Dame Mary Berry reveals her dos and don’ts for the perfect Christmas dinner

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How will you be spending Christmas Day this year?

I’m heading to my son Tom’s house for the holidays, along with his wife Sarah and their family. I’m bringing the turkey, which I’ll have fully cooked by 11am. To keep it hot for the drive, I wrap it in foil, then layers of old towels and a sleeping bag – it’s a bit of an unusual method, but it works! The turkey stays warm and continues to rest for four or five hours thanks to all that insulation.

Sarah’s mom is making the Christmas cake, and her dad is preparing a fun photo quiz looking back at the year. After the King’s Christmas message at 3pm, we’re all planning to go for a walk – we’ll need torches for the return journey as it will be dark.

What do you remember about Christmas as a child?

Stockings were always filled with small treats and toys – things like playing cards, pencils, notebooks, and a tangerine at the very bottom. My mother carefully wrapped each gift to keep it a surprise. When I was around eight years old, I received a gift I especially loved. It was a particularly cold winter, and I’d been hoping for a pair of gloves with fur around the edges. I was thrilled when I finally got them!

Do you have any dos and don’ts for Christmas dinner?

I prefer using fresh herbs in my stuffing, as pre-packaged mixes often have an overpowering flavor. For vegetarians, I create a flavorful dish with apricots and chestnuts. And to complement the richer Christmas pudding, I make a lighter Christmas cake filled with brandy-soaked apricots.

Do you approve of culinary shortcuts?

It’s true that not everyone grates cheese themselves – pre-grated cheddar is perfectly convenient. When I started on television in the 1970s, most women weren’t in the workforce; they were typically at home raising their families. Today, most women work and still enjoy cooking, but they’re often short on time, so quick solutions are really helpful.

You have some celebrities helping you in the kitchen this Christmas?

I was so excited to see Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Alison Steadman, and Zoe Ball involved! We dove into all sorts of festive food and traditions. One highlight for me was picking out a gorgeous 20-foot Christmas tree from the Windsor Estate with Zoe – and getting to put it up outside St Paul’s Cathedral? Seriously, what an incredible experience!

  • Read our guide to the best Christmas TV for 2025

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You recently turned 90 – congratulations! What’s been the most rewarding part of growing older?

Now that things have slowed down, you have more time to consider your options and don’t need to rush. You can finally pursue hobbies or activities you’ve always wanted to try, such as learning a new game or exploring local attractions. For example, I can now enjoy spending time with my grandchildren at events like pantomimes or Christmas markets, which wasn’t possible before.

What are your resolutions for the coming year?

This year, I’m making it a goal to go through all the Christmas cards I received. If a friend wrote a thoughtful message, I’m going to call them and chat.

What makes this time of year magical for you?

Having the whole family together. Everyone is here, and we are complete.

Authors

Rosie Millard

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2025-12-21 11:36