21^st June 2015 is Father’s Day. Despite it only being a week away, many of us are still looking for that special gift. We have put together our favourite suggestions from Charbonnel et Walker.  Here is our guide to the perfect Father’s Day gifts.

1. The Organized Father

Smythson has a variety of classic stationery, perfect for the father who likes to put his thoughts on paper and stay organized.

2. The Stylish Father

For the effortlessly stylish Father, Tom Ford offers timeless and elegant footwear with these leather toe Chelsea Boots.

3. The Sports Focused Father

For the sports focused Father, service with a smile and the Wilson ‘Federer’, built to the personal specifications of the world’s No 1.  With Wimbledon fast approaching he will appreciate the practice!

4. The International Jet Setter Father

For those Father’s who travel frequently, this grooming ensemble from Murdock fits the credentials as a travel set on the go.

5.  The Outdoors Father

For Father’s who embrace the great outdoors, why not gift him with a lovely hat? Our favourite Men’s summer hat is the Superfine Montecristi Folder from Lock & Co

6. Fun Loving Father
For all father’s who like to be seen and heard, this quirky bow tie from Chester Barrie could become an important wardrobe staple.

7. Last, but not least: for Fathers with a sweet tooth, look no further than Charbonnel et Walker. Our Dark Sea Salt Caramel Truffles are a popular choice amongst our male customers. If your Father is a sea salt caramel fan, this box of decadent truffles can be purchased for £10 with our special Father’s Day offer!

Not only is it National Picnic Week this week, but the weather seems to be picking up across most of the UK. Why not make the most of it by eating alfresco? Here is a roundup of our favourite recipes that are best enjoyed in the breeze of summer.

STARTERS

Begin your alfresco dining session with one of our delicious first course suggestions.

Thai Style Salmon and Cod Fishcakes

This exotic and simple dish by Franglais Kitchen provides a wonderful starter for all ages, especially those slightly more curious about new flavours. Don’t forget the cucumber for a cooling effect.

Pear, Walnut and Feta Salad with Warmed Herb Honey

This dish by The Hedge Combers is light and delicious. The pear, walnut and feta salad is a perfect choice for a cooling starter to your alfresco dinner session.

Mushroom and Cheese Tart

We like this rustic take on the classic cheese tart by My Golden Pear.

FOR THE MAIN COURSE

These three tasty main dishes are unique crowd pleasers, guaranteed to be the highlight of your alfresco experience.

Blood Orange Roasted Chicken with Parsnips, Maple Syrup & Pecans

Its intense colours and novel combinations contribute to Lau Sunday Cooks’ being a must-try dish for those looking to make a culinary impression in the summer seasons.

Gnocchetti Sardi Pasta with Parma Ham, Rocket and Tomatoes

Just like alfresco dining originated from Italy, so does the theme of this vibrant looking pasta dish by Julie’s Family Kitchen – can be enjoyed just as much cold as it can be warm.

Roast Beef Wraps with Cranberry Relish and Spinach

These simple, yet delicious roast beef wraps by Maison Cupcake are ideal for packed lunches in the summer, picnics and garden buffets.

FOR DESSERT

Finish off your al-fresco dining with a flavoursome dessert that is sure to end your dinner on a high note.

Pimm’s-infused Strawberry and Spinach Shortcakes with Coconut Cream

It’s hard to imagine a British summer’s day without Pimm’s. Veggie Desserts dared to be creative with this tradition and introduced Pimm’s-infused shortcakes, which will no doubt, impress your guests just as much as they did us.

Fruit Salad with Rose Syrup, Greek Yogurt & Pistachios

This wonderful fruit salad by Rachel Phipps is easy to make and just right for anyone who prefers a lighter dessert option.

Grilled Nectarines with Saffron and Lavender Syrup

This unusual and fascinating dessert by Cook Sister is inspired by Jeanne’s love and support for South African and its fruit farmers, and tastes delicious.

Cappuccino Truffles

Our delicate cappuccino truffles with its distinct coffee flavour are the best choice for after-dinner coffee connoisseurs.

DRINKS

These surprising combinations for appetizing and refreshing drinks will add an exquisite touch to your three-course al fresco meal.

Tomato Tea

Tomato Tea does not usually come to mind when thinking of summer, yet Fuss Free Flavours‘ take on it is refreshing, in each and every way.

Peach and White Sangria

What better way to celebrate the evening sun with an original white wine Sangria such as the one offered in this recipe by Amuse Your Bouche?

Beetroot Gazpacho Juice

The beetroot gazpacho juice by Hemsley & Hemsley is very versatile – it can be seen as a soup, a starter or a fancy aperitif. We like to enjoy it as the latter, and are sure your guests will too.

Chocolate consumption is an emotional affair. More than with any other food we eat, chocolate is adored not just for its flavour and texture but the way it makes us feel. Nearly all of us have our clear favourites when it comes to choosing a chocolate and when doing so we most likely make the same choice time and time again. It comes as no surprise that psychologists have identified a clear connection between our choice of chocolate and our personality traits.

Doctor Murray Langham aka Dr Chocolate is without a doubt the leading voice in this chocolate personality debate. Years of fieldwork and patient observations lead him to the discovery of rather convincing patterns between people’s personality or state of their mind and their tastes in chocolate.

According to Langham, those who favour dark chocolate tend to be pragmatic problem solvers who are excited about the future. Whereas those who prefer milk chocolate are romantic at heart and like to dwell on the past. White chocolate aficionados have an innate sense of fairness and believe they have the power of the universe at their command.

Different fillings within the chocolate also appeal to different personalities. Traditional people tend to like peppermint flavoured filling. Creative types often go for coconut filling. Hard-caramel filling appeals to methodical go-getters, fruity flavours on the other hand to people who dislike routine and prefer to change their focus frequently.

Different personality traits also manifest themselves in the choice of the chocolate’s shape. If selecting on the basis of shape alone, extroverts tend do go for round shaped chocolates. Introverts and shy individuals prefer square or triangle chocolates.

The theory is still open to debate and needs further empirical evidence. The next time you hold a dinner party, why not offer your guests a Charbonnel et Walker chocolate selection box? Take note of your guests’ choices and put Langham’s theory to the test. Let us know your findings!

British brand Alice Through The Looking Glass has collaborated with British Master chocolatier Charbonnel et Walker on a delightful range of beautifully illustrated chocolates and truffles. These include the Mad Hatter’s Top Hat truffles, the Alice Through The Looking Glass chocolate gift box selection and a range of mini milk chocolate bar sets to include ‘ Humpty Dumpty’ and ‘ Queen Alice’.

Alice Through The Looking Glass reference rare Alice iconography to create new and beautiful additions to their collections. The Charbonnel et Walker collaboration can be seen at the Alice Through The Looking Glass pop up shop at Fenwick of Bond Street and for the  brand launch at Harrods, London on the second floor. Here you can find our delicious chocolates and truffles amongst first editions, Salvador Dali prints, the Alice Through The Looking Glass chessboard, ceramics and contemporary gifts.