We know getting ready for Christmas Day can be time-consuming and stressful – and more so if you are responsible for cooking the turkey, or any other meats, this year. To help, we have put together this Christmas Day cooking schedule, along with the times, to help prepare for the big day. We’ve also put a simple cooking schedule together so your turkey and all the trimmings will be delivered piping hot to your hungry, expectant guests. And, to help plan effectively, we’ve also put some ideas together on what you can prepare in the days beforehand. If you are catering for a large group of diner ..read more

Christmas is a time of joy, celebration and sharing, but it can also be stressful and hectic if you don’t plan ahead – which is why we have put together this article: ‘How to create a cosy atmosphere on Christmas Day’. Planning for a warm and cosy Christmas Day means understanding that Christmas is all about family, friends and creating an inviting atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the season. Here, we explore some practical tips on how to create a cosy atmosphere, share some YouTube video ideas to spark your creativity, and delve into the heartwarming reasons why we entertain family and ..read more

If you are looking for a magical way to celebrate the festive season, look no further than Nottingham Christmas market. This winter wonderland in the heart of the city offers a variety of attractions, entertainment and shopping opportunities for all ages and tastes – and it is one of the best festive markets in the UK. Whether you want to browse the traditional chalets for handmade gifts and decorations, enjoy a hot drink at one of the cosy bars, or have some fun on the ice rink or the observation wheel, you will find something to suit your mood and budget at Nottingham’s Christmas market. It ..read more

If you are looking for a festive destination that offers something for everyone, look no further than Cardiff Christmas market. This annual event, which runs from 9 November to 23 December 2023, is one of the best in the UK, attracting visitors from around the world who come to shop, eat, drink and enjoy the atmosphere. Located in the heart of Cardiff’s city centre, it is spread across multiple locations, including St John Street, Working Street, the Hayes, Hills Street and Trinity Street. You can easily access the market by public transport, car, or bike, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of t ..read more

For a festive destination that offers something for everyone, look no further than Exeter Christmas market. Located on the historic Cathedral Green, this market is one of the most popular and atmospheric Christmas markets in the UK, attracting thousands of visitors every year. What is the Exeter Christmas market? Exeter Christmas market is a seasonal event that is held just off the High Street, in the heart of Exeter. The market features more than 100 twinkling festive chalets, selling a variety of local, regional, national and international products, such as crafts, gifts, jewellery, clothing ..read more

If you’re planning to serve turkey as the main course for your festive feast, you might be wondering how to choose, prepare and cook a turkey for Christmas dinner. Turkey is a popular choice for Christmas lunch because it is lean, high in protein and low in fat. It also has a mild flavour that goes well with many different seasonings and sauces. We also discuss how to brine a turkey and the advantages it brings – namely a quicker cooking time – but you’ll need to be careful about not over-seasoning the gravy since the brining technique uses salt. Some people choose to eat turkey for Christmas ..read more

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, but it can also be a source of anxiety, frustration and disappointment for many people. Whether it’s finding the perfect gifts, preparing festive meals, decorating the house, or dealing with family issues, there are many potential pitfalls that can ruin your festive spirit – which is why this Christmas survival guide is crucial reading! But don’t worry, the Christmas.co.uk team can help you avoid these common problems and make your Christmas more enjoyable and less stressful. Here’s a quick round-up of what might go wrong: Overwhelming stress: The pre ..read more

If you want to serve a juicy, tender and flavoursome turkey for your Christmas dinner, you might want to try brining it before roasting. Brining is a simple technique that involves soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution, often with herbs, spices and usually some sugar and other aromatics, for several hours or even days. This helps the turkey retain moisture, season it from the inside out and enhance its texture. Among the big benefits of brining a turkey for Christmas include: Helping to reduce the bird’s cooking time Allows more margin of error if you overcook the meat. Here, the Christ ..read more

Christmas is a time to celebrate with your loved ones and enjoy a festive feast. But what are the best side dishes and desserts to serve with your main course? Whether you’re cooking turkey, roast beef rib or something else, you’ll need some tasty trimmings to complete your meal. Here are some menu ideas, popular recipes, and tips to help experienced cooks wanting to try something different and newbies too so they can make delicious Christmas dinner side dishes and desserts.   Christmas dinner side dishes In many ways, the side dishes you serve up with your Christmas dinner will help comp ..read more

Christmas cakes are a traditional and delicious part of the festive season in the UK but with so many varieties and recipes to choose from, how do you find the perfect one for your taste and budget? Here, the Christmas.co.uk team will explore the history and origins of Christmas cakes, the different types and flavours available, and some tips and tricks for making and decorating your own. Whether you prefer a classic fruitcake, a modern sponge-based creation, or something more exotic, we will help you discover the best Christmas cake for you and your family. We will also share some of the best ..read more