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Mary Berry serves up some seasonal treats from her family home in Surrey

17 DECEMBER 2012

She's one of TV's best-loved celeb chefs thanks to her judging stint on hit show the Great British Bake Off – and now, in an exclusive interview, baking doyenne Mary Berry reveals how she celebrates Christmas with her nearest and dearest.

"I like it to be traditional," admits the 77-year-old, who invited HELLO! into her beautiful 19th century, six-bedroom Surrey home. She will spend the holidays with her husband Paul and their extended family - grown up children Tom, 45, and Annabel, 41, their partners, and five grandchildren.

 

Flowers and foliage from: Interflora's Designed to Order Service www.interflora.co.uk

"It's a wonderful excuse to get everyone together and all under the same roof," says the stylish TV star – who has plenty of well-worn Christmas traditions.

"I'm never going to have a silver Christmas tree – and the children want it just the same. The same hats as last year, the same cheesy snacks with drinks before dinner. It does get a bit crazy at times so we'll sit and play Scrabble or go for a walk."

 

She admits she prepares the meal with military precision – the roast potatoes and parsnips are lovingly made the day before – but she adds: "I love the chaos of it all".

To read more about Mary's Christmas, her love of being a grandmother and to see inside her Surrey home, buy a copy of this week's special double issue of HELLO!, issue number 1257, on sale now.