7 ways to feast, drink and celebrate this festive season

It is almost time to start making those New Year resolutions, but luckily, before having to commit to a year of clean eating and/or gym-going, we have the whole month of December to indulge in utter decadence. We say, bring on the revelry, because here are seven ways to take the festivities up a notch.

#1: Bring the party to you

The holidays definitely call for get-togethers with family and friends, but honestly, who can be bothered with all that clean up and prep (and welcoming your guests while dripping in sweat)? Be the hostess with the mostess and choose to have The Marmalade Pantry’s Festive Gourmet Goodies delivered to your place, or picked up at the Downtown or Novena outlets.

Think classic mains like Whole Roasted Turkey with Fresh Herbs, Maple Honey Glazed Gammon Ham, Angus Ribeye topped with merlot infused beef jus ($88 each), Apple Baked Salmon ($88) with lemon, capers and beurre blanc sauce and the Moroccan Roasted Boneless Lamb Leg ($88). Complement your meal with a round of sides like their signature Truffle Mac & Cheese, Traditional Sage & Oregano Turkey Stuffing, Caramelised Brussels Sprouts & Roasted Pumpkin, Green Bean Casserole with mushroom gravy and fried onion and Broccoli & Cauliflower Gratin ($20 each) complete with gruyere cheese. Also, because it’s the season of sharing, enjoy a special bundle deal of one main carvery plus two sides at only $110.

It’s not a proper feast without sweets, so don’t forget to grab their Baked Lemon Meringue Tart ($35), Chocolate & Raspberry Log Cake ($60), and a couple of Snowman and Christmas Tree cupcakes for the kids.

Order here. The festive offerings will only be available from Dec 4-25. For general enquiries, contact [email protected] or call 9178 0250

#2: Gift the joy of gourmet feasting

Your favourite upscale deli from NYC, DEAN & DELUCA, is truly embracing the season of giving this year. They know better than anyone that a good guest never shows up empty handed, so if you’ve got a few invitations lined up on your mantle, you’ll want to check out their range of festive artisanal goodies and gift hampers.

Whether your host is a fan of sunny Mediterranean flavours, has a sweet tooth or is a connoisseur of wine, DEAN & DELUCA has a set for everyone. In fact, for the foodies in your life, consider gifting hampers like the Best of the Best (gourmet oils, spreads, teas and more) or the Mediterranean Gourmet Pantry Italian pasta sauce, Fleur De Sel sea salt, Acacia truffle honey and more ). Heck, we’d order them just for ourselves too, because why not?

A delivery fee applies for orders placed online. Alternatively, pick up your hampers at Far East Square, HillV2 and Orchard Central Mall stores.

#3: Go big or go home

Maybe you drew the short stick and are stuck organizing the end-of-year office festivities, or maybe it’s your turn to host Christmas dinner for the entire extended family—fret not because award-winning Kitchen Language catering is offering two festive packages specially for large groups ($28 or $45 per guest) so you can pull off Christmas dinner without breaking a sweat. Serving up gourmet dishes like the Chardonnay Sous Vide Turkey Breast, hearty Beef Stew, Baked Fish Fillet and of course, a wonderfully rich Yule Log Chocolate Mousse Cake, your guests are sure to leave filled with more than just love and warm feelings!

Check out both their Christmas Festive Menus here. Please note that there is a minimum order for 20 guests.

#4: Feast all day

From Dec 4, 2017 to Jan 1, 2018, Bedrock Bar & Grill is serving up classic steakhouse specials reminiscent of Yuletide dinners one would imagine feasting on up in a wintery Alpine lodge. Think the Oscar Style Fillet Steak ($128) served with crabmeat, asparagus and béarnaise sauce, and a Chateaubriand for two ($219) with beer-battered onion rings and sautéed mushrooms that’s just begging to be shared.

You’ll also be happy to know that the feasting can start right from lunch hour, with their special three-course Festive Set Lunch ($69) featuring a Crab Cake and Celeriac Salad with apple tartare sauce, Tournedos Rossini with foie gras, sautéed potato and red wine sauce and a Pavlova with mixed berries and passionfruit sauce.

For more information, please visit Bedrock’s website.

#5: Revel by the river

If waterfront dining is more your speed, then look no further than The Pelican from Dec 4, 2017 to Jan 1, 2018 (not available on Dec 31 and during Sunday Champagne Brunch) for something special. It’s a treat for the senses; a charming view of the Singapore River that is made even better with a delicious three Course Set Menu ($68). Celebrate Christmas with a starter of Scallop Carpaccio, followed by a Baked Salmon Wellington or top up $20 to enjoy Ribeye Steak paired with a glass of red wine and finished with a creamy Milk Chocolate Tart. Known for their expertly prepared seafood, it wouldn’t be a special menu without some signature ocean specials: enjoy a Mussels Pot or Manilla Clams dish at just $48.

By the way, if you and your friends are looking to ring in the New Year with a good view of the fireworks, The Pelican Deck is where it’s at. This Dec 31, they are offering two special celebration packages: the Duo Set ($250) for up to three guests includes one bottle of Joseph Perrier Brut Champagne, and a choice of either one bottle of Voyager Chardonnay or Voyager Cabernet Merlot, and the Trio Set ($600) for up to six guests includes two bottles of Joseph Perrier Brut Champagne, a choice of one bottle of Belvedere Vodka or Jura Superstition Whisky, and one Fried Seafood Platter (beer battered snapper, calamari, onion rings, fried oysters, fried prawns and old bay fries).

If beer is your beverage of choice, we recommend pairing it with either the Fried Seafood Platter ($50) of beer battered snapper, calamari, onion rings, fried oysters, fried prawns and old bay fries or the Oysters & Prawns Platter ($89), a dozen succulent oysters and cooked prawns on ice served with cocktail sauce.

Check out what else they’ve got in store for the festive season here.

#6: Forget the turkey (for now)

While fried chicken is actually a thing for Christmas celebrations in Japan, this Japanese joint is celebrating sweater season with a distinctively more elegant menu for the entire month of December (Dec 1-30). Pop by during lunch (because you deserve to treat yourself) for either their Winter Oden & Soba Set ($26) featuring an assortment of oden with green tea buckwheat soba, Hokkaido milk crepe dessert and assorted pickles and miso soup, or the mouth watering-sounding Snow Cheese Salmon Set ($36); bacon-wrapped salmon with Hokkaido snow cheese, a Japanese potato salad, Hokkaido milk crepe dessert and assorted Pickles, miso soup and steamed rice.

Come 31st December, usher in the New Year with an evening of music and fireworks at Kinki Bar, offering unparalleled rooftop views of the bay. From 6pm till late, each Rooftop Package ($688) gets you a table (up to 6 persons) with two bottles of Möet & Chandon Brut, a choice of one bottle of Monkey Shoulder whisky or Belvedere vodka and two standard mixers.

For more information, please visit Kinki’s website.

#7: Keep it (relatively) classic

As they say, why fix it if it ain’t broke? Known for their excellent gourmet coffees and global fare, Oriole Coffee + Bar delivers a dose of good cheer with a classic, wallet-friendly three-course festive set ($38) that encapsulates the Christmas spirit.

Choose between the Roast Turkey with herbs, topped with poached egg and raspberry balsamic jam or Oriole Baked Gammon Ham served with roast baby potatoes, carrots, broccolini, pineapple salsa and sherry vinaigrette for your main. Finally, end your meal on a sweet note with a cup of heart-warming Orange Spice Chocolate, Gingerbread Latte or Grinch Frappe paired with their X’mas Garden cupcake. This special set is available from Dec 4, 2017 to Jan 1, 2018.

Check out all their other promotions here.