Mark, who has cooked for the Royal Family and led Bovey Castle’s Great Western Restaurant to achieve three AA Rosettes, has unveiled the perfect schedule to ensure your Christmas dinner is as relaxed as it is refined.

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“My motto is start early, stress less,” says Mark. “Try to begin two days out from the time you are planning to dine on Christmas Day. It is all about organisation, so when the big day arrives, you can actually enjoy it.”.

Mark’s Ideal Christmas Kitchen Timeline

December 23rd – 2pm:

Begin by peeling and preparing your vegetables. Cook and blanch them, then run them under cold water. This clever trick means you will only need to reheat them on the day, saving time and stress without compromising on flavour or freshness.

Christmas Eve:

Shift your focus to the main event by roasting your meats, preparing pigs in blankets and stuffing, and perfecting any sauces or sides. “You will thank yourself on Christmas Day,” says Mark. “You will be able to plate everything hot and fresh without the panic.”

Elevate Your Festive Flavours

Drawing on his experience at The Stafford, The Ritz, and The Dorchester in London, Mark also shared his expert advice on adding a touch of Bovey Castle finesse to your table.

• Perfect Roast Potatoes: Let them steam dry before roasting for that irresistible crunch, and season with garlic salt and dried thyme for extra depth.
• Next-Level Gravy: Use bones or trimmings to make a rich stock, and add a splash of red wine for a luxurious, velvety finish.
• Impressive Extras: Homemade cranberry sauce with mulled wine, or stuffing made with sausage meat, onion, sage and clementine, are simple touches that make a lasting impression.

“Many people love to be sat watching the King’s Speech with a full stomach or a piece of Christmas cake,” says Mark. “By planning ahead, you can savour that moment instead of rushing around the kitchen.”

This Christmas, take a page from the Bovey Castle kitchen playbook and bring a little Dartmoor luxury to your own festive celebrations.

For inspiration on how we celebrate the season at Bovey Castle, explore our Festive Dining.
experiences.