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The most wonderful time of year is approaching. Soon, you’ll don an apron and start your Christmas pudding on ‘stir-up Sunday’. Aromas of orange, cloves, and gingerbread will dance through the halls. Twinkling lights will dress up Douglas firs, transforming everyday living spaces into cheery holiday hubs. The pleasures of home characterise the season, and it is the kitchen that bears the brunt of our festivities.
As you get ready to celebrate with your family–enjoying warm drinks and laughter– here are some tips to ease the pressure, preparing you for all that Christmas cooking and entertaining.
‘Tis the season for appliances that match your entertaining ambitions.
The difference between a panic-ridden chef and a peaceful host can be as simple as choosing the right cooktop. Ideal for flush installation, the Bora’ Pure‘ and ‘X-Pure‘ hobs blend elegantly into your bespoke Tom Howley kitchen. The extra-wide cooktops offer room to cook with four large pots so that your mulled wine, creamy mash, gravy, and winter vegetable soup can seamlessly simmer simultaneously. The intuitive system features a state-of-the-art low-noise fan to minimise interruptions whilst entertaining. And all parts that come into contact with cooking vapours are easily removable and dishwasher-safe for effortless post-meal cleaning.
It can be challenging to ensure each dish is hot and ready to serve simultaneously. A warming multi-drawer, therefore, is a Christmastime essential since there’s nothing worse than realising your turkey and trimmings have turned cold minutes after being served.
Organisation is the key to taking the chaos out of Christmas cooking.
Channel your inner Father Christmas and make a list, planning your menu and creating the guest list well in advance. In the week leading up to festivities, organise your fridge and pantry and remove clutter from your surface to ensure an obstacle-free workspace
For your comfort, stick to tried-and-true recipes you’re confident in creating. Consider making side dishes ahead, such as overnight rolls, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mince pies. On Christmas eve, you can prepare and season your veg the night before, then pop it in the fridge covered in foil so that it’s ready to roast the next day.
Make a cooking schedule for Christmas Day with specific timings for cooking and serving each course. Set your Christmas table with candlesticks, crackers, and winter foliage in advance. Include place names for your guests and seat yourself with the most accessible pathway to the kitchen for popping back and forth.
Ultimately, kitchen layout is key to a seamless Christmas culinary experience.
From ample worktop space for prepping and outstanding appliances within reach of your main working area to island seating so guests can socialise with the chef – there’s a great deal to consider. Our expert designers are here to work one-on-one with you in planning a bespoke, beautifully proportioned kitchen designed to enhance the way you want to live, cook and entertain.
“It’s never too early to visit our showrooms for a chat,” reminds Victoria Miller, designer at our Tunbridge Wells showroom. “Getting a head start, with Christmas kitchen entertaining in mind, makes for a really enjoyable design process, as you will have more time to consider all your options and ensure your ideas are brought to life.”
To browse our unparalleled collections, you can find your nearest showroom here. There’s sure to be a kitchen that captures your imagination!