Who doesn’t love a countdown to Christmas and what better way is there to mark each day than with a delicious Advent calendar filled with treats? Here are five carefully curated calendars that are guaranteed to brighten your mood and fill your belly as the big day approaches.
Grá Chocolates
Award-winning pastry chef Gráinne Mullins has made quite the name for herself when it comes to decadent, luxurious chocolates. Her handmade Grá chocolates always impress with their inventive flavours and colourful decor and The Grá Advent calendar is no different. Pull open the drawers for a daily taste of indulgent chocolate, including some very special seasonal pieces such as Winter Wonderland, Christmas Spirit and Berry Christmas. A bite of delight every day.
€100, grachocolates.com
Gran Gran Foods
Christmas is a serious time for stocking up on condiments, so this is a great Advent calendar to give in the lead-up. Gran Gran Food makes all the seasonal essentials including festive marmalades, chutneys and jams, and everything is made in Galway – much of it using the company’s own vegetables and produce from local suppliers. In this heaving calendar you’ll find a different mini-jar behind each door. A gorgeous way to spread Christmas cheer.
€70, grangransfoods.ie
The Molloys Liquor Store Craft Beer Advent Calendar
You’ll have a very merry December with this calendar. Dublin-based Molloys Liquor Store has put together a fun Advent calendar made up of a hefty selection of 24 cans of beer.
‘Lots of guests got tattooed’: Jack Reynor and best man Sam Keeley on his wedding, making speeches and remaining friends
Faye O’Rourke’s Christmas: ‘I have a reputation for overdoing it. I splash out. It’s not in my control’
The best Christmas gifts to give fitness lovers in your life
Standout jewellery for the Christmas party season
The beers are sourced entirely from Irish craft brewers and come in a variety of sizes, styles and ABV strengths, plus a tasting glass to sample them all in. As their box says, let it flow, let it flow.
€125, molloys.ie/products/christmas-craft-beer-advent-calendar
Temptation Chocolates
The aptly named Temptation Chocolates create Irish artisan hand-painted treats in small batches in Abbeyleix, Co Laois. For Christmas they’ve put together an old-school Advent calendar – but don’t let that fool you. Behind each door you’ll find their thoroughly modern take on chocolate – 24 flavours ranging from their award-winning classics including Sea Salt Caramel to festive delights such as Gingerbread. The only problem will be sticking to one a day.
€65, temptationpatisserie.ie
Fortnum & Mason Christmas Tea Lovers Advent Calendar
Keep calm and drink tea in the run-up to Christmas with this gorgeous calendar from the London food and drink emporium Fortnum & Mason. Behind each date, you’ll find a daily fix of their best and brightest brews in silky tea bags, ranging from their classic Royal Blend to relaxing Moroccan Mint and festive Christmas Spiced Green Tea. Sounds like a tea-rrific countdown to Christmas.
€40, available from Brown Thomas, brownthomas.com
