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Special occasions & other celebrations

Discover and share MoneySaving ideas for presents and decorations for all kinds of festivals and special occasions.

Italian food and drink, Christmas or anytime.
On another thread I am asking about English Champagne or whatever we have to call it. Here instead I am telling you about where to get quality Italian food for Christmas or any other time. There is this fantastic entrepreneur, Farinetti, who has opened big Italian food stores/restaurants in Italy, US, Japan and other…
Drinking fudge
Not sure if this is the best place to post this, but... We have a few relatives who are batty about fudge, and year after year we buy some for them for Christmas. This year I've come across drinking fudge, which sounds lovely, and would be something different to get them. The only thing is that it seems quite expensive for…
Christmas Menus.
I remember there was a similar thread last year, where everyone posted what they were going to be cooking over Christmas. So I thought I'd ask this year. For the first time in 15 years, I wont be doing the main Christmas dinner, I am going to my Mums and she is doing it (I will be helping though). I am cooking Chilli,…
present for elderly aunt
Hi all I'm getting a little desperate now I'm due to have a operation so need to sort my Christmas presents out ASAP other half is hopeless and it'd be left to last minute and then it'd be a in and out job lol Anyway he has a great aunt who is retirement age but still has plenty of life in her. She has no hot water or…
help with presents for teachers please
Hi everyone my son and daughter are at different school and both have special needs so I have a lot of presents to get and need something that does not cost loads I love snowman soup idea but another mum told me she's doing that and don't want to copy any is there anything like that but different if you see what I mean?…
LEGO or Megabloks for a 5 year old (first ever kit)
I want to buy a 'block' building set / sets for our 5 year Grandson, but need some advice. As a kid, I remember having hundreds of the 'normal' LEGO blocks, with a selection of windows, doors, roof sections and wheels ... and that was that. I spent hours using the set, which grew and grew (birthdays etc) Now, for my…
Christmas Cake Icing
I need to ice and marzipan 4 Christmas cakes (2x 8" and 2x 4"). What would be the best way to do this? I'm going to buy my marzipan regardless as I don't trust myself to make it! Should I make my own fondant icing or just buy it? I've seen fondant icing sugar is only 75p for 500g in Morrisons so that would do a cake, right?
How many different vegs with Christmas Dinner?
Hi all I have read the 'What's on the menu for Christmas Day' thread and Malanza has commented about one person posting 8 different vegetables to go with Christmas dinner. So, to keep the spirit up, I wondered how many veg dishes you have .....let's include potato as well and list the veg! I will kick off- we will have: 7…
Websites for foodie gifts?
Hi, I'm trying to put together a couple of 'foodie' hampers for Christmas - some condiments, spices, little jars etc. Has anybody got any recommendations for online stores? Amazon has a load of stuff, but thought I'd see if anybody can recommend smaller/independent finds? Thanks!
Ideas on How to Present Family Tree? Gift for Elderly Relative.
Hi All :j I was a member of this forum maaaany moons ago but for the life of me I cannot think what my username was or what my email address would have been to reset my password :think: Anyway, I have decided to register again as I often find myself answering other members questions but of course I cannot post which is…
A cheaper alternative? Chad Valley Design a Friend Outfits.
Hi everyone, our six year old sister is having a Chad Valley Design a Friend doll for Christmas, and I am trying to buy some outfits for it - they are so expensive! Argos seem to be the best price, and Amazon seem to be super expensive. I haven't got the time to fuss with eBay right now. Does anyone have any alternatives?…
Ideas on how to package this gift
I have bought for a couple a bottle of Cava, 2 champagne flutes and a box of luxury champagne chocolates. However, I have no clue on the best way to package it. If anyone can offer suggestions, it would be appreciated.
Fibere optic Tree
Hi Can some please advise why only my fibre optic tree is part working as just took it and put to gatherer ? as purchased last year and was fine
Family Present Inspiration!
Hello everyone :) I have friends which are a large family. I usually buy individual gifts for them, but I'm having to tighten my belt a little this year and thought I'd get them a present they can share. They are a sporty family with a large garden, the youngest child is 3, so I thought maybe a large outdoor game or…
Fraudulent site
Everyone please be aware of ofclicks.com which is a fraudulent website setup to gain credit and debit card details by "selling" low cost Ugg boots and other designer goods. These sites popup every year - There was a HUGE thread on this site about Focus Clothing a few years ago. Since then there has been Splat and now…
help me decorate my tree!
haven't had a tree for a good few years, but fell in love with this one in Tesco" Alaskan Flocked 6ft Christmas Tree, Tesco" I just don't know what colours to go with it, my living room is neutral with a brown carpet, light walls, minky coloured sofa.............................please help! thanks sam
Regular clutter at Christmas
I have spent the day getting the house ready for Christmas as I have a friend coming to stay tomorrow. One thing that annoys me is all the usual ornaments, photos, vases etc. so I scooped them all up and hid them in the coffee table or elsewhere, to be taken out again when the place looks bare in January. Is this what…
Help needed - nanny keepsake ideas
Hi folks Need some inspiration please! Each year I buy a keepsake/practical item for the grandparents from the little one. They have mugs and key rings in the past. This year the Grandad's have socks. I am stumped for the nannys! I would like something they can use rather than a plaque or picture if possible. We have some…
make xmas fun again
hi everyone x I love xmas and really miss the feeling of having small children in the house at xmas.... I have 3 children 13, 17,18 and feel really sad this year because I feel the spark of xmas is slipping away :( How can I try and make it feel really fun again? putting the spark back in xmas x I make the crackers for the…
Santa Tracker
Norad's Santa Tracker starts today :j It's become a bit of a tradition in our house as a fun run up to the big day :) http://www.noradsanta.org/

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MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

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Special occasions & other celebrations

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