Always wondered how celebrities do Christmas, what they wear, eat, and always buy ready-made? The chef and campaigner talks whisky, matching waistcoats and the joy of a local bookshop with the Filter
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Jamie Oliver is a global chef and campaigner with a 27-year television and publishing career. He is working to improve people’s relationship with food and, through his Ministry of Food, aims to teach more than 1 million people to cook by 2030. Jamie lives in Essex with his wife, Jools, and their children. His latest book, 20 Minute Meals: Real Fast Food, is published by Penguin.
What do you want for Christmas this year?
Honestly, I just want to have a lovely time with the people who matter most. Being together and having a giggle is all the Christmas joy I need. If you want to twist my arm, I wouldn’t say no to a bottle of Glenmorangie whisky and some nice socks.
Glenmorangie 12-year-old the Original, 70cl
What’s your main Christmas Day meal?
We go for the double: a KellyBronze turkey and a lovely goose. And all the usual trimmings, of course – you’ve got to go all out come Christmas. But the most important thing, certainly in my wife’s eyes, is the gravy. And she’s right. That’s why I make my get-ahead gravy every year, without fail.
Whole turkey
What are you buying ready-made to make Christmas easier?
I love a Pump Street bakery panettone and will always get a chocolate bar for Jools – she’s obsessed. Grasmere Gingerbread is legendary; buy a tin, and you’ll be hooked. And I love to dip into the online provisions store at Coombeshead farm for all those Christmas easy eats such as pork pies, cured meat, jams and condiments.
Gingerbread, 12 pieces
What are your favourite Christmas party snacks?
A big question, and dependent on the time of day, whether I’m snacking alone or entertaining. Alone, it’s got to be the unbeatable combo of Westcombe cheddar with salt and vinegar Hula Hoops. For a crowd, a baked cheese with tear ’n’ share bread is always a winner. I’d go for a British cheese such as Tunworth or Baron Bigod.
Baron Bigod cheese, 250g
Favourite Christmas tipple?
You can’t go wrong with a good whisky – I was given a membership to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society one year, and it was a joy. That would be a great present for someone, actually. I’m also weaning myself back on to negronis – Vault does a very special vermouth using local British-grown botanicals. Delicious.
Vault red vermouth, 75cl
For more, read our guide to the best whisky
What’s your go-to box of chocolates at Christmas?
I’m a strong advocate of Hill St chocolates, outrageously good handmade chocolates from bean to bar. I’d recommend getting a mixed box so you can try a bit of everything. And if you’re talking guilty pleasures, for me it’s gotta be a mint Aero.
Gourmet chocolate selection box, 500g
What will your biggest Christmas splurge be?
I’m really into good vinegar at the moment, like an apple cider vinegar – I like Willy’s. I decant mine into a spray bottle to add an extra layer to my spuds as they roast. I will also be splurging by being luxurious with my time – I plan to radically chill out this Christmas.
Willy’s organic apple cider vinegar, 1l
What’s your Christmas decorations vibe?
This is firmly Jools’s domain. I just do what I’m told. She likes to choose the loneliest, saddest-looking tree available and give it a lot of love, and I love her for that.
What fail-safe gift do you buy on repeat?
I think a good bottle of new-season extra virgin olive oil is a really thoughtful and useful gift. It’s not cheap, but it’s something people often don’t buy for themselves. Just a few drips when you’re plating up can totally transform everything from soups to salads, pasta to fish. My favourites are Capezzana and Fèlsina.
Capezzana organic extra virgin olive oil, 750ml
What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received?
A discovery flight at Andrewsfield airfield in Essex. The team there are so good: they take you up for an hour and give you the best introduction to flying. The views are spectacular.
And the worst Christmas gift you’ve ever received?
My sister Anna and I once got matching waistcoats from a family member. They were so unsightly and unattractive that we laughed and laughed until they actually became an amazing present that we loved. Good times.
What will you be wearing on Christmas morning?
I have tried to up my style game this year, so this is a really good question. I will probably start the day with something more casual, like a really good sweatshirt from Colorful Standard in a bold, appropriately festive colour. Then when we get into the swing of the day and the cocktails and nibbles come out pre the big meal, I like to smarten up. I’m very into my Moss Bros velvet smoking jacket right now.
Organic oversized sweatshirt
What game are you playing on Christmas Day?
We’ve had a lot of fun with a game called It’s Bananas!.
It’s Bananas! party game
What Christmas gift would you buy with £20? And with £200?
With £20 it’s got to be a cookbook. Useful, timeless and you just know there are going to be some great offers in the run-up to the big day.
With £200, it depends on who I’m buying for. A lovely case of wine or specialist cider will always be well received, or some nice tableware from somewhere like Addison Ross. Something iconic from my friend Paul Smith will last a lifetime. I also love to geek out in Audio Gold in north London – it’s the most amazing vinyl and audio shop full of treasures.
16-piece bobbin cutlery set
Where do you go for a last-minute Christmas gift?
Your local bookshop is always going to be a great option. Or I find you can get a lot ticked off in a deli – I love to browse all the goodies at La Fromagerie in Marylebone, London.
What do you scrimp on at Christmas?
Rather than scrimping, I’d say I make the most of things – really stretching out all that luscious food and using up every leftover scrap. Whether it’s brussels sprouts and cheeseboard offcuts in a quesadilla, or turkey sloppy joes with leftover gravy for dunking, there’s always something you can make.
What’s the best vintage present you’ve given or received?
For years now, my mentor, the one and only Gennaro Contaldo, has hunted down incredible kitchen knives from markets, vintage stores and secondhand shops. He gives me one every year, and each is so beautifully unique. I’ve got quite the collection now.
For more, read How I Shop with Bill Bailey and Rosie Jones
Christmas shopping can be tough, but the Filter is here to help. We’ve been testing Christmas presents all year to help you find thoughtful, creative and genuinely brilliant gifts for everyone on your list. Browse our gift guides for hundreds more tried-and-tested ideas, from gifts you can make yourself to toys for every age group.
