NON-TRADITIONAL LUNCH
Bored of dishing out the same classic Christmas recipes every year? Here are a few quick ideas to bring in some fun:
Christmas pizzas: Create a buffet of 'Christmas pizzas'. Buy good quality pizza bases, or make your own. Use green and red toppings for one pizza (sliced green bell peppers and tomatoes) over a garlic sauce. Another pizza could have toppings of Christmas foods such as ham, bacon, turkey and cheese with tomato sauce.
Go global: Pick a continent ( Asia, Australia) or a country ( Greece, Mexico) and create your menu. For instance, sushi and dumplings for an Asian theme or a make-your-own taco bar for a Mexican one.
TABLE SETTING THEMES Classic: Red and gold napkins, white and cream tableware, a pristine white tablecloth with a green runner down the centre complete this theme. Casual: For a family dinner, use candy canes in a floral vase as a centrepiece, scatter metallic confetti around it, and choose printed mats. Winter: Stick to silver, blue and white shades for the tableware, crockery and decorative items.
3 X'MAS COCKTAILS
Eggnog
Spread festive cheer with this frothy concoction of milk, eggs and sugar, spiked with rum or bourbon.
Milled Cider
To make this warm cocktail, include 30 ml of rum or brandy per serving of hot apple cider.
Champagne Cocktail
Keep your party classy with chilled champagne, sugar cubes and bitters.
X'MAS PARTY
Regardless of the type of Christmas party you're throwing (casual, upscale or cosy), have a range of portable hors d'oeuvres (like vegetable trays, egg rolls and dips) and finger foods (small tarts with mincemeat or crab salad) at hand. A cheese-and-cracker platter should include at least one soft cheese, a creamy rind cheese, a blue cheese and a smelly cheese. Don't forget to label each one.
If you're planning to serve a main course, keep a meaty dish as the highlight. The most popular options this season are honey-glazed ham and rosemary-rubbed beef or chicken. There are a variety of classic Christmas cocktails you can serve (see box). Teetotalers can sip on warm fruit punch or hot chocolate. Christmas cookies, gingerbread and plum cake are must-haves.
COOKIE FUN
Give your Christmas cookies a dose of festive cheer by garnishing them with colourful sprinkles available at baking supply stores. Another option is to paint a design on the cookies. Mix one egg yolk with half a teaspoon of water and a little food colouring. Paint trees, Santa Claus and reindeer using a small brush.
DECORATING TIPS
Fill a few mini jars with hard candy and chocolates wrapped in coloured foil.
Take prints of Christmas carols on thick parchment paper. Roll up each page. Unfold it, and decorate the edges with silver glitter for a vintage feel. These make great return gifts as well.
Place strings of pink and green fairy lights around the windows and tables.
HOT TIP: Shine some magic into your home with a few spotlight bulbs (in red, green or blue) on the Christmas tree, wreath and banners
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