This blog has been refreshed for Christmas 2025 with updated tips and
preparation advice to make your festive cooking even easier.
With Christmas approaching and guests arriving to celebrate, my go-to Christmas Eve recipe is this Mary Berry Christmas Game Casserole. It’s delicious, impressive and perfect for preparing ahead, saving you time in the kitchen and allowing you to fully enjoy the festivities with family and friends. I recently shared a behind-the-scenes Instagram story of me making it and the response was incredible, so I knew I had to share the recipe with you. guests arriving to celebrate Christmas with you, this is my go to Christmas Eve recipe which will delight your guests and save you time.
Why Prepare Ahead For Christmas Eve
Christmas should be about relaxing and enjoying time with your loved ones, not stressing over the kitchen. Preparing this casserole ahead of time means:
You can freeze it and reheat on the day.
Flavours have time to develop, making it even tastier.
You can spend more time with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Stunning Christmas calmness with Country Abodes
Mary Berry Christmas Game Casserole (serves 8)
Ingredients
Vary the proportion of meats as you like, and, if you have difficulty getting the exact amounts of mixed game, you can make up the difference with braising beef or Boneless chicken. In season, some supermarkets sell packs of mixed game – often including venison, pheasant, rabbit, wild duck and pigeon.
1.4kg (3lb) mixed game meats (see above)
2 tablespoons sunflower oil
75g (3oz) butter
200g (7oz) smoked bacon lardons
450g (1lb) whole frozen chestnuts, thawed
4 leeks, thickly sliced on the diagonal
50g (2oz) plain flour
300ml (½ pint) red wine
600ml (1 pint) chicken stock
4 tablespoons redcurrant jelly
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large orange
To Serve
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 orange, sliced
Method
Trim the meats and cut into 5cm (2in) pieces.
Heat the oil and half of the butter in a large non-stick frying pan or casserole. Brown the game and bacon over high heat in batches. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Add remaining butter and brown the chestnuts. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add leeks and fry briefly over a hot heat.
Sprinkle in the flour, gradually blend in red wine, stock and redcurrant jelly. Bring to the boil, season with salt and pepper then add the whole orange and meats.
Cover and cook over low heat for 1½–2¼ hours (or in a 160°C / 140°C fan / Gas 3 oven for similar time) until meats are tender. Check halfway and add stock if needed. (You could also cook the casserole in the oven preheated to 160°C/Fan 140°C/Gas 3 for about the same time.)
About 15 minutes before finishing, add chestnuts.
Once the game is tender, lift the softened orange into a sieve, cut in half, stand over a bowl and push the orange through the sieve, collecting the juice. Gradually stir the juice into the casserole until the taste is perfect. Check the seasoning and add a little more stock if the casserole is still a little thick.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and orange slices. Serve with your choice of sides.
Top Tips
Serve as Individual Pies
Cook the casserole as directed.
Roll out a 375g packet of ready-rolled puff pastry slightly larger than needed.
Cut 8 circles (10cm / 4in), crimp edges, lightly mark diagonal pattern, glaze with beaten egg.
Bake at 200°C / 180°C fan / Gas 6 for ~15 mins until golden.
Serve a spoonful of casserole topped and a puff pastry circle on top to make individual “pies”.
Preparing Ahead
Casseroles taste even better after a day or two as the flavours have chance to mellow, and this one is no exception
Cook the casserole as directed. Cool quickly, cover and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently, adding extra stock if needed.
Freezing
Cool casserole to the end of stage 4, then freeze up to 3 months.
Thaw thoroughly, reheat gently, adding liquid if needed, garnish with parsley and orange slices.
Aga Cooking
Simmering Plate: Cook to end of stage 4.
Boiling Plate: Bring to boil, cover, transfer to Simmering Oven for 2½ hours until tender. Continue as above.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect with:
Buttery egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes
Roasted carrots, parsnips, or a fresh green salad
Crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce
What’s better than a Christmas Walk on the beach before coming home to a delicious meal with the family.
Why This Recipe Works
Make-ahead friendly
Freezer safe
Flavours improve over time
Simple to serve for large groups.
It’s a real lifesaver for a stress-free Christmas Eve — and your guests will be impressed!
Enjoy Stress-Free Festive Prep
Preparing this casserole ahead of time means you can relax, laugh and fully enjoy your Christmas celebrations. It’s a perfect example of how planning can make Christmas calm, joyful and memorable.
Is it possible to be too kind? Kindness is something I’ve been chatting about with friends over the past few months and our conversations have been fascinating. How we show kindness, how it’s received and how it fits into our lives, all of it is shaped by our experiences and upbringing.
Kindness can be simple acts like remembering important dates, sending a thoughtful message or offering support when someone is struggling.
A good place to start might be to define the word kindness.
Kindness is a type of behavior marked by acts of generosity, consideration, rendering assistant or concern for others, without expecting praise or reward in return.
WIKIPEDIA
The Oxford English Dictionary, Kindness is “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.”
For me, kindness all about how act towards others authentically, without expectation or agenda.
One of the lessons my Granny Ruby always taught me was “treat others how we wish to be treated”
To me this means being true to myself while showing care and thoughtfulness.
When Kindness Is Misunderstood
Sometimes, when we act from a genuine place, no matter how genuine your intentions, people may feel that we are too kind which can be misperceived. It can make people feel uncomfortable, obligated, or even suspicious of your motives.
A good example comes from my friend Catherine, who took a bouquet of flowers to a friend remembering the loss of a loved one. Her gesture was misunderstood as it made her friend, the recipient, feel in debt and unsure how to respond, even though the flowers came came from a heartfelt place,
Another friend, Anna, experienced rejection during the pandemic. She checked in on someone struggling with grief, only to be told she was “too kind” and questioned about her motives: “Why are you being so nice?”
These experiences can be hurtful, but they also remind us that how kindness is received often reflects the recipient’s state, not the giver’s intent. Vulnerability, anxiety or past experiences can shape how someone perceives your thoughtfulness.
Why Self Awareness And Boundaries Matter
It’s important to be aware of your own boundaries and to act from a place of authenticity..
“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”
AUDREY HEBURN
Your acts of kindness are valid if they come from your true authentic self, without agenda or expectation. It’s not selfish to be kind, it’s simply human.
Reflection: Am I Being Too Kind?
Ask yourself:
Why are we kind to others?
Is our kindness for genuine care, or for the feeling of gratitude it gives us?
How do we feel when our kindness is misunderstood?
Exploring these questions helps us understand our motivations and ensures our kindness is intentional, thoughtful and sustainable.
“How do we change the world? One random act of Kindness at a time”
MORGAN FREEMAN
As we celebrate World Kindness Day, I’m reminded of Morgan Freeman’s words: “How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.” Kindness doesn’t need to be grand—it can be a simple smile, a thoughtful message, or checking in on someone who might need it.
Today, I invite you to perform one small act of kindness and notice how it ripples outwards. I’d love to hear your stories, share your moments of kindness with me in the comments or on Instagram and let’s inspire each other to make the world a little brighter, one thoughtful gesture at a time.
I’d love to see you there. Let’s keep this conversation going!
Ever feel like the day slips away before you’ve even had a chance to catch up? You’re not alone. Life can feel like a constant race, and sometimes it seems there just aren’t enough hours to get it all done.
But what if the key isn’t doing more, but doing what matters most — in a way that actually fits your life?
In this post, I’m sharing practical ways to reclaim your time and find focus, even when hours are scarce. You’ll see how small, intentional actions can make a huge difference.
Focus On What Truly Matters.
When your to-do list feels endless, the trick is not to tackle everything at once. Instead, identify your top priorities.
Ask yourself:
What absolutely needs to get done today?
Which task, if completed, would make everything else feel lighter?
This helps you stop spinning your wheels on low-impact tasks and instead channel your energy where it counts.
Top Tip:
I love to write my list the night before so I have a clear Mission of what I need to prioritise first in the mornings. Itclears my brain ready for a good nights sleep.
Don’t worry, take a breathe. Let’s remove the overwhelm.
Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs”
Henry Ford
I’m a firm believer that if we look after the small things, then bigger things, which might seem impossible, take care of themselves…
Mini Power Hours: When You Don’t Have An Hour
Sometimes a full hour isn’t possible. That’s okay! Even 20–30 minutes of focused effort can move mountains.
Set a timer for a mini session.
Eliminate distractions — no phone, no notifications.
Focus on just one small but meaningful task.
You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish in short, intentional bursts.
Turn Mundane Missions Into LittleWins:
Even chores or routine tasks can become productive “Power Moments”:
Fold laundry while listening to a favourite podcast.
Prep ingredients for meals while catching up on news or messages.
Tidy one zone of your home at a time instead of the whole house.
Breaking larger tasks into bite-sized pieces keeps overwhelm at bay and gives a sense of progress.
Prioritise Yourself Too
Your Power of an Hour isn’t just for productivity — it can also be for self-care.
Enjoy a quiet coffee and a few pages of a book.
Go for a brisk 20-minute walk outside.
Try a short meditation to reset your mind.
Even small breaks refresh your focus and make the rest of your day more manageable.
Your Next Step.
Start small. Pick one task, block 20–60 minutes, and see what you can achieve.
The Power of an Hour isn’t magic. it’s simply making the most of the time you have, with focus, intention, and a little planning.
I’d love to know how it works for you! Tag me on Instagram or Facebook with your #powerofanhour stories, and let’s celebrate the small wins together.
A walk along the coast in the fresh can be super powerful.
What You Can Achieve In An Hour
Even a single hour can make a big difference when it’s focused with intention. Whether it’s boosting your wellbeing, shifting your mindset, or tackling a small but meaningful task, an hour is more powerful than it seems.
Below are five ideas and posts to inspire how you can make the most of just 60 minutes, simple, practical, and life-changing ways to use your time wisely.
The Power of an Hour is a great way to inject intention into your day or evening. I’ve shared free daily planner (and more) in the Organisation tools.
It really helps keep me focused and find it invaluable for my Power of an Hour.
What will you do with your next Power of an Hour? I’d love to know, join in the conversation on my Instagram or comment below. Feel free to tag me into your #powerofanhour and use the hashtag!
Here’s to feeling more in control and less overwhelmed!
I was first invited to Nkuku Totnes Totnes in 2022 to explore their newly extended barn and refurbished café, a space that perfectly reflects the brand’s ethos of thoughtful craftsmanship, calm design, and conscious living. Visiting Nkuku Totnes again, I was struck by the seamless blend of sustainability and style, from the hand-thrown ceramics to the seasonal dishes served with quiet elegance.
Since that visit, Nkuku has continued to grow, most recently opening a beautiful new venue in Redbrick, Leeds. Revisiting this inspiring destination feels like the perfect way to celebrate timeless design, sustainable style, and the spaces that make us feel truly at home.
From the Totnes barn to the new Leeds venue, Nkuku’s journey reflects a beautiful balance of evolution and ethos , staying true to its roots while expanding its reach.
Nkuku based just outside Totnes in the glorious South Hams countryside in Devon. Originally a farmyard of barns housing cattle and was derelict for over 20 years before Nkuku discovered them and worked their magic. There is free parking, wifi and well behaved dogs are very welcome. There’s even a little treat waiting for them by the door. I might have to make this my new place to sit and write, it’s so lovely.
The barns are filled with collections styled so beautifully, it’s impossible not to imagine these serene, curated corners in your own home
Inspired Collections From Nkuku Totnes For Every Home
I’ve created three mood boards showcasing my favourite pieces from Nkuku’s latest collection. The designs span a variety of styles and price points, making them easy to adapt to your own home. With their light, tactile and natural materials, each piece adds effortless warmth, texture, and character to any living space, whatever its size or location. I hope these boards spark ideas to bring a touch of Nkuku’s timeless style into your own home!
The Garden Room
Inspired by nature and natural surroundings, the garden room or conservatory is a perfect place for relaxing, reading and entertaining. I love candles and the braided hemp designs to bring the outside in and all the pieces together.
The Ondal Round Braided Hemp Side Table
Adds a sturdy, neutral layer to living rooms or garden rooms. (top left)
The appealing braided pattern is expertly crafted by hand using the warm, golden fibres of hemp. This attractive side table feels solid and sturdy and works well as a neutral layer in a living room, garden room or snug area.. This table would also work well as a footstool or an occasional seat.
Planters
Bring greenery indoors for a refreshing touch.
Planters (centre) are a fabulous way to add green and a refresh to your garden or garden room, complementing other textured, tactile pieces.
Sia Lantern
Elegant lanterns to create a warm and striking ambience.
These lanterns are enhanced with an antique black metal finish, holding tall glass panels for the perfect silhouette for a church candle or tealight. Easily transported from home to the garden, creating a beautiful setting wherever they are. (top right and bottom centre )
Halali Fire Pit
Halali Fire Pit Kadai with Surround
A statement piece to anchor your outdoor living space.
Generously proportioned and crafted from solid iron, this traditional fire bowl is surrounded by a practical table edge, perfect for warming plates or drinks. (bottom right)
Alwar Outdoor Wall Light
Adds grace and a soft warm glow to any outdoor setting.
The antique brass patina of the stylish swan neck and lamp head pairs elegantly with the clear glass shade. This iconic design works well in traditional and contemporary homes alike. (bottom left of the mood board)
The Sitting Room
Inspired by shades of white, neutrals, wood, touches of greenery and of course, living by the Devon coast a touch of blue. Cosy, comfortable and light is the feel of our room; perfect for cosying up in front of the fire and a good book in the winter and light and airy in the summer months too.
Muturi Glass Floor Lamp – Antique Brass
Adds warmth and elegance to neutral or bold interiors.
I love the combination of warm antique brass and elegant clear glass. The striking mix of materials makes this a standout piece in any home.
The Deni Collection
Generous, comfortable seating in timeless design.
The Grand combines soft contours, luxurious comfort, and timeless design, in a stylish UK-crafted solid wood framework with pure Brera Linen upholstery and solid wood legs. Available in six muted shades, you can order a free swatch pack to see the fabric choices. (middle centre and bottom left)
Braided Hemp Rug
Adds tactile, understated style to any room.
Hand-braided from hemp in a traditional pattern, the warm gold hues make it perfect for any living space, conservatory, or family room. (bottom right of the above mood board)
Chara Hammered Bottles
Simple yet elegant styling for your home.
These bottles are decorated with a hammered glass finish and etched detail, skilfully created by blowing glass through a brass ring. Perfect styled alone or with fairy lights. (above right)
Kajala Cotton Cushion Cover
Soft, versatile cushions with subtle geometric design.
Crafted in monochrome with black thread running through the fabric in a softly broken line, these covers are calming and adaptable to a variety of interiors. (above left and top centre of the mood board)
The Kitchen
The heart of the home. The busiest space of the house. With two teens, this room needs to be practical, effective and with Nkuku’s styling storage jars and accessories, the new collection ticks many boxes. A place for everything and everything in it’s place! See my pantry makeover for more inspiration.
Kamtha Water Hyacinth Tray
Adds texture and warmth to side tables or kitchen counters.
These round trays are woven from water hyacinth, a plant that grows in abundance in the waterways of Vietnam. The warm, golden tones and attractive braiding work make them a great accessory to add texture and a natural touch to your interior. I keep mine on a side table in the garden room/conservatory. (Above centre)
Recycled Glass Dome Cake Stand
Stylish display for cakes, cheeses, and other treats.
These elegant recycled glass domes slot neatly into a mango wood base, providing a polished yet practical way to store culinary delights.
Charal Storage Jars
Keep ingredients fresh while adding natural elegance to your kitchen.
The simple clear glass body and mango wood top of this Charai storage jar makes it the perfect everyday organisational accessory. Finished with a silicone seal to ensure that its contents remain fresh. Perfect for pulses, grains, herbs, and spices.
The Dura White Marble Wine Cooler
A tactile, luxury accessory for entertaining.
With striking variegated tones and a smooth finish, this marble cooler looks stunning on any kitchen island or table. (above left)
The Nkuku Café, Totnes was fully refurbished and extended in 2022 and is a haven of calm, perfectly complementing the curated collections. Opening out onto the courtyard, there’s a serene space to enjoy a coffee, iced tea, or a light meal.
There is plenty of room both inside and outside for dining, relaxing, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
The menu celebrates the very best of local and seasonal produce, working closely with artisan bakers, farmers, and cheesemakers throughout the South West of England. Nkuku’s suppliers are carefully handpicked to ensure they share the brand’s commitment to sustainability and supporting independent producers.
I can confirm lunch was indeed delicious! I did manage to refrain from the scrumptious looking bakes though!Full range of delicious homemade treats available in the new Lifestyle CafeChara Hammered bottle in my Laundry Room.
Whether you’re local or visiting Devon, you’ll be greeted with a truly warm welcome. A heartfelt thank you to Helen and the entire Nkuku team for a wonderful visit, it’s always such a delight to see you and experience your beautiful spaces. I could happily spend the entire day here!
I hope this post has given you a glimpse into the beauty and charm of Nkuku Totnes, a truly inspiring lifestyle store right on my doorstep, and that the mood boards have sparked ideas to bring a touch of its timeless style into your own home.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and any inspiration you’ve taken from it in the comments below.
Love
* This post was originally published in 2022 and has been updated in 2025 to include the latest collection and insights.
Welcome to this blog, based on my experiences that I hope you’ll find useful if you are preparing for your child to leave home for University for the first time. I’ve compiled a list of what we did to prepare and what we packed in the hope it helps you support your fresher and family.
Firstly, congratulations! I really think we as parents need to stop, breathe and give ourselves a pat on the back of getting this far in parenthood. Yay! I hope that by sharing my experiences of navigating this emotional rollercoaster of a time, it”ll help you feel that you’re not only not on your own but it will help you save more and spend less.
It’s hard to believe that this time last year we were through with exams, both our teens had completed GCSE’s and A levels earlier in the summer, and we were in limbo waiting for results…
Our eldest had applied to University and is the first to leave home. In all honesty, I wasn’t ready.. I’m not sure if it’s because of lockdown and all the usual landmarks of school prom, leavers assemblies and more, hadn’t happened. It seemed the lead up to this time arrived so darn quickly..
This time reminds me very much of how it was when we were expecting our girl to arrive into the world – no idea what to expect as new parents, what we would really need, (the list appeared endless for such a teeny human!) and also how we would feel as a couple becoming a family.
Except this time was so very different, we were getting ready for our 18 year old to fly out into the big wide world and my heart was breaking. Of course I wouldn’t dampen her excited spirits but we’re close and it was so very odd, knowing our lives would be changed..
“Slipping through my fingers all the time I try to capture every minute The feeling in it Slipping through my fingers all the time”
Lyrics from Slipping Through My Fingers, Abba
There seemed SO much and yet so little information out there about our young adults leaving home. This period of time reminded me of when we were expecting our second child. I was keen each of our little family equally involved in the new arrival. Except this time we were preparing for a sibling to leave home, not arrive for the first time. We are extremely lucky, our children are very close. I knew my sons life would also change, they aren’t just as siblings, they are friends. Life would be different for all of us in our little household.
What did I do? I got list writing and preparing of course! It’s what I do!
I’ve compiled a list of what we packed and what we did to prepare in the hope it helps you support your fresher and family.
Kitchen Items
The temptation is to go overboard and get one of everything you own in your home kitchen. The truth is, you really don’t need to.
Here’s what we bought and has proved very useful – our girl used everything!
Tin opener
Sharp knife
Wooden spoon
Spatula
Kitchen Tongs
Kitchen Scissors
Cheese grater
Vegetable peeler
Saucepan (1 large, 1 small)
Frying pan
2 plates, 2 bowls 2 mugs
Resealable freezer bags
Sealing clips of different sizes for bags of pasta etc.
Bedroom Items
Similar to the kitchen items, I’d advise to pack what you know you will need and anything else you can order via Amazon or use as an excuse to visit! Remember even though they have gone off to University, shops exist and they will be fine!
Prepare with an aim to make the room as homely as possible. My girl and I went to buy the dovet and covers together, it was fun deciding on a new colour scheme from her room at home. I added a couple of items which I’ll share in my next blog Little Mission ~ Helping Your Fresher Settle Into their new Life
Cushions, throws, rugs, plants and photographs all add an instant homely feel. Check University halls individual guidelines as most won’t allow items such as kettles and candles.
Storage solutions are key for Uni rooms and this is where your trusty home furnishing stores such as Ikea, Homebase, Dunelm etc come in. Baskets and under bed storage bags are invaluable.
We packed smart as much as we could.
The dovet, pillows, pillow cases, towels etc we vacum packed into storage bag which saved a huge amount of space in the car. When in the room, these bags
A top tip we were given was to simply lift the clothes out of the wardrobe on their hangers put a dustbin bag over the hangers to form a temporary cover. When you arrive, you can simply hook them straight into the hanging space!
By planning ahead and spreading the costs, over what is an extremely expensive time, I hope you will have saved a little money too. Remember facebook marketplace and many of the homestores I mentioned earlier will have offers on for Univeristy students so keep a look out.
On that note, we found that shopping earlier, especially in Ikea, was key. (not an ad at all!) The store proves very popular at this time of year so don’t leave everything to the last minute.
I really hope this has helped take away a little of the overwhelm for you and your new University student in the preparation for them flying the nest. It’s an emotional roller coaster of a time but ride the wave in the knowledge you’ve supported your little one to this stage and you aren’t alone.
Stay in touch for more in this series including helping your fresher settling into their new life and how to manage moving in day!
Let me know in the comments if this helped and how you’re feeling.
I’m the creator of Woman on a Mission, a lifestyle space dedicated to helping women bring more calm, confidence and balance into everyday life. Born from my own journey to slow down and live with greater intention, it offers inspiration around wellbeing, organisation, home and mindset, one meaningful mission at a time
Tin opener
