Christmas 2020 will look very different for all of us, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be memorable for the right reasons. Whilst Londoners are trying to navigate tier-2 and the rule-of-six, the festive period is quickly creeping up on us, so it’s time to start planning your tier-2 Christmas.

Get creative and organised

If you have a large family outside of your household, it’s time to make a list of who you’ll need to see in an outdoor space. There are plenty of places in London with heated and sheltered beer gardens plus covered market areas so you can still enjoy socialising safely in groups of up to six.

Gift local

It’s never been more important to support local and small businesses after what would have been an incredibly tough year for them. Shopping for Christmas presents from your local and independent retailers will not only be a huge help to them, but it’ll make the purchasing and giving experience even more gratifying. There’s something much more special and personal about buying from a small business.

shop local, support small businesses

Plan for quality not quantity

Catering for big groups of people can be pretty stressful, but with new restrictions, it gives us the opportunity to plan something even more personal without the worry of pleasing all tastes. Have a think about what flavours and experiences will really make your Christmas special. You could splash out on an elaborate cheese and wine night, get competitive with a DIY cocktail competition at home or indulge in a delicious Christmas three course feast with all the trimmings, all prepared for you that you simply finish at home.

We all deserve something a little extra special this year, so if you would prefer to sit back and relax instead of slaving away in the kitchen this year, with less people to host – this is more doable than you think.

christmas dinner

Virtually festive

It’s time for Zoom parties to make a come-back! If you’re done with the pub quizzes, you could hold a virtual Secret Santa with your loved ones. Keep the budget small but then chip in for better prizes for the people who guess who their Santa is, the person who gave the funniest gift, or the person who gave the most creative gift. Chip in and gift a Christmas Hamper to the winner/s.

How about a virtual cheese and wine night with your friends? Make it special by sending each other a bottle of your favourite wine and come with a fun fact about the cheese!

Have you ever held a family awards ceremony? This is a lovely thing to do at the end of a particularly trying year. Award ideas include: best lockdown meal, best lockdown haircut, best attempt at baking, best tiktok video – the list is endless and can be completely personal to the funny moments you had with your family this year.

Virtual cocktails and karaoke night – if you’re brave enough! Get a date in the diary for you and your friends to jump on Zoom with a DIY cocktail kit to warm-up to a night of singing your hearts out to the cheesiest Christmas songs! (Thank God for the mute button).

christmas cocktails

Catering for Christmas in London

The Chilli Bees team have been working tirelessly to make sure Londoner’s have a Christmas to remember and we have lots of festive treats available to pre-order from The Pantry. We’ll be delivering incredibly delicious food to the doors of hundreds of our customers and if there is anything we can do to make your Christmas extra special – please just ask.

cheese and wine

Creating a Christmas to remember in 2020

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