The best Christmas crackers Nothing encapsulates the jollity of the festive period quite like Christmas crackers: the silly hats, often sillier jokes and the keepsakes hidden inside. Here, The Field rounds up the most luxurious, stylish and fun. (Read our piece on the history of Christmas crackers.) Been invited to…

muddy hunt coat

I am struggling to find a clothes-brush to clean my hunt coat, which is often very muddy (although last winter was much kinder than most). Do you know a company that can provide an appropriate clothes-brush? JCC, Hants

Christmas turkey

Pick out the best Christmas turkey and you’ll be making your festive feast one to remember. Choose from The Field’s pick of the best Christmas turkeys. And have it delivered straight to your front door for the 25th. The turkey may be the centrepiece, but no festive feast is complete…

best festive fruitcakes

If you haven’t had time to make and ice a fruitcake for Christmas then never despair. We’ve sought out a selection of the best festive fruitcakes to feast on over the Christmas season.  At the time of writing they were all in stock and available for delivery or collection. Fruitcakes…

backgammon game

There is something timeless about backgammon; it must rank as the most elegant of boardgames while its ability to entertain everyone from teenagers onwards remains legendary. Beautifully made examples make wonderful gifts and have an heirloom-like quality. Here,  The Field explores the best backgammon sets. The Field Guide To The…

How to deter magpies

Over the past 10 years I have become increasingly beset by magpies. Do you know of any solutions to deter magpies rather than a hands-on method to trap them? DB, by email

picnic blanket at beach picnic

With the arrival of spring and sunnier days our minds turn to picnics, sports days, cricket matches  – a decent blanket for sitting on is a must. In any case, a rug in the car is always handy. Here is The Field‘s guide to the very best picnic blankets. We’ve…

Welsh springer spaniel

Do working dogs have to wear a collar? Yes, it is a legal requirement for dogs in public places to wear a collar, with details of their owner. In that case, you’d best be aware of the smartest gundog collars around. Like all good laws, there are exceptions. Emergency rescue…

houses to rent for house parties

Dabton House, Dumfries and Galloway Good for Year-round fishing Garden lovers Active types Built in 1820 in the classical villa style, Dabton House originally served as the home of the Queensberry estate’s factor and is only 10 minutes from Drumlanrig Castle. In the 1980s the house was refurbished by the…