6 hours ago Nigel Slater’s recipes for salmon and sprouts, and chocolate ginger sundae

It’s time for a last-minute festive fry-up, followed by a biscuity ginger sundaeThe house is bathed in the glow from the Christmas tree. There are scented parcels tied with ribbon, a majestic panettone on a cake stand in the larder and the rough puff pastry is rolled, folded and wrapped in baking parchment in the fridge. I’ve been playing carols for a fortnight or more.We are so close now to the principal meals of Christmas, most of which are probably sorted and partially shopped for. It is those last-minute dishes I feel are most useful. The quick toss-up of greens and smoked fish; a dessert that can be made in minutes and, perhaps, the odd homemade edible gift. Christmas is, of course, about more than one meal. Continue reading...

Politics

10 hours ago Staring at a Christmas tree could tell you if you have a common health problem

Whilst you're enjoying the festive season, taking a closer look at the decorations might make you aware of a common eye problem

Politics

12 hours ago The Christmas that went wrong: The day was saved by the new friend I’d made on a drunken night out

I was alone in New York during the pandemic, in the aftermath of a breakup and unable to go home. A Korean family taught me to believe in the kindness of strangersLike many Jewish families, the Wolfsons take Christmas extremely seriously. Latkes and smoked salmon are served before homemade cranberry sauce and brussels sprouts. My dad’s hand-painted menorah, which he made during the ceramics cafe boom of the early 2000s, sits proudly underneath the Christmas tree.As such, I had never missed a Christmas with the family – although there had been some near misses. In 2019, we spent Christmas by my dad’s hospital bed after his stroke – us sipping on hospital canteen gingerbread lattes, him having Christmas dinner in the guise of vanilla-scented protein, fed through a tube. In 2020, I saw my family only from six feet away, double-masked and on the doorstep. I delivered presents, but they were not opened for a few days, to let any stray virus dissipate. Continue reading...

Politics

15 hours ago How stars including Kim Kardashian and Michelle Keegan sparked huge demand for smaller trees

Kim Kardashian and Michelle Keegan are driving a new trend for replacing a large Christmas tree in their homes with smaller ones placed in different rooms.

Politics

25 hours ago Family's Christmas 'ruined' as thieves break in and steal presents from under tree

The family said they are all 'shaken up' as they were not aware the burglars were in the house at the time, and that the incident has left them 'more cautious'

Events

26 hours ago Christmas ruined for family after heartless thieves steal everything from under tree

The family woke up on Sunday, December 15 to discover the items were missing

Events

27 hours ago Brits reveal their most HATED faux pas when decorating your Christmas tree

According to a new study from Bloom & Wild, people across the UK have some strong opinions on the best way to decorate a Christmas tree. The research reveals a definitive list of 'fir pas'.

Politics

35 hours ago Paul Smith's guide to London: Claridge’s, Sir John Soane's Museum and dates at the Tate

The fashion designer shops at Portobello, stands in for the traffic police and creates a cracking Christmas tree

Politics

35 hours ago Expert explains how to keep Christmas tree bright and green for longer by making it shorter

Even people without a green thumb can make their Christmas trees see the new year

Politics