Christmas

The ultimate Boxing Day bacon sandwich – with a surprise ingredient

SImon Hopkinson shares his recipe for a bacon sandwich with a perfect Christmassy twist.

A day for drinking: The hour-by-hour guide to festive tipples this Christmas

Whether you're looking for some expert advice or just trying to get through a whole day with the relatives, Harry Eyres advises on the best bottles for festive feasting.

How to make mini Christmas cake canapés

How to make mini Christmas cake canapés, a perfect seasonal mouthful.

The step-by-step, stress-free plan for cooking Christmas lunch, by Tom Aikens

Tom Aikens shares his recipes and advice for the perfect Christmas lunch: turkey, cranberry, roast potatoes and all the trimmings

With love from Father Christmas: J.R.R. Tolkien's enchanting Christmas letters to his children

For nearly a quarter of a century, J. R. R. Tolkien sent his children elaborate letters and pictures from the North Pole. Ben Lerwill explores the penmanship, kindness and magic that went into Letters From Father Christmas.

Nine things you ought to know if you're having goose for Christmas

If you're looking for a change from turkey for Christmas dinner, goose is the obvious choice – but there are a few things to think about, as Kate Green explains.

11 of the best gins to buy this Christmas

Our Christmas gin special includes some of our favourites available right now.

10 perfect Christmas gifts for gadget lovers, from £25 to £3,694.99

Whether it's your eccentric uncle, your half-sibling with an exotic lifestyle or the person you've been married to for 23 years, it's not always easy picking presents for overgrown schoolboys. Lucky for you that Hetty Lintell and Toby Keel are here to help.

Christmas gifts for nature and garden lovers

Christmas drinks gift guide: Best gin, best whisky and more for the festive season

Whether you're keen to make your own infused gin, try a ten year old whisky or open a bottle of champagne with a bang, we've got something for you.

Christmas gift ideas for men

From fathers to brothers to lovers, we run through some smart ideas for Christmas presents for the men in your life.

Christmas gift ideas for ladies

From mothers and sisters to wives and girlfriends, these 12 gifts are sure to bring a smile to the face of the special lady in your life.

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.

10 sumptuous Christmas gifts for foodies, from a chocolate library to a £6,000 hamper

After something special for a person who really appreciates their food? Our suggestions are certain to have something that's just right.

Best Christmas gifts for outdoorsy people, from £12 to £9,900

If you're looking for a present for someone who loves getting out and about and finding new adventures, Toby Keel, Hetty Lintell and Alexandra Fraser have picked out some great Christmas gifts for lovers of the great outdoors.

Curious Questions: Why do we have Advent calendars?

This week's Country Life Christmas special is an annual treat, with our special Advent calendar cover. But how did the Advent calendar phenomenon start? Martin Fone investigates.

How to make Christmas jewellery shopping fun, with the wisdom and tips of Cassandra Goad

Choosing the perfect present needn’t be a chore — in fact, it should be fun. Choosing jewellery from Cassandra Goad is a good place to start, and Country Life's Luxury Editor Hetty Lintell picks out some of her favourites.

14 perfect Christmas gift ideas for the man or woman who has everything

From beautiful books and artistic accessories to a weekend away in one of the country's most famous castles, these gifts from our carefully-selected partners offer options for everyone — no matter how tricky to buy for.

Country Life's Christmas message, from The Bishop of Leeds: 'I wish everyone – the faithful and the faithless – a happy and earthy Christmas'

The Bishop of Leeds, The Rt Revd Nicholas Baines, talks of the relevance of the Christmas story to all and why everyone is welcome at church.

24 Christmas disasters to make you feel better about burning the turkey, from poisoned guests to 7,000 acres of fire damage