Okay, so a flat, rectangular package under the Christmas tree isn’t going to fool anyone. But when all the whizzbang doodads and gallimaufry of geegaws have been cast aside, the book is the one gift that keeps on giving. Just please remember to scrawl a personal missive inside the front cover. It’s the only time you’re allowed- indeed, implored, to deface a book.

Asda‘s resident wine expert, Philippa Carr, has been hitting the bottle for a good few years. For a thoroughly good cause, of course- bringing UK wine lovers top tipples for the 30+ years she’s been in the industry. And she’s particularly in demand over Christmas, travelling the world to sample over 450 different wines to ensure Asda‘s seasonal wine selection passes muster.

Miguel Angel, head chef at El Pirata Detapas, has worked closely with Lalani & Co. the boutique tea trading company to select rare teas from India and Nepal to match the tapas on the menu. Anita cocks her little finger and takes tea.

We do like Paul A Young’s chocolates. Eccentrically English yet never eschewing the exotic, he lays on a tempting menu all year round. So at Yuletide one rightfully expects great things. A bijou box containing his finest seasonal selections hitting the doormat is more welcome than any advent calendar, and, in the spirit of festive gluttony, is scoffed in its entirety that very teatime.