Only a brave man or woman would advocate a simple Christmas. How about cooking a whole sea bream in a salt crust and serving it with a potato salad? Is it sacrilegious to suggest this? Are we doomed to repeat the duo of turkey and ham ad infinitum?

I’d like to think I’m brave enough to try a roast leg of lamb. Although I think I’d have to check with everyone beforehand. Can you imagine everyone arriving on Christmas Day – family and in-laws – and me letting them know at the door, or as they sat down at the kitchen table, the little surprise I had on offer. There would be war. Though I assume there would be no walk outs. Would you?

There are plenty of alternatives to regular turkey and ham. Some people like a whole poached organic salmon or some rare roast beef with juniper and thyme. Of course, you can still pair these with all the regular trimmings. But one thing I do recommend: stay away from doing vegetables three ways. The potato is usually the first to suffer this fate. Mashed, roasted, and as a gratin. I think it’s always best to go with one and do it well. Nothing is more satisfying that a perfectly roasted potato. Or a creamy mash. One way is enough.

Be prepared

For my mash, I like to use a scandalously high amount of butter. I don’t use milk or cream. Simmer your potatoes until soft. Strain them and then pass through a drum sieve and season with sea salt. That’s it. You can make this mash the day before or the morning of Christmas Day. Place in a pot and warm on the lowest setting possible.

On the subject of vegetables, I can give you another tip. Blanch all your vegetables in boiling water and refresh in ice-water. This way you can heat them up as required. Never try and cook all your vegetables at the same time.

So whatever you do this Christmas, keep it simple and try something different.