I’m becoming more and more of a magpie, like a deranged Elizabeth Taylor. It’s been aggravated by a recent visit to see the crown jewels at The Tower of London. So many gold sceptres, gold spoons and that enormous Koh-i-Noor Indian diamond set in the Queen Mother’s crown…

Due to an inability to purchase real-life gold, sparkly food and drink will have to do as a substitute. Gold becomes more ubiquitous as we approach the festive season – first, the vark on Brick Lane, and then the delicate gold leaf atop chocolate truffles, or a Christmas glass of golden brandy.

Goldschläger once gave gold-laced food and drink a bad name, but the mood is changing. Just look at the artisanal French lemonade made from Jura water with such elegant, teeny gold flecks, or the Willy Wonka-esque golden wrapper of Marou chocolate. I’m all for it. In fact, I’m tempted to treat myself to a can of Esslack gold spray, to bring some decadence to more weekday dinners.

From top left, clockwise:

• Courvoisier XO Cognac, The Whisky Exchange, £70.95
• Esslack gold spray for food by Deli Garage, Harvey Nichols, £24.95
• Mehron gold metallic powder, Treasure House of Makeup, £6.85
• Marou 76% single origin chocolate bar, Selfridges, £9.99
• Lyle’s Golden Syrup, Ocado, £1.15
• Elixia Or Limonade Artisanale, Le Jura Chez Vous, €3,60