Vol.3 - 🎄 The Festive Edition 🎁

Tamsin
Nov 20, 2022
13 min read

Updated: Jan 10, 2024

I feel like this might need more than one part...

Happy Sunday! Today we are getting very cosy, so I insist you stop and play my ‘POV: it’s autumn, and you’re cooking a Sunday roast’ playlist before you start reading. It will really help get you in the spirit of today’s newsletter.

As this newsletter goes out, I will be prepping my first roast dinner in our new place, so it only seems fitting to share some of my top tips for the best roast chicken and roast potatoes. On top of that, I’ll be covering everything from being an excellent host to looking chic in the cold and the best films to get you in the festive spirit. Oh, also, as this is the first official newsletter for paid subscribers, I will be keeping true to my word from last week and picking one of you first thing tomorrow morning to send a little token of my gratitude! (so keep your eyes peeled on your inboxes). With that, let’s begin today’s meeting…

FILM CLUB

The festive edition

Some films are non-negotiables when it comes to this time of year. I find myself subconsciously avoiding these films before October because I just know that they are reserved for the moment I want to feel all festive, cosy and slightly emotional. These aren’t necessarily festive films because they’re ‘Christmassy’ but more that they invoke the feeling of Christmas, if that makes sense? I mean, we can all mutually agree that Die Hard is a Christmas film, despite the very non-festive hostage aspect of it, so this list follows that same sentiment (I’m not going to subject you to The Princess Switch in this list, don’t worry). Admittedly, I’ve had to limit the number of Nora Ephron and Richard Curtis films recommended in this list to give some others a chance.

When Harry Met Sally - You know how I often complain that the art of conversation is dying in modern-day films? Films like WHMS set the standard for excellent writing and conversation. A non-typical love story, with two pretty unlikeable characters (who you end up loving, of course) set against the backdrop of crisp, autumnal New York City. Perfection.
Paddington & Paddington 2 - Paddington 2 is one of the best films ever made, and I watch both Paddington’s religiously every Christmas. If you’ve avoided these films because you think they’re for children, you are only doing yourself a disservice. Hugh Grant gives his best performance to date, and if you deny crying at the end of Paddington 2, I’ll know you’re a liar.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles - This is a film I watched growing up (I remember us having either the VHS or DVD… remember those? LOL) because my dad is a John Candy fan, and I’m a John Hughes fan. An uptight marketing exec (Steve Martin) tries to get back to New York for Thanksgiving, but every possible thing that could go wrong goes wrong. As a result, he ends up spending three days with Del (John Candy), a sweet but annoying salesman, on a series of misadventures. Steve and John have wonderful chemistry, and even though it’s technically a comedy, it’s still very touching. The perfect feel-good festive watch.
Love Actually - You know that little ginger kid was only five years younger than Keira Knightley when they filmed this??

The Holiday - Directed by Nancy Meyers? With a Hans Zimmer score? And Jude Law in his prime? What’s not to like? I genuinely do really like the different kinds of ‘love’ and relationships they show in The Holiday. Kate Winslet’s relationship with Arthur, the ageing screenwriter, is the best.
Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence - I know this is a war film (didn’t stop my dad from making me watch it as a child), but I promise it’s still a Christmas film. Bowie is brilliant, and I still listen to the main theme song, which is equal parts beautiful and depressing. According to Spotify, I added it to my classical/instrumental playlist in 2012, so I was clearly going through something then.
You’ve Got Mail - Another Nora Ephron addition, unsurprisingly. Just watch it if you haven’t.
Gremlins - Watching this as a kid was a mindfuck.
A Muppets Christmas Carol - Another film we had on VHS that I watched on repeat at Christmas. This is 100% the best iteration of a Christmas Carol, and every single song bangs. I don’t even like the muppets outside of this film, but once a year, you can catch me being corny and singing along with Kermit the frog like my life depends on it.
Scrooged - The second-best iteration of a Christmas Carol after the muppets one. Big fan of the dark humour and the general cynicism. Bill Murray is perfectly unlikeable.

IN THE KITCHEN

So by the time you’re reading this, I’ll either be A) out getting vegetables from the farmers market for my Sunday roast, B) in the middle of making the roast, or C) on the sofa, recovering from eating the roast. Whilst every Sunday roast is different, the two consistencies (and the stars, IMO) are the chicken and the potatoes. As much as I’d love to dedicate 90% of this newsletter to how I make every single part of a Sunday roast, I’m going to keep it simple with the two leading actors.

ROAST CHICKEN

This is the star. The main attraction. The Timothee Chalamet, the Florence Pugh, if you will. If you can afford it, this is the part of the roast where you should be investing your funds. I like to get the 100-day aged ones from The Ginger Pig. Otherwise, I’ll pick up an Organic Free Range chicken from a supermarket (e.g. Waitrose). The key to flavoursome, juicy roast chicken with a deliciously crispy skin starts the day before. So, here are some of my top chicken roasting tips;

If you have time the day before your roast dinner, massage your chicken all over with sea salt flakes (Maldon are fab). I then lightly smash a whole bulb of purple garlic and pop it up the chicken’s bottom with half a lemon and some fresh thyme. Ensure the wings are unfolded, and the legs are tied up, and then loosely cover the chicken with foil and leave it in the refrigerator overnight.
On the day of, make sure your chicken is taken out of the fridge early so it can warm to room temperature. Once your oven is preheated, massage your chicken with butter (also at room temperature) and pop some onion halves in the pan with the chicken. I line the bottom of the pan with foil, so it’s easier to funnel the chicken juices into the gravy once cooked.
You’ll want to start with the oven at a higher heat (around 220C) and then reduce it to 180C as soon as the chicken goes in. Depending on the size of your chicken, you’ll need 60-90 minutes of cooking time. You can baste the chicken in its own juices every 30 minutes, try not to open the oven too often, or the skin will go soggy and weird. Once it’s done, remove it from the tray and pour the leftover juices into your gravy for a gorgeous, meaty flavour.

CRISPY ROAST POTATOES

I’m not even going to pretend to be modest when it comes to my potatoes because I get so many compliments on them every time I make them. I can’t take all the credit, though, as my dad actually taught me to make them this way. Getting roast potatoes that are crispy and crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside is a 3 step process…

The type of potato you use is SO IMPORTANT. Please do not buy any old potatoes because it’s going to give you a deplorable excuse for a roastie. In order of preference, you’ll want to buy either Yukon Golds, Maris Pipers, or King Edwards.
Heat your oven to 180C (fan), peel your potatoes, cut them into suitable roast potato chunks and then boil them in heavily salted water until fork tender. Drain the potatoes in a colander, shake them up, so they’re all fluffy and slightly beat up, and then let them cool completely.
Whilst your potatoes cool down, fill your baking tray with an inch of goose fat and put in the oven until the fat is piping hot. Drop your potatoes in (they will sizzle, which is what you want) and then flip them a few times, so the potato is covered all over. You can also pop some smashed garlic and thyme in with the fat for extra flavour. Put your tray in the oven and cook your potatoes for 45-60 minutes, flipping them every 20 minutes or so. In the last 10 minutes, you can whack up the heat to 220C to ensure maximum crispiness.

SIDES

These are some of my favourite sides to accompany a Sunday roast. Let me know if there are any, in particular, you’d like recipes for, and I can include them in future newsletters!

Honey Roasted Carrots
Cabbage with Cream and Pancetta
Caramelised Brussels with Balsamic
Cauliflower Cheese
Swede & Parsnip Mash
Garlic Butter Cavolo Nero
Leek Gratin
Yorkshire Puddings from the Waitrose Frozen section because who on earth actually makes these from scratch??

BONUS RECIPE - HOT CHOCOLATE FROM SCRATCH

Okay, so this isn’t necessarily related to a roast, but it is festive, and this is my newsletter, so I do what I want. I recently went to my best friend’s house to catch up over homemade cake and hot chocolate, and this hot chocolate was the best I’ve ever had, so, of course, I asked for the recipe to share. It’s an adaptation of Ina’s Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Everyone say thank you to Hollie.

For the Hot Chocolate (makes 4-5 large cups);

100g milk choc (chopped)
100g dark doc (at least 70% and also chopped)
4 cups oat milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp cocoa/ cacao powder
1 tbsp caster sugar
1 tsp peppermint extract
Pinch of salt

For the Whipped Cream;

double cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp caster sugar
pinch of salt

Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat to just below simmering. Take the milk off the heat, add the chopped chocolate (dark and milk) and whisk until they melt. Whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla, reheat over low heat and pour into mugs. Add your peppermint extract to taste, and then dollop with your freshly whipped cream!

Bone Apple Teeth!

THE CLUB CORNER

a weekly feature in which I take recurring topics and questions from my DM’s and try my best to answer them - on today’s menu, we have;

‘How can I dress warm AND stylish this winter? I’m tired of the Moncler/Canada goose parka look, hopefully, there are alternative tips/tricks? ’

Let me start by saying whilst I agree with the above parka slander, I do LOVE a Uniqlo parka/puffer jacket situation. However, it’s not necessarily the chicest thing to wear, especially if you want to look a little more put-together. I think the first thing you have to figure out is the sort of winter look you want to go for. Are you a short jacket or long coat type of person? (or both?) Can you stomach wearing tights or do you prefer the freedom of trousers? Are you drawn to a chunky jumper or a knitted dress? If you’re visual like me, once you have an idea of your winter style, you can start to create a mood board for reference and inspiration. Here are some from mine that cover casual and more ‘formal’ cold weather looks.

I think the key to looking chic when the weather drops is knowing how to layer successfully. Here are a few tips and tricks I use that I hope are helpful;

Layering without looking bulky starts with a good foundation. I swear by Uniqlo thermals which I have in long and short sleeves in both black and white. They are so light and form-fitting and the perfect base layer to keep you warm. Combinations can include; a thermal, collared shirt, knitted jumper, and a long coat; a thermal, half zip jumper, blazer, and a trench or a thermal, t-shirt, cashmere jumper, and an oversized jacket. You can play around and see how many layers you can comfortably move in without looking like the Michelin man.
Use different materials to layer. You want your outfits to have depth and contrast, which is why a crisp white cotton shirt always looks so good against a chunky wool jumper or vest. Whenever I try to layer with the same or similar materials, it looks a little flat and lacklustre.
A monochromatic outfit will always look effortlessly put together. If you’re unsure where to start, all black is fail-safe. Add different textures to keep it interesting - you could have one leather piece (a trouser or a jacket) or a satin dress or skirt. You’ll see in the above photo how well one of the Olsen twins (I don’t know which one it is, soz) does an all-black ensemble with a splash of fur to keep it interesting. I know there is a camp somewhere that is against white jeans for Winter, but I think they look great all year round. A monochromatic look of white and beiges is so simple to put together but looks so chic. Start with a white jean or trouser, layer up with a crisp white shirt, chunky off-white knits and a camel coat or blazer.
Accessories tie everything together. If you want to keep your outfits simple (aka all black), you can have a little fun with the accessories. For some people, it can be a handbag; for others, a statement pair of sunglasses or maybe an oversized chunky scarf. Don’t underestimate how important a belt can be, either to punctuate a monochromatic outfit or cinch in an oversized look.

HOSTING

I absolutely love hosting. Whether it’s impromptu drinks with a few friends, a light lunch or a formal dinner, I think these instances are where long-lasting memories are made. For me, being a good host is about curating the right atmosphere and having superb attention to detail. Have you ever been somewhere where the food was terrific, but the energy was lacklustre? Where the atmosphere was akin to a doctor’s waiting room, and the presentation was soulless? Spicy food but spiceless vibes? Even if you don’t have much time to prepare and you find yourself hosting an impromptu afters or otherwise, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Who are your guests? Sometimes you can’t always choose your guests if it is an impromptu event (like an afters), but nine times out of 10, you’re going to have a say in who is invited. Think carefully about the mix of people coming and how they will interact with one another. Can you sit people together with similar interests? Do you have a particularly charismatic guest who can bring a more shy one out of their shell? Have you ensured your ‘chattier’ guests are spread out evenly to encourage conversation across the table?
HAVE A DAMN PLAYLIST READY - I genuinely cannot bear hosting without having appropriate music playing in the background. It doesn’t have to be on at all times, and you never want it to be so loud you can’t hear each other, but it does a fantastic job of setting the mood and letting the guests know the sort of night (or day) they’re in for. I have a few ranging from ‘Dinner Party’ to ‘Pre-Party Margarita Mix’.
Consider the lighting - depending on the event you’re hosting at your house, you want lighting that will set the mood. You know at the end of an event when the main lights switch on, and suddenly everyone knows the party’s over? Yeah, your lighting choice will signal the same thing to your guests. I always have candles burning alongside the main lighting (whether from a side lamp, a floor lamp, or overhead). The Beauty Pie ones are the BEST value for money; I absolutely swear by them (if you want to try them out, you can use ‘TAMSINSENTME’ for a discount). If you don’t want to burn expensive candles, a few plain tealights or tapered candles in appropriate holders will do just fine. I also love these Wine Bottle Lights, which we’ve popped into our empty Belle Epoque bottles.
Setting the atmosphere - this doesn’t necessarily need to be fussy, but a few things can make a big difference. We’ve already covered lighting and music above, but there are a few other simple things that can help. Fresh flowers are essential for me. If they are too large and overpower the table once everyone has sat down to eat, I like to take a stem or two from the bouquet and pop them in a miniature vase that can sit on the table and add a little character. Depending on the event, paper napkins are perfectly fine, but they don’t have to be boring. I love the themed ones from John Lewis. Give the table some life, don’t be afraid to add colour and texture.
Do a sweep of the communal areas - guests will always want to use the loo, so ensure it’s in an agreeable state before you have people over. Have a candle burning, fresh hand towels and enough loo roll. Close doors to the rooms that are off limits to guests and leave open the ones you are happy for them to roam around in.
Keep guests fed and watered - guests are like babies, puppies, or some other semi-helpless creature that relies on you. It sounds so straightforward, but ensuring your guests are offered drinks, kept topped up throughout the night and have access to water (leave a nice pitcher on the table) is vital. I cannot tell you how often I have sat in polite, British, dehydrated silence, waiting for a host to offer me something to drink. Have nuts or crisps or crackers in the cupboard at all times so that you have something small to offer as a nibble, should there be a gap between the guest’s arrival and the moment they eat an actual substantial meal.
Attention to detail - this, of course, depends on the type of event you’re hosting, but, in brief, there should be a few things that are consistent regardless of the kind of event. Do you let guests know where to put their bags and coats? Do you offer to take them? Do you know how to lay the table properly? (it’s surprising how many people don’t know how to do this) Have you considered guests’ dietary requirements? Are napkins available? Coasters too? Is there a guest who needs slightly more attention? One who needs a little more to drink (or perhaps a little less?). I have a little hosting drawer filled with things like napkins (paper or linen), tealights and holders, tapered candles, placemats, coasters, etc., so I know I can lay the table efficiently and that nothing is forgotten. If you like to host regularly, it may be worth compiling a similar drawer to save time and stress!

WATCH, READ, LISTEN

Here are a few pieces from around the web that I've been enjoying this week...

After laughing multiple times at Harry Styles screaming and yelling in Don’t Worry Darling, this video that talks about the art of a ‘Subtle Performance’ felt entirely fitting.
Alison Roman’s Leeks and Greens Gratin, which I alter slightly for my Roasts, but still a crowd pleaser nonetheless.
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending a pre-screening for ‘Spirited’. A ridiculous, cheesy and funny musical based on ‘A Christmas Carol’ with Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell. Solid upbeat, goofy, Christmas fun. Now available to watch on Apple TV.
For fellow Londoners looking for festive things to do this month, check out Time Out’s guide for November and beyond.
Admittedly, I’ve had lots of fun looking at various Tablescapes on Pinterest for inspiration. Here is a great article to inspire your next Tablescape!
I’ve been doing a lot of general house admin to the sounds of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours (Super Deluxe) album because the 2004 remaster of Silver Springs is my favourite.

And that’s all from the third issue of The Rhubarb Society! If you’re keen to get ahead of next week’s segment of ‘The Club Corner’, please feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments below, via email or in my DMs. If there’s anyone you think would be an excellent fit for The Rhubarb Society, please do extend the invitation below.