For those of us on kitchen duty over Christmas the festive period can be a blessing and a curse. Many Christmas recipes are a joy to make and we can experiment and indulge unashamedly in what we eat and drink, but let’s not forget that everyone’s favourite time of year can bring with it everyone’s least favourite things — tricky timings, multi-pan dinners and unexpected visitors turning up at tea time. More than a few of us are kept up at night throughout December, haunted by the ghost of underdone turkeys past and the guests who went without mince pies, fearful of the impromptu cocktail parties yet to come.
This year, however, it’s time to banish your festive fears; with a little menu planning you can be ready to take it all in your stride. We have all the necessary recipes for the perfect Christmas dinner, along with all the other festive accoutrements you might need including Christmas biscuits, cranberry sauce, dinner party ideas and wickedly potent Christmas cocktails. Read on; from icing the cake to keeping stockings stuffed with edible gifts, our guides, recipes and menu ideas will see you through every stage of the Christmas season.
Once the big day is over with and you're wondering what to do with all those leftovers and how on Earth you'll have enough food for that New Year's Eve party you agreed to host, we'll also have plenty of ideas, recipes, tips and inspiration to see you through to January.
Before 25 December, it's Christmas party season! Ditch the shop-bought canapés (which are never very good) and whip up your own menu of festive nibbles and cocktails.
It's not just Christmas puddings that made their way into the Great British Chefs test kitchen this year – see what we thought of the pâté, stollen and mulled wine available in the supermarkets.
From fancy kitchen gadgets to beautiful tableware and everything in between, our gift guide will ensure the foodie in your life receives the perfect gift. Take a look at our favourite food-related items for this year, as well as our top cookbooks and where to spend the holidays.
It's always good to get a plan in place for Christmas dinner, even if it's still a few weeks away. Get your shopping list written and choose your favourite recipes from our extensive collections.
Searching for an easy yet impressive festive canapé to serve guests this year? Look no further than Josh Eggleton's sumptuous scallop pops.
Making your own gifts might take a little longer than buying them all online, but they're the perfect way to show someone you care. Take a look at our favourite edible gifts for the season and create something full of love.
There are all sorts of tasty treats you can prepare in advance for Christmas. From your own cured salmon for Christmas dinner to jars of mincemeat that can be turned into some incredible mince pies, make the most of December and whip up some magic in the kitchen.
We might have some deep-rooted Christmas traditions in the UK, but every country on the planet has its own customs and dishes associated with the season. Learn more and inject some international influences into this year's festivities.
