond. Whether you’re going all in or adding just a hint of red, a couple of well-chosen cherry-toned accents are all you need to give your space a seasonal lift – and set the scene for a celebration to remember. Anthropologie Benedita Bow Ceramic Stoneware Platter Available from Anthropologie (£48) Serve up centrepieces in style with this statement platter. It’s ideal for any meals you’re serving family-style – we love the pretty glazed bow detail swirling around the scalloped edge. Get ready to pile high with anything from salads to roast potatoes or a stack of brownies. Available from: Anthropologie (£48) The Conran Shop Nova Stripe Crystal Glasses Available from Selfridges (£40, set of 4) We love the bold red stripe on these crystal glasses – it’s the perfect cherry shade. At Christmas time it’s reminiscent of festive candy canes but it’s neutral enough to use all year round in a colourful kitchen. Available from: Selfridges (£40, set of 4) Cox & Cox Gingham Ruffle Square Cushion Available from Cox & Cox (£40) Make your kitchen space feel extra cosy by adding some warm linens. This red gingham cushion has a sweet ruffled edge for some festive charm – pop it on your sofa or kitchen bar stools for extra comfort. Available from: Cox & Cox (£40) Rosy Red Scalloped Lunch Plates Available from Casa by JJ (£99, set of 4) These pretty plates offer a pop of red without full-on colour blocking. We love the scalloped edge and d…

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Best Christmas foodie hampers to buy 2025
type: item
date: 2025-10-30T11:30:41.000Z
creator: Janine Ratcliffe
subject: Guides
subject: Reviews
subject: Products
description: Whether you want to stock your cupboards with treats or need a gift for the foodie in your life, these are the most indulgent hampers to buy
encoded: Looking for the best Christmas hamper to treat a lucky loved one? Whether you're looking for the ultimate cheese box, a wicker basket full of sweet and savoury treats, we've gathered the best Christmas foodie hampers to buy this year, whether as a treat for yourself or friends and family. Looking for more gifting inspiration? If you've got someone specific to buy for try our specially tailored gift guides for beer enthusiasts, coffee lovers and gin fans. If you fancy making your own gifts this year, we've gathered our best edible gift recipes for delicious homemade presents. Read on for our picks of the best gourmet food hampers for Christmas. Best Christmas foodie hampers to buy at a glance Best unique produce hamper: The Flavours of Oldstead Hamper, £190 Best luxury Christmas hamper: Daylesford Organic 12 Days of Christmas Hamper, £130 Best Spanish hamper: Brindisa Indulgence Hamper, £165 Best Christmas breakfast hamper: Ginger Pig Butcher’s Champagne Breakfast Box, £78 Best afternoon tea hamper: British Hamper Company afternoon tea gift basket, £63.97 Best hamper for cider lovers: DukesHill Whisky Cask Cider Savoury Hamper, £85 Best Cornish hamper: The Fruit Scone Cream Tea Hamper, £23.95 Best hamper for keen gardeners: Petersham Nurseries Gardening Hamper, £95 Best for Chinese cooking: Poon’s Heritage Hamper, £70 Best Christmas cheese hamper: Paxton & Whitfield 12 Days of Christmas Cheese Hamper, £85 Best Christmas foodie hampers to buy 2025 The Flavours of Oldstead Food Hamper Available from Made in Oldstead (£190) Best unique produce hamper A unique hamper with handmade products featuring seasonal ingredients grown and foraged by Tommy Banks and his team in North Yorkshire, this will keep someone going with delicious treats throughout the festive season. As well as a tomato leaf and lemon verbena candle, there are a selection of seasonal British cheeses like Young Buck, jars of spruce tip honey and red onion chutney, salami, Yorkshire lomo and classics such as…

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Best Christmas gifts for foodies 2025
type: item
date: 2025-10-30T10:34:45.000Z
creator: Janine Ratcliffe
subject: Guides
subject: Reviews
subject: Gift guide
subject: Products
description: Whatever the budget, our gift guide has the perfect Christmas present for your favourite foodie
encoded: Looking for Christmas gifts for foodies? Our Christmas gift ideas pull together the best food gifts, from delicious food and drink finds to the ultimate gadgets and prettiest homewares. If you're looking to the festive season, we've also tested plenty of Advent calendars: check out our round-ups of the best alcohol Advent calendars, best coffee Advent calendars or best tea Advent calendars. Jump to: Best food Christmas gifts Best barware and drinks Christmas gifts Best kitchenware Christmas gifts Best homeware Christmas gifts Best Christmas gifts for foodies 2025 Best food Christmas gifts Twelve Triangles croissant biscotti Available from Twelve Triangles (£5.95) The cult no-waste Scottish bakery takes slices of its croissants, dips them in cream, sugar and salt, then slowly caramelises them in the oven – totally addictive. Fiasconaro x Dolce & Gabbana panettone Available from The Panettone Store (£57.45) This panettone from the legendary Sicilian maker comes in a beautifully designed tin that you’ll want to keep. Karasuba-Iro ramen bowl set Available from Sous Chef (£45) A pair of classic glazed ramen bowls, handcrafted in Japan’s ceramic region, Mino. The set also includes bamboo ladles and a set of recipes. Hundred House hot chocolate Available from Selfridges (£12.99), Hundred House Coffee (£10.50) A hot chocolate made with single-origin cocoa from Ecuador for a deep, rich flavour. The pretty illustrated tin makes it extra special for gifting. TWG World Voyage New Year’s tea set Available from TWG (£119) A selection of six mini tins filled with single-estate, fine harvest and exclusive tea blends from the luxury artisanal tea company. Roasting Party Blends gift box Available from Roasting Party (£25) A selection of crowd-pleasing coffees from a small-batch UK roaster, with flavour profiles ranging from fruity to chocolatey. Nobleza del Sur organic Picual extra-virgin olive oil Available from Artisan Olive Oil Company (£25.35) Awarded multiple gold medals and rat…

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Best European mountain escapes to visit in 2025
type: item
date: 2025-10-27T17:11:52.000Z
subject: Europe
subject: Travel
subject: Hotel guides
description: Discover the best European mountain escapes to visit in 2025, from a relaxing treetop retreat in the Dolomites, to an ancient spa nestled in the Troodos mountains in Cyprus
encoded: Whether you're after a restorative getaway or want to go hiking surrounded by beautiful scenery, a holiday in the mountains offers the ultimate escape. Breathe in fresh mountain air, spot unique wildlife and soak up the views, surrounded by nature. From architectural hideouts in the Italian Dolomites and the forests of the Bavarian Alps, to an ecotourism getaway in Cyprus, Europe offers a wealth of luxury mountain escapes to visit – discover our picks below of the best mountain hotels that foodies will love. Looking for more travel inspiration? Read our guides to the best saunas to visit in the UK, the best Italian hotels for food lovers and 8 lesser-known Italian islands worth visiting. Best European mountain escapes 2025 Forestis, Dolomites, Italy Check rates and availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com At 1,800m above sea level, surrounded by panoramic views of the Dolomites, this unique property embraces its original intention as a climate spa for Austrian monarchy. Split between the original 1912 larchwood building and three modern towers, everything is designed to bring the landscape in – floor-to-ceiling windows allow the sun to dance around pinewood suites, bathrooms are made from Dolomites stone and two-level penthouses sit at the tip of two of the towers. Wellbeing is at the hotel’s heart – there’s Plose spring water sweetened with pine syrup on arrival, plus the spa’s successive indoor-outdoor mineral pools and saunas, daily rituals and a wyda studio (a local Celtic version of yoga). Mountain activities include ski-in, ski-out facilities as well as forest bathing and foraging. In the main restaurant, individual booths are arranged in an amphitheatre-like structure, allowing for prime views while you enjoy Roland Lamprecht’s forest cuisine. This is also where breakfast is served – a buffet featuring pretzels, chocolate caprese, ricotta cake, pistachio cream, Eisack Valley honeycomb and wild berry jams. There’s also speck, mountain cheeses, foraged …

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Best chocolate gifts to buy 2025, tried and tested
type: item
date: 2025-10-27T10:23:25.000Z
creator: Lucy Roxburgh
subject: Guides
subject: Reviews
subject: Gift guide
subject: Products
description: Spoil your loved ones with a chocolate-filled gift, from personalised bars to indulgent letterbox brownies and the ultimate hot chocolate maker
encoded: Looking for chocolate gift ideas for your favourite chocolate lover? Treat your partner, loved one or best friend to our pick of chocolate gifts, including indulgent brownie boxes, personalised chocolate bars and great-value gifts sent straight to their door. We have plenty of gifts to deliver to treat your chocolate lover from afar, too. If you want to go the extra mile, why not try making your own treats at home? Explore our collection of chocolate recipes for inspiration, from classic bakes to creative confections. See more ideas with our best coffee gifts, baking gifts and tea gifts and housewarming gifts. Treat someone to a boozy gift with a chocolate liqueur or special themed best champagne gifts, wine gifts, beer gifts, whisky gifts and gin gifts. Best chocolate gift ideas Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser Available from Hotel Chocolat (£149.95) Whether it's a birthday, anniversary or just a special purchase, velvety smooth hot chocolate will always go down a treat. With the newly improved Velvetiser, you can make barista-grade hot chocolate with just the press of a button. Ready in just over two minutes, it comes with flavour packs ranging from vegan nutmilk to vanilla white chocolate and cafe latte. The upgrade to the new 2.0 model is the cold chocolate function, meaning you can get the most out of it all year round. It comes in three colours, so you can choose one that best suits their kitchen. Available from: Hotel Chocolat (£149.95) Audrey's assorted creams selection Available from Audrey's (£29.95) Audrey's is our new favourite chocolate discovery. Producing traditional English chocolates with timeless charm, the packaging is beautiful and makes an extremely special gift. We have a soft spot for this selection of fondant creams, including floral rose, tangy lemon, rich coffee and zingy orange. Available from: Audrey's (£29.95) The Naked Marshmallow s'mores kit Available from Not on the High Street (£28.95) Combine Belgian chocolate thins, gourmet marshmallows a…

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Best Greek food trips
type: item
date: 2025-10-20T15:35:31.000Z
creator: Lucy Roxburgh
subject: Europe
subject: Travel
description: Looking for places to visit in Greece? Check out our top Greek food trips and discover where to eat and drink across the country
encoded: Looking for places to visit in Greece? Check out our top Greek food trips and discover where to eat and drink across the country, from eating souvlaki surrounded by history in Athens to island escapes on Crete, Sifnos and Ithaca. Discover more of the Greek islands with our guide to the best Greek islands, along with plenty of Greek hotel recommendations. For more travel inspiration, check out our best Portuguese food trips, best Spanish food trips and best French food trips. If you love an island getaway, we've got the 10 best Mediterranean islands for foodies to visit. Best Greek trips Athens From bougatsa with cinnamon sugar and the locals' favourite souvlaki, to aromatic Greek wines by the glass, try all these and more in the Greek capital – there's plenty of food to discover in between cultural exploration. Souvlaki – marinated meat grilled on skewers, sometimes served in pitta bread – is the fast food of choice for most Greeks. Around since the 1950s, O Kostas is one of the best places to try it in Athens (join the queue at this hole-in-the-wall for a truly authentic gyros experience; there’s no website but you’ll find it at Pentelis 5, near Syntagma Square). Or, for an updated (albeit smaller) version, make your way to Hoocut (“butcher’s cut”), where a group of enterprising young chefs has put an artisanal spin on the dish, using carefully sourced pork, chicken, lamb and beef and serving a vegetarian version, too. Home to a famous flea market and several scenic (if tourist-heavy) ancient landmarks, the Monastiraki neighbourhood is a must-visit. Here, Café Avissinia’s artful mish-mash of blowsy wallpaper, marble-topped tables, antiques and picture-strung walls proves the perfect backdrop to its homely mix of traditional bistro-style cooking. In true Greek style, it’s a place to casually pop in to at any time of day, with a menu that covers the whole country but is marginally skewed towards Macedonian cuisine: try the stuffed sour cabbage with pork, or cheese-fi…

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Best tea Advent calendars to sip all December long, tried and tested 2025
type: item
date: 2025-10-17T13:51:36.000Z
creator: Lucy Roxburgh
subject: Reviews
subject: tea
description: Who says an Advent calendar has to be chocolate? We've tried and tested the best tea Advent calendars for an extra special festive tea break
encoded: Who says an Advent calendar has to be chocolate? There is an Advent calendar for everything these days and, as tea lovers here at olive, the wide range of tea Advent calendars now available are some of our favourites. From fun-flavoured teabags to decadent drawers filled with high-end loose leaf tea, or calendars filled with matcha, there is a tea Advent calendar for everyone. Many have multiple teabags or servings inside each day, meaning they are perfect for sharing. The ideal way to add a little moment of calm into Christmas festivities each day. For more Advent calendar inspiration, check out our guides to the best foodie Advent calendars, best coffee Advent calendars and best alcohol Advent calendars filled with gin, whisky and more. For more tea inspiration, see our picks of the best tea gifts or the best teapots to buy. Best tea Advent calendars to buy 2025 – tried and tested Bird & Blend tea Advent calendar Available from Bird & Blend (£39.50) Bird & Blend was the first to launch a tea Advent calendar 13 years ago and has become a staple of the tea world ever since. We love the fun festive design of this teabag-filled calendar, colourful inside and out. In signature Bird & Blend style it is filled with unusual gourmet tea flavours – 24 in total, meaning no repeats throughout the month. There's also a caffeine-free version available. There are two teabags per day tucked in cubes that are fun to open (all packaging is plastic-free), which means it's great for sharing. It adds to the festive feeling with lots of Christmas flavours inside, such as mulled cider, gingerbread chai and limited-edition Irish cream, alongside quirky bestsellers. What will your favourite discovery be? Available from: Bird & Blend (£39.50) Whittard tea Advent calendar Available from Whittard (£24.95) A great classic tea calendar option. There are two teabags behind each door, so it's perfect for sharing. Flavours are fairly traditional, including Chelsea breakfast, earl grey and darjeel…

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Best coffee Advent calendars to buy in 2025
type: item
date: 2025-10-17T09:07:47.000Z
creator: Lucy Roxburgh
subject: Guides
subject: Reviews
subject: Coffee
subject: Gift guide
description: No matter their preference or investment in the brewing process, a coffee Advent calendar is an excellent option for caffeine lovers this December
encoded: Coffee Advent calendars are an opportunity to explore coffee beans from around the world, seasonal Christmas flavours and count down to Christmas with a cup of something you, your friend or family member loves. It's a great way to fuel you through the festive season! We tested a range of coffee Advent calendars at different price points to bring you our picks of the best coffee Advent calendars to buy in 2025. From bargain instant coffee to luxury Nespresso pod-filled options, these are great as a festive treat for yourself or gift for the coffee fanatic in your life. We'll be continually adding to this round-up as more calendars launch and we test every calendar out to bring you our verdict. You don't necessarily need a coffee machine for brewing the below, but if you're curious about what's available on the market or wanting advice on the best coffee machines for you, check out our guides to the best coffee pod machines, best espresso machines and the best bean-to-cup coffee machines. For more inspiration, discover our tried and tested picks of the best tea Advent calendars, alcohol Advent calendars and the best Advent calendars for foodies. Best coffee Advent calendars 2025 Rise Friendly Coffee Countdown Advent calendar Available from Rise (£40), Not on the High Street (£44) The Rise coffee calendar is a popular choice every year and makes a great return for 2025. It's also one of the few that hasn't gone up in price this year, which we appreciated. The simple design is bold and colourful and all plastic-free. An impressive pick for variety, this ground coffee calendar features 24 different coffees from around the world, meaning no repeats all month. There's enough coffee each day for two smaller cups and it is medium-ground so works for cafetière, Aeropress, filter and moka pot methods. There's not much information in the calendar itself: instead scan the QR code each day to learn more about that's day's cup, with beans from Ethiopia, Brazil and much more. The s…

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olive Christmas Taste Awards 2025 - the best supermarket buys you need this year
type: item
date: 2025-10-09T16:27:11.000Z
creator: Lucy Roxburgh
subject: Guides
subject: Reviews
subject: Products
description: Christmas isn’t just about the cooking – it’s about enjoying yourself, too! The must-buy winners of our olive Christmas Taste Awards will make seasonal eating that little bit easier
encoded: Looking for easy Christmas party food for the festive season? From Christmas cakes and mince pies to cranberry sauce, we’ve got it covered. We've included links to buy where products are available online already, so you can get planning. olive Christmas Taste Awards 2025 Best smoked salmon Winner: Lidl Deluxe mild smoked salmon There's a lot of quirky innovation around smoked salmon at Christmas, but sometimes we like a classic option best. This is soft and creamy, and not overly chewy. Available from Lidl, launching soon Best turkey crown Joint winner: Sainsbury's Taste the Difference British free-range bronze turkey crown with pork, apricot, pear, cranberry and candied ginger stuffing This attractive turkey crown is a great centrepiece to serve – it has a glossy glaze and deep golden, crispy bacon on the top. The turkey stays juicy and we love the generous amount of fruity stuffing inside, which has good texture and a kick of sweetness to balance the smoky bacon. Available from: Sainsbury's (from £47.75) Joint winner: M&S Oakham™ Hot Maple Glazed Turkey Crown This sticky, spiced hot maple glaze adds something new to your Christmas table. It has a dark golden appearance, peppery bacon on top, good texture to the turkey and one of the best stuffings that we tried, packed with cranberries and cherries. Available from: Ocado (£50) Best gammon Winner: M&S Outdoor Bred Slow Cooked Hot Honey Gammon On The Bone This bone-in joint cooks to a deep golden brown. There's no glaze (although this means you could add your own), but the meat still cooked well, stayed juicy and shredded apart easily. It has a good, balanced flavour – smoky without being overpowering. Available from M&S, launching soon Best alternative Christmas main Winner: Booths British porchetta A good centrepiece if you're looking to serve something different this year. The crackling is nice and salty, with a good crunch. The porchetta has a neat rolled appearance, with tender meat and an aromatic herby stuffi…

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Best greens powder to buy, tried and tested 2025
type: item
date: 2025-10-07T14:50:16.000Z
creator: Lucy Roxburgh
subject: Reviews
subject: Wellbeing
description: Have you tried a greens powder? Our experts have tried and tested some of the biggest brands, including Huel and Shreddy, to bring you our verdict
encoded: We all know we need to eat our greens and the benefits of getting our daily veg. In the busy hustle and bustle of daily life, more and more people are adding greens powders to their diet as a quick and easy way of getting some potential nutrition. Brands such as Huel, Shreddy and Free Soul are becoming familiar on social media, often making big health claims about their potential benefits, from boosting immunity and relieving bloating to improving appearance of skin, hair and nails. The greens powders we tested varied in the number of total ingredients, ranging from six to 91. We tested all the greens powders just mixed with water, but you could also add to a morning smoothie or juice. They also vary widely in price – ours cost from between £13-£97 a packet. With so many greens powders on the market – many of them fairly expensive – it can be hard to know where to begin and what is worth the investment. We put top brands of greens powders in the UK to the test, so you can make informed choices when you buy. Read on the find out the best greens powders to buy. For more like this, check out our reviews of the best matcha to buy and six healthy coffee brands to try. Jump to: Best greens powders to buy in 2025 What are greens powders? How we tested greens powders What do nutritionists really think about powdered greens? What should you mix greens powders with Best greens powders at glance Best greens powder overall: Free Soul greens (mango flavour), £29.99/150g Best greens powder for a range of flavours: Protein Works Super Greens Extreme, £15.49/250g Best greens powder for on-the-go: AG1 Food Supplement, £79/30 servings Best spiced greens powder: Bioglan Supergreens, £12/70g Best greens powder for variety of ingredients: Huel Daily Greens, £50/250g Best for widest suggested health benefits: Verve Transparent Greens V80 Powder, £75/300g Best greens powder for minimal ingredients: Rheal Superfoods Clean Greens, £25/150g Best greens powder for protein: Naturya Organic Gre…

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Best European city breaks
type: item
date: 2025-10-07T11:30:00.000Z
creator: Lucy Roxburgh
subject: Europe
subject: Travel
subject: Great Getaways
description: Check out our guide to the best European city breaks for food lovers, from tapas in Seville to cardamom buns in Gothenburg and mezze in Istanbul
encoded: There is no shortage of fascinating European city breaks for foodies to visit. If you've ticked some of the big names off your travel list already (Paris, Rome, Amsterdam), there is still plenty more to discover. Whether you go whisky tasting in Dublin, explore sprawling food markets in Lyon or discover the street food of Palermo, there is a city break for everyone. We've chosen 15 of our favourite European city breaks along with the best restaurants, cafes and foodie must-visits in each, plus a special place to stay. For more city break inspiration, check out our guide to the best UK city breaks or the best foodie city breaks to visit by train. 15 best European city breaks for food lovers Porto Already ticked Lisbon off your city break list? Visit Porto, Portugal's elegant second city. Base yourself in the Bombarda art district, a network of cobbled streets brimming with independent shops, tavernas and bars. Browse the neighbourhood's galleries before seeking out sunny terraces to soak up the lively atmosphere. For lunch, queue alongside locals at traditional tavern Casa Guedes for crunchy bread rolls stuffed with juicy roast pork leg and a great-value glass of Portuguese wine. For an afternoon treat, classic Portuguese custard tarts are found throughout the city – visit Manteigaria for warm tarts and watch the chefs in action (the kitchen walls are made entirely of glass). For dinner, Cantina 32 is a laid-back restaurant popular among young, trendy locals, with two sittings (one at 8pm, the other at 10pm to reflect the Mediterranean way of life) around large communal tables and smaller spots for two or four people. Leave time on your trip for a port tasting too. Visit the peaceful, rose-filled courtyard at Taylor’s Port House and order the Introduction to Taylor’s tasting flight – five ports ranging from simple white to brown tawny and a sought-after 20-year-old vintage. Where to stay: Rosa Et Al Townhouse, a six-room hotel, is a lesson in boutique design and acts…

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Winter greens: the shades to add to your kitchen this autumn
type: item
date: 2025-09-25T12:57:48.000Z
creator: Lucy Roxburgh
subject: Home and kitchen
description: Get your greens in the form of a stylish kitchen update – check out our picks of the best green kitchen accessories for autumn 2025
encoded: Are you feeling the need to give your home a seasonal update? As we bid farewell to summer and hello to autumn, the desire to make our homes fresh and cosy for the colder weather sinks in. This year, we're seeing one colour dominate the interiors trends: green. From paler shades of sage and moss to deep olive, rich forest or earthy thyme, the winter greens palette is everywhere this season. Whether you want to dip your toe into the trend with a few fun kitchen accessories or invest in a new appliance whilst remaining timeless, we've chosen some of our favourite winter green picks to add to your home this season. Dibor large soup mugs Available from Dibor (£16, set of 2) Autumn is also known as cosy season, which to us means soup season. These rustic earthenware mugs have a large capacity, making them perfect for serving warm mugs of soup and curling up with on a cold weekend. They're dishwasher- and microwave-safe and come in a range of other colours, too. Available from: Dibor (£16, set of 2) Our Place bakeware set Available from Our Place (£175, 5 pieces) This bakeware kit from Our Place has everything you need to whip up comforting bakes throughout autumn and winter. In a deep sage green, the kit has five versatile pieces including the oven-to-stovetop griddle pan, a loaf tin and a main baking pan that is perfect for crumbles. Plus, they all stack together for easy (and satisfying) storage. Available from: Our Place (£175, 5 pieces) Yala sage green hammered wine glasses Available from Nkuku (£48, set of 4) Upgrade your glassware collection for your next dinner party. Made from recycled glass, these sage green glasses have short chunky stems with a distinctive and tactile hammered finish. There is also a matching carafe available to complete the set, plus other glassware styles including highballs and champagne flutes for all your sipping needs. Available from: Nkuku (£48, set of 4) Casa by JJ rattan breakfast tray Available from Casa by JJ (£144) As the weather g…

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Best autumn home decor ideas
type: item
date: 2025-09-24T10:52:46.000Z
creator: Lucy Roxburgh
subject: Guides
subject: Home and kitchen
description: Give your kitchen a seasonal update with our favourite autumn home decor ideas, from cosy candles to chic serveware
encoded: Goodbye summer, hello autumn. It's time to pack away the picnic kit and embrace the changing of the seasons. We've chosen some of our favourite kitchen decor ideas to give your space a seasonal makeover, whether that's a cosy candle, smart new roasting tin or chic tableware for your next dinner party, it's easy to transform your kitchen into a warm autumn haven. For more kitchen design inspiration, check out our 20 best marble kitchen accessories, best kitchen wall art or the best cutlery sets for a stylish table. For more autumnal inspiration, see our best autumn travel breaks for food lovers and our guide to how to make the most of autumn ingredients. Best autumn table decor ideas Le Creuset cast iron round casserole dish in thyme Available from Le Creuset (£305) Le Creuset's round cast iron casserole dish is a classic piece of cookware, both in terms of its versatility and attractive design. The Thyme colourway, released in 2024, is ideal for autumn. This muted, smoky green with a gold handle is perfect for cooking for favourite comfort dishes whether it's soups or stews, and is beautiful enough to use as a serving dish on your table. In the range you'll also find the cast iron griddle pan, rectangular roasting dish and more. Available from: Le Creuset (£305) M&S twist ceramic candle holders Available from M&S (£7.50/set of two) Pick up a couple of sets of this duo of ceramic candle holders to arrange down your dinner table the next time you're entertaining, and fill with tall candles in contrasting colours for a chic look. Available from: M&S (£7.50/set of two) Demete embroidered cotton placemat Available from Anthropologie (£14) Make autumn entertaining feel extra special by laying your table with these pretty Anthropologie placemats. Available in two shades that are both ideal for the season – a warm orange or pale moss green – they have a delicate embroidered floral detail and can be machine-washed for easy post dinner party clean up. Available from: Anthropo…

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Best baking gifts to buy 2025
type: item
date: 2025-09-09T15:21:48.000Z
creator: Lucy Roxburgh
subject: Guides
subject: Reviews
subject: Gift guide
subject: Products
description: From stand mixers, sourdough baskets and pretty cake stands, to pie books and unique baking ingredients, check out our best baking gifts to buy
encoded: Looking for baking gifts for your favourite baker? Whether it's some kit to get their sourdough started, a book for baking inspiration or a perfect pie dish, check out our gift inspiration. Once your favourite baker is sorted, check out our best gifts for coffee lovers, best beer gifts or gin gifts for more gifting inspiration. For keen bakers, check out our best stand mixers to buy. Looking for a birthday gift? We've rounded up the best foodie birthday gifts or treat someone to one of our best champagne gifts. If you're looking for Christmas inspo, check out our best tea Advent calendars. Best baking gifts to buy in 2025 Classic Honey & Co hamper Available from Honey & Co. (£100) This luxurious hamper from Honey & Co. is sure to get any keen baker feeling inspired. It's filled with flavours to bring Middle Eastern baking to life – from jars of seasonal marmalade and sweet spice mix that could be used in the next bake, to copies of their award-winning cookbooks. Plus, there's some edible treats to enjoy in the form of chocolate bars and roasted nuts, and savoury goodies with harissa, tahini and more. Available from: Honey & Co. (£100) The Secret Garden recipe book Available from Papier (£29) In hardback with a stunning green botanical design, this book is ideal for a baker who wants to keep all their recipes in one place. It comes with clear guides to add your ingredients and write your steps, plus there are little details to note down difficulty and portion. Another unique feature is the boxes for your tips and tricks. Plus, they can write down when and where inspiration strikes on the dedicated page for favourite restaurants and patisseries. Available from: Papier (£29) Cotton canvas project apron Available from Toast (£65) This is our pick for a practical yet stylish kitchen apron. Made from cotton canvas, it has an adjustable neck tie for comfort, two large handy pockets and a tie waist. It's made of reassuringly thick fabric but still feels light to wear, and c…

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The kitchen interiors trend making us feel cosy for autumn
type: item
date: 2025-08-29T11:16:09.000Z
creator: Lucy Roxburgh
subject: Reviews
description: Introduce the warm tones of chocolate and spices to your kitchen this season
encoded: As the seasons shift and summer ends, we're noticing a new trend taking over kitchens as autumn arrives. Rich, spiced tones of cocoa and chocolate browns are taking centre stage, bringing with them a sense of warmth, depth and comfort. From glossy patent surfaces to natural wooden accents, this versatile shade creates a grounding base that pairs beautifully with calming neutrals or sets the stage for bolder pops of colour. Inspired by the richness of food itself – think: velvety chocolate, warm spices, golden caramel and maple syrup – this trend is as appetising as it is stylish. Whether you opt for chocolate-hued appliances, introduce soft brown linens or layer in earthy wooden decor, there are countless ways to infuse your kitchen with autumnal charm. Here are some of our favourite ideas to get you started. Our Place Wonder Oven Available from Our Place (£195) Make your air fryer a style statement in the kitchen. Unlike the majority of models, this air fryer has an oven-style design rather than a single drawer, and has a smaller footprint than even the most compact microwave. It comes in four different colours – go for the Char shade to jump on the brown trend in an appliance you'll end up using every day. Available from: Our Place (£195) Sur La Table wood utensils Available from Dunelm (£49) Wooden accessories are an easy and timeless way to incorporate brown into your everyday cooking. This smart set of five utensils is made from durable acacia wood (which can be used on non-stick pans) and has a metal loop if you want to hang the pieces for storage. Available from: Dunelm (£49) Amelie Latte cereal bowls Available from Anthropologie (£24, set of 4) These cocoa brown cereal bowls have a pleasing glossy finish, and are a chic way to serve dinner party desserts or have breakfast in the morning. Made in Portugal, the set of four glazed stoneware bowls is both dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Matching pasta bowls and mini dip bowls are also available. Available from: …

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