Giorgio Locatelli’s Italian Christmas recipes

Traditional fare from Giorgio Locatelli, chef patron of Locanda Locatelli, with baked pasta with aubergine, roast partridge, and figgy Christmas cookies

The 10 best Christmas sparkling wines and champagnes

It's all about the fizz… as David Williams knows

The 20 best Christmas red wines

From reliable favourites to one of the best syrahs in the world, chosen by David Williams

Jacob Kenedy’s Italian Christmas recipes

A Neapolitan mix from Jacob Kenedy, chef patron of Bocca di Lupo, with a classic pork and salami soup, fresh lobster in caponata, and some tiny fritters, struffoli

The 20 best Christmas white wines

From under a tenner to £65, David Williams selects the best buys this Christmas

Christmas for two

No parents, siblings or in-laws this year: I can break all the rules of Christmas lunch, writes Rachel Cooke

Christmas and New Year drinks: the day-by-day guide

David Williams has the right drink for every moment, from midnight mass to the New Year bells

The 10 best Christmas whiskies

A good whisky calms the most frazzled festive nerves, says David Williams

Why I’m not a fan of the British Christmas

I can't eat mince pies, and you smother everything in brandy. What is it with you people, asks Ariel Leve

Christmas roast recipes from Margot Henderson

Turkey, pheasant, beef – and a pile of quails too. Margot Henderson, the chef behind London's Rochelle Canteen guides you through some perfect Christmas main courses

Claire Ptak’s Christmas dessert recipes

The former Chez Panisse pastry chef Claire Ptak puts a delicious spin on seasonal favourites

Christmas with the Beatles

John Lennon played Santa and George Harrison was keen to have the Hell's Angels along at the Beatles' festive bash in 1968, recalls Caroline Boucher

Let someone else do the turkey – stay in a hotel this Christmas

Can’t face cooking or the invasion of rellies? Hole up in a hotel instead. It’ll be your best Christmas present ever. Ruaridh Nicoll enjoys London’s chic Charlotte Street Hotel, and we list some more rural festive options