Dobbies is hosting all kinds of special events this Christmas
Find out what’s on at your nearest store
Learn how to make the ultimate festive wreath - plus, delicious party recipes!
With its wide range of festive goodies, Dobbies Garden Centres are here to help get your Christmas off to the perfect start
Whether it’s the irresistible food, the time spent with loved ones, or the opportunity to really go to town decorating the house, one thing’s for sure: there’s a lot to love about Christmas. At Dobbies, you’ll find everything you need to make this festive season one to remember – from trees, decorations and gifts, to foodie treats to make your Big Day taste even more delicious.
So, read on to discover just some of the ways Dobbies has got you covered this year.
Tree-mendous choices
When it comes to trees, Dobbies offers something to complement every space. For those who like real trees, its horticultural team has selected nothing but the best sustainable varieties – including traditional favourites like Nordmann Fir, from only £19.99, and more unusual types such as Blue Spruce.
And if you prefer the ease of going faux, Dobbies has plenty of options to rival the real thing. Of course, if you don’t want a natural look and would prefer to go all-out with bright colours or some ‘snow-frosted’ leaves, you can count on Dobbies for that too.
Trees aren’t the only way of bringing the outside in at Christmas – houseplants can also bring an instant festive feel to your home – and they can make for unique and long-lasting gifts. From poinsettia and anthurium to festive table decorations and mini tree alternatives, Dobbies has an extensive selection, so you’ll find something to suit every home.
Make your own wreath
Want a showstopping accessory for your front door or a statement piece for above the fireplace this festive season? Then a beautiful wreath is a must-have – and what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by making your own?
Dobbies’ rustic Nordic Wonder-inspired wreath is the perfect decoration for those wanting to bring the outside in. Made using real and faux foliage for a stunning finish, it’s sure to fill you and any house guests with festive cheer.
What you will need
real conifer foliage
floristry green wire
a wired ring
secateurs
faux foliage
wired lights
Method
1. Take the fresh conifer foliage and create several small bundles to form the wreath base. Using the floristry wire, attach each piece to the wired ring, using the secateurs to cut the wire, when needed. Repeat the process until you have a full base to build upon.
2. Once the base is complete, start adding in the faux foliage. Once again, use the wire to attach it to the ring, layering until you are happy with the overall shape and definition of the wreath. If you want to achieve a warmer look, use a mixture of faux and real eucalyptus.
3. Finally, add the lights to highlight all the gorgeous foliage and you’re done!
Get cooking with Dobbies!
Are you hosting some festive fun this year? Or maybe you’re in need of a dish to bring along to a get-together with friends? Either way, these tempting recipes should do the trick – and most of the ingredients can be picked up at your local Dobbies.
Baked camembert with roasted grapes
Ingredients
250g whole camembert
2 rosemary sprigs
2 thyme sprigs
1 garlic clove, finely sliced
100g red grapes, vine on
1 tbsp white wine
1 tsp runny honey
1 ciabatta, sliced
Method
1. Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 4. Line a baking tray with baking parchment and place the camembert on top. Using a small, sharp knife, make diagonal cuts on top of the cheese, then push in a few sprigs of rosemary and thyme, along with a few slices of garlic. Arrange the grapes onto the same tray and scatter over the remaining herbs and garlic.
2. Add the white wine, honey and 1 tbsp olive oil to a small bowl and mix until well combined. Drizzle over the cheese and grapes and bake for 20 mins, or until the cheese is runny and the grapes have softened.
3. Warm the ciabatta in the oven for the last 5 mins of cooking, then serve on the side with the camembert and grapes.
Cheat’s cherry trifle
Ingredients
5 gelatine leaves
2 x 410g cans cherry pie filling
400g Madeira cake or madeleines
6 tbsp cherry jam
3 tbsp amaretto liqueur
800ml good-quality custard
400ml double cream
1 tbsp icing sugar
1 tsp cornflour
15g flaked almonds, toasted
edible gold glitter or sprinkle dust, to decorate
edible gold balls, to decorate
Method
1. To make the jelly, put the gelatine in a small bowl, cover with water and leave to soak. Meanwhile, add the cherry pie filling and 100ml of water to a pan and simmer over a low heat.
2. Add the softened gelatine to the cherry pie filling and stir until fully dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then transfer to a 20cm trifle dish. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hr or until the jelly has set.
3. Cut the Madeira cake or madeleines in half, lengthways. Spread over the cherry jam and sandwich back together before cutting into large chunks. Arrange in a layer on top of the jelly, then drizzle over the amaretto. Pour over the custard and smooth with a palette knife. Refrigerate for another 30 mins to 1 hr.
4. Place the cream in a large bowl and sieve in the icing sugar and cornflour. Whisk until peaks form, then spoon the cream on top of the custard and scatter over the flaked almonds, glitter and gold balls. Chill until ready to serve.