Panicking about Christmas? Relax… this is our editor’s ultimate foodie gift guide…
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SEAS-ONAL CHIC!
For the ultimate foodie Christmas decoration, discarded oyster shells are used to make this spectacular giant ball decoration. The shells are attached to a wicker frame and suspended on seagrass and it’s top of the editor’s Christmas list! £48 at RE, Bishops Yard, Main Street, Corbridge, NE45 5LA, tel 01434 634 567, www.re-foundobjects.com
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CHOCOLATE JOY
The Chocolate Gallery in Morpeth is home to a divine range of handcrafted artisan chocolates, beautifully decorated, boxed and available to buy online and in store. The Christmas range includes a selection of seasonal loose chocolates so you can create your own selection box, beautifully gift-wrapped for you. Our favourites include pistachio pralines, gin truffles, and salted caramel dessert cups. Too tempting! Chocolate Gallery, Oldgate, Morpeth, NE61 1PY, tel 01670 505 481, www.thechocolategallery.co.uk
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CHEERS!
Muckle Brewing gift packs of artisan bottle conditioned beers are available at farmers markets and events leading up to Christmas. Check out the brewery’s website and social media for your opportunity to choose which Muckles you would like to gift the beer lovers in your life. www.mucklebrewing.co.uk
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CIAO, BELLA!
Treat your festive visitors to these indulgent Aragostine Gianduja Italian biscuits; crisp pastry lobster tail shells filled with chocolate and hazelnut cream, baked in Abruzzo. One item from a range of deli goods, wines and spirits, they’re £3.75 at Carruthers & Kent Elmfield Road, Gosforth, Newcastle, NE3 4AY, tel 0191 213 1818, www.carruthersandkent.com
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HAMPER TIME
An expertly curated hamper, or one you make up yourself, is a great Christmas gift, and if you fill it with local or themed (e.g., French or Italian, seafood or meat, jams and preserves) you can design it specifically for the recipient. This collection is part of a selection at Deli Around the Corner, where hampers are a speciality. Deli Around The Corner, Hotspur St, Tynemouth NE30 4EE, tel 0191 259 0086, www.thedeliaroundthecorner.co.uk
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IN A PICKLE
Northumbrian Pantry’s The Tower deli selection offers a relish, pickle and chutney selection in a lovely Dunstanburgh Castle-themed gift box. Meanwhile, the Christmas cheese pairing selection includes Christmas Chutney, Spiced Apricot Chutney, Pear & Ginger Chutney. Shop online at www.northumbrianpantry.com
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ALL ABUZZ
This lovely hamper from the Travelling Bee Company includes a jar of Provence lavender honey, which is one of the finest honeys in the world, a pair of lavender-infused hand-rolled natural beeswax candles, a lavender, camomile and lemon balm organic soap, and lavender and lemon organic hand balm, all in a beautiful handmade wicker basket. It’s one of a selection of lovely gifts which start at just £4.50 at www.travellingbee.co.uk
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FESTIVE FARE
Let Kork take the stress out of Christmas planning with a gourmet hamper. Starting at £30, the hampers are filled with award-winning artisan cheese, charcuterie and accoutrements. You can add the perfect bottle of natural wine to your hamper, which can be pre-made ready for collection from the store or for local delivery. Or the team will post one to a faraway loved one for you. Kork, Whitley Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2NE, tel 07929 423 918, www.korkwineanddeli.com
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CHOCS H’AWAY!
Christmas handmade treats from Newcastle-based North Chocolates include a new dark Christmas pine tree, and dark Gingerbread Crush with ginger crumble, nutmeg and clove. There’s dark Retro Rum & Raisin, milk Gingerbread Crush with ginger crumble, nutmeg and cloves, and Caramel Rum & Raisin with rum punch and festive fruit. Gift Boxes are available on the website. Stocked in shops regionwide and online at www.northchocolates.co.uk
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CHRISTMAS FANTASTIC
This festive hamper selection from Pranzo pizzeria and deli includes a selection of pastas, pesto and sauces, sweet treats, drinks and snacks. You can buy a hamper box for £7 at Pranzo and fill it with your choice of goods, or get the team to choose for you. This selection comes to £48. Pranzo, Station Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2RA, tel 0191 676 7062, www.pranzotapasbar.com
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TRUFFLE NO TROUBLE
If you can’t indulge yourself at this time of year, when can you? These truffle sticks are superb and quite the treat for you or for a foodie stocking filler. An earthy flourish of French truffle oils and Italian truffle pieces conspire to make this a truffle experience you will savour. £11.50 at Il Piccolo, St Helen’s Street, Corbridge, NE45 5BE, tel 01434 634 554, www.ilpiccolo.co.uk
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BEANS MEANS…
For a really unusual gift, give the coffee-lover in your life an experience to remember with a Speciality Coffee course from Baristocracy Coffee. Courses start at £25 and are great fun as well as highly instructive. Baristocracy, Unit 2, Larch Court, West Chirton North Industrial Estate, North Shields, NE29 8SG, tel 07908 007 726, www.baristocracycoffee.com
