Engender some proper festive spirit at your soirée with The Field’s festive cocktails. Philippa Davis’ clementine margarita is the perfect tipple to enjoy while cooking the festive feast, and Emily Arbuthnott’s dark creations are guaranteed to leave your guests reeling with delight. Just the spirit for a seasonal shindig. (See…
Comparing new kit is all part of the festive fun, so make sure your gundog doesn’t miss out. David Tomlinson chooses the best presents for gundogs which have a practical purpose in the field. Send festive missives by way of cards with proper country credentials. Take your pick from The…
The positively groaning cheeseboard completes the festive feast. While British cheese has formerly been the poor relation of its continental cousins, the choice and variety of traditional and artisan cheeses is now endless. But how to put on the very best Christmas cheeseboard? Ettie Neil-Gallacher takes advice from the experts.…
The days are shortening and darkness has descended – midwinter is more certainly bleak. But the colour brought by the winter solstice traditions, expertly adopted into our culture by the Christian church, make this Sir Johnny Scott’s favourite time of year. Holly is synonymous with Christmas. But why do the…
The tradition of decorating a tree for Christmas goes back to the Victorian times. But the techniques behind Christmas tree farming are decidely modern, discovers Graham Downing. There is no better place than the British countryside at Christmas. From the Boxing Day meet to the family shoot, festive food, drink…
Add pheasant to your festive spread to use up any braces lurking in the freezer, while also introducing new people to game. Philippa Davis’ coronation pheasant with clementines and toasted almonds can be made ahead and will keep for a couple of days in the fridge. Christmas is the perfect…
If you have a house full of guests this Christmas, use it as a chance to introduce the uninitiated to game. Philippa Davis’ slow cooked roe haunch makes a festive feast for 10, and can be made ahead so you don’t miss any of the fun. For more inspiration on…
Shocked by the effect of the Industrial Revolution on working children, Charles Dickens planned to write a political pamphlet. Instead he published A Christmas Carol, with a festive blueprint that continues to haunt us to this day, says Sarah Pratley. From Christmas cards with proper country credentials to introducing game…
Feed the festive crowd with game this Christmas. Philippa Davis’ game, ale and chestnut stew with cranberry and stilton dumplings can be kept warm while you nip out to the carol service, or reheated at a moment’s notice when unexpected guests arrive. For more festive feasting inspiration, Christmas is a…
Once a wonder of England, wool had both economic and ecclesiastical benefits, says Matthew Dennison, as he considers the country’s wool churches. From country Christmas cards and what to serve for the festive feast to the history behind our seasonal symbols and top tips to ensure the celebrations run without…
