Interview #4: Lucy Brazier
I asked Lucy to be part of this interview series because she, quite literally, wrote the book on Christmas. I was particularly delighted that she did because she included some parcels wrapped in my fabric, and it is always lovely to see one’s work in print. However, I was also delighted because it is a lovely book, and full of recipes and guidance that will stand anyone in good stead at having a relatively stress free festive season.
However, I also asked her because she is quite simply one of the loveliest people I know. Wise and funny, with an enviable cookery book collection (we overlap a lot in our tastes) and an utterly perfect house. I have rarely felt so comfortable, so immediately, anywhere.
Huge thank you to her for taking the time to put some of her very sage words onto paper for us. Scroll down to read about Lucy’s Christmas…
What makes you feel Christmassy?
You can’t really manufacture the feeling. It’s often the small things which take me by surprise. Like the spiced and buttery smell of mince pies baking in the oven, rather than the making of them. Unwrapping my grandmother’s old tree decorations with her writing on the lid of the box. Going through the Christmas Radio Times with a highlighter. Stacking up festive cookbooks, stories and poems, ready to dip into throughout December. A wooden box of Turkish Delight. A traditional advent calendar. Candles lit at breakfast (although I recommend this in January too).
How are you spending Christmas this year?
We are going to my brother’s house so the teenagers can hang out as a band of cousins and we adults can share the sunrise dog walks, cooking and gin. On Christmas Eve we are going to the magical Crib Service at the Abbey and then on to the local Italian for a large bowl of spaghetti vongole. This year we have seventeen at the table for Christmas lunch which will be hectic but fun, followed by games and pudding in the evening. Boxing Day is the best day of pyjamas, extensive leftovers and the jigsaw, which has become a competitive sport.
Dream Christmas?
Stepping into the music video for Wham’s Last Christmas?! I wouldn’t change the people I spend Christmas with, but it would be wonderful to all be transported to a fully stocked farmhouse on a Cornish cliff. Or a stately home, with staff. I love Elizabeth David’s answer, which was to slope off to bed with a bottle of Chablis (or it could have been Sancerre) and a tray of smoked salmon sandwiches. There speaks a busy woman who could do with a little peace and quiet.
What was the best Christmas present you ever received?
When I was about six, I got a dolls house. My dad made it and told me Father Christmas had given him a hand. I wasn’t sure what I was most impressed by, the house or dad collaborating with the great Santa himself. As an adult, I once got a cashmere jumper I had been dreaming of but couldn’t justify buying.
And the worst?
Dental floss. By my boyfriend of the time, who wanted to give me a stocking of practical things. Incredibly I still married him. He hasn’t made the same mistake again and salvaged his reputation with a nice jumper (see previous answer).
Who would love some Grace Alexander seeds as a present and why?
Well, I would and, for the last few years, I have given Piggy Sue sweet pea seeds to my friend Maddie, who is a far better gardener than I am. I would also like to send them to anyone who wants to garden, but hasn’t quite got the time or confidence to get stuck in. I think these seeds and Grace’s expert advice would encourage them to get growing.
What are you hoping for this Christmas?
Books. I have an ongoing list just in case anyone asks me. Posh scented candles which actually smell and cover up the waft of damp dog. Beautiful socks from The Natural Dyeworks which I will not be tempted to wear with wellies, like I did the last pair and still get emotional about. A cashmere jumper (that just stays on my list every year because I am forever hopeful). There used to be a joke answer to this question about what we hoped for at Christmas. World peace we said, hahaha, but it’s not funny and we all still want it.
If you would like your own copy of Lucy’s book, Christmas at River Cottage, you can find it here.