Amidst all the festivities, parties and merriment making, it’s those small moments that truly make Christmas, Christmas.
Impromptu and always laid back, it’s those snatches of time spent together, in between the main events, where the pace slows, the shoulders fully relax and there is nowhere to be but at home.
Moments that have not been menu planned or precisely scheduled into the festive itinerary. Where a cup of tea turns into afternoon tea and a quick bite becomes a long and leisurely graze.
Where appetites crave cosy sofas, good conversation and a bite of this or a little bit of that. An unhurried meal. The ease of a long holiday weekend. Long, expansive days where late mornings turn into gentle afternoons and relaxing evenings.
We believe that this sort of hosting at home should feel effortless. Where a few beautiful quality products can transform a table, tray or side plate instantly. Where a well-stocked pantry makes a mouthful into a memorable meal and where mince pies can be enjoyed at any time of the day (or night).
These are moments to savour and share, where each bite is a reminder to slow down, linger a little longer and take in the fine company and good cheer all around you. That warm feeling of simply relaxing at home, where the joy of good food meets the comfort of slowing down and spending quality time together.
In the spirit of a more relaxed approach to Christmas at home, we’ve put together a simple guide of ideas, suggestions and tips on how to host for when you’re not officially hosting – for all those magical moments in-between.
How to Christmas at home…
Turn a cobbled together breakfast into a feasting brunch
For those mornings where you don’t have to go anywhere or be anywhere, add a few, beautiful-quality products to your breakfast table and let breakfast melt into brunch. A loaf of freshly baked Waste-Less Sourdough. A pot of freshly brewed Seasonal Filter coffee. A Christmas Bun or two and a basket of flaky, golden Croissants – just because. A pot of organic Rose & Raspberry Jam, another of Seville Orange Marmalade and even a Hazelnut & Chocolate Spread to ensure everyone is happy. A generous pat of Quicke’s Whey Butter, some Severn & Wye Smoked Salmon and eggs for those who scramble, poach and soldier. All that’s left to do is put out the plates, fire up the toaster and boil the kettle. The rest will take care of themselves.
Make a cup of tea into a treasured moment
For those partial to a slice of cake with their cup of tea, our Currant & Sour Cherry Loaf is wonderful toasted and served with lashings of melted butter. Inspired by toasted teacakes, the American cinnamon and raisin toast, it smells and tastes just like Christmas should. If spice is your thing, then our Ginger Loaf has four types of ginger in it. Dark and treacly, it pairs perfectly with a pot of tea.
For those who prefer their tea with a biscuit to dunk, pick up a bag of our Speculoos Mittens, Nut Cookies or even a few chocolate Penguin Biscuits. The perfect balance of crunch and sweet, they are all ideal for the most discerning of dunkers.
If you fall somewhere in between a cake and a biscuit, fret not. Go traditional with a buttery mince pie, add some Italian flair with our Sour Cherry & Pistachio Biscotti, keep the chocolate lovers happy with our Chocolate Sable Biscuits or please the crowd with a couple of our Maple & Pecan Scones.
However you like to take your tea, make an extra brew or two and turn a morning or afternoon cuppa into quality time spent together.
Savour the simple
A slice or two of sourdough for the perfect Christmas sandwich. A dollop of Green Tomato & Apple Chutney on a Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese Biscuit for the easiest canape.
A glass of bubbles and a crisp Cheddar Cheese Cracker before, after or even during dinner. A pot of organic jam and some good butter to transform your breakfast croissant or slice of toast. Biscuits and the odd slice of cake to accompany a cup of tea. Afternoons stretched out in front of the fire with a mince pie and a slice of panettone - it is Christmas after all.
Enjoy some early morning solace
There is nothing quite like an early morning coffee, when the world is dark and slumbering. Even more so on Christmas morning. There is something quite magical about that hush, knowing that everyone around you is tucked up in bed. The calm before the day’s festivities begin.
It’s a time to savour and be savoured and for this, we recommend a cup of our House Blend Coffee. Full bodied, balanced and bright, notes of muscovado sugar, red berries and a lingering, walnut-like finish, it ticks all the festive taste note boxes. You can even heat up your milk of choice and stir in some cinnamon, ground nutmeg and demerara sugar for an extra seasonal treat. Freshly brewed, it’s the perfect way to welcome in Christmas quietly.
If you’re more of a night owl than a lark and have missed the scrambled eggs and smoked salmon on toasted sourdough tradition, embrace the lie in and indulge in a mince pie or a slice of toasted panettone for breakfast. Or both if you fancy. Tis’ the season…
Share a seasonal lazy supper (or six)
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without lazy leftover suppers. It’s the time of year when you have carte blanche to enjoy cheese, chutney and biscuits on the same plate as roast ham piled onto slices of long fermentation sourdough, pickles and a mince pie. Our Green Tomato & Apple Chutney, Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese Biscuits and Seeded Crackers are all simple ways to turn any leftovers plate into a proper festive feast.
