We’re heading to the country for Christmas! Join Amy Allday and her family at Harvest Ranch, where Christmas morning means presents under the tree, horses in the paddock, baby lambs to feed and a festive feast worth gathering for. Step inside for a glimpse of Christmas on the ranch, complete with family traditions, four-legged friends and plenty of country charm.
Between excited kids, horses, cows and baby lambs, we imagine Christmas morning at Harvest Ranch is anything but ordinary! Who's the first one up, and how does the day unfold?
These days I’m often the first one up and we usually spend the morning enjoying some family time together, with the kids spreading all their presents out on their beds to admire their Christmas haul.
Then it’s time for the morning rounds feeding the animals. After that, I’m straight into preparing Christmas lunch and adding the finishing touches to the table setting. Christmas morning at Harvest Ranch is always a little busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I absolutely love creating a beautiful, festive setting for our family to come together and enjoy the day.
Thinking back to your own childhood Christmases, are there any traditions you've brought with you to Harvest Ranch, or new ones you've created with your kids?
Growing up, Christmas Eve always meant watching a Christmas movie together, and my sisters and loved watching ‘One Magic Christmas’. It’s a tradition I’ve carried on with my own kids, and I still love watching it just as much today.
Another tradition I seem to have created is torturing myself every year by attempting to build a ridiculously extravagant gingerbread house entirely from scratch. About halfway through, I inevitably regret my decision and say I am never doing this again! Yet somehow, every Christmas, I find myself doing exactly the same thing.
You're taking charge of Christmas lunch this year! What's on the menu? Are there any family favourites that make an appearance year after year?
Although I absolutely love cooking dishes inspired by cuisines from all over the world, when it comes to Christmas lunch, I’m a traditionalist at heart.
I love a beautifully slow roasted turkey with homemade stuffing, I also enjoy putting a little twist on the classic sides, like steamed green beans tossed with crispy bacon and roasted slivered almonds, and adding sage, pancetta and goats cheese to roasted pumpkin. It’s those little extra touches that make Christmas lunch feel special.
And of course, dessert is just as much about presentation as it is about taste! I love creating desserts that are not only delicious but look beautiful on the table.
What's your approach to setting the Christmas table? Do you plan everything in advance, bring in elements from the garden or prefer a more relaxed, mix-and-match approach?
Anyone who knows me knows that I take my Christmas table setting very seriously! I usually start planning my theme well before Christmas Day, and I absolutely love incorporating bright colours, fresh florals, candles and beautiful statement pieces to create something really special.
I often have the table completely set on Christmas Eve because I can’t wait to see my vision come together! The kids have learnt to tiptoe around it, knowing how much I love having everything looking just right, but I’m sure when they’re older they’ll appreciate the effort and memories that go into making Christmas as festive and special as possible.
With the presents unwrapped, animals fed and Christmas lunch finished, what's your favourite way to spend the rest of the day on the ranch?
If it’s a beautiful warm Australian Christmas Day, you’ll usually find us spending the afternoon relaxing by the pool, or cooling off with a swim in one of the dams.
We might saddle up the horses for a leisurely ride, or simply spend time with the animals.
After all the excitement and festivities of Christmas morning, I love nothing more than slowing down, eating leftovers from lunch and enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Harvest and soaking up those simple moments with family and our animals.
Fast 5
1. WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS TRADITION?
Definitely dressing up our animals. Even our horses get into the Christmas spirit and have been known to transform into reindeer!
2. FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN YOU WAKE UP ON CHRISTMAS MORNING?
It used to be the kids waking us up at the crack of dawn, but now that they’re teenagers, I’m the one waking them on Christmas morning! We love our matching Kip & Co Christmas PJs, so a family photo in front of the tree with Santa’s presents is a must before the unwrapping chaos begins.
3. WHAT'S YOUR ALL-TIME FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS DISH?
I love a traditional Christmas lunch. It can be 40 degrees outside, but you’ll still find me with the turkey in the oven and potatoes roasting. I do love putting a little twist on the classics though.
And of course, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a pavlova piled high with fresh berries and mango. The perfect crowd-pleaser after a big Christmas feast on a hot summer’s day.
4. SLIPPERS OR COWBOY BOOTS ON CHRISTMAS DAY?
As much as I love cowboy boots, especially vintage ones! I’ll always opt for slippers as I’m busily prepping Christmas lunch in the kitchen.
5. WHO'S NAUGHTIER AT CHRISTMAS, THE KIDS OR THE ANIMALS?
Definitely the animals, especially our cheeky mini donkey and pony. The minute they spot me coming with reindeer antlers, they take off in the opposite direction, probably thinking, "here she comes to dress us up again!”
