Story
Our guide to hosting the ultimate festive feast
We’ve all felt the uncertainty of 2020 in one way or another, and if ever there was a time to come together with family and friends, dine over a delicious meal and let your hair down - this Christmas is officially it. To take the stress out of planning your yuletide lunch or dinner, here's our guide to hosting the ultimate festive feast.
Table settings
The first thing to do is to set up a dazzling table display. Be sure to plan your theme - including the tableware you're going to use and any decorative pieces - ahead of time, to avoid the mad-rush on Christmas Eve. Get inspired by these table setting ideas.
Traditional Christmas
Nothing quite says Christmas like red, green and gold.
Image source: @myer
Image source: @bigwaustralia
The modern farmhouse
Simple, fresh and tasteful.
Image source: @bedbathntable
Image source: @targetaus
Contemporary sparkle
Bold statements that will leave your guests with an impression to remember.
Image source: @wheelandbarrowhomewares
Image source: @targetaus
Flora and fauna
Bring the outdoors in with nature-inspired prints and adorable animal cues.
Image source: @Myer
Image source: @Adairs
And who can forget those classic Christmas crackers, filled with the worst dad jokes and novelty trinkets that will likely fall apart after lunch. What can we say, it wouldn’t be Christmas without them! Pick yours up at Big W, Target or Bed Bath N Table.
The food
Once your extraordinary table display is ready, it's on to the food.
Pre-order your Christmas ham and turkey at The Butcher Club. Take the stress out of Christmas Day by planning your menu and picking dishes that can be made (or partially-made) in advance. Marinating meat, preparing stuffing and baking gingerbread can all be prepared ahead of time. Looking for something different to the usual turkey and ham? Check out these finger-licking recipes for the big day:
- Mini savoury danishes - 3 ways >
- Sweet potato hummus - 3 ways >
- Spiced Butterflied Lamb Leg >
- Apple and pear crumble >
If you had $1 for every time you heard the kids say, “I’m hungry”, how rich would you be? Create an enticing grazing table filled with fresh and dried fruit, nuts, deli meats, cheese, crackers and also pretzels and lollies for the kids (and big kids too!). You'll find everything you need at Woolworths, Coles or Colonial Fresh.
Get some help with tech
Having a smart speaker in your living area can be a very helpful, hands-free way to follow a recipe or add ambience and Christmas cheer. Our top picks for smart home assistants are Google Nest, Alexa, and Amazon Echo – available at JB Hi-Fi, Myer and Davind Jones.
Entertain your guests
Make Christmas memories that will be cherished (or at least laughed about) for years to come with good ol' family board games. Our top picks are: Family Feud, Avocado Smash, Throw Throw Burrito, 5 Second Rule, Jenga, Pictionary and Beat The Parents Trivia, available at Kmart, Target, Games World.
Visiting Westfield Doncaster? Don’t forget to download the Westfield Plus app to get extended free parking. Plus, keep up to date with the latest member-exclusive offers, news and events from the palm of your hand.
