The posh way to do Christmas!

The posh way to do Christmas! Tatler reveals etiquette rules for the big day – from ‘low level networking’ at church to putting presents in a silk stocking

• Tatler has shared series of tips for ‘intergenerational success’ on Christmas Day 
• They include heading to church for ‘low-level networking’ and using silk stocking
• The magazine also offers advice on Christmas lunch and ensuring correct thanks

Every family has their own traditions when it comes to the festive period – from when to open presents to what to eat for Christmas lunch.

Despite this, Tatler has shared a series of etiquette rules for the big day, which the magazine says will best provide ‘intergenerational success, with siblings and in-laws alike’.

It says a morning Christmas Day trip to church is a ‘must’ – as the Royal Family do every year in Sandringham. This is described as a ‘low-level networking opportunity’ as people flock home for the festive period.

The magazine goes on to offer advice for present opening, Christmas lunch and ensuring crackers are used to ‘elevate’ the festive conversation. 

Here, we round up Tatler’s best tips on how to elevate your own Christmas Day.    

Tatler questioned the necessity of stockings, adding that ‘presents for presents sake (just in the name of a stuffed stocking) may be wasteful’

Put presents in a silk stocking

Presents are many people’s first port of call on Christmas Day, particularly families who have young children that are eager to see what is under the tree.

But Tatler said the practise of opening gifts before breakfast is ‘vulgar and unbridled’, instead recommending families wait until the ‘lull’ after lunch.

The magazine also questioned the necessity of stockings, adding that ‘presents for presents sake (just in the name of a stuffed stocking) may be wasteful’.

But if they are to be used, it said to use ‘the film star of stockings’ – that is, a silk one.

These were described as ‘gorgeously highbrow’ by one member of the Tatler team. 

‘Low level networking’ at church

Another must for Christmas Day, according to Tatler, is attending morning church.

The Royal Family abide by this rule, and are seen every year heading to St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham, Norfolk. This is expected to remain the same in 2022, the first Christmas with King Charles III as monarch.

Another must for Christmas Day, according to Tatler, is attending morning church – as the Royal Family do in Sandringham every year

The magazine says it is polite to say hello to the vicar, and ‘ideally partake in a mince pie and sherry’.

It also described the trip to church as a ‘low-level networking opportunity’ as those who live away will likely have returned home from ‘prestigious’ jobs in the capital.   

Use crackers to ‘elevate’ the conversation     

Tatler encourages the use of crackers to ‘elevate the conversation’ on Christmas Day. 

It says the use of festive crackers will avoid arguments between family members, as people will instead spend time exchanging fun facts and terrible jokes.

Tatler encourages the use of crackers to ‘elevate the conversation’ on Christmas Day.

How best to prepare Christmas dinner 

Considered to many the most important part of Christmas Day, lunch (or dinner) on the big day varies wildly from household to household.

But Tatler says turkey is the only way to go – unless, of course, you are vegetarian. 

It says a free range KellyBronze turkey is ‘the way to go’ – the bird known as ‘the pampered prince of the turkey world’.

Considered to many the most important part of Christmas Day, lunch (or dinner) on the big day varies wildly from household to household

The magazine recommends that, if you are breaking from tradition, make sure to check with guests first – as people are ‘often strangely tied to their own expectations’.

On the matter of dessert, Tatler says there is ‘a lot of fun to be had’ with the pyrotechnics of a Christmas pudding.

Christmas gratitude – and thank yous

Lastly, Tatler says thank you cards should be sent for gifts no later than the 12 days of Christmas. In short, it is expected that they arrive by January 6.

It also told those who receive gifts they aren’t a fan of to feign delight in a number of particular ways, including saying: ‘I didn’t even know I wanted this until now’ or ‘I’m being spoilt’.

If you are genuinely thrilled with your gifts, Tatler says the only acceptable response is: ‘Thank you.’ 

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