The build-up to Christmas has already begun in London. With the seasonal lights glowing across the city and Winter Wonderland opening its doors today, it officially feels festive. For me, the Christmas gatherings start this week, with Friday marking the first feast of the season, setting the bar for all those to follow.
I’ll admit though, I’m not the biggest fan of Christmas in the traditional sense, particularly when it comes to the expectations around gifts and the excessive consumerism that dominates the season. I couldn’t care less about the “branded magic,” the presents, or any of that nonsense. For me, it’s all about the perfect excuse to gather for drinks and festive meals in the city before most of my friends (myself included) leave London for the year.
The magic I love is gluttony, letting go of worries, the usual banter and starting to wave goodbye to the present year. That’s what I look forward to the most and equally important, celebrating with your chosen family: your friends.
For me, these moments are more than just about food. They’re about building our own traditions, sharing different cultures, and making the most of this time together in a place we call home.
This Friday, the festivities begin for me, and there’s no turning back - full steam ahead to enjoy every single gathering until it all culminates on Christmas Day. And if you happen to be the designated host this year, let this post be a little spark of inspiration for your festive meal. Christmas is one of those rare occasions where we can all go the extra mile, , trying something out of the ordinary, and preparing a feast worthy of the year’s grand finale.
For enthusiastic cooks like myself, it’s the perfect curtain call on the culinary calendar. Below, I'm sharing my favourite Christmas dishes and traditions - I hope you like them!
Starters: A Warm Welcome
Remember, this is a feast and gluttony is expected, so don’t hold back on the starters. The meal should kick off with a variety of nibbles to set the tone. Here are a few of my favourites:
Baked Camembert with Garlic, Rosemary, and WalnutsA true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for dipping warm bread. This simple yet classic starter always delivers, with the walnuts adding a bit of crunch to the gooey goodness.
Smoked salmon pâté with little pancakes. This is a twist on the usual smoked salmon and cream cheese, this lighter and fresher version is always a hit. Spread it on bite-sized pancakes, season with a bit of fresh dill and a touch of lemon.
Pigs in blankets and a fake version. A staple of the English Christmas table which is impossible to resist. I’ve started making a more delicious version though, replacing the little sausages with fresh dates stuffed with goat’s cheese and wrapped in Parma ham. It’s a twist that delivers bold, sweet, and savoury flavours.
Rocket salad: While cooked veggies are more traditional for Christmas, this salad is a fresh and delicious alternative that resembles a bit of the classic Waldorf. It’s made with rocket leaves, caramelised pear slices, crumbled blue cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette, topped with finely chopped nuts - either toasted hazelnuts or the reliable walnut.
Main Course: The Star of the Show
Christmas is one of those rare occasions where you don’t mind spending a bit of extra time in the kitchen to deliver something truly special. It’s the perfect opportunity to embrace indulgent, earthy flavours that your guests are more than ready to enjoy. Here are some main course ideas that never fail to impress:
Beef Wellington
A timeless classic I’ve been making for years already and just prepared last week. This recipe by Gordon Ramsay is simple to follow and always a winner.
Classic Turkey recipe
Growing up, turkey was a staple at my parents’ Christmas table, infused with cognac and spices, and served with chestnuts, apple mousse, and red braised cabbage. If you’re looking for a twist, try this honey-glazed spatchcock turkey recipe by one of my favourite Social Media cooks, Andy Cooks.
Simple sides to pair with these mains
Honey-Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
Creamy Dauphinoise Potatoes
Raclette
With a close group of friends, we have a long-standing tradition of enjoying raclette for our Christmas get-together. While Swiss and French purists might call me mad (to say the least) and disapprove of my version, we like to do things our own way—because we can! I’ve had the pleasure many times, even during the festive season, of visiting Lausanne in Switzerland, where I experienced one of the most memorable raclette and fondue evenings. It was at a local brasserie perched on a hill, surrounded by snow, with a classic Christmas beer to complete the atmosphere. So, I know what is all about and in its traditional form, raclette involves one type of melted cheese served repeatedly until you say enough. It’s accompanied by pickled onions, cornichons, potatoes, and bread. My version, includes extra ingredients that transform it into a different but equally delicious take. We top it with charcuterie, other vegetables, and herb-infused butter for added flavour.
My favourite shop to get proper Swiss cheese for raclette is Yummi Cheese, in Newington Green.
Shepherd’s Pie
You can’t go wrong with a classic Shepherd’s Pie, which happens to be one of my favourites. It’s rich, hearty, and indulgent, yet so simple to make. The recipe I use is by none other than renowned Argentine chef, Francis Mallmann, and it’s sure to impress. Here’s the recipe: Shepherd's Pie
You can also watch Francis Mallmann demonstrate how he puts it all together in this video.
Dessert: Sweet Endings
Desserts almost take centre stage during the celebrations, and this is the perfect time to go all out because calories don’t count at Christmas! So don’t hold back and embrace those classic flavours.
Sticky Toffee Pudding: A British classic - no further introduction needed.
Tiramisu: My wife’s signature dessert, beloved by everyone over the years. However, she was inspired by this week’s MasterChef: The Professionals and is planning to create a unique twist on the original.
Chocolate fondant: Decadent and oozy, a classic bomb!
Drinks to Match
Such a delicious feast needs to be accompanied by drinks to raise the occasion. Having delicious wines and drinks will most likely ensure the success of your meal.
Champagne: Don’t be cheap (if you can) and replace the Prosecco for proper Champagne. Thanks to supermarket Champagnes, you now won’t have to break the bank. My personal favourite is Aldi’s Veuve Monsigny, which is at just £15.
Cocktails: Spirits are a fantastic way to start the evening alongside Champagne. Who doesn't love a spiced Old Fashioned, a festive Negroni, or a Mezcal-based cocktail? They're perfect to get the evening going. To finish, an Espresso Martini is my go-to, or you could add a splash of Eggnog to your espresso for something a little different.
Red wines: When it comes to wine, robust and full-bodied reds are ideal. A rich Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz will always hit the spot.
Whether this post inspires a dish or simply gets you in the festive mood, my job here is done. Let the season of indulgence and celebration begin - Happy gluttony 😋
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