The boy treble’s solo in Once in Royal David’s City, sounded in a darkened cathedral, is a truly special moment for many. The true start of the festivities commences with cathedral choirs, says Matthew Dennison. Send your festive missives by way of cards with proper country credentials, and support some…
The secret to serving Christmas leftovers well is creating an entirely different supper to the original feast. The exotic flavours of Philipa Davis’ turkey tacos couldn’t feel further from traditional festive fare. Best served when you cannot face another turkey sandwich. If turkey isn’t your favourite for the Christmas lunch,…
Village life relies upon rural community churches, as they are often the only community building left. This is never more so than at Christmas, as three Anglican bishops explain to Matthew Dennison. This time of year may seem a bleak, but the winter solstice traditions expertly adopted by the Christian…
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…
