How to: Host a traditional English Christmas

Christmas tea

Everyone knows that the English love their tea, and the holidays are the perfect time to break out your favourite Christmas blends. Serve up an after-dinner brew in a Spode tea set – the classic Christmas Tree print was first introduced by the Stoke-on-Trent pottery company in 1938 and has been a British holiday icon ever since. Spode Christmas Tree cup and saucer, William Ashley, $30 for the pair.

Christmas pudding

It’s simply not Christmas in the UK without the classic Christmas pudding to finish off a festive feast. Its origins date back to medieval England, and the dense pudding is filled with raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Treat guests to this rich and fruity British dessert, topping it off with brown sugar sauce or creamy custard. Plum pudding with sauce, Hudson’s Bay, $11.

Yorkshire puddings

A British Christmas dinner is not unlike a Canadian festive feast – turkey or roast, stuffing, all the trimmings – but no English meal is complete without Yorkshire puddings. Dating back to the 18th century, Yorkshire puddings are light, fluffy hollow rolls best served smothered in gravy. Get the recipe: Yorkshire pudding

Tartan dishes

As a nod to their neighbours to the north, the English adopted classic tartan as a traditional pattern for their holiday table linens and china. Welcome guests to dinner with a very merry table setting of gold-rimmed tartan plates. Tartan dinner plates, Williams-Sonoma, $86 per set of four.

Nutcracker

Through the nutcracker itself comes from Germany, it’s the perfect tool to crack open the walnuts that Brits love to munch on throughout the holiday season. This two-foot woodland nutcracker would look perfectly festive on any Christmas tabletop – just add a few bowls of walnuts for guests to snack on between meals. Woodland nutcracker, Neiman Marcus, $170.

Christmas crackers

Christmas crackers have adorned festive British tabletops since the 19th century, earning themselves a spot on the holiday host’s must-have list. Place one cracker on each guest’s place setting, then wait for the ‘crack’ as miniature gifts stumble out with each pull. Don’t forget the paper crown – it’s an English tradition! Lord and Taylor Merry Christmas crackers, Hudson's Bay, $13 for twelve.

Mulled wine

Greet guests as they arrive with a spicy blend of mulled wine, sure to warm their hearts and put them in the festive spirit. For a traditional English treat, fill this spice ball with cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon and steep in hot wine and sugar. Mulling spice ball, Williams-Sonoma, $21.