Tips on Creating a Traditional Lake District Christmas on your Cottage Holiday

If there was one place to get the perfect picture of a traditional Christmas it is in the Lake District. So, for those choosing to spend their Christmas in a Lake District cottage you are in for a treat. Those roaring fires, picture perfect cottages and snow-capped fells make the perfect backdrop for you to enjoy your best Christmas ever.

Here are our tips on creating a traditional Lake District Christmas:

Find Your Christmas Cottage

Choosing the festive Lake District cottage that is right for you is the first step to having an amazing Christmas in the Lakes, fortunately The Coppermines has a hug range of gorgeous cottages ranging in size, style and price to fit any group size and any budget. Once you have found your Lake District cottage you can start to plan your festive break.

Many of the cottages come complete with Christmas decorations and a fully equipped kitchen so you have to take very little with you for your Lake District Holiday.

Going for a Christmas Walk

One of the great reasons for booking a cottage holiday in the Lake District is the countryside, of course. If you’re planning Christmas Day, it’s a great idea to add in a good walk in the cold, crisp air to get everyone’s appetite up. Seeing a robin perched on a snow-capped branch or passing a traditional Herdwick sheep on the fells is a picture-perfect way to spend Christmas Day before heading back for a family feast.

Embrace the Christmas Spirit and Cook!

Come Christmas Day, once you’ve impressed your guests with the décor, a few glasses of sparkling wine, champagne or even a little buck’s fizz can help get everyone relaxed. Timing is everything for that big Christmas dinner so make sure that you have everything ready to go. Many cottages can receive deliveries from supermarkets, but why not make it extra special and buy from the local butchers, bakers and farm shops for a true taste of Lakeland at Christmas.

Cooking Tips for Christmas Lunch in Your Holiday Cottage

• If you’re going for starters, opt for something that is made cold like some smoked salmon or pate. Make sure you keep servings smallish so that people will have room for the main meal.

• You can do things like part roast the potatoes the night before if you think you are going to be rushed for time.

• Cook the meat first, whether it’s a turkey or something like lamb or beef. The meat can rest while you do the veg and will taste all the better.

• Make sure you put any white wine in the fridge the night before and open any reds about half an hour before the meal is due to start.

• When you’re about to serve the Christmas dinner, don’t forget to put the Christmas pudding on to steam so that it’s just ready by the time you’ve finished the main course. If you’re serving cheese and biscuits arrange these on a platter before you sit down.

Get The Music On

With all the fun of cooking for your guests, you might forget the music. You can either create a playlist and put it on to run through the meal or task one of the family to handle it all for you, this is a great job for teens!

After Christmas Dinner

Finally, you may have things planned for after the festive meal, but most people want to sit down and let their food digest. If guests are a bit livelier, have some board games to hand – they’re so much more fun than everyone sitting, staring at the box.

One final tip: Get someone else to do the washing up.