316. The Christmas Song

(ONLY 50 TO GO! COME ON, PEOPLE, WE CAN DO THIS!)

Ah, Nat King Cole. Silky smooth all the way, baby, and never better than on the Christmas Song. It's got a rubbish name, but it's a lovely tune and helps set up the feeling of Christmas better than any number of Swedish jumpers or glasses of Glogg ever could.

315. Last Tango in Halifax

Late to the party, as usual, I know. A whole series late, in fact. But I took one look at the opening episode of Season Two and got straight on Lovefilm. Because all life is here. Great writing, lovely acting, the joy that is Nicola Walker and the unexpected, slightly unsettling, outrageous hotness that is Sarah Lancashire in a pencil skirt and high heels. (Don't worry, the therapy sessions are booked and paid for.)

314. Twitter

Yeah, yeah, I hear you. But I would like to make a brief argument in my own defence.

I have only started to love Twitter since I began my brutal following policy. If I think you're funny or interesting I will follow you on Twitter. If you fail me in some way, by being an arsehole or only ever Tweeting to promote something or by being boring, I will unfollow you. You don't care about me, and I don't care about you, so it's very simple. I know people who really care about whether somebody they've Tweeted responds. And lots of people are very good at Twitter and get lots of followers. Exciting! But I live in the middle of nowhere so for me Twitter is like going into a really good cafe and being able to sit and listen in the corner. Perfect.

313. David Sedaris

Because good writing is the best thing in the world, and good, funny writing is even better than that, I can't imagine why David Sedaris is only coming in at number 313 on my ridiculous blog. Anyway, better late than never.

I suppose it is possible to be a literate, sentient human and not find David Sedaris funny, but if you know anybody like that I'd like their number so I can call them and shout down the phone. Me Talk Pretty One Day is still my favourite of his books, though the Santaland Diaries and whichever book has the story about the bees and the armour shouldn't be missed. And, in fact, his humour is the perfect thing for Christmas. So if you find yourself floundering this Yuletide, grab yourself some Sedaris and prepare to feel better.

312. Adnams Ghostship

Adnams is one of Suffolk's breweries. Been around a long time, still family owned, currently enjoying a resurgence thanks to some clever marketing and beer being cool again.

Ghostship is a pale ale. It's nutty and hoppy and delicious on its own or with food. And because it's not fizzy like lager, it's possible to drink more than one without feeling like Augustus Gloop.

311. Polpo

Polpo is a restaurant in London. It's very cool, doesn't take bookings in the evenings, gives you your wine in a tumbler, etc. The food is modelled after that which you would find in a Venetian bacari, or back street wine bar, little scrumptious things to eat with a glass of wine on your way home or to see your mistress. Some of the food is whatever. But the little things on toast are all delicious. The fennel salad is a keeper and if you have a hangover the piadina meatball smash will have you up on your feet in no time. But the best of all are the pizzette, little pizzas, so crisp and tasty and moreish it's hard not to order three.