A Festive Catch-Up With… Poppy Delevingne

So Poppy, what do your Christmas plans look like this year?
Well, I’m going to try and be as positive as possible – I’m planning on heading to the country to spend it with my whole family. It’s not often we’re all able to get together – my siblings, parents, husband, nieces and nephews. The only thing on the agenda is really hunkering down, eating lots of delicious food and just enjoying being together. There’s usually lots of silliness in my family – they’re a party on their own. For example, my sister Cara started this tradition a couple of years ago when she bought us all animal onesies – which we pretty much live in during the week between Christmas and New Year. I always get a rubbish animal, like a racoon or badger or something…
 
Who normally takes responsibility for the food?
It’s a group effort – in fact, that’s another tradition. Everyone has to bring something, and we’re all given a specific job. This year, I’m in charge of the cheese. I’ve gone for a truffled brie which I hope will go down well, but I’m also bringing and endless supply of Batch & Bottle cocktails with me – specifically the rhubarb cosmopolitans. At the end of the day, I’m just grateful to be able to be with the people I love, even if we’re just at home. We’re pretty good at making our own fun!
 
Speaking of Batch & Bottle – tell us a bit more about the brand…
The concept of pre-made cocktails just really spoke to me. I’m a big at-home entertainer and it’s like having your own bartender on tap. There’s zero faff involved – all you need is a beautiful glass and some ice (although it seems the right – and festive – thing to do to add a garnish) and that’s it. When your friends or family walk through the door and it all feels a bit manic, this makes getting an impressive cocktail in people’s hands so simple. It gets the night off to a great start. The Reyka Vodka Rhubarb Cosmopolitan really speaks to my Sex & The City obsession – as does the Glenfiddich Scotch Manhattan – but I also love the Hendrick’s Gin Martini. It’s hard to choose just one favourite!
 
How do you get ready for a Christmas get together?
I love entertaining at home – nothing brings me more joy. This year, I’ve ordered some beautiful wreaths and garlands from FLOWERBX to decorate with and as long as you have soft lighting, an abundance of candles and good music, you’re all set. Add some personal touches if you can – one year I asked artist Annabelle King to draw caricatures of our guests ahead of time. We’d rented a big house and I stuck their portraits on everyone’s door, so they knew where they’d be sleeping.   
 
Are you a dress-up or dress-down kind of girl on Christmas Day? 
Well, the onesies certainly come out after lunch, but I think my dad would have something to say about it if I rocked up to Christmas lunch in it. I do like to make a little bit of effort – even more so on Christmas Eve. I’ve discovered this dress brand Taller Marmo. It makes the most fabulous feathered one-shoulder mini dresses. I’ll probably be slinking round in one of those this year. I also love cashmere tracksuits by Madeleine Thompson. I bought a grey one with navy stars on it the other day…