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. Looking to up your side dish game? We asked a whole host of the UK's best chefs for their favourites, and we've got plenty of recipes to browse if you're after a little Italian flavour this year over on Great Italian Chefs. 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.
You've probably already decided on the centrepiece for your Christmas Day dinner, but the side dishes are where you can let your creativity run wild. We asked some of the top chefs in the UK to share their favourite festive trimmings, ranging from classics with a twist to deliciously leftfield creations. Take a look at them all and make the side dishes the star this Christmas.
Whether you're a vegetarian or vegan yourself, or simply have one coming round for and aren't sure what to cook – fear not! Our collection of festive meat- and dairy-free recipes will ensure it's a very merry Christmas for everyone around the dinner table.
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.
Don't like figgy pudding? Ditch the dull dessert and take the time to craft one of these knockout festive treats, created by one of the best pastry chefs in the country.
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.
For absolutely all our Christmas recipes in one place, take a look at our recipe collection – if you don't find what you're looking for in there, we don't know what to suggest!
Searching for an easy yet impressive festive canapé to serve guests this year? Look no further than Josh Eggleton's sumptuous scallop pops.
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.
