Itβs only one day a year yet Christmas Day is the most anticipated occasion of the entire year for many of us. Will there be enough mince pies to go around? Have I lifted the turkey out early enough to defrost and, most importantly, have I got enough wine?
To help you prepare for the most wonderful time of the year I thought Iβd share some of my favourite tips and products so that your Christmas is as special as it can be.
First things first, bubbles!
One of my favourite Christmas morning traditions is opening a bottle of bubbles and having a glass while opening presents and nibbling on smoked salmon and roses chocolates. This year Iβve a bottle of Casa Canevel Prosecco Extra Dry DOC. Italy from Oakham Wines. This is a sparkling wine with a lively perlage, dry and fragrant at the same time, with floral hints and apples on the nose it goes quite well with salmon and white meats so Iβll enjoy that with breakfast and whilst picking at the turkey later!
What to have for breakfast on Christmas Day?
Smoked salmon isnβt for everyone though so in case you wanted some more ideas for breakfast on Christmas day how about leftover panettone french toast? Just dip slices of panettone in a beaten egg mixture and fry in a knob of butter on each side, top with creme fraiche and maple syrup and a sprinkle of icing sugar. Or perhaps use some ready-made croissant dough to make easy cinnamon rolls?
Simply line a baking tray with grease-proof paper, then get out your dough and roll the whole thing out flat and cut it into 3 equal sections. Spread some melted butter over each section then sprinkle with a mixture of 6 tbsp brown sugar and 2 tsp of cinnamon. Roll each one up then cut into 3 to 4 spirals.
Place these on your baking tray spaced out evenly and bake for about 15 minutes at 180 or gas mark 4. Mix a couple of tablespoons of icing sugar with 2 teaspoons of water to make a lovely glaze to top them with once cool and enjoy this sumptuous breakfast. Or if all else fails stick a load of bacon under the grill, butter some baps and keep everyone happy.Β
What should you put a poinsettia in?
If like me you love a poinsettia around the house during the festive season, make sure it has its own beautiful pot. I got a lovely big one for our tree this year from Pow PotsΒ who creates cool and contemporary patterned plant pots available in 3 sizes and various designs and colours.
Hand-painted in the UK and made of lightweight fireclay, these are ideal for moving around easily, so when you need to move plants or flowers to be a centrepiece for your table or to have in the entrance as guests arrive you can easily move your favourite plants with ease. You can also get beautiful matching saucers and bespoke designs so itβs worth getting in touch to create your perfect pot.
Games to play while waiting for Christmas Dinner
In my house Christmas dinner is served around midday, as all northerners know, dinner time is at lunchtime and I will hear nothing more about it. So while the family is waiting for this delicious feast to be prepared Iβve got a couple of games to keep them quiet and out of the kitchen this year. The first is a simple card game called βHow am I weird?β a simple, hilarious game thatβs suitable for all the family and brings people of all ages and backgrounds together. Itβs absolutely ideal for those who want to be involved in the fun but also donβt want to tear themselves away from their spot on the sofa ready for the Kingβs speech.
Another game I got is βThe Mystery Agency’ and if youβre into solving puzzles, riddles and finding out whodunnit then this game is definitely for you! Without giving too much away itβs full of different clues and twists that eventually bring the whole game together and the mystery is solved but itβs a whole lot of fun and engaging for all the family.
Advice to all women this Christmas
Do you know what the one piece of advice I would give to you this year dear reader? If you are the one who is getting everything organised, the cooking the wrapping, the entertaining and the photos, give yourself at least half an hour to beautify yourself and feel fabulous. Thereβs nothing worse than looking back at photos of Christmas day and it looks like youβve been dragged through a hedge backwards because youβve been so busy getting everything just perfect. So put on some lippy, your sequin party dress (and an apron, letβs not ruin it with gravy stains now) and look and feel so much better on the day.
Staying sharp this festive season
Are you someone who fully embraces the indulgence of the festive period? I am most certainly the βOh go on, itβs Christmas!β type so when it comes to extravagance I donβt hold back. Whereas I love sweet things my husband would prefer savoury and indulge in cheeses and truffles at Christmas. This year Iβve got him a large shaver and truffle tool from Microplane.
Made in the USA, the blades’ unrivalled sharpness is achieved by using photoetched technology, the blades and teeth behave like sharp knives to cut effortlessly, and precisely without ripping or tearing and releasing the natural aroma of ingredients to prepare stunning dishes for every occasion. I imagine it will also be fantastic for thinly slicing garlic and shaving vegetables. Really Iβve just bought it for myself!
I also discovered an incredible knife set this year from Savernake Knives that is sure to impress guests when carving the chosen joint of meat at the table. Made of British steel and accompanied by a fork in a chic leather case, this set brings a touch of elegance and professionalism to any household kitchen. You can also personalise the set with an inscription so this set also makes for the perfect Christmas gift.
Another discovery that looks fabulous in my new kitchen is a set of Hokan bowls a unique and versatile utensil that has five uses. Their high-fired glaze keeps food fresh and safe from pollutants, their clever design means they can be stacked for space saving and they are robust and durable. Hokan bowls can be used to cook, prepare, serve, save and store food making them the perfect addition to any kitchen. Great for serving all the trimmings at the Christmas spread.
What shall we eat on Boxing Day?
My final piece of advice goes to those who simply donβt want to have to face all the leftovers on Boxing Day but are also too exhausted from the overexuberance to cook. Why not have something delicious in the freezer ready to be cooked from frozen? I tried some meals from Fieldgood Foods and I have to say I was very impressed.
Their Beef Bourguignon, chunks of tender beef in a red wine sauce with smoky lardons, mushrooms, fresh herbs and caramelised onions was pure comfort foot and went very nicely with some hasselback potatoes and peas. I also loved the Tarragon Chicken, a truly delicious creamy sauce coated with big, juicy chunks of chicken accompanied by smoky lardons, chestnut mushrooms and charred spring onions. Field Goods allows you to create your own bundle of mains and sides to create your perfect meal which would just be perfect for Christmas Eve or Boxing Day when, letβs face it, you just canβt be bothered!
I hope you enjoyed these tips and recommendations and have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
