On the days before Christmas…

A successful Christmas meal is dependent on careful timing, and its preparation is an important part of the Christmas day ritual.
Our groaning traditional Christmas table

The groaning traditional Christmas table from my book, "Entertaining At Home" - photo by Rodney Weidland

The reason why my family leave our feast until later in the day is so we have time to set the table, prepare and cook the turkey, vegetables and make the the creme anglaise. If you prepare as much as possible ahead, there should be no reason to panic on the day. If you’re having a traditional plum pudding, you can make it up to six months ahead. It will mature, becoming richer and darker.
Traditional Christmas plum pudding

Our traditional Christmas plum pudding - flame it with brandy and served with creme anglaise and hard sauce

It will need extra steaming on the day, so make sure you allow time and room for that. The brandy butter can be made a couple of weeks ahead and stored in a sealed container in the fridge.  Gingerbread men and mince pies can be made a few days ahead (though the mincemeat filling is best prepared months ahead to allow it to mature). A feast such as this calls for out-of-the-ordinary ingredients, so you will have to plan your shopping (see suggested menu below). Hopefully you’ve ordered your turkey and ham and champagne and wine. Make sure the silver is polished and the placemats and napkins clean and starched.  Check your cutlery and glasses and put together your floral arrangements.
Christmas side table (from my book "Entertaining At Home")

Christmas side table (from my book "Entertaining At Home")

If you have a staircase in your home, tie the bannisters with red and green bows.
Red and green bows tied onto bannisters

Red and green bows tied onto bannisters

Bunches of holly are perfect tied with red bows and will last for weeks. For me, these are the ingredients for a happy Chrismtas.  Familarity is an important part of the season and there is something very special about the Christmas meal with those you love, be they friends or family.  Bringing your own ideas to existing traditions will add your personal stamp to the occasion and contribute to your own special memories of Christmas. A Festive Christmas Menu Serves 10 – 14 Grand Marnier Pate Oysters Glazed Leg of Ham Roast Turkey with Pork & Veal Forcemeat Stuffing, served with Roast Vegetables Candied Sweet Potatoes Brussels Spooruts and Chestnuts Steamed Green Beans Gravy Cranberry Sauce Royal Christmas Pudding Custard and/or Hard Sauce Mince Pies Gingerbread Men