It might seem like an alien concept, but food writers and bloggers across the land get excited about Christmas when the sun is shining… yes Christmas in July sees the round of press shows from food retailers keen to showcase their trends for the coming festive season.
Tesco put on an impressive display of their wares at a swanky central hotel, and here are the highlights should you be curious about what they’ve got in store once we start wearing jumpers and boots again…
Decorations and gifting
The space was festooned with jammy dodgers on ribbons – sounds odd but it looked gorgeous, and I especially loved the houses that had also been built out of biscuits. Was glad the boys weren’t there as they’d have tried to sink their teeth into them.
The home-spun, needlecraft, Scandi trends are still going strong for Christmas 2013, with lots of knitted cushions and red/white colour schemes. Other highlights were the bird box tree decorations and the super-cute gingerbread man bunting.
The novelty tin is still very much on the scene – the vintage looking radio one being particularly appealing. Marvel Superheroes loomed large on the gifting for boys displays, and i’m thinking Arlo would adore a hulk alarm clock… not that he needs waking up to be honest.
Savoury treats
I have to say I was properly taken aback by the quality and visual impact of Tesco’s food offering this year. You can tell the product developers have been working hard to create a high end range for customer’s this season. The great thing is though, as it’s Tesco it’s not wildly expensive.
I thought the meat platter looked incredible, the rolled turkey joint an easy bung-in-the-oven option, the dressed hams looked divine and the three fish roast something different for Christmas Eve.
My only bug bear was the lack of vegetarian offerings. It seems the supermarkets don’t really think about something delicious that can be put in the oven alongside the roast turkey. The last thing you need on Christmas day is to be making something from scratch as well as all the other trimmings…
Sweet stuff
I was probably least impressed with the desserts. However the chocolate turkey’s fun and the selection of sweet mini bites would be great for serving up at festive parties.
Overall though a big thumb’s up for Tesco’s Christmas preview… they’ve really upped their game.
Disclosure: Thanks to Tesco for inviting me along to their press show and for paying me a fee to cover my transport costs. These are my honest opinions.
I love the gingerbread man bunting too, v. cute! I don’t know why chefs and retailers have a brain freeze when it comes to vegetarians (or indeed, vegetables) at Christmas. I think they hear the words ‘brussel sprouts’ and panic!
I know what you mean Anne – they’re really missing a trick!