Entertaining at home for the Holidays

Christmas during a pandemic...

Christmas is officially one week away!
​Even though this year isn't the typical Christmas, we still have to make the best of it!
Are you cooking Christmas dinner?
If so, are you still deciding on your menu? 
Is it the traditional Christmas feast or are you going lighter this year?

We've put together a collection of menu items - Jamaican favorites as well as Traditional Christmas dishes nicely paired with a range of wines.

Let's start with appetizers:

• Smoked salmon is always a favorite and pairs with a high acidity white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc (possible a Sancerre) or sparkling wine (like Cremant or Prosecco).
• Shellfish like oysters can also be paired with a Sancerre but would be best with a Chablis (Chardonnay) or Muscadent
• Roasted nuts goes well with an Oaked Chardonnay or Côtes du Rhône (Syrah) to compliment the oily texture of the nuts

Jumping into the main course:

• Roasted chicken or turkey pairs nicely with a light fruity red wine such as Beaujolais or even a Pinot Noir (Côtes de Nuit or Marlborough) as well as an Oaked Buttery Chardonnay
• Fried chicken goes well with Barolo, Prosecco, Cava or German Riesling
• Traditional baked ham would be best enjoyed with Prosecco or a Still Rosé
• Lobster (grilled/sauteed) goes with Champagne, Cava or an Oaked Chardonnay
• Roasted duck or goose works best with an off-dry German Riesling or an Alsatian Pinot Gris
• Beef roast can also be enjoyed with a Côtes du Rhône or Chianti Classico
• Curried goat, due to the spicy nature, works beautifully with an off-dry Riesling

After dinner eats:

• Christmas fruit cake or Rum cake, you can enjoy with a Tokaji Aszu, Trockenbeerenauslese Riesling, Recioto della Valpolicella or a Ruby Port
• Cheese board can be paired as follows: Parmesan & Chianti, Brie & Cremant/Prosecco, Gouda & Riesling, Swiss & Chablis, Fontina/Cheddar & Chardonnay

Now that you have your Christmas Dinner paired perfectly with wines - are you ready to decorate your table?

​Get the Traditional Christmas look with:

• Gold charger plates or gold placemats 
• Bright red or emerald green napkins (folded, with napkin ring or tied with ribbon)
• Serving dinner family style? Opt to decorate your serving trays with garnishes and you can also incorporate some fresh fruits, vegetables, pillar candles as a part of the centerpiece.
• Perhaps buffet set-up for dinner? Create a simple garland by tying together foliage (greenery)/using christmas garlands) and accenting with votive candles, apples and even holiday ornaments.

Need more ideas? Contact us!
Want help shopping for your wine?
Email info@designsbynishy.com to get the help from a Wine Consultant - this service is available anywhere in the world!
Wine shopper fee: 20% of your total bill - find out more!