Mr Chris Murphy
Turkey oven ratio critical says expert
4,000 mince pies to be served to guests this December at Ashford Castle
11.12.2023: As a former royal footman and an event specialist who has organised banquets for the UK’s royal family, Ashford Castle’s director of food & beverage, Chris Murphy knows a thing or two about dining etiquette and how to host the perfect dinner party. But, when it comes to Christmas Day and hosting at home, Chris advises not getting too hung up on etiquette at the expense of enjoying the day itself. “Regardless of whether you are hosting 100 guests at Ashford Castle or ten people at home, there are some simple things I always do to help ensure Christmas is as stress-free as possible.” So start planning now with Chris’ top tips:
The three Ps: prep, prep and don’t forget to prep says Ashford Castle’s Chris Murphy, who is a firm believer in getting as much done as possible in the days leading up to December 25th. “Make a list of everything that can be done before Christmas day itself, and enlist help from family members,” says Chris. His prep list includes making the stuffing, cooking the Christmas ham, making (or buying) cranberry sauce, laying the table for Christmas day and having lots of mince pies at the ready. At Ashford Castle, more than 4,000 mince pies will be served to guests throughout the month of December this year, all prepared and baked in the castle’s kitchens.
Turkey oven ratio is critical. “This sounds like a very basic tip,” says Chris, “but you’d be surprised at the number of times I’ve heard of people buying the most amazing turkey only to discover that it’s too big for the oven. So before you buy your turkey, measure your oven and check the size of the bird to make sure the latter will fit into the former. And of course, ensure your cooking tray is also large enough for the turkey and you’ll be off to a good start,” he says.
Traditions: According to Chris we shouldn’t worry or try to copy other people’s traditions but instead, enjoy and create our own. “Some people feel obliged to open presents after breakfast and dine at 3pm because that’s what others are doing. But make your own rules on Christmas day or if you like, break all of the rules on Christmas day. It’s there to be enjoyed and trying to mirror what others are doing will only create unnecessary stress.”
Bubbles for breakfast: “When I’m not working at Ashford Castle, I always start Christmas Day with a glass of bubbles at breakfast,” says Chris. “Of course, there are many non or low-alcohol alternatives you can try to make the start to the day that little bit special. But remember, Christmas Day is a marathon, not a sprint so do try to pace yourself and enjoy the entirety of the day, without the threat of a sore head the next day.”
More is more: “My guiding principle is that when it comes to festive food, more is more”, says Chris. “This means you won’t worry about having too little or stress is there’s an unexpected visitor and of course, you’ll always have enough so that you can enjoy delicious leftovers for supper or on St Stephen’s Day. You can’t beat a turkey sandwich on fresh white bread or a bowl of trifle in front of the telly after a big walk on December 26. When it comes to Christmas dining, I go all out so that I can enjoy the festive flavours for longer.” Chris adds that wherever possible he supports local suppliers and producers. “From fresh produce to unique gifts, staying local is the best Christmas present we can offer our villages and towns and the quality is usually superior,” he says.
Bring out the best: If you have good tableware, lovely linen napkins, silver cutlery and Bone China dinner sets – use them, advises Chris. “All too often we leave the ‘good stuff’ at the back of the cupboard but if there’s ever a time to use it, it’s got to be over the Christmas period.” But we don’t all have silverware hiding away in drawers, so everyday tableware is perfectly good too according to Chris. “But think about making the table a little bit special with some holly and berries, candles or festive napkins and mark the occasion with your own flourish,” he says.
Chris and his team will be working at Ashford Castle this Christmas, looking after more than 100 guests many of whom have created their own tradition by returning to the castle each Christmas to be part of an extended family in the town of Cong Co. Mayo.
