SImon Hopkinson shares his recipe for a bacon sandwich with a perfect Christmassy twist.
Christmas
The Country Life Christmas message, by the Bishop of Gloucester: ‘The light shines in the darkness and the darkness of the present can never put it out’
Country Life is packed with pictures to stimulate the senses: idyllic scenery, mouth- watering food, exquisite decorations and tantalising advertisements for a cornucopia of seasonal gifts and products. Of course,…
Growing your own Christmas tree: Alan Titchmarsh on what to plant and where to plant it
Why buy your Christmas tree when you can grow your own and enjoy these handsome, statuesque trees all year round? Alan Titchmarsh offers his tips.
Why we still love pantomime (‘Oh no we don’t’…’Oh yes we do’…)
Corny, hammed-up, ritualistic – and yet Pantomime is still a hugely lovely theatrical format. Perennial pantomime villain Kit Hesketh-Harvey explains why.
Why bobble fringes are the new tinsel this Christmas
Bobbles offer an opportunity to create a discreetly decorative look which is bang on trend this Christmas.
Christmas at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, France
A forest of star-spangled Christmas trees lines the carriageway to the swagged and beribboned entrance of 17th-century Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte which hosts an annual festive extravaganza, finds Jacky Hobbs.
The Yorkshire institution that sells 200,000 mince pies and 26,000 Christmas cakes each year
Tessa Waugh explains why Bettys, a Yorkshire institution founded in 1919, is the finest baker and confectioner in Britain.
10 things you need to know about Operation Santa: How the Royal Mail helps Father Christmas reply to children across Britain
Something magical is happening at the Royal Mail in Belfast. Strolling past rows of high-tech machinery, which sift and categorise mountains of letters at mind-blowing speed, you might be fooled…
Six audiobooks for Christmas, from Dickens to the latest Booker Prize winner
For book lovers who never get the time to read, audiobooks can make a great present. We've picked out five fine options.
‘It’s all about wonder and to look, to be able to ponder’ – the story behind spectacular nativity scenes
Each December, a newborn baby takes centre stage in Nativity scenes throughout the land. Julie Harding meets those responsible for bringing the Christmas story to life.
How to make perfect smoked salmon with potato pancakes
Nothing says Christmas like a side of smoked salmon. This year, try it on pancakes.
How to prepare your home for Christmas entertaining
Interior designer Nina Campbell shares her thoughts on preparing for the festive season.
Christmas gifts for children that don’t need screens or take batteries
Don't just pick up the latest plastic toys with lights and noises – take a look at these gifts which kids will love just as much as you do.
Christmas gifts for men, from beautiful boxers to a classic cocktail shaker
For the man in your life, we've all sorts of things – from simple gadgets to truly magnificent things.
Christmas gifts for dogs… and their owners
Looking for a present for a four-legged friend? Or someone somewhat obsessed with theirs? Take a look at our suggestions.
Christmas gifts for ladies to inspire, delight and entertain
From £50 to £1,280, we've selected some lovely items to help you find the perfect present.
How to make gingerbread vodka
Nutmeg is the taste of Christmas, but it’s always had a wild side. Emma Hughes delves into its past and reveals her favourite recipe that infuses this festive spice into…
The truth about Christmas carols
The composer and tenor Andrew Gant reveals the curious truth about some of our most beloved carols.
The Christmas crackers you need on your table this year
Don't end up disappointed with toe-curling jokes and miniature screwdrivers – here's what you could get instead...