By Anton Piotrowski, Head Chef at The Treby Arms
As the festive season approaches, we at The Treby Arms are gearing up for a magical Christmas filled with warmth, flavour, and good company. With years of experience crafting festive menus and hosting celebrations, I’m excited to share my top tips for making your Christmas dining experience unforgettable, whether you’re joining us at the pub or hosting at home.
1. Plan Your Menu with Local, Seasonal Ingredients
Christmas is the perfect time to celebrate the bounty of Devon’s larder. Opt for seasonal produce like root vegetables, winter greens, and locally sourced meats or fish. At The Treby Arms, we work closely with local suppliers to bring you dishes like roast turkey with all the trimmings or pan-seared cod with a festive twist. If you’re cooking at home, visit your local butcher or farmer’s market for the freshest ingredients—it makes all the difference.
Pro Tip: Try incorporating a lesser-known cut, like slow-roasted pork belly, for a rich and tender alternative to traditional turkey. Pair it with a cranberry and orange reduction for a festive touch.
2. Don’t Skip the Prep
Preparation is key to a stress-free Christmas meal. If you’re hosting, plan your menu a week in advance and prep as much as you can the day before. Peel and parboil potatoes, make your sauces, and prep your veg to save time. At The Treby Arms, we start prepping our Christmas menu days in advance to ensure every dish is perfect when it reaches your table.
Pro Tip: For a show-stopping starter, prepare a make-ahead dish like a smoked salmon terrine or a butternut squash soup. Both can be made the day before and chilled, leaving you more time to enjoy with your guests.
3. Add a Festive Twist to Classics
Elevate your Christmas dishes with small, thoughtful twists. At The Treby Arms, we love adding a sprinkle of festive flair—think mulled wine spices in a dessert sauce or a chestnut stuffing with our roast meats. At home, you can experiment with ingredients like clementine zest in your gravy or a dash of cinnamon in your roasted vegetables.
Pro Tip: For dessert, try a classic Christmas pudding with a modern twist—serve it with a spiced rum custard instead of traditional brandy sauce for an extra kick.
4. Create a Warm Atmosphere
The ambiance is just as important as the food. At The Treby Arms, we deck the halls with twinkling lights, festive garlands, and a roaring fire to create a cozy, welcoming vibe. At home, set the mood with candles, a festive playlist, and beautifully set tables. Use seasonal foliage like holly or pine sprigs as table decorations for a rustic touch.
Pro Tip: Personalise your table settings with handwritten name cards or small festive favours like homemade truffles for your guests to take home.
5. Pair Your Meal with the Perfect Drinks
A great meal deserves a great drink. At The Treby Arms, we offer a curated selection of wines, local ales, and festive cocktails to complement our Christmas menu. For your home feast, consider pairing your starters with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, your main course with a robust Merlot, and your dessert with a glass of mulled wine or a local Devon cider.
Pro Tip: For a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling elderflower pressé with a sprig of rosemary—it’s refreshing and looks stunning in a festive glass.
6. Book Early for a Stress-Free Celebration
If you’d rather leave the cooking to us, book your Christmas meal at The Treby Arms early to secure your spot. Our festive menu, available throughout December, features indulgent dishes crafted with love and care, from traditional roasts to vegetarian and vegan options. Let us handle the details so you can focus on making memories with your loved ones.
Pro Tip: Ask about our private dining rooms for larger gatherings—they’re perfect for family or office Christmas parties.
Join Us This Christmas
At The Treby Arms, we believe Christmas is about good food, great company, and creating moments to cherish. Whether you’re dining with us or hosting at home, I hope these tips help you make this festive season extra special. For more inspiration or to book your table, visit our website or give us a call. Here’s to a delicious and joyful Christmas!
Anton Piotrowski is the award-winning head chef at The Treby Arms, known for his innovative take on classic British cuisine and passion for local ingredients.