Global chef and campaigner Jamie Oliver has shared his definitive guide to Christmas shopping, emphasizing that the holiday is about spending time with loved ones rather than perfection. In a recent interview with The Guardian, the 47-year-old discussed his food preferences, gift ideas, and the one item he considers non-negotiable for the festive table.
Oliver, who lives in Essex with his wife Jools and their children, stated that his primary goal for the season is simply to have a lovely time with the people who matter most. He noted that while he would not say no to a bottle of Glenmorangie whisky or a pair of nice socks, the true joy of Christmas comes from being together and sharing a laugh.
The Gravy and the Feast
When it comes to the main course, Oliver opts for a double feature: a KellyBronze turkey and a goose. He insists on going all out with the usual trimmings, but he highlighted one specific element as the most critical component of the meal. According to Oliver, the gravy is the most important thing, a sentiment he shares with his wife. He makes his get-ahead gravy every year without fail, believing it is the foundation of a successful Christmas dinner.
For festive treats, Oliver recommends a panettone from Pump Street bakery and a tin of Grasmere Gingerbread, which he describes as legendary. He also sources easy eats such as pork pies, cured meats, jams, and condiments from the online provisions store at Coombeshead farm. For cheese, he suggests a baked cheese with tear and share bread, using British varieties like Tunworth or Baron Bigod. If he is snacking alone, he prefers Westcombe cheddar with salt and vinegar Hula Hoops.
Gifts and Personal Style
Oliver has several recommendations for gift-giving. He suggests a good bottle of new-season extra virgin olive oil, specifically mentioning Capezzana and Felsina, as a thoughtful and useful present. For those looking for sweets, he recommends a mixed box of handmade chocolates from Hill St or a classic mint Aero for a guilty pleasure. He also advocates for a membership to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, citing a past gift he received as a joy.
On the topic of personal style, Oliver admitted he is trying to up his game this year. He plans to start the day in a casual sweatshirt from Colorful Standard in a bold, festive color. As the day progresses and cocktails are served, he likes to smarten up in a Moss Bros velvet smoking jacket. He also recalled a humorous past tradition of wearing matching waistcoats with his sister Anna, which started as an unsightly gift but became a beloved memory.
For specific budgets, Oliver suggests a cookbook for £20, noting that they are timeless and often go on offer. For £200, he recommends a case of wine or specialist cider, tableware from Addison Ross, or an iconic item from Paul Smith. He also enjoys browsing vinyl and audio equipment at Audio Gold in north London. He advises shoppers to support local bookshops and delis, such as La Fromagerie in Marylebone, London.
Oliver also shared his approach to leftovers, preferring to stretch the food rather than scrimp. He uses leftover Brussels sprouts and cheeseboard offcuts to make quesadillas and creates turkey sloppy joes with leftover gravy for dunking. He also mentioned a personal tradition of receiving a unique kitchen knife from his mentor, Gennaro Contaldo, every year, a gift that has resulted in a large collection.
While Oliver handles the food and gifts, he leaves the Christmas tree to his wife, Jools. He described her process of choosing the loneliest, saddest-looking tree available and giving it love, a tradition he loves. For those seeking a unique experience, he recommended a discovery flight at Andrewsfield airfield in Essex, praising the team for providing a spectacular introduction to flying.
Oliver is also working to improve people’s relationship with food through his Ministry of Food, which aims to teach more than 1 million people to cook by 2030. His latest book, 20 Minute Meals: Real Fast Food, is published by Penguin. He encourages readers to make the most of their time this Christmas, planning to radically chill out and enjoy the season without stress.
Source: The Guardian
