A Fun Festive Quiz To Do Round The Christmas Table This Year
One festive pastime you can rely on to add some spice to your Friendsmas dinner or keep the whole family entertained in the 4pm lull is a good old fashioned quiz - because who doesn’t love a spot of Family Fortunes style excitement?!
Is it even Christmas if you’re not forced to endure endless hours of organised fun with your extended family when most of us would rather be watching the Xmas specials? We thought not. From charades so frustrating you’re forced into grabbing a bev from the bar cart to the most infuriatingly terrible depiction of the Nativity scene during Pictionary, it’s safe to say there are some games best left collecting dust on the shelf…
One festive pastime you can rely on to add some spice to your Friendsmas dinner or keep the whole family entertained in the 4pm lull is a good old fashioned quiz – because who doesn’t love a spot of Family Fortunes style excitement?! All we’ll say is if Vernon Kay is involved, sign us the f**k up. As a nation, it’s safe to say we overdid it on the quiz front during the 2020 chapter of banana bread and Joe Wicks we’d prefer to forget (sorry Joe), but in the spirit of new chapters and rewriting happier memories this Christmas, the time is now for bringing back the humble quiz. With an emoji round for TikTok lovin’ teens of the family, a classic Christmas round for the grandparents, and finally some ‘was it during 2020 or 2021 trivia’ that everyone can get involved in, look no further for a selection of juicy questions ready to pull everyone out of a cheese induced food coma pronto.
Christmas Films – Emoji Style:
It does what is says on the tin- simply decipher the emojis below to create the titles of some of the most well-loved Christmas films around. Bonus point for number 9 because he’s a rogue one…
📆⬅️🎄
🏝 🇺🇸🇬🇧
♥️✔️
👑🔄👯♀️
🎄📖
🤩3️⃣4️⃣ 🏘
🐷🐸🎄🎶
🤬🎅🏽
🎄➡️👪 😡
🧝♂
Answers:
Last Christmas
The Holiday
Love Actually
The Princess Switch
Christmas Chronicles
Miracle on 34th Street
The Muppets Christmas Carol
Bad Santa
Christmas with The Kranks
Elf
The Classic Christmas Qs:
The Christmas round- because is it really a December quiz without it? These family-friendly questions range from historic to foodie to popular culture and back again, providing something for uncles, cousins, and grandpa alike.
If you were born on Christmas Day, what star sign are you?
Which Christmas song is the highest-selling single of all time?
How many siblings does Kevin have in Home Alone?
Which country donates the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square?
What year was The Snowman first shown on TV (on Boxing Day)?
1982
1985
1990
1979
In the song ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ what was the gift given on the seventh day?
Pipers pipin’
Swans a-swimming
Lords a leapin’
Geese a layin’
In which country is it tradition to eat KFC for Christmas dinner?
How many different types of sweets are there in a standard box of Quality Street?
What date in January should all your Christmas decorations come down by, according to tradition?
What do Excitable Edgar and Monty the Penguin have in common?
Answers:
Sagittarius
White Christmas, Bing Crosby
Four
Norway
A, 1982
Seven swans a-swimming
Japan
12: The Purple One, The Green Triangle, Coconut Eclair, Orange Chocolate Crunch, Toffee Deluxe, Fudge, Milk Choc Block, Toffee Penny, Caramel Swirl, Strawberry Delight, Orange Creme.
January 5
Both are stars of previous John Lewis adverts
A Year in the Making- The 2021 Round:
Have you been paying attention this year? It’s time to find out. Unlike 2020, the past 365 days have flown by faster than it takes to demolish a freshly baked camembert , but for the attentive amongst us, this round might just be a breeze…
What was the name of the picture book for children written by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex?
Marks & Spencer goes to war with Aldi over what cake?
Which football club wins the FA Cup for the first time, defeating Chelsea 1–0 in the final at Wembley?
Who was the former owner of a Ford Escort sold at auction for more than £52,000?
At the end of November, which country became the world’s newest republic?
Line of Duty finally identifies the Fourth Man, better known by what initial?
Which of the following billionaires went to space in 2021?
Warren Buffett and Mark Zuckerberg
Sergey Brin and Bernard Arnault
Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos
Elon Musk and Bill Gates
What anniversary is the Harry Potter film franchise celebrating in 2021?
Who won Album of the Year at the 2021 Grammy Awards?
In which month were zero daily deaths from Covid 19 reported in the UK for the first time since the start of the pandemic in March 2020?
How many players took part in Netflix’s record breaking Squid Games?
391
422
456
337
Which body of water was blocked by the Ever Given container ship back in March?
Which singer performed at President Joe Biden’s inauguration?
Who wore an all black, head to toe bodysuit to this year’s Met Gala?
What was the name of the comedy special released by Bo Burnham?
Answers:
The Bench
Colin the Caterpillar
Leicester City
Princess Diana
Barbados
H
Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos
20
Taylor Swift with Folklore
June 2021
C, 456
Suez Canal
Lady Gaga
Kim Kardashian
Inside
Think Twice- Was it 2020 or 2021?
You’d be forgiven if every answer in this round was wrong because honestly wtf was the last two years. Nevertheless this quick fire final round is the light relief we need after another heavy year, and some potentially easy points for the pop culture experts in your family.
Bridgerton dropped on Netflix
Olivia Rodrigo released her debut album SOUR
*The* Jackie Weaver debacle
Meghan and Harry announced they were stepping back from the Royal Family
The US Capitol building was stormed
The Friends reunion
Emma Raducanu winning the US Open
Jesy left Little Mix
We fell in love with Noodle the pug and if it was a bones or no bones day on TikTok
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Answers:
2020
2021
2021
2020
2021
2021
2021
2020
2021
2021
How many answers did you get right? Disclaimer: Team Zoella is not responsible for post quiz arguments with Uncle Steve…
From what we get up to on Christmas Eve to the cocktails we'll be sinking and the tv specials we can't wait to slob out in front of, here’s how the Zoella team will be celebrating Crimbo 2021!
Last Christmas wasn’t exactly the big festive blowout we were counting on thanks to a fresh lot of restrictions just in time for Yuletide. Merry Covid Christmas everyone.
Whilst the rest of us made do with office gatherings on Zoom and low-key Christmas Day plans bubbled up with a couple of households – as per, ya know, the rules – Downing Street (cough, allegedly, cough) partied like coronavirus didn’t exist but the less said about that shambolic bunch, the better. Hey, it was their party, they can lie if they want to.
This year, we’re determined to have our Christmas cake and eat it, feasting, gifting, hugging (hopefully), and making up for lost time with all the cheese and wine. We hope the wrong dishonourable folk at Number 10 enjoy their bundle of coal this year. We stand with Santa.
In the final part of our Christmas At Home With series, it’s over to Team Zoella to share how we’ll be making the most of the holiday season after a year of cancelled plans and tiers aplenty. From what we get up to on Christmas Eve to the cocktails we’ll be sinking and the tv specials we can’t wait to slob out in front of, here’s how the Zoella team will be celebrating Crimbo 2021!
Lareese says
Favourite Family Tradition…
We nearly always get Christmas pyjamas from my mum which is something I look forward to every year. More recently, I’ve adopted my boyfriend’s family tradition of a twist on the dirty Santa game, so famous by now it’s simply called ‘The Game’ amongst both our families. We buy scratch cards and boujie perfume (we’re talking top-tier gifts alongside a few random stocking fillers. My most random gift being a grout pen. YAY) and it all gets very competitive. It’s a highlight of the day!
Delicious thing to eat…
Some sort of melty cheese number like a brie en croute or brie and cranberry parcels from M&S – they’re banging.
Christmas tipple of choice…
Usually I love to sink a few glasses of Ridgeview Bloomsbury, my favourite wine from a local vineyard, but as I’m booze-free this year, I’ll be sticking to some kind of elderflower spritz or Nozeco so I can still raise a glass and enjoy a good toast to Crimbo.
Something you’re hoping to receive…
I’ll be over the moon to receive a few books!
Decoration you’ve had the longest…
My mum’s probably well shot of any clay creations from our childhood haha. I tend to buy a few new ones each year so they’re all a fairly modern mix of H&M, The Range and garden centre bits and bobs.
Where you’ll be spending Christmas this year…
We’ll be piling around my sisters for the traditional all-you-can-eat feast. I’m SO ready to relive all the wedding memories, she tied the knot on 4th December so fingers crossed she’ll have some of the professional photos back by then for us to look at <3
Favourite part of Christmas…
So. Many. Things. I love the warm familiarity of the season, the gentle pace, the animations, the food, the lead-up, the lights, the smells and of course, the opportunity to spend the whole day with family. Those moments don’t come around very often and the older I get, the more gratitude I have for this time of year, simply for the excuse to hang out with my favourite weirdos.
The time you eat your Christmas Lunch…
We tend to graze all day, have a little prawn cocktail starter around 2pm with a little gap for games, films and Queenie’s speech, then the main event usually kicks off around 3ish. Last year we were plating it up at 6pm because someone (read: my sister) went ham on the beers. An iconic hostess if you ask me.
Christmas Eve plans…
It’s always a pretty chilled affair at home, swaddled in something elasticated. We’ll usually have some picky bits for dinner like a festive grazing board or cheese and crackers in front of a roaring fire. I’ll almost definitely be roped into helping my boyfriend wrap his gifts at circa 9pm because he’s the ultimate last-minute Larry.
Christmas day attire…
Bury me in my Daily Sleeper PJs basically. They obliterated my savings so you bet I’ll be getting the wear out of them.
Christmas TV special you’re most excited about…
A Boy Called Christmas and Never Mind The Buzzcocks – purely for Daisy May Cooper.
Favourite Christmas Song…
Fairytale of New York, it forever reminds me of singing and dancing with my parents and my sister at home when we were little.
Danielle says
Favourite Family Tradition..
Watching Miracle on 34th Street before we go to bed on Christmas Eve, we practically know the whole thing by heart and it honestly never gets old. I think it’s wrapped up in the tradition that we’re always together, no one ever goes on holiday over Christmas it would be unheard of in our family!
Delicious thing to eat…
It’s gotta be picky bits before Christmas lunch, you can’t stop me from housing the pigs in blankets, salmon blinis and a baked brie!
Christmas tipple of choice…
I usually choose a cocktail to make on the day, in the past, we’ve had Pornstar Martinis and Amaretto Sours. This year I think I’m going to start on the classic fizz and home make some fruit purees for Bellinis and then I might make sure we’ve got everything for Espresso Martinis to pick us up in the afternoon!
Something you’re hoping to receive…
Honestly, I much prefer to give gifts I LOVE buying gifts for people, so having my family be really pleased with my choices will be the gift! Although I know I’m getting some white boots from my Mum that I can’t wait to wear.
Decoration you’ve had the longest…
In my house, I only started decorating this year! So nothing specifically new, but at my parents’ house, they have loads we made as children and this picture of me in a silver bell from about 15 years ago.
Where you’ll be spending Christmas this year…
At my parent’s house in Cornwall, it’s quite the trek from Brighton so I’ll be heading down there on the 19th of December.
Favourite part of Christmas…
I think the build-up to the big day, everyone arriving and the excitement levels rising!
Time you eat your Christmas Lunch…
We tend to go quite late, after gifts and breakfast then party food we’re not really hungry until 5ish so it’s more like an early dinner.
Christmas Eve plans…
We usually go to the cinema on Christmas Eve so this year I think the plan is to see the new West Side Story, which we’ll probably end up singing the whole way home.
Christmas day attire…
I made a last-minute order for this snazzy dress from H&M and sent it straight to my parents, so who even knows if it fits!
Christmas TV special you’re most excited about…
A Boy Called Christmas, Never Mind The Buzzcocks Special AND the Harry Potter Reunion (there’s just too much)
Favourite Christmas Song…
Andy Williams – It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Charlotte
Favourite Family Tradition…
I don’t think my family will be offended in me saying that we have a bit of a dysfunctional set up so traditions are a little sparse around our parts- just dishing out a slice of Christmas realness for you all! Over the past few years though it has become a bit of a tradition for my sister and I to head to my Dad’s house on Christmas Eve and play Monopoly and Cluedo with some drinks, pizza and Christmas tunes in the background. It’s not necessarily a classic Christmas affair but it’s something I always look forward to now.
Delicious thing to eat…
Veggie meat substitutes are a topic of hot debate but I honestly love a Quorn Roast and devouring the remainder of it in a stuffing and salad cream sandwich (don’t judge) on the days after Christmas too.
Christmas tipple of choice…
Prosecco on TAP.
Something you’re hoping to receive…
I’ve struggled to think of what I want this year but I do hope I get Red (Taylor’s Version) on Vinyl. Surely someone in my family has been paying attention to me talking about it nonstop since its re-release?!
Decoration you’ve had the longest…
Almost all of ours at home are ones I remember since childhood, but I also have some salt dough decs a friend made me as part of a Secret Santa gift a few years ago that I’m always surprised are still going.
Where you’ll be spending Christmas this year…
At my mums in Cambridge with just my sister and nan. Told you it was a small affair!
Favourite part of Christmas…
I love Christmas morning as the day feels filled with optimism and we open presents straight away which is always so lovely. I like waking up knowing I have the whole day ahead of me to enjoy, and sometimes by the evening, I get in my feels after too many wines so I need to try and keep it together this year!
Time you eat your Christmas Lunch…
Normally around 2pm I reckon. I live for the Christmas evening buffet of snacky bits and leftovers so there needs to be enough time in between for my stomach to somewhat make some room for more.
Christmas Eve plans…
Head to my Dads as per and then I’d like to go to the pub actually so possibly see if any of my friends are up for it?!
Christmas day attire…
I’ve just bought a gorgeous new black mini dress from Collusion on ASOS that’s pretty timeless and sooo flattering- it’s also a smock style so loads of room for food! I’ll probably add a sparkly headband and for sure make it festive with a red lip too.
Christmas TV special you’re most excited about…
Strictly babbyyyyy!
Favourite Christmas Song…
Underneath the Tree, Kelly Clarkson is always up there as a fave.
Holly
Favourite Family Tradition…
Playing cards with my whole family including nan because I always win (I cheat) and shouting at my brothers for speaking with their mouths full. It’s not Christmas if there isn’t at least one row.
Delicious thing to eat…
It’s never not going to be pigs in blankets. Even when I say I’m cutting down on meat I can’t resist. Give me the mini pre-made Tesco ones and I can demolish a good 3 trays before the Turkey is served.
Christmas tipple of choice…
It’s going to be bucks fizz all day long, gotta speed it up but no slowing down.
Something you’re hoping to receive…
A fuck load of hugs. After last years shambles, I will be hugging everyone I can get my mitts on. And hopefully a bottle of Christmas gin.
Decoration you’ve had the longest…
I have a china bauble with my footprint on it from my first Christmas at 22 days old, so a 28-year-old decoration!
Where you’ll be spending Christmas this year…
At my mum and dads with my brothers, nan, uncle, cousins and some more extended family will pop in and and throughout the day.
Favourite part of Christmas…
Giving gifts, I have got people some corkers this year. I love getting presents but definitely more of a giver than a receiver. My family deserve the world and I try my best to make them feel as loved as possible by putting a lot of thought into my presents.
Time you eat your Christmas Lunch…
It’s always planned for 1 but we usually end up eating around 4 and half the food is cold. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Christmas Eve plans…
Go to the pub, pints, sing carols and have awkward conversations with people I haven’t seen since last Christmas Eve. You’d think ‘we should meet up’ would get old but apparently, it doesn’t.
Christmas day attire…
We open our pressies in jammies and then get full glam to go for a dog walk and dinner. I’ll be wearing a dress and heels and trying to manoeuvre a muddy golf course is all part of the fun.
Christmas TV special you’re most excited about…
It’s always Eastenders. I don’t even watch it anymore and I’m still so excited to watch
Favourite Christmas Song…
The Pogues, Fairytale of New York, I go to a pub every Christmas Eve and they play it as it hits midnight.
Maddie
Favourite Family Tradition…
It’s all about the kids, isn’t it? Seeing their faces light up as they leave mince pies, milk and a carrot for Santa and watching their amazement when all that’s left is the crumbs the next day. The whole magic of Christmas is those little moments of joy.
Delicious thing to eat…
I don’t think you can beat pigs in blankets at Christmas.
Christmas tipple of choice…
Got to be the Champagne or bucks fizz
Something you’re hoping to receive…
A full nights sleep and a lie-in would actually be a Christmas miracle
Decoration you’ve had the longest…
My dad has these god awful old cracked red baubles strung up together that he insists on putting on the tree every year. Saying that, I do think I’d be a bit sad if they weren’t there even though they’re ancient.
Where you’ll be spending Christmas this year...
We will be celebrating the first few days with my family and the second half with our family in Cornwall.
Favourite part of Christmas…
I love all the silly games that come out and just generally being around family is what it’s all about for me.
Time you eat your Christmas Lunch…
Usually around 2ish, so many moving parts it always takes longer than you think!
Christmas Eve plans…
Father Christmas on his sleigh is coming to the village to wave to the children.
Christmas day attire…
As a child, I used to stay in my PJs as long as I possibly could but my grandma always made me change into something smart before breakfast, she was very traditional. Nowadays I’m usually a smart/casual hybrid with comfy leggings and a nice top.
Christmas TV special you’re most excited about…
100% the Harry Potter reunion, I can watch the films on repeat this time of year so I really can’t wait.
Favourite Christmas Song…
Pogues Fairytale of New York, it’s a classic
Darcey
Favourite Family Tradition…
Every Christmas Eve at my Dads we all gather together after our annual Christmas Eve dinner and read “The Night Before Christmas” as a group, this book has been passed down three generations now so it’s really special.
Delicious thing to eat…
My Grandpa always does a really good spread of evening food which I think I prefer more than the actual Christmas dinner, you can’t beat picky bits!
Christmas tipple of choice…
Probably a glass of Prosecco or Champagne (depending on how extra we are all feeling).
Something you’re hoping to receive…
Must admit I am hoping for an Apple Watch this year and I may have bought an Apple Watch and a matching phone case in the Black Friday sales too with high hopes of receiving it… Ha someone take my bank card of me asap.
Decoration you’ve had the longest…
Hmm, I think probably those ones you make at school out of felt which you put a little Christmas wish in and give to your parents, they still make it on the tree’s (multiples as my Mum and Dad both still put them up on their own trees haha). If anyone wants to know I didn’t wish for anything remotely heartfelt at the age of 6, I asked for a pink Playstation.
Where you’ll be spending Christmas this year…
So I’ll be spending Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with my Dad, Step Mum and her family. Then Christmas Day I’ll drive to my Mum’s to spend it with her and that side of the family!
Favourite part of Christmas…
Definitely, the build-up to Christmas, like the week before is always so fun with all the excitement, wrapping gifts and seeing all your family! Without sounding too bah humbug, Christmas Day usually leaves me feeling a bit deflated, the pressure for it to be amazing usually makes me so anxious, so this year I need to try and chill. I’m sure some people relate!
Time you eat your Christmas Lunch…
Fairly early I think at about 12:30pm or 1pm, I know some people eat it much later.
Christmas Eve plans…
Off to my Dads and Step Mums for a big family meal that we do every year and some drinks!
Christmas day attire…
I’ll be wearing something fairly simple, thinking leather trousers and a burgundy jumper for a festive feel. I have however recently bought a diamanté bag which I’ll 100% be bringing, sparkles are as festive as it gets!
Christmas TV special you’re most excited about…
I genuinely never really watch any Christmas Specials, but I will be watching The Big Fat Quiz of the Year!
Favourite Christmas Song…
Last Christmas by Wham. Explains why Last Christmas is my fave Christmas film too!
10 Christmas Traditions to Start This Year *And Not One of them Includes Eggnog*
Maybe you’re yet to find your family’s *thing* or perhaps 2020 threw a rule-of-six shaped spanner in the works and it’s time to forge new seasonal fun, from signed, sealed and delivered self-care rituals to festive tipples!
Christmastime, mistletoe, and wine! The Christmas period is all about soaking up the festive vibes for as long as possible and making memories with family and friends, even if said memories do involve a communal effort to make Uncle Peter feel better about the fact that you had to staple two paper hats together to fit his one head.
From eating the same dinner and playing the same games, to watching the Queen’s speech and forcing everyone out on a post-roast walk, the warm familiarity of our 25 December routines is what makes Christmas Day feel Christmassy.
Maybe you’re yet to find your family’s *thing* or perhaps 2020 threw a rule-of-six shaped spanner in the works and it’s time to forge new seasonal fun, from signed, sealed and delivered self-care rituals to festive tipples with the squad, we’re hoping at least a few of these ideas will make your spirits bright. And if you just so happen to come from a long line of Grinches, let this be the year their hearts triple, nay quadruple in size thanks to these wholesome Yuletide traditions.
Whether you’re looking for all-out festive ideas or something with a subtle and tenuous link to Christmas but with a solid link to mirth, here’s 10 holiday traditions you can adopt as your own. You’ll be v pleased to read, eggnog didn’t make the cut – it’s been banished to the cupboard under the stairs where it belongs.
1. Get yourself a new Christmas decoration to chortle & weep over in years to come
Nothing says tradition like a commemorative decoration you can pluck out the attic every year as your annual reminder that you once had a real thing for *drumroll please* excessively sparkly lobsters.
From the cult ‘n’ classy Harrods bauble to space rockets, avocados, hotdogs and trad nutcrackers (or buttcrackers as they’re now known to Team Zoella thanks to a rather beautiful slip of the keyboard) there’s an ornament for every aesthetic from minimal through to novelty and picking one out each year brings silly amounts of joy.
If you skipped decorations altogether last year and want to ensure you never forget the year when banana bread became our sole food group and even Santa was working from home, we can think of no better way to keep the 2020 mems alive than with these guys:
2. Nourish your soul with a seasonal feel-good read
Part of the beauty of Christmas is that we can do whatever the figgy pudding we want. Getting up at 11? Sure, it’s Christmas. Indulging in a digital detox, well they wouldn’t have wifi in the stable now would they (in a bit TikTok). Slipping into a peaceful cocoon of pure, non-threatening fiction in lieu of leafing through Instagram until you’ve got a throbbing migraine – we love to see it.
Selecting your book of the season will truly light up your soul with wide-eyed wonderment (times that by ten if it’s a distinguished gentleman bound in cloth) and bequeath you with plenty of reasons to stay at home in the loving arms of your weighted blanket.
Unlike a night out where you’re coerced into shotting seven ‘Bucas despite appearing to be a grown up and counting down the hours until your feet can live in flat, heavenly peace once more, season’s readings always end on merry terms. If you’re looking for a recommendation, allow us to hard plug Mandy Baggot’s One New York Christmas.
3. Break out the matching pjs for the family portrait
‘Tis the bona fide trademark of Christmas, no? Presenting your dad with a pair of dorky candy cane stripe pyjamas – or even better, a onesie that is evidently *not* one size fits all – and arranging him in front of the tree + self-timer while he wonders what the Dickens is going on is wickedly entertaining. The best bit: he thinks all this fuss is for Tweeter (sic). Everyone’s a winner, most of all your now exclusively holiday-themed flannel pyjama drawer.
4. Arrange A Girls’ Festive Brunch
Whilst we don’t have a remedy for the fresh hell commonly known as: trying to arrange a date that works for every woman you’ve ever loved in December, the girls’ festive brunch is the one social event that doesn’t require a Doddle intervention, namely because it’s a daytime thing. And daytime socialising is the preferable mode of peopling. Send round the pdf menus, get the pre-orders in and most importantly discuss whether this will be your party pj’s time to shine. Spoiler alert – it is. Feathers and setting spray at the ready, here come the girls.
5. Go Christmas caroling
Like karaoke but with etiquette and volume control, bursting into song with a crowd of strangers does weird and wonderful things for the heart, even if you are off-key for the entirety of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. It’s the taking part (and the mulled wine) that counts, even if it’s just amongst the neighbours you do your best to avoid for 11 months of the year.
7. Cook something together
It simply wouldn’t be the season to eat, drink and be merry without a recipe cobbled together between blood-relatives and bezzie pals. Whether you decide on homemade mince pies, yule log, Christmas Eve cookies or a boozy clementine gin, nothing says Christmas like a pathetic feud over who’s hogging the rolling pin.
8. Write a letter to your future self
Christmas spirit doesn’t have to cost a bomb. Some of the most meaningful gestures come straight from the heart, with a simple handwritten letter ‘to you, from you’ being one of the most thoughtful gifts of all. As we gear up to sing all three words of auld lang syne for another year, now’s a great time to take stock, practise gratitude, and reflect on the last 12 months, and what better way to savour every peak and pit than by putting pen to paper and addressing it to yours truly. It’ll be nostalgic to look back on this pivotal moment in your life and see what you were thinking.
Maybe you’d rather look ahead to next year, exploring what’s next for you, penning your aspirations for where you want to be or what you want to achieve by next Christmas and setting the tone for 2022 with some positive affirmations. Put it in an envelope, seal it with some gold wax – because no one deserves fancy stationery and elegant correspondence as much as you – and open it on Christmas Eve next year to see what whopping great big dreams came to fruition. Manifestation mode – activated.
9. Watch your favourite Christmas movie
If you’ve got to the ripe old age of adulthood (symptoms include waking up in the middle of the night worrying about the whereabouts of your birth certificate) and have yet to know your favourite Christmas movie of all time, what are you playing at? Peruse our definitive ranking of G.O.A.T festive flicks immediately and let the movie marathon commence. Psst! if you want an enduring classic, go for It’s A Wonderful Life, if you want a radiant and respectably dewy Jude Law, go for The Holiday. Better yet, gather round the warm glow of your devices and watch one a night between now and the big day.
10. Start a puzzle / make a wreath
Take it from us: avoid anything that resembles a 1,000 piece Dickensian house because it will ruin your Christmas, unless of course you consider yourself someone who is capable of not getting a piece stuck to your arse cheek and sabotaging the entire finale. It was a child’s scarf if you must know.
Generally speaking, puzzling is a top-tier mindfulness activity, perfect for taking it down a notch ahead of social butterfly season. Whack on a Christmas movie in the background and time will fly by. Unless you’re sitting on the missing piece in which case you will pass away and wish you started a wreath instead.
26 Gifts For The Guy Who Claims He Doesn’t Need Anything For Christmas
From luxe fragrances your S/O will smell divine in, whiskey glasses your brother's guests will forever be admiring, to mug warmers Dad will be wowed by, there are gadgets and gizmos aplenty to fit the last minute gift brief this Christmas.
If your Mrs Claus magic has been used to its full capacity this December and you find yourself left with the uncle/brother/father-in-law who has everything, look no further, we’re here to help! Because whilst some gift inspiration comes naturally, for the men in your life who have it all, securing a present that’s sure to delight is no easy feat. Spoiler: no-one actually wants another Lynx Africa set.
From luxe fragrances your S/O will smell divine in, whiskey glasses your brother’s guests will forever be admiring, to mug warmers Dad will be wowed by, there are gadgets and gizmos aplenty to fit the last minute gift brief this Christmas. With presents starting from as little as £9.99, consider this our gift to you this December…
See what Team Zoella plan to be rocking as the clock strikes 12, and let's hold a moment of silence to manifest a Zac Efron style NYE smooch for us all. Amen.
Love it or hate it, New Year’s Eve is on the horizon, and whether you plan on a lowkey event accessorised with takeaway pizza and supermarket Prosecco aplenty, or a night on the town instead, it’s certain that entering the new year feeling your best is something we all hope for from this controversial calendar event.
In the words of Taylor Swift, we’re feeling (20)22, and it’s okay if you’re happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time! It’s been a wild ride and regardless of your plans, celebrating the milestone of getting through another year of upheaval is something worth toasting to. Get those flutes at the ready!
See what Team Zoella plan to be rocking as the clock strikes 12, and let’s hold a moment of silence to manifest a Zac Efron style NYE smooch for us all. Amen.
Charlotte
My NYE plans this year are still a bit up in the air but if there’s one thing I can guarantee it’s that my outfit will need to be 11/10 to start the new year off right! I love love love this dress from Motel Rocks and although I am bound to be absolutely freezing, I think it’s worth it. I’ve paired it with some knee-high boots for a tiny bit more warmth and a classic black bag for a look that never gets old (imo).
NYE – it’s extra or nothing in my book, there is no in-between for me. I’m going to go for a black tux blazer and trousers because I know I’ll get the wear out of them as separates, then dress it up with all the glitzy accessories, from sparkly earrings, heels and a velvet hair bow to boot. More is more at this time of year!
If everything goes to plan I’ll be in New York for NYE which is SUPER exciting. I don’t have crazy party plans, just planning to bar hop and then go for my first meal of 2022 at Lil Frankie’s! It’s going to be absolutely freezing in NY so I’ll be heading out in jeans a jumper (with tons of layers) some heeled boots and this gorgeous faux shearling coat. I don’t know if I’ll be able to get hold of this Taylor merch for the big night but I REALLY want it!
Is anyone else in agreement that NYE is a strange night? It’s hyped up all through December but usually the actual night is… slightly anticlimactic. I do however like to get dressed up still and feel hopeful of having the best NYE ever ha. So I’ve gone for a pair of wide-leg jeans and a cute cami top with diamanté straps, paired with some clear perspex heels and a diamanté bag to match, I’ll wear an oversized black blazer over the top in the hopes it keeps me slightly warm!
I am fairly certain that it’s a night in with a takeaway for me and my husband this year, trying to convince family members to babysit has so far fallen very flat. To be honest, I don’t really mind, New Year’s out has never really gone that well for me and who’s to say getting dressed up at home and opening up your finest bubbles you’ve been saving can’t be just as fabulous! I’ll be honest the heels are a stretch but a special sparkly dress and tailored blazer combo is always going to make you feel great.
Who knows where we’ll be for NY at this rate but one thing’s for certain, SPARKLES (and crying)! Whether I’m on the sofa with mum or doing tequila in the club, I will certainly be dressing to the nines and when I’ve had one too many wines will cry about the past year, it’s tradition! Gold is ultimate party time and black because I am sophisticated.
100 Festive Jingles to Activate Your Christmas Spirit
From the dulcet tones of Frank Sinatra to the modern Christmas hits from Ariana Grande and songs from the movies, here’s 100 Christmas jingles to fill your heart and your eardrums with festive spirit.
The Christmas spruce is twinkling, the lords are a-leaping and the scent of mulled wine and cinnamon has penetrated your nostrils with more gusto than a lateral flow. Here. For. It. There’s only one left thing to do: hit play on these catchy Crimbo earworms and be grateful your Spotify Wrapped has been and gone.
From the dulcet tones of Frank Sinatra to the modern Christmas hits from Ariana Grande and songs from the movies, here’s 100 Christmas jingles to fill your heart and your eardrums with festive spirit. Unless you work in retail of course, in which case you’d probably rather chew barbed wire than sit through another one of Mariah Carey whistle notes.
PS out of respect to Emma Thompson, this playlistcontains no Joni Mitchell.
Songs from the Movies:
1 Christmas Is All Around – Billy Mack (Love Actually)
2 Walking In The Air – Aled Jones (The Snowman)
3 Where Are You Christmas – Faith Hill (The Grinch)
4 Carol of The Bells – Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych, John Williams (Home Alone)
5 Believe – Josh Groban (The Polar Express)
6 Somewhere in My Memory – John Williams (Home Alone)
7 One More Sleep ‘til Christmas – Steve Whitmire, Kermit (The Muppet’s Christmas Carol)
8 Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Judy Garland (Meet Me In St Louis)
9 Maestro – Hans Zimmer (The Holiday)
10 Joy to The World – Aretha Franklin (Miracle on 34th Street)
11 Auld Lang Syne – Mairi Campbell and Dave Francis (Sex and The City)
12 Let It Go – Idina Menzel (Frozen)
13 What’s This – Danny Elfman (The Nightmare Before Christmas)
14 Baby, It’s Cold Outside (Zooey Deschanel, Leon Redbone)
15 Sparkle & Shine – Nativity, The Cast
Song from the Christmas Ads:
16 Somewhere Only We Know – Lily Allen
17 Can’t Fight This Feeling Anymore – Bastille
18 Half the World Away – Aurora
19 A Little Love – Celeste
20 Adele – Hold On
21 Real Love – Tom Odell
22 Power of Love – Gabrielle Aplin
23 Together In Electric Dreams – Lola Young
24 Sweet Child O’Mine – Take by Trees
25 Your Song – Elle Goulding
26 All You Need Is Love – Katy Perry
27 Forever Young – Becky Hill
28 Love Is A Compass – Griff
The Party Bops:
29 All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
30 Christmas Tree Farm – Taylor Swift
31 Merry Christmas – Elton John & Ed Sheeran
32 Last Christmas – Wham
33 Fairytale of New York – The Pogues
34 Christmas Wrapping – The Waitresses
35 Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
36 Merry Christmas Everyone – Shakin’ Stevens
37 I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day – Wizzard
38 Merry Xmas Everybody – Slade
39 Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
40 What Christmas Means To Me – Stevie Wonder
The Easy Listening Classics:
41 It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year – Andy Williams
42 White Christmas – Frank Sinatra
43 It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas – Michael Buble
44 Do They Know It’s Christmas – Band Aid
45 Driving Home for Christmas – Chris Rae
46 Silver Bells – Dean Martin
47 Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney
48 Little Saint Nick – The Beach Boys
49 Mistletoe and Wine – Cliff Richard
50 The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole
51 Sleigh Ride – The Ronettes
52 Step into Christmas – Elton John
53 Baby It’s Cold Outside – Tom Jones & Cerys Matthews
54 Silent Night – Bing Crosby
55 Frosty the Snowman – The Ronettes
56 Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon
57 I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – The Jackson 5
58 Feliz Navidad – Jose Feliciano
59 Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley
60 Mary’s Boy Child – Boney M
61 Thank God It’s Christmas – Queen
62 Cool Yule – Louis Armstrong
63 Winter Wonderland – Darlene Love
64 Rudolf The Red Nose Reindeer – Gene Autry
65 Little Drummer Boy – Bing Crosby
66 Santa Claus Is Coming To Town – The Jackson 5
67 Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry
68 2000 Miles – Pretenders
The Modern Ditties:
70 Christmas Lights – Coldplay
71 Snowman – Sia
72 Santa Tell Me – Ariana Grande
73 Underneath the Tree – Kelly Clarkson
74 Santa, Can’t You Hear Me – Kelly Clarkson, Ariana Grande
75 Christmas Calling – Norah Jones
76 Oh Santa! – Ariana Grande & Jennifer Hudson
77 8 Days of Christmas – Destiny’s Child
78 Mistletoe – Justin Bieber
79 Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells) – The Darkness
80 Abba – Little Things
81 Leona Lewis – One More Sleep
82 Kiss Me It’s Christmas – Leona Lewis, Neyo
83 Holly Jolly Christmas – Michael Buble
84 Like It’s Christmas – Jonas Brothers
85 Merry Christmas Darling – Christina Perri
86 Is This Christmas – The Wombats
87 Naughty List – Liam Payne, Dixie
88 It’s Not Christmas Till Somebody Cries – Carly Rae Jepsen
Christmas at the Strawbridges’ gaff is surely as festive as it gets so, before they hit the road for their UK-wide Dare to Do It tour, we caught up with the iconic duo to see how they deck the halls of their famous 19th-century chateau for the festive period.
Ever wish you could up sticks, move to France and find a residence in a fairytale castle with 12 acres, a walled garden, an orangery and a moat? Same hun.
That’s exactly what engineer Dick Strawbridge and his wife Angel Adoree did on their Channel 4 hit series Escape to the Chateau.
“In the heart of the French countryside, a magnificent chateau sat uncared for and abandoned, until this intrepid British couple unlocked its front door, fell in love with its grandeur and embarked on an adventure to restore its former magic, uncovering its hidden history along the way.” It’s truly renovation tv gold.
From tearing down walls to designing their own heating system, Dick and Angel have transformed all 45 rooms since the start of the show in 2016. Now in its eighth series, the couple is currently building an iconic drinking den-meets-observatory in the attic with views of the sky and the stars. How’s that for a room with a view!
Christmas at the Strawbridges’ gaff is surely as festive as it gets so, before they hit the road for their UK-wide Dare to Do It tour, we caught up with the iconic duo to see how they deck the halls of their famous 19th-century chateau for the festive period.
Favourite Family Tradition…
Putting the Christmas tree up as a family with Christmas songs, mince pies and Port for the grown-ups!
The most delicious thing to cook…
Mince pies is a family fave and tradition…but we also love a cooked ham over Christmas, and on Christmas morning, we love it on buttery toast with English mustard!
Christmas tipple of choice…
Eggnog! But we do love a ‘vin chaud’. The kids enjoy a warm grenadine…which is like a hot Ribena!
Something you’re hoping to receive…
Hard one. We don’t wish for anything tangible. Having family time to just be together over the festive period is all we ever want…Arthur & Dorothy are different of course and they have just written their list to Père Noël!
Decoration you’ve had the longest…
Our oldest decoration is 10 years old from when Dick & I got together and came to France for our first real holiday. It was the moment we fell in love with France and decided to change our path together! We bought this decoration as a memory…and we cannot believe the journey it’s been on! Our tree is full of memories…we keep every decoration the kids make and it’s a delight putting it up!
Where you’ll be spending Christmas this year…
At the Chateau!
Favourite part of Christmas…
Stopping and seeing the children’s faces when they see Father Christmas has been!
The time you eat your Christmas Lunch…
Late afternoon, when it’s ready.
Christmas Eve plans…
It will just be the four of us, getting ready for Père Noël to come and snuggling in front of the fire with a movie!
Christmas day attire…
Christmas jumpers and a little sparkle.
Christmas TV special you’re most excited about…
We don’t get to stop and watch TV until the week before Xmas so no idea yet, but we do love to watch anything that has the kids in fits of laughter.
24 Presents Samantha Jones Would Only Be Too Happy To Receive
Featuring Team Zoella favourites from Smile Makers, Love Honey, Knude Society and Womanizer, this edit of fun, fun, fun is one that can please a pal or serve both you and a lover, making it the perfect treat you can both make the most of.
“I will not be judged by you or society. I will wear whatever I want and blow whomever I want as long as I can breathe and kneel.” – Samantha Jones
The words of an icon if we ever did see one, Sex and the City’s Samantha Jones is the definition of living her best life and we’re so here for it. If you know that sexy, sushi scene is the stuff your bestie, sister or partner’s, wildest dreams are made of, look no further for the perfect gift selection for the hot and horny people in your life. Is there anything more joyous to find under the Christmas tree than a vibrating box of pleasure? We think not …
Featuring Team Zoella favourites from Smile Makers, Love Honey, Knude Society and Womanizer, this edit of fun, fun, fun is one that can please a pal or serve both you and a lover, making it the perfect treat you can both make the most of. After all, there’s a long, hard, winter ahead. Do with that what you will.
10 Books That Are Pure Balm For The Soul This Winter
From fiercely feminist debuts inspired by The Nutcracker to talking cats and Hocus Pocus horn, here’s a buffet of books that’ll help you feel like you’re anywhere but stuck in your living room, surrounded by clothes that never seem to dry and the faint aroma of last night’s Deliveroo.
Prepare to disappear down a rabbit hole of dreamlike realms, sublime storytelling and beautifully-spun narratives, perfect for distracting you from those cold winter nights.
From fiercely feminist debuts inspired by The Nutcracker to talking cats and Hocus Pocus horn, here’s a buffet of books that’ll help you feel like you’re anywhere but stuck in your living room, surrounded by clothes that never seem to dry and the faint aroma of last night’s Deliveroo.
You can always rely on magic to drag you away from the real world and Erin Morgenstern’s Night Circus is no exception. Two star-crossed magicians set their best pupils against one another in a contest but unbeknownst to them, there is a price to pay for their magic. A feat of the imagination, truly one of the best reading experiences you’ll ever have.
Read this one if: you want to fill the Potterverse void
TW: Eating disorders, self-harm, mental health. Four sleeps till Christmas, three siblings, one juicy secret – if you read one book this season, make it this one. Cosy and festive but with Dawson’s trademark grit and quick-witted social commentary, get you a Christmas book that does both. Probably the wildest Christmas book you’ll ever read.
Read this one if: you’re here for the drama over the décor
They say don’t judge a book by its cover but in this case, go right ahead. Like chocolate for the eyes, Gifts tells the bittersweet story of 12 interconnected characters on the hunt for the perfect gift for the people who matter most to them. An immensely readable book made for a cosy day at home, preferably with a snoozing dog on your lap.
Read this one if: you want a quintessential feel-good festive read
4. The Seven Imperfect Rules of Elvira Carr – Frances Maynard
Fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine will love this coming-of-age story about a 27-year-old neuro-atypical girl, living with her overbearing mother. When her mother is taken ill with a stroke and moves to a nursing home, Elvira comes up with several rules to help her make sense of the world around her.
Read this one if: you’re a simp for a heart-warming tale
The book equivalent of a Richard Curtis film – James Bailey’s debut novel is a rom-com gem, destined to get you through cuffing season. When Josh’s proposal to his long-term girlfriend goes disastrously wrong, he decides all future decisions about his love life shall be left up to a fifty pence piece. As in a coin toss. Bold move, Josh. Bold move. Cue the road trip with Jesus, pigeons and a plethora of heart-warming scenes.
Read this one if: you want a laugh a minute and a romp across Europe
6. The Cat Who Saved Books – Sosuke Natsukawa (author) Louise Heal Kawai (translator)
Immerse yourself in this heart-warming Japanese tale of a sassy talking tabby cat named Tiger on a mission to rescue imprisoned and unloved books from a series of labyrinths. Grief-stricken high school student Rintaro Natsuki is about to close the secondhand bookshop he inherited from his late grandfather when Tiger saunters into the store and asks to help him on his bookish quesst…
Read this one if: books / cats are your love language
This dark and sumptuous adult retelling of The Nutcracker is a feast for the imagination. It tells the story of Marietta Stelle, a young woman with big dreams of being a ballerina. Alas, her high society family wants her to settle down and find a husband. When the creepy toymaker Dr Drosselmeier moves into a neighbouring townhouse, he constructs an elaborate theatrical set for her final ballet performance. As the clock strikes midnight, Marietta finds herself transported from the ballroom to a frozen sugar palace where she must learn to fight for her freedom.
Read this one if: you have a mountain of confectionery within arm’s reach
When 29-year-old Nina is laid off from her job at the library, she starts her life over, buying a camper van and transforming it into a bookshop on wheels. She moves to a sleepy village in the Scottish Highlands, driving from neighbourhood to neighbourhood bringing people together through the power of storytelling. From helping her grumpy landlord deliver a lamb, to sharing picnics with a charming train conductor who serenades her with poetry, Nina discovers there’s plenty of adventure, magic, and soul in a place that’s beginning to feel like home… a place where she just might be able to write her own happy ending.
Light-hearted and witty, it’s the perfect companion for those quietly brilliant pj-clad weekends with a packet of Viennese biscuits for a pillow.
Read this one if: you’re hard manifesting moving to Scotland and living on a farm
Serving Greatest Showman energy, The Candlelit Menagerie will transport you to the dim halls of the exotic animal world of London, three hundred years ago. Lillian, the main character, is a freakishly tall woman with closely shorn hair who struggles to fit into society due to her size. She finds solace in Grady’s Menagerie where she befriends the wild animals and discovers what it means to belong.
A sensory exploration of old London and the impacts of colonialism on the British Empire. A unique story that will no doubt find its way to the big screen, if there’s any justice in the world.
Read this one if: you love complex literary heroines and historical fiction
Wait, you expect us to buy into another booktok romance… with witchy horn? You son of a bitch, we’re in. Vivienne Jones handles heartbreak just the way any self-respecting girl would – with baths, vodka and revenge, or in this case a curse. Nine years later when the irritatingly gorgeous Rhys Penhallow (the ex with the hex) is back in Graves Glen, Vivienne realises the curse has worked and she must face the consequences of her drunken antics in order to save the town and her ex.
It gets hot real fast. Case in point: “Vivienne if you’ll allow me to make you come tonight, I’d consider myself the most fortunate of men”. Sorry, I can’t make it. I’m doing hot witch shit.
Grazing and charcuterie boards have peaked in popularity over the past few years and for good reason too- the creme de la creme of snacking all in one place, these platters of pleasure are perfect for fuss-free hosting.
For those with vegan sceptical friends and family, a vegan board can be a great, interactive way to introduce the delights of a plant-based diet to the ones you love, and experience its deliciousness firsthand.
‘Tis the season to be in a food coma on a daily basis, and what better way to start the festive period than with an extravagant grazing board fit for Mariah, aka Queen of Christmas, herself! Grazing and charcuterie boards have peaked in popularity over the past few years and for good reason too- the creme de la creme of snacking all in one place, these platters of pleasure are perfect for fuss-free hosting whether it be a festive shindig or summertime picnic too. Although typically including cold meats and traditional cheeses, as with so many recipes, there are endless options to vegan-ify this Christmas classic and celebrate the power and goodness of plants with a version that is kinder to the planet and the animal world too. And for those with vegan sceptical friends and family, a vegan board can be a great, interactive way to introduce the delights of a plant-based diet to the ones you love, and experience its deliciousness firsthand. The proof is in the veggie pigs in blankets!
Whether you’re well versed in the world of grazing boards or want to create your own for the first time this Christmas, keep reading for our top tips and tricks to create the perfect board that offers something delicious for everyone. The New York Times named grazing boards “2021’s most gorgeous food trend”, and after feasting on this one ourselves, we can’t help but be inclined to agree…
To graze or not to graze: deciding which items make the cut!
In our extensive experience of (devouring) grazing boards, having a broad selection of snacking items that offer the perfect balance of savoury, sweet, tangy and fresh is the key to a board that satisfies everyone, and is guaranteed to be polished off before you can say “anyone for more homemade baba ganoush?”. A specific cuisine is optional when it comes to deciding on the contents of your board as oftentimes general mezze style snacking is the goal, but if you fancy matching your board to your wines or general feel of the night, consider Italian (vegan arancini), Moroccan (falafels galore), Greek (flatbread x10) or French (who doesn’t love a mini quiche) to put a different spin on the classic grazing board format.
The decadence of a grazing board- especially one that’s cheese heavy- needs to be balanced out with fresh flavours, so ‘go ham’ on a combination of light dishes too.
Although the flavour is the name of the game here, ensuring your board looks Insta Story ready at any moment is also important during the planning stages- get your shopping list at the ready! Use fruits and vegetables to add some crunch and freshness to your board, as well as much needed vibrancy and colour to help break up the design too. The decadence of a grazing board- especially one that’s cheese heavy- needs to be balanced out with fresh flavours, so ‘go ham’ on a combination of light dishes too.
Selecting items that can be easily picked up and munched on by guests rocking around the Christmas tree is also preferable, as with this type of serving option your nearest and dearest will likely be chatting, drinking and bopping into the night without sitting down for a formal meal or using cutlery at all. Think finger food, but make it boujie!
Ready, set, prep
The menu is decided, the Ocado order has been completed, and now it’s time to get prepped! Depending on the size of your soiree, you can use a large wooden chopping board to complete your grazing extravaganza, or head to destinations such as Etsy, Dunelm, M&S, Anthropologie, H&M Home or Lakeland for wooden, marble or slate effect platters that create the perfect base for a delicious spread. If you’re looking to create a serving sensation on a budget, simply roll out some brown parchment paper and assemble your foodie selection this way.
For the most impressive looking board, adding height, dimension and texture is a must for a platter guests can’t help but dive into, meaning pretty glassware for breadsticks, and pinch bowls and dishes for dips and olives are a must.
One of the beauties of a grazing board is how low maintenance it can be once prepared, giving you all the more time to catch up with family and friends without needing to be tied to the hob or constantly checking the oven – perfect for hosts who plan to be right in the middle of the Dirty Santa action. Make a foolproof timeline in advance of the items that need to be pre-cooked or prepared in advance, allowing ample time to arrange your board, as although the abundance of options can make this style of serving look effortless, behind every grazing board is a considerable amount of faffing and fixating over ya carrot baton placement.
Pro tip! Odd numbers often work best for the most striking finish, helping to create a more organic and less perfect effect to your grazing goodness. Start with your pinch bowls and mini dishes and arrange sporadically across your platter, and then begin adding your chosen foods!
The shopping list of dreams
The exact contents of your grazing board is totally up to you and the preferences of your guests, but here are some ideas that Team Zoella enjoyed on theirs which may help you feel inspired…
Fresh fruit and veg:
An important, although sometimes overlooked, part of a grazing board is the freshness that comes from simpler ingredients such as fruit and vegetables to help cut through the richness of vegan cheeses and carbs galore.
Sun-Dried tomatoes
Artichokes
Olives
Tomatoes
Carrot batons
Apricots
Pomegranate seeds
Grapes
Figs
Green beans
Walnuts
Butternut Squash
Peppers
Cheeses:
An essential for festive grazing boards, vegan or not, is a selection of cheeses to accompany crackers and polish off with a glass of red. Some of our favourite vegan cheese brands include Violife, Sheese, Applewood, Follow Your Heart, Vegan Island and Kinda Co.
Vegan cream cheese spread
Vegan cheddar
Vegan feta
Vegan cheese slices
Vegan Gouda
Vegan goat’s cheese
Carbs:
Everyone’s favourite party guest, carbohydrates are top of the guest list! From crackers to accompany cheese and hunks of crusty bread to spread chutneys, they might not be the most aesthetically pleasing part of your board, but they sure are essential.
Classic Jacobs Crackers
Rosemary and Sea Salt Sourdough Crackers
Three Seed Cracker Thins
Twiglets
Pretzels
A selection of crisps
A Crusty loaf
Dips and sauces:
There will be no dry crackers on our watch with this dream team of dips to match every crisp flavour in the book.
Hummus (to really please your guests opt for a selection such as sweet chilli, caramelised onion and red pepper)
Guacamole
Baba ganoush
Sun dried tomato pate
Chutneys and marmalades
Vegan pesto
The fun extras:
Because it’s Christmas, why not go a little bit extra? The non-essential items you throw in the M&S trolley at the last minute sometimes end up being the most delicious, and if you’re hosting for a big group then having a range of party foods to chuck in the oven and bulk up your board is never a bad idea.
Veggie pigs in blankets
Mushroom and spinach quiche
Curried cauliflower
Breaded cauliflower
Roasted nuts, such as pecans and walnuts, for crunch and salt
Remember, remember (final tips):
Make sure to have extra crackers and breads on hand as these will likely be the first items that need topping up to accompany cheeses and dips.
Separate pungent flavours so that they don’t commandeer the items placed next to them.
Fruits that oxidise (e.g. apples and avocados) are best to plate up last, as well as soft herbs which may lose their aroma after staying out for too long.
Don’t forget the utensils! Cheese knives, spoons for hummus and cocktail sticks for easy access to all the many nibbly bits on offer will be appreciated endlessly by guests who keep coming back for more.
