3. LEARN TO MAKE DECORATIONS AND DELICACIES

Take a break from present buying and enrol in a class that will teach you to create something unique Chocolate making Learn the art of cocoa from the crème de la crème at The Savoy’s chocolate and pastry masterclasses. A crash course in ganache, tempering and emulsions, then a three-course lunch (27 November, £185; fairmont.com). Gilding baubles Equipping pupils with four glass orbs, sheets of gold leaf and a paintbrush, Judy Weatherall teaches the skill of making tree decorations in a one-day course at West Dean College in Sussex (1 December, £139; westdean.org.uk). Calligraphy Suzie Dickens’ workshops are held throughout the year, but book in this month for a festive evening class dedicated to tags and cards (9 and 30 November, £55; a-laise.co.uk).