Christmas Mince Pies

I have always loved Christmas, but it seems extra special now that I have a little girl. Last year we had Christmas in New Zealand and this year we will be going to my husband's parents place, down in Kent, for a few days. It's nice to be able to have a mix of Summer and Winter Christmases.

Even though we aren't actually hosting Christmas at our place, I am hoping to make it look really festive for the next few weeks and start a few family Christmas traditions.

I find I am torn between trying to do a stylish tree this year or a fun one that the kids* will love. I think I will compromise and do a nice display on the mantelpiece and dining table and then something a bit different for the tree.

I'm planning on getting all of the decorations up on Sunday. To completely get into the Christmas spirit I always think it is nice to have Christmas carols playing and have a glass of bubbles or mulled wine accompanied by some Christmas mince pies.

Christmas mince pies are not something that I would usually make myself as I don't love them enough. I'm happy to have one or two for the entire month of December and then not eat them again until the following year.

If I get a chance I like to get them from either St. JOHN or Ottolenghi (Ottolenghi pies pictured in the left of the hamper below), but as I'm not sure if I will get near those places tomorrow I have picked up a pack from Waitrose today.

Most of the newspapers usually do a round-up of all of the different supermarket offerings. I haven't had a chance to read one this year, so I just chose the Heston [Blumenthal] from Waitrose Spiced Shortcrust Mince Pies. I'm sure they will be nice once they are warmed up in the oven and served with a dollop of brandy cream.

You can see the box of pies along with a gold glitter reindeer that I bought in the Instagram picture below. Be sure to follow us on Instagram if you want to see how the decorations turn out.

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*MP and her family are coming to stay before Christmas