][1]The 5pm Dining blog would happily ignore Christmas until at least the second week of December but we realise that others start planning around Boxing Day the previous year.
Those who take a calm, pre-planned approach might wish to sashay along to the Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair taking place at Glasgow’s SECC from 21 – 24 November.
Artisan produce
The organisers promise hand-crafted artisan produce; top notch Christmas decorations and all sorts of classy gift ideas.
There will also be lots of lifestyle experts on hand for people who want to perfect the Country Living look. For example, the wonderfully named Cherry Menlove will be demonstrating table settings for elegant festive dining.
Food theatre
Naturally, the 5pm Dining blog has more of an appetite for roast goose than it does for scented candles so most of our attention will be focused on the food producers and food theatre.
There will be stands heaped with authentic regional delicacies such as gourmet sausages and hams, local cheeses and pate, Christmas cakes, puddings and chocolates.
In the AGA Rangemaster Food Theatre, top Scottish chefs Mark Greenaway of Restaurant Mark Greenaway, Neil Forbes of Cafe St Honoré and Craig Sandle of The Pompadour by Galvin will be demonstrating how to whip up delish Crimbo dishes.
The fair is open 10am-5pm from Thu 21st-Sun 24th November. Regular adult advance tickets cost from £10 from here.