Christmas begins as M&S and John Lewis launch festive deliveries

Big tech detail

Our tech expert Harriet Morphy-Morris has spotted a big tech deal in between all the baubles and Christmas food news. She says:

Tech shoppers are in for a treat as the highstreet retailer takes £150 off the price of the Samsung Galaxy S23+.

The model only launched in February earlier this year as a mid-range handset in its line of S23 Series devices, sitting alongside the standard S23 and S23 Ultra. John Lewis' deal may have just popped the smartphone on many shoppers' Christmas wishlists thanks to its major discount.

Although the price cut is only offered on the 512GB S23+ model, the smaller 256GB model is not currently listed with an offer. The price of the phone is slashed from an original £1,149 down to £999.

John Lewis' website states that the £150 saving is only on certain colours of the model, however, we've double-checked its S23+ colours and all four options for sale at the retailer are included in the offer; that's the cream, green, phantom black and lavender models.

Everything you need to know about the M&S Christmas Food menu

Our resident Christmas elf Narin Flanders has picked her favourites from the M&S Christmas food range.

The coffee liquours were a particular favourite:

Two new Irish Cream liqueurs are perfect for serving over ice - the Tiramisu one has a subtle and smooth coffee note while the Millionaires version tastes as sweet and caramel-like as the iconic shortbread it's named for. The coffee one in particular has already been added to our Christmas shopping list

Meanwhile, the Christmas tree gingerbread house and the turkey dinner were also favourites. You can see all of the picks here.

M&S' Oakham Turkey complete turkey lunch is £45 for four people and includes turkey with stuffing, carrots, potatoes, red cabbage and even gravy to finish it off. All the components have been slow cooked so it only takes an hour to warm (Narin Flanders)

Inside the John Lewis Christmas calendar

I have been asking some experts on what to expect from the John Lewis beauty calendar. There is already a waiting list and it arrives next Wednesday (4 October).

This year, their and contains 31 products (16 of which are full sized) said to be worth £921.42. And with brands like Laura Mercier, Charlotte Tilbury and Bobbi Brown, we can see why people are getting so excited about it.

But what’s more is that some of the calendars will also include special gifts, with for an exclusive shopping spree at John Lewis, as well as four money-can't-buy experiences.

Speaking on the festive launch, John Lewis Advent Beauty Buyer, Lydia Nowosad said: "This is , with a staggering worth of over £921 and 16 full-size products – a beauty lover's dream. Plus, once you're done, simply recycle the box and transform it into a charming jewellery or keepsake box. Unwrap the magic of Christmas with our extraordinary Beauty Advent Calendar!"

(John Lewis)

Inside the John Lewis stores

The Christmas stores will also feature a pick and mix bauble station for the first time, with 32 different baubles to choose from. Customers can mix and match six baubles for £16, including personalised alphabet options. Baubles reflect changing traditions, and this year there are decorations inspired by sister supermarket Waitrose trends, including chilies, cocktails, oat milk and an air fryer.

Santa’s Grotto and Santa Paws will be available in ten John Lewis stores from November 22, allowing both kids and pets the chance to meet Father Christmas himself. Separately, John Lewis has announced it has extended its returns period for the festive season. You have until January 23, 2024 to return any gifts you buy between September 27 and December 24, 2023.

You can see the Christmas range here.

First look at the John Lewis Christmas range

Our colleague in Liverpool has visited the flagship Liverpool One John Lewis store to check out how it ranks on the Christmas scale. It looks like a ten this year as John Lewis launches spectacular futuristic, winter cottage and even fairytale decorations collections for 2023.

You can see the pictures of the incredible range here.

M&S launches Christmas booking slots

If you want to book your slot for M&s Christmas delivery you will need to head on over to the M&S website, browse through the full Christmas food range and book in a slot for when you can pick up your order.

When we checked online, slots were still available on December 22, 23 and 24. There are early morning, afternoon and evening slots available right now, although this will depend on your store location and how quickly other shoppers sign up for their slot.

Shoppers will pay a £50 deposit once the slot has been booked, with the rest of the outstanding balance being paid when they collect the order from store.