If the onus is on you this Christmas to provide the festive feast for your nearest and dearest then chances are you probably know by now whether you are going for the alternative or the traditional Christmas feast.

At Christmas I tend to go traditional, as in the full stuffed roast turkey and all the trimmings. I don't know why exactly, as turkey, though I like it, is not my absolute favourite meat of all.

A couple of years ago we had delicious roast rib of beef (which had been hanging for about one and a half months) with the best crunchy roast potatoes and Bearnaise sauce. It was all so divine, but you know what? For some reason it did not feel completely like Christmas.

I have eaten pizza on the beach in Mexico and sweet chilli chicken hearts on an island off Thailand on Christmases before, which did not feel Christmassy at all, but then we had the hot sun and the warm sea to compensate. No, for me this year, Christmas would not be Christmas without going the whole hog – or rather, bird.

Here are some recipes that will be perfect for the big day, and while they are traditional, and won't offend the relatives, have been slightly tweaked and changed, giving you what will hopefully be the most delicious Christmas ever. Merry Christmas!

christmas food tips

HOMEMADE BREADCRUMBS! Start freezing scraps of white bread now (such as the heel or stale bits that you may be tempted to throw out). When you have a good lot (you will need 450g for stuffing for roast turkey) whizz them all up in a food processor to make you own breadcrumbs. These can be frozen again if you like, till you need them.

HOW LONG WILL MY TURKEY TAKE TO COOK?

Your turkey will need 15 minutes per 450g PLUS an extra 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow it to rest for at least half an hour (somewhere warm, not hotter than 50°C; or the oven turned off) if possible. If you need the oven to cook the spuds, then take the turkey out and cover it well with tin foil and a large towel. It will keep warm for a surprisingly long time like this. Make sure your gravy or cream and herb sauce is very hot when you pour it over to serve.