The countdown to Christmas is on, and here in Orkney we have an array of exquisite and unique flavours and crafts to make your festive celebrations memorable.
Whether you're looking for luxury homeware, beautiful textiles, hand-made gifts, or the best food and drink to elevate your festive celebrations, you'll be spoilt for choice. To help you discover the perfect, we’ve created Orkney’s 12 days of Christmas guide, tempting you with a choice of lovingly crafted treats and hidden gems.
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1. Welcome to Orkney's Christmas countdown
Orkney's spectacular scenery, dramatic coastlines and unique and colourful history, have inspired creativity for generations. To help you deliver remarkable experiences this Christmas we've selected some of Orkney's finest arts, crafts, food and drink – and it's easy to shop online.
With so many talented craftspeople and passionate food and drink producers, all inspired by the heritage, stories and landscapes of our beautiful islands, there's something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for statement gifts, luxury knitwear, delicious festive food and drink, or Orkney-inspired stocking fillers our 12 inspirational ideas include everything you'll need to make it your most memorable Christmas.
2. Celebrate with an indulgent breakfast
Wake up to a taste of Orkney on Christmas morning with a breakfast filled with delightful delicacies from our islands.
With coffee roasted in small batches, beautiful biscuits or traditional flour to make beremeal bannocks, traditionally cured Orkney salmon or homemade jams for your morning toast you'll start the day with a luxury feast.
3. Decorate your home in style
Be a true north star and bring extra flair to your tableware and festive decorations influenced by Orkney. Whatever your style, you'll find something perfect to add a twist to your home decor, ranging from beautiful blankets, hand crafted ceramics and soft furnishings to gifts inspired by our amazing birdlife and the spectacular seas that shape our shores.
4. Luxury Christmas hampers
As well as looking beautiful, our islands' rolling hills and the crisp, clear waters that surround us produce an array of exceptional foods with unrivalled provenance. Add in the magic ingredient of Orcadian creativity and craftsmanship and our larder is packed with spectacular food and drink. And there's no better way to experience that than in an indulgent hamper combining a selection of the best flavours from Orkney. Or maybe you'd prefer to sample the spirit of Orkney.
5. Add festive sparkle with exquisite jewellery
Whether you're looking for something special to give to a loved one, or simply want a beautiful piece to make you shine, Orkney has a magnificent range of talented jewellers. And with such spectacular surroundings and beautiful coastline, it's no surprise to learn that the natural world, the ebb and flow of the tides, memories of summer days spent beachcombing, and autumnal adventures experiencing the elements are an inspiration to designers. You’ll find Scottish-influenced kilt-pins, or perhaps a piece shaped by Orkney’s stunning shoreline is just right for your special one.
6. Sumptuous supper snacks
Christmas is a time for feasting and indulgence, and there's nothing more indulgently Orcadian than artisan cheese and biscuits. Orkney specialises in smoked cheddar and for Christmas why not try a special variety box of flavoured cheese. Or perhaps a selection of farmhouse cheeses would be perfect for supper accompanied by oatcakes, Orkney digestives or beremeal crackers.
7. Get in the Christmas spirit
Whether you're having a festive party or settling down for a cosy drink by the fireside, Orkney's excellent distilleries produce a stunning range of refreshments, to make your drams extra special. If you're a gin lover, you'll love the Yuletide and Christmas editions, distilled especially for this time. You can also explore your wild side with Orkney vodka or get that warm feeling from a spiced rum or whisky with hints of festive fruit cake. Cheers!
8. Stock up on stocking fillers
Need a little something to wrap up as a stocking filler? Then look no further than the fantastic selection of peedie presents made by Orkney's food and drink and craft producers.
9. Show-stopping statement gifts
Sometimes you need something truly unique for the special person in your life. Luckily, our brilliant creative community has plenty to inspire you with a choice of presents which make a statement, as well as looking spectacular.
From bespoke furniture or hand crafted wooden gifts to a range of beautiful artworks including tapestry inspired by natural Orkney, stunning landscape paintings, or oil paintings capturing the movement of the seas.
10. Uncork some Orkney magic
Christmas is the perfect time of year to slow down, relax and savour carefully crafted drinks. Orkney's two fantastic breweries provide an excellent choice for those who want to sip drinks with a unique story behind them.
Some superb ales are brewed in the islands, so whether you're a fan of pale ales inspired by the famous Scapa Flow or chocolately rich dark beers which capture the flavour of Orkney you will find something to your taste.
Cheers!
11. Wrap up and walk out in style
Whether you want to walk off a festive feast or work up an appetite for a suppertime snack, you'll want to wrap up against the elements. Look no further than the incredible textiles and knitwear lovingly crafted in Orkney or carefully curated by Orcadian retailers to repel the toughest of island weather.
Shop around and you'll find everything you need to complete your outfit that will keep you toasty and help you look a million dollars. Check out jumpers, Fair Isle knitwear, tweed outfits, knitted fingerless gloves, luxury scarves and even pewter scarf rings to add an extra bit of sophistication to your outdoor outfits.
12. Pour yourself a dream dram
Everybody deserves a treat at Christmastime, and whether you're unwinding after a busy day with your family or simply relaxing in front of the fire, that means enjoying a nightcap. There's nothing like it to get that warming feeling, no matter how cold it is outside.
And you can't go wrong with the exquisite spirits distilled in Orkney. Why not try a masterful special edition, silky single malt whisky, or sample a delicious aged rum as rich in history as it is in flavour? Just add an ice-cube or dash of water, settle down with a mince pie and enjoy a dream dram. Merry Christmas.
