Tips for creating the ultimate Christmas feast
Nothing quite brings family and friends together like a hearty, wholesome Christmas feast. Need some ideas on how to put together a memorable, lip-smacking food and wine extravaganza from kitchen to table? Look no further than our guide to hosting the perfect Christmas feast.
The ultimate Lake House Denmark Christmas Feast Guide
- Set the scene
The perfect Christmas feast needs the perfect Christmas setting, and in Australia, nothing quite beats the comfort and convenience of dining in your very own backyard. Whether you opt for alfresco dining or a garden soiree, it’s easy to transform your place into a festive space. First pick an area that’s large enough for your party or group and can fit a decent sized table or two. Then, aside from general tidying, add a bit of Xmas cheer with the help of fairy lights, lanterns and/or tinsel. Dining during the day? Do think of the weather and consider a gazebo, shade cloth or umbrella if your table setting happens to be under the sun.
- Dress the table
Now that you’ve picked the perfect spot for your Christmas feast, it’s time to dress the table. Whether you go for Christmas trees and gingerbread men or sprigs of rosemary, lavender and thyme, our number one tip is to not go overboard with styling. Start by choosing your table cloth – we love a simple linen sheet – then pick a centrepiece. For a traditional Christmas setting try combining your favourite baubles with some pine cones and holly; for a more simplistic look try using clippings of herbs, leaves and flowers combined with tealights/fairy lights. Once you’ve styled the centre of the table, add your tableware, utensils and (most importantly) the bonbons.
- Plan the entertainment
Want to be the host/hostess with the mostess? Wow your guests by setting up a DIY cocktail bar for the adults and a decorate-your-own gingerbread house or family station for the kids. Leave a cricket and/or bocce set out for the sports-inclined, and make sure there’s access to the sound system if you’ve got guests who think themselves amateur DJs.
- Prep the food
The most important part of any Christmas feast is the food. Our tip: don’t leave food planning until the last minute. Instead, try and get as much done prior to the 25th of December as you possibly can. There are plenty of dishes that you can prepare a day or two before, which will make cooking and serving them up super easy on Xmas Day. We love making these quick and simple Chicken, Fig and Spinach Roll and Baked Brie with Fig and Chardonnay Chutney dishes for entrees, these Gourmet Vinofood Pizzas for mains and this Orange and Poppyseed Cake for dessert. You can also combine our Figs in Shiraz Syrup with vanilla ice cream for a tantalising sweet treat that’ll take about 2 minutes to whip up.
- Pour the wine
For a fine time don’t forget the wine! Our favourite Christmas drops include our 2019 Postcard Riesling and our 2018 Premium Reserve Denmark Chardonnay, which goes perfectly with seafood, and for something extra special (and after this year we think you deserve it) try our 2014 Premium Reserve Sparkling White. Fill the cellar now so you’re well-stocked for the festive season. P.S. grab a few extra bottles so you’ve got something to give to those unexpected guests or present givers.
- Enjoy a fine time
Now that you’ve set the scene, dressed the table, planned the entertainment, prepped the food and poured yourself (oh, and the guests) a generous glass of wine, there’s not much more to do than sit back, relax and enjoy a fine time. Cheers and Merry Christmas!
[…] important, so are your friends! Why not celebrate your friendships by inviting your pals over for a Christmas feast or dinner? While they won’t be able to replace your nearest and dearest, they’ll certainly help […]