The Dish: Flaunt it

Veuve Clicquot Ice Cube. Photo / Supplied

Veuve Clicquot has teamed with the good people at the Porsche Design Studio to come up with the uber-glam Ice Cube. Perfect for keeping the bubbles chilled, darlink! The Ice Cube, which holds a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label and four Trendy Flutes, is a portable chiller complete with brushed aluminium handle. $195 from Glengarry, Moore Wilsons, Centre City Wines, Regional Wines and Spirits, Ballantynes, Rhubarb Cafe and Wine Store.

Christmas cakes

Okay, so time is running out and you haven't made the Christmas pud - aargh! Don't stress, Artisan Cakes Extra Special Christmas Puddings are handcrafted in Christchurch and full of fruit, brandy, Guinness and spices. Serve it with brandy butter and everyone will think you made it yourself! From $5.99 at Farro Fresh and leading supermarkets.

Grand Marnier Irresistible

Get the spirit of Christmas with Grand Marnier Irresistible. We love the luscious red of the bottle and the tasty cocktails you can whip up with it. $65 from all good liquor outlets.

Coffee culture

If you're stuck for a place to meet a friend for a coffee, or looking for somewhere new to explore, then Espresso Escape (Puku Publishing, $25) is the book to have at hand. Coffee lovers Niki Grennell and Matthew Hawke have compiled a collection of the coolest cafes around Auckland - from the quirky Garnet Station espresso bar in Westmere to the Piha Cafe on the wild west coast. Personably written, with great photos. Available from Dymocks.

Deli delicious

For busy foodies during the silly season, the place to go is Ripe Delicatessen. Not only do they have a delicious array of goodies that you can use to put together gift hampers and care parcels, they also provide a host of options for entertaining. From glazed hams and sides of salmon, to platters and finger food menus, the food is fresh and impressively delicious. 172 Richmond Rd, ph (09) 360 6159. Open Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat 7.30am-3.30pm, Sun 8am-3pm.

To market, to market

At this time of the year, there's nothing more enjoyable than shopping at an outdoor market. The newest one for Aucklanders to check out is at Pine Harbour Marina. For those holidaying on Waiheke, check out the farmers market in Ostend every Sunday morning. To find the nearest market to your holiday destination, go to farmersmarkets.org.nz - it's good to support the locals!