by As soon as the clock strikes midnight on August 31, the only thing many of us can think about is Christmas. Of course, we have the scary season to look forward to first, but there’s no harm in looking forward to the best time of the year.
And the band already has one super hit as they prepare to get excited over the Christmas period. The retailer has revealed an incredible range of food and drink for 2024, and fashion, beauty and shopping editor Rachel Pugh has had a go.
If you’re a big fan of M&S food, check out Rachel’s top 10 picks.
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This year, Marks and Spencer has added more than 450 items to its Christmas range. There is literally something to appeal to everyone, whether you are a big meat eater, vegan, gluten free, or just plain picky. There is also plenty to keep the kids entertained and their tummies full.
Earlier this week, I was lucky enough to try everything that will be on offer for December 2024 in the Marks and Spencer food halls. And when I say everything, I mean everything.
I ate and drank so much at the MandS Christmas food and drink display, I thought I was going to have to roll out of the dining hall. I can safely say that there was nothing I really didn’t like, and was completely spoiled for choice. But I have narrowed down all the options to ten of the best.
Here are my top ten items from the Marks and Spencer Christmas 2024 food and drink range:
1. Delacourt Rose Medium Dry Champagne, £26
Anyone who knows me knows that my favorite drink of all time is Rose Champagne. So it’s no surprise that this one gets the top spot in these rankings.
I usually have MandS Rose Prosecco in my house, so I was delighted to see a more luxurious champagne offering. I wasn’t sure if it was worth the £26 price tag, but let me tell you, it’s totally worth it. A little sweet, but not overpowering, I could drink it all night. This is one item that I will be buying again and again over the Christmas and New Year period.
2. Turkey Lasagne Feast, £10 (in store from 10 December)
Okay, so if you’re thinking turkey and lasagne don’t belong in the same sentence, you’re not alone. When this idea was first presented to me, needless to say, I was skeptical. But my god, it’s good. So good, in fact, that my one plus said ‘it’s better than normal lasagne’ – high praise indeed.
Taking inspiration from MandS’ famous Turkey Feast Sandwich, the lasagne combines roast British turkey, pork, sage and onion, cranberry sauce and bacon. I never thought lasagne would be my favorite choice when trying Christmas food, but I promise you, it’s epic. Try it and you’ll never look at lasagne the same way again.
3. Burrata Baking (price and delivery date to be confirmed)
It looks like there will be an Italian flavor this Christmas, as we see another Mediterranean dish take third place. I generally prefer these types of dishes to more traditional British dishes, so this really impressed me. It is creamy, spicy and more. The perfect alternative to camembert if you’re looking for a change from a classic. Unfortunately, if you’re a veggie, you won’t be able to have this one, as it contains pork.
4. Cocktail Party Pack, £19.50 (in store from 9 October)
M&S cocktail cans are a mainstay in my friendship group. Not only are they convenient, but they are also delicious, and definitely pack a punch. For Christmas 2024, MandS has put together all the most popular flavors in one party pack, which will surely be music to many shoppers, as it was to me.
I have a feeling this will be a big hit this Christmas, so don’t sleep on it.
5. Hot Honey Brie Brulee, £7 (in store from 27 November)
More cheese coming in – this time in the form of full creamy brie, drizzled with warm English Provender honey and sprinkled with brown cane sugar. It’s as delicious as it can be instagrammable, and I couldn’t help but keep dipping crusty bread into the gooey mess. Warm honey lifts another basic brie, so if you don’t mind a little sweet and spicy, give it a go. Apologize to your waistline in January.
6. 12 Halloumi in Blankets with Hot Honey, £5.50 (in store from 16 October)
Oh look, more cheese, surprise quelle. These bad boys blend a traditional look with something a little different, and they’re absolutely gorgeous. It is a perfect hybrid of a charcuterie board – meat, cheese and dip – in one mouthful. I could probably make the entire 12 pack in one sitting, so if you’re planning on buying them to share with friends or family, I recommend stocking up.
7. Santa picking down the chimney collection, £25 (in store from 1 December)
I’m not too keen on more traditional Christmas desserts, especially when packed with pies. But this dessert alternative has my heart. An undeniable showstopper, it may look too good to eat, but it tastes too good not to.
Made using an exclusive roof shaped mould, it is filled with dark and milk chocolate mousse and an oozing butterscotch caramel sauce on a white chocolate base and crisp roasted popcorn. All with white chocolate mousse and the cutest edible decorations.
8. Christmas of the Caterpillar (price and date of dispatch to be confirmed)
It would be remiss to tell you all about the Marks and Spencer Christmas range for 2024 without mentioning Colin, so here it is. If you’re a fan of the little guy, I’ve got good news for you, because Christmas Colin is the most chocolaty yet.
It’s especially good news if you live in a family that fights on the chocolate front (poor Colin), because the Christmas caterpillar is decorated with a giant sleigh – all made of solid chocolate. Mini Colins will also be returning – this year covered in festive colored snowflakes.
9. Pigs Double Wrapped in Blankets (price and delivery date to be confirmed)
Although the double wrapping of these pigs in blankets seems to be the biggest selling point, to me, it was the quality of the sausage itself that really impressed. Pigs in blankets can often be a little dry, but these were juicy and absolutely bursting with flavor.
They taste deliciously herbaceous, and will make a great party snack, as well as an accompaniment to Christmas dinner. The double-wrapped dry-cured bacon also means it’s less likely to fall in the oven or air fryer – so they’re practical, to say the least!
10. King Clam and Lobster Thermador Gratin (price and delivery date to be confirmed)
If, like me, you are a boujee on a budget, this is the dish for you. It is creamy and luxurious, but much cheaper than buying it at an upmarket restaurant.
Shoppers will soon be able to access MandS’ online Christmas Food To Order site – and many of the festive items will be going into store there too. MandS hasn’t confirmed the exact date yet, but we’ll be sure to keep you updated.
