CLASSIC HITS FOR YOUR FESTIVE FEAST

’Tis the season for all things jolly and one of the biggest holidays of the year. It’s time to compile your naughty and nice lists, book time in with loved ones and of course, eat far too much than is good for you.

If you’re planning to celebrate with a few close friends or enjoy a large family gathering, it’s essential to stock up on all the Christmas classics — and who better to get it from than Fortnum & Mason? The heritage department store founded in 1707 is renowned for its selection of quintessential specialties, and is a go-to for the Queen herself.

Turkey

The centrepiece for your feast is essential. Turkey first appeared on Yule tables during the 16th century, and rumours are that Henry VIII was the first monarch to dine on it for Christmas. The tradition spread throughout England, although goose was, and remains, a popular alternative. And of course, it’s nothing without stuffing, roast potatoes and vegetables, gravy, bread pudding, and copious amounts of cranberry sauce.

Christmas Pudding

Hailing from the medieval period, Christmas pudding contains 13 ingredients that represent Jesus and his twelve apostles. These luxuriously heavy festive treats include dried fruits, ginger and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Fun fact: many people age their puddings for at least a month, but they can be aged for up to a year, thanks to their high alcohol content!

Tea and Biscuits… and Chocolate

A good cup of tea and a selection of biscuits is without a doubt an English staple – all year round. Fortnum’s has provided premium leaf teas for centuries, and their tea and biscuit tins make a divine festive gift in themselves. Their famous Christmas biscuits channel the classic pudding, packed with fruits, nuts and spices and enveloped in thick chocolate; and similar flavours abound in the Christmas Speculaas Sandwich Biscuits. For a fun twist, the Christmas Mini Musical Tin will entertain you with Jingle Bells while you dig in to the treats inside, and the classic Wooden House Advent Calendar will give you 24 days of a variety of sweets — and an enduring memento.

But advent calendars aren’t just for chocolate — the Christmas Tea Wooden Advent Calendar’s selection of 24 rare teas will get you into the spirit all month. Of course, the Christmas Spiced Black Tea and Christmas Spiced Tea Medley will also provide a warming, traditional sip.

Crackers

Christmas crackers are a super fun way to get into the celebratory spirit, and can be opened at the start or at the end of the festive meal. Invented in 1847 by London sweet maker Tom Smith, the novelty goodie containers have a ‘crackle’ element inspired by burning logs. The hats and terrible jokes are essential.

Gift Boxes and Hampers

What Christmas celebration would be complete without a well-selected gift box or hamper, as a treat for a loved one, a gracious host or yourself? Fortnum’s is legendary for its beautifully presented, mouth-watering selections. Combining Fortnum’s Brut Rose Champagne and Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles, the Mini Champagne and Chocolate Gift Box make up the perfect little gift. Though for the most sumptuous selection, look no further than the Regal Christmas Hamper, which pulls the best of the season into fifteen of the most delectable Christmas items you can imagine — from bubbly and wine to Christmas pudding, biscuits, chocolates, preserves and accompaniments. The food coma will be worth it.