Mary Berry Shares Her Ultimate Holiday Entertaining Tips
There's being a good host for the holidays, and then there's hosting at Mary Berry's level. A consummate entertainer, the iconic British baker, cookbook author, and television personality naturally has her holiday hosting routine down pat. And while she may be ready to execute her Christmas to-do list with a mix of effortless aplomb and festive charm that we can all aspire to bring to our holiday celebrations, for those who are worried about their holiday spread being a little less than Berry-worthy, Mary has your back.
This season, to celebrate the holidays, Mary is debuting a brand new holiday special—Mary Berry's Ultimate Christmas. Premiering on PBS on December 19, 2022 at 9 p.m. eastern, the special is filled with Mary's tried and true holiday favorites, with everything from canapés to roast turkey with stuffing, and even a luxurious Christmas pudding. Since the holidays are all about getting together, Mary also visits friends like Chef Angela Hartnett and Monica Galetti to learn about their holiday traditions and recipes, and even cooks up a few veggies guaranteed to tempt even the pickiest eaters.
Ahead of the new special, T&C talked with Dame Mary about her ultimate holiday entertaining tips.
T&C: The holidays can be such a busy time, and the meals in particular need to feel special. Do you have any tips for finding the balance between something that feels festive but also not too pressed for time?
MB: For me it’s all about planning and organizing. Make a list of things you can do ahead, and it’s such a joy to tick off as the jobs get done! It’s great to make things ahead, like the Christmas Pudding, chutneys, stock, stuffing, even the red cabbage you can prep and cook ahead and freeze.
Do you serve appetizers before a big holiday feast, or is it better to make sure everyone saves their appetite for the meal?
Yes, I do, we call them canapés in the UK, and I like to serve with drinks before the main feast. This year I’ll be making my little Herbed Scones topped with Cranberry and Stilton (or Blue Cheese), delicious! It’s lovely as everyone mixes well standing up, before they sit at the tables. On Christmas Day I don’t serve a first course though, which means the center attraction of the turkey and all the trimmings will be piping hot, and no one will get too full!
Do you have a favorite host or hostess gift (to give or to receive?)
At Christmas time, I like to take homemade edible gifts, maybe cheese straws, cookies or homemade preserves, something a little different and made with love.
Have you ever had something go terribly wrong when you were hosting for the holidays?
We had a power cut on Christmas day one year, and it just meant we enjoyed the festive feast four hours late and everyone had probably had a bit too much to drink! All the guests were starving and there wasn’t a scrap left.
What's your idea of a perfect holiday get-together?
For me getting outside in the countryside walking off a gorgeous festive lunch with your loved ones is a perfect holiday get together. Choosing a walk suitable for all ages, and ideally taking the dogs too!
Do you have a favorite holiday dish, or something that the holidays just wouldn't feel complete without?
It has to be my classic pear trifle, it’s a family favorite, and there is never any left for the next day!
Mary Berry's Ultimate Christmas debuts on December 19, 2022 at 9 p.m. eastern on on PBS.
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