We’ve all seen the adverts, and many of us have experienced it at some point in our lives: Family and friends gathered around a perfectly cooked Christmas feast.
Then again, we’ve also had the times when the potatoes are burned, or the Brussels sprouts are off, or that turkey the size of a Buick is taking 17 hours to cook. And even after it’s all been served, there are towering piles of dishes like crockery Alps that need to be cleaned.
A wonderful, home-cooked meal is a joy – and effortless for some – but for those who think of their oven as a storage cupboard, there are alternatives.
For starters, consider a catering or private chef company. They’ll have menus to choose from with different price points, and you can still enjoy a sumptuous repast in your home and take all the credit without having to do any of the work. You can book anything from just the food, to all the cutlery, glassware and plates needed for a multi-course affair.
Some restaurants and supermarkets offer package meals as well, with a turkey to serve six or eight people and all the trimmings. You can pick up, heat up on the day, et voila!
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman will actually deliver to the Seven Mile strip area on Christmas Day, with items beautifully and individually packaged, transported in boxes custom-designed to keep the food warm inside. Exquisite cuisine, easy to serve, and if everyone wants to just wear pyjamas, they can.
Now, should staying at home not be an option, it’s time for Plan B to kick in: Christmas brunch.
Brunch on 25 Dec. has become a pretty big tradition in the islands, maybe because it’s possible to have it outdoors without risking hypothermia. Venues such as The Ritz-Carlton, Westin, Blue Cilantro, Marriott, Kimpton, Luca, Tillies, Grand Old House and others have been advertising their brunches for at least a month, with reservations coming in thick and fast. Prices vary, but are usually a flat rate for a high-end buffet, with the option of adding bottomless bubbles. The most important thing is to book sooner rather than later. Some options have already sold out, and with hotels expected to be at capacity over the Christmas week, residents are competing with tourists for seats.
In the end, if all else fails, maybe start a new tradition of potluck dishes, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and cakes, with a whole lot of Champagne bottles on ice. Because even though a turkey dinner with all the fixings is the classic way to celebrate the season, spending time with the ones you love is really what Christmas is all about.
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