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Wine drinkers typically spend £9 on a bottle for themselves but £12.50 when hosting – to impress their guests with a pricier plonk. A poll of 2,000 wine drinkers found 44 per cent splash out when hosting at Christmas, with this rising to 56 per cent when gifting to someone else, as 27 per cent still think premium labels are better quality. While three-quarters will do so because they want an expensive bottle to celebrate a special occasion and 35 per cent want to impress their guests. However, 23 per cent admit they find buying wine a stressful experience – with 51 per cent of these claiming there are too many options to choose from. And 46 per cent don’t know how to identify a good bottle from a bad, whereas 32 per cent are simply bewildered by wine jargon. The research was commissioned by Lidl GB, to mark the return of its Chateaux Noir events, which are designed to democratise wine and challenge preconceptions about wine etiquette through a tasting experience in total darkness. The sensory events will see the supermarket take on major drinks brands as it aims to dispel the belief drinkers need to blow the bank to enjoy quality booze. It also emerged 51 per cent of wine drinkers tend to stick to what they know, and 49 per cent choose a bottle based on where it comes from. Whereas 45 per cent will default to whatever is on offer, 23 per cent have a ‘go-to’ bottle, and 18 per cent will opt for whatever label they like to look of. However, 24 per cent wish they knew more about wine – with nearly a third saying they would experiment with different wines if they knew more about them. But while many are keen to experiment with wine, there are some rules they certainly won’t abide by. For 43 per cent, they are happy to serve white with a dish that isn’t fish, and 39 per cent will drink rose all year round. Many don’t mind if their bottle is corked or a screw top (37 per cent), and 35 per cent will drink champagne from any glass, not just a flute. More than three in 10 (31 per cent) will even chill a bottle of red and 30 per cent will pop a few ice cubes into their vino on a warm day. In fact, 31 per cent find ‘wine etiquette’ snobbish, with just eight per cent believing that following traditional ‘rules’ of wine etiquette enhances their enjoyment of the drink. The events will be hosted by Lidl GB’s master of wine, Richard Bampfield, and will see guests enter a ‘palate cleansing tunnel’ before a blackout wine tasting room. He said: “At Chateaux Noir, not only do we want to challenge preconceptions about affordable wine and prove to customers that great taste isn’t determined by premium branded price tags, but to open people’s minds and challenge what they think they know already about wine. “So, if you think you’re a strictly red drinker – think again. “We’ll reveal how similar flavour profiles can carry across different categories that you might never have otherwise considered. “This Christmas, Chateaux Noir is encouraging shoppers to rip up the rule book and start experimenting - ultimately, there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to drink wine – if you love it, then that’s all that matters.” Over 18s can secure tickets for the Chateaux Noir events, which will take place in London, Glasgow and Liverpool in November, at, with all proceeds going to the NSPCC. Read More Brits are so fed up with emails that retail giants now send reminder letters Brits reveal advice they would give their younger selves - including investing in property Brits will eat over 5,000 slices of pizza in their adult life, study finds Beauty advent calendars 2021: Our guide to this year’s top treats 13 best tech gifts to spoil a gadget geek this Christmas 10 best luxury Christmas crackers for dressing up your dining table

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When it comes to new season must-haves, a handbag is right up there. An easy style update without the fear of making a fashion disaster, whether you go designer or high street, you know you can bank on a bag being the one thing that’s going to look good – and boost your mood. And for a need-to-know, this season is particularly polished with ladylike top-handle bags to show off your nail art, reds to fire-up winter whites, double denim and black wardrobe essentials, silver silhouettes, and the oh-so larger-than-life XL tote. “While burgundy and deep autumnal reds are always apt for A/W, we predict that bold, fiery reds will be a handbag staple this season,” says Nia Davis, design manager at handbag and accessory brand, Fiorelli. “With many of us turning to darker palettes to match the weather, a pop of bright red is a great way to break up dark outfits and make a statement.” Moreover, designers are offering up moc-croc prints, supersized bags with enough space to carry all your hardware, and more. “Finally, bags are getting more practical and we’re seeing customers trade into larger bags again, especially totes,” opines Zoe Donovan, digital & marketing director, LK Bennett. “They are perfect for every day, and you can fit your evening bag in there for those day-to-night situations.” “And secondly, like all fashion magpies, we’ve fallen for all things metallic, in bags, shoes and clothing!” adds Donovan. Here’s our pick of the pieces to see you through all of the above, and proffer style with substance… 1. Red From practical, crossbody styles to slick, soft pouches, red is never too hot to handle. And the beauty of a red bag is that you can team it with a striking slick of lipstick in the same shade, to add a little bit of drama to those dark, autumnal evenings. Think matchy-matchy for a quick wardrobe and beauty fix. The Drop Women’s Avalon Small Tote Bag, £32.90, Amazon. Astrid Crossbody Red Croc, £59, Fiorelli. 2. Silver What’s not to love about something snazzy and sparkly, that’s both sophisticated and sexy? This season, silver bags have been reimagined for day and evening; what’s more, you can always pair two together… think a slim, silver crossbody for your phone and a squishy clutch for keys and other essentials, to style up staples such as classic knitwear. Naha Animal Strap Silver Crossbody Bag, £42, Oliver Bonas. Bonanza – Silver Diamante-Plait Metallic Clutch Bag, £95, Dune. 3. Top-handle There may be a removable strap or handy chain tucked inside, but it’s all about reaching for a top-handle this season. At first glance, it’s prim and proper, but a handle has its many virtues. Not only can they be placed on your wrist, leaving you hands-free for more shopping sprees, but they also look expensive. Beyond black, gold is a go-to ahead of the party season, while sugary shades channel a girly aesthetic. Coco-effect chain bag, £29.99, Mango. Mini Harbour Gold Leather Trapeze Tote Bag, £299, LK Bennett. 4. Moc-croc print The surprise hit of the season, moc-croc is a chic option – and the easiest way to buy into a designer brand when eyeing up their luxe accessories. Marrying form with function, these croc-effect handbags are having a fashion moment. As Davis puts it: “From old-money aesthetic with tan croc, to a gothcore take with black crocodile, this print can be played with to suit your personal style.” Making moc-croc handbags the perfect option if you’re looking for a timeless classic for your collection. Linden Gardens – Faux Croc Large Zip-Top Shoulder, Dragon, £259, Radley. Lauren Ralph Lauren Sophee 22 Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag, Vintage Brown, £349, John Lewis. 5. Supersized tote What’s not to love about a handbag in XL? Proving we all love to chuck everything in and don’t mind delving deep to find stuff, having room for all those extras is where it’s at with these supersized totes. Whether you go for over the shoulder option or scale up your handheld, the bigger the better, with the added bonus of being able to pop a smaller handbag inside. Vero Zebra Print Tote Bag, £55, Hush. Gwen Grey And Cream Check Fabric Tote Bag, £269, LK Bennett. Read More Dawn O’Porter: ‘I fantasise about the other side of menopause’ Everything you need to know about bedbugs as increase in numbers is predicted PE ‘enjoyment gap’ widens for girls: Why it matters and how we can help The psychology of Big Brother: How to survive in the house How to support someone coming out in their 30s and beyond Israel-Hamas conflict: How to talk to teenagers about distressing news stories

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