Three Days Of Christmas

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

 

…and just like that, here we are. Christmas Eve. December has been a glorious blur of twinkling lights, jolly get-togethers and the joys of Christmas shopping. Luckily you’re the Chief Elf when it comes to these things, and everything was ordered online weeks ago from the comfort of your own home, feet up by the fire with a Christmas Black Tea in hand. All wrapped up and ready to go, the only thing left to do is place a delicious pile of Mince Pies and glass of Christmas Pudding Madeira by the fire for the man of the moment. Knowing you have a big day ahead of you, you decide there’s only one thing for it, and toast the long road to over-indulgence with a couple of glasses of Champagne. Bottom's up!

 

 

Naughty or Nice?

 

‘HE’S BEEN, HE’S BEEN!’ cry the youngest residents of your home. The once-empty stockings that hung by the fire (or radiator) are now bulging with glorious gifts; under the tree, there are hampers and gift boxes in all shapes and sizes, and even the naughtiest are gifted with coal from Fortnum’s.

Depending on the age range in your home, the joy of gifting can vary dramatically. Today could be longer than a Homeric epic, so remember that Fortnum’s tea will refresh, revitalise and relax you all in one sip. Keep the pot full.

 

 

Christmas Day Breakfast Tips

If your Christmas feast is planned early, keep it simple with freshly-popped toast and preserves worth toasting, like our delicious Christmas Figgy Preserve or Christmas preserves. If you’re dining a bit later, you’ll need some fuel to see you through the day. Whether you kick of proceedings with the traditional English breakfast, a Kedgeree with Smoked Haddock, or simply a sleighful of chocolate, just make sure there’s room for more. It's a (delicious) marathon, not a sprint.

 

 

To The Kitchen!

There's no escaping the fact: cooking a Christmas feast can be a stressful undertaking, indeed. And so, with that in mind, our advice here is as simple as it is enduring. Remember that mistakes happen, and almost any culinary mishap can be fixed with the liberal application of Fortnum's tea. It might not rescue the burned sprouts, but it'll make them seem altogether less important. Call it the wisdom of many a festive kitchen adventure, call it a helpful reminder that it's your Big Day too. 

 

 

Crowning Glory

It’s time for the most pivotal moment of the day… the pulling of the crackers. Everyone feigns smiles and laughter, but secretly their grasps are tighter than an anaconda’s grip. The stakes have never been higher when it comes to Fortnum’s crackers. Victors celebrate with the likes of our Royal Blend or our mighty Merrilossus biscuits when they pull on our Christmas Teatime Crackers, while bereft parties look on with jealousy. Fortunately, all ill feeling is soon forgotten over a bad joke, and the table is filled with kings and queens, crowned in multi-coloured creations.

 

 

 

Let The Feasting Commence! 

Drum roll please… after what feels like an eternity of cooking, the Christmas feast is served! Corks are popped, bottles of luscious red and crisp white are begin passed around the table, jars of deliciousness fly open, and condiments are dolloped and spooned with gusto. Three cheers for the chef! You take a large sip of Sparkling Tea and silence descends momentarily.

After a short but much-needed pause for digestion, the lights are dimmed and a glorious Christmas pudding is presented to the table. A warmed ladle of brandy is set ablaze and poured over the pudding, which is now pleasantly soaked and served with lashings of boozy butter.

 

 

So this is Christmas… 

Filled to the brim and feeling suitably joyful, it’s time to break away from the feasting table. And how better to unwind than with a little friendly competition? As you split up into teams you wonder whether you’ve chosen the right side. A friendly game of our Piccadilly House Christmas Jigsaw Puzzle may have gone awry, and now the only thing that will slice the tension is the arrival of the cheeseboard. Or better yet, bed: there's still Boxing Day indulgence, after all...

 

 

Boxing Day

And just like that, it’s (almost) all over. Still completely stuffed from the night before, you’re woken by the smell of Streaky Bacon and freshly brewed coffee. Leftover turkey is enjoyed in sandwiches with Boxing Day Pickle for lunch and favourite movies are watched on TV. Out of the corner of your eye you see a box of Chocolate Caramels, and before you know it you've scoffed them all and washed them down with a glass port. And why not? Tis' the season, after all...