LIFESTYLE
We love hosting, it's one of life's big pleasures, preparing delicious things to share with people you love. But the Christmas season has a particular way of making us feel frazzled as shit. Endless food to prep, cocktails to shake and people to welcome in the door leaves us worn out by Christmas Eve and really ready for it to be over before it's truly begun. So this year we're doing it all differently. No making 27 different dishes, no elaborate plating before the food goes cold, no pretending it’s all effortless when in reality we've been sweating in the kitchen for days. The goal this year is much more approachable, a Christmas that feels a little bit lux and genuinely enjoyable, for everyone including us.
Easier to make dishes, less stressful timing, and a home that feels welcoming rather than excessively styled. Food that tastes good without demanding our full attention. Hosting that allows us to sit down, refill our glass, and actually be present. Because that's really what Christmas is all about.
A Relaxed Christmas Dinner
Three lighter courses allow Christmas dinner to still feel abundant and festive without becoming chaotic and snooze heavy (and who regularly eats 3 courses at 2pm anyway?). More importantly, they keep you out of the kitchen once guests arrive with easy prep ahead dishes.
Starter
Go for something light, flavour filled and preppable so all you have to do is take it from the fridge and garnish. We love a salmon carpaccio as a classic no-cook starter. Thinly sliced, high-quality raw salmon, drizzled with a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing and garnished with capers and fresh herbs.
Main
A roast chicken is an easier option than a massive turkey, especially if there are fewer of you. If you want a change from the usual sides, serve it with a citrusy salad, bitter leaves, grapefruit, cucumber and a tangy dressing and either a buttery risotto or warm focaccia (or both). This year we'll be making a Beef Wellington which can be prepared the day ahead with some simple sides; roast potatoes, garlic green beans, and a great gravy.
Dessert
Cold desserts are the unsung heroes of easy hosting. Semifreddo, panna cotta, a set cheesecake, or an affogato for a little after dinner perk me up. Dessert that comes from the fridge looking exactly as intended, no last-minute work, no panic is the way to go.
Let Your Pantry Be Your Sous-Chef
Good hosting really isn’t about more cooking. It’s about spending great times with the people who have come to visit you. Make decisions in weeks leading up to Christmas that let you do this easily whilst still making everyone feel special. Your pantry can and should do most of the work.
- Your favourite cheese and crackers that can be served without major effort whenever people drop in.
- Great crisps, sea salt and cracked black pepper, black truffle, rosemary.
- One or two condiments that feel special enough, a spiced chutney, truffle cream, fermented chilli jam.
- Something easy for supper, toasted cheese sandwiches, eggs on toast with smoked salmon and a spoon of caviar, you get the vibe.
Prepped in Advance Hosting
The rule: if it can be made earlier, do it. Whatever you decide to make for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day, these times can be applied to.
Two days before:
- Desserts set
- Sauces finished
- Vegetables washed, chopped, stored
The day before:
- Table set
- Serving dishes chosen
- Drinks chilling
- Playlists made
On the day:
- Heat
- Assemble
- Serve
That’s it.
Our Hosting Flex
To feel luxury at Christmas isn’t in how much we serve or how much is spent. It’s in how relaxed we are while serving it, enjoying it and spending time with our loved ones. A good Christmas leaves room for conversation, second or third glasses, and people lingering long after dessert. It looks good because it feels good.
It isn’t tightly scheduled or overly curated, its allowed to unfold naturally at the pace everyone wants not what the food dictates. The real Christmas indulgence is creating an atmosphere that invites people to stay, settle in, and forget the time altogether.