Raymond Blanc Cookery School Course, From £365 for a Full Day
Even a decent home cook needs to bow to the expertise of Michelin star-holding Raymond Blanc. Fortunately he’s more than happy to pass on a few tips at Oxfordshire’s stunning Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons. Courses range from sauces to BBQ, seafood to pastry and simple dishes to Christmas dinner. It’s a great way to improve your kitchen skills – or better yet, someone else’s.
Available here.
Lorenzi Milano Steak Knife Set, €2,745
A good knife is a luxury in and of itself and this full set from niche design studio Lorenzi Milano takes its carnivore status very seriously indeed. The six blades are fitted with zebu horn handles, which make for a perfect match with their holder, which itself is carved into a beautifully curved horn. It’s most definitely not a gift for a vegetarian, but it is one hell of a kitchen statement.
Available here.
Rémy Martin XO, £145
The annual festive edition of Remy Martin’s signature Cognac is always a sight to behold wreathed in gold. This year it adds red to the mix for a seasonally-appropriate reason to keep the bottle on display – all the better to enjoy the warm, festive candied orange and cinnamon balanced with late summer fruits and floral notes, such as jasmine, and woody tobacco. This is real Christmas spirit.
Available at Remy Martin’s website.
Difference Coffee Jamaica Blue Mountain Capsules, £3.15 Each
Ever tasted your morning coffee and wish you had stayed in bed? Difference Coffee began as an experiment to see how great coffee could be made in capsules and now it’s one of the biggest suppliers to Michelin-star chefs in the world. You can choose from all the finest speciality coffees – including the controversial Kopi Luwak – though we’re partial to the Grade 1 Jamaica Blue Mountain.
Available at Difference Coffee’s website.
Georg Jensen Sky Cocktail Set, £145
Making a cocktail is an art – so why not bring some arty minimalism to what you use to make them? This mirror-polished stainless-steel set from Georg Jensen epitomises the brand’s Scandinavian flowing lines and cool, less-is-more approach. Comprised of a shaker, jigger and stirring spoon, it’s about as unfussed as your drinks should be, making them as satisfying to make as drink. Hopefully.
Available here.
