Spiced pear and ginger sauce

Whether you opt for goose, pork, partridge or pheasant for the festive feast this year, ensure the table is groaning with sides says Philippa Davis. This spiced pear and ginger sauce pairs excellently with whatever is making up the festive feast. It can be prepared a few days ahead, and…

Brioche, fig, hazelnut and thyme stuffing

Even if the main event is a little smaller this year due to a depleted guest list, the table should be groaning with sides, says Philippa Davis. Follow this recipe for brioche, fig, hazelnut and thyme stuffing – plus our top tips on ensuring perfection every time. Why not try…

How to cook the perfect goose

With smaller gatherings this year, the larder might not be so outrageously full but the centrepiece should still be impressive, says Philippa Davis. A depleted guest list calls for the perfect goose, and here is how you should cook it. Being inventive with the leftovers is the best part of…

The boy treble’s solo in Once in Royal David’s City, sounded in a darkened cathedral, is a truly special moment for many. The true start of the festivities commences with cathedral choirs, says Matthew Dennison. Send your festive missives by way of cards with proper country credentials, and support some…

Turkey tacos

The secret to serving Christmas leftovers well is creating an entirely different supper to the original feast. The exotic flavours of Philipa Davis’ turkey tacos couldn’t feel further from traditional festive fare. Best served when you cannot face another turkey sandwich. If turkey isn’t your favourite for the Christmas lunch,…

Rural community churches

Village life relies upon rural community churches, as they are often the only community building left. This is never more so than at Christmas, as three Anglican bishops explain to Matthew Dennison. This time of year may seem a bleak, but the winter solstice traditions expertly adopted by the Christian…

festive cocktails

Engender some proper festive spirit at your soirée with The Field’s festive cocktails. Philippa Davis’ clementine margarita is the perfect tipple to enjoy while cooking the festive feast, and Emily Arbuthnott’s dark creations are guaranteed to leave your guests reeling with delight. Just the spirit for a seasonal shindig. (See…

Christmas presents for gundogs

Comparing new kit is all part of the festive fun, so make sure your gundog doesn’t miss out. David Tomlinson chooses the best presents for gundogs which have a practical purpose in the field. Send festive missives by way of cards with proper country credentials. Take your pick from The…

Best Christmas cheeseboard

The positively groaning cheeseboard completes the festive feast. While British cheese has formerly been the poor relation of its continental cousins, the choice and variety of traditional and artisan cheeses is now endless. But how to put on the very best Christmas cheeseboard? Ettie Neil-Gallacher takes advice from the experts.…

Winter solstice traditions

The days are shortening and darkness has descended – midwinter is more certainly bleak. But the colour brought by the winter solstice traditions, expertly adopted into our culture by the Christian church, make this Sir Johnny Scott’s favourite time of year. Holly is synonymous with Christmas. But why do the…