Join acclaimed cook and food writer Skye McAlpine at Thyme this December to celebrate the release of her new book, The Christmas Companion: Recipes, Crafts and Inspiration for a Magical Festive Season.
In conversation with food writer Molly Tait-Hyland, Skye will share the inspirations behind The Christmas Companion; the art of hosting with ease, and the small rituals that make this season truly magical. Described by India Knight as “perfection – both beautiful and useful,” The Christmas Companion is full of recipes, crafts and thoughtful ideas for celebrating in your own way. Expect everything from handmade wreaths and edible gifts , to menus for gatherings of any size.
Following the talk, there will be an audience Q&A and book signing with Skye - the perfect start to the festive season at Thyme.
Friday, 12th December
10.00-10.30am - Guest Arrival and Refreshments
10.30-11.30am - Talk
11.30am-12pm - Audience Q&A and Book Signing
12pm onwards - Lunch
*Talk and lunch tickets include access to the talk, welcome refreshments and lunch in the Ox Barn - either a 2-course Prix Fixe menu, or a £30 allocation towards your bill. Guests may be seated on a communal table - if you have a seating preference, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you on the day.
Skye McAlpine
Skye McAlpine is a cookery writer who believes that food tastes best when shared with others. She is author of three other cookbooks, A Table in Venice, A Table for Friends and A Table Full of Love. She writes a monthly recipe column for The Sunday Times, as well as the popular Substack newsletter, ‘The Dolce Vita Diaries’; and contributes to publications from around the world.
When she’s not cooking or writing, Skye works on designs for her own range of tabletop essentials, Skye McAlpine TAVOLA.
She lives between Venice, where she grew up and where her heart lies, and London, where her work most often takes her.
Molly Tait-Hyland
Molly is a writer and editor. For eight years, she worked as contributing editor on the Observer Food Monthly, writing, editing and commissioning. She has also contributed to publications such as Guardian Feast and the Observer Magazine, and recently completed her Master's in Food Policy at City, University of London. She lives in the Cotswolds with her husband Charlie Hibbert, Chef Director at Thyme, and their daughter Florence.
The Christmas Companion
The Christmas Companion is the indispensable guide to a cosy, memorable Christmas from home cook, food writer and expert host Skye McAlpine. With sections covering Magic Making, Feasting and Making Merry the book is filled with delicious recipes and helpful advice for making the very most of the festive season.
From planning to parties,The Christmas Companion brings the magic and sparkle of the Christmas season. It will encourage you to do Christmas your way, picking and choosing the ideas, recipes and traditions that appeal to you.
“Skye’s unabashed love for Christmas shines through these pages like a golden star placed high on a tree… every glorious photograph inside makes me want to don my apron and press play on the carols.” - Luke Edward Hall