Cook up a storm this festive season and try something new by following our alternative course-by-course guide to Christmas...
Whilst you might be perfectly happy with your routine holiday menu, why not step outside the comfort zone this year and steer clear of the usual recipes, taking a look instead at some of the more unfamiliar plates that we have to offer.
We've put together an assortment of food and drinks ranging from bacon and parmesan brussels sprout skewers to mulled wine cheesecake in the hope that you find yourself propelled into a state of unexpected food satisfaction.
Appetisers and Canapés
Mar Hor
An assortment of roasted nuts and fried shallots rest on a pineapple base topped with a slice of chilli and a coriander leaf.
This is a meat-free version of a classic Thai recipe and makes for a super simple little nibble to have with drinks at any Christmas party.
Find the full recipe here.
Mini Eggs Benedict
Use steamed quail eggs and ham on toasted bread slices with a dash of hollandaise sauce to make this delicious appertif.
These impressive bites will be the talk of the party, small enough to eat in one mouthful but big enough to pack a tasty punch. As they take only 20 minutes to prepare, these canapés can be easily made on Christmas morning.
Pick up your locally sourced quail eggs from Surrey Poultry, based in Ockham, Cobham.
Find the full recipe here.
Avocado and Prawn Cocktail Toast Canapés
Thinly sliced avocado and crayfish tails on a rye bread toast sprinkled with fresh dill.
It's your classic prawn cocktail with a twist. Join the avocado trend and watch when you pass them around your Christmas do as everyone tucks in with glee.
Find the full recipe here.
Bacon and Parmesan Brussels Sprout Skewers
How do you get your family to eat brussels sprouts this Christmas? By making these colourful and delicious skewers and offering them to your guests before the main course gets started.
If you're looking for the best bacon in town, head over to one of The Ginger Pig shops based around Surrey and London and pick up all the meat that you need.
Find the full recipe here.
Starters
Seared Scallops with Minted Peas and Beans
Treat your guests to a starter not often seen on Christmas Day before they get stuck in to the main course. Packed full of fresh flavours, the combination of fresh scallops with minted peas and beans is deliciously refreshing.
Collect your scallops fresh from Kingston's Jarvis the Fish Monger in order to guarantee you're cooking with the best ingredients.
Find the full recipe here.
Shukhi
A warm beetroot and mushroom salad serve on toasted rye bread.
If you're looking to embrace something more European in your dinner party, try this Ukrainian dish traditionally served at Christmas for a crostini-like starter.
Be sure to pop down to a monthly Farmers' Market to source all your fruit and vegetables for the day.
Find the full recipe here.
Cheese Fondue
Something simple that everyone is bound to love but, for an unusual twist, why not try adding cut-up apples, pears, sliced cooked sausage, broccoli, cauliflower florets or cherry tomatoes?
Pick up your Jarslberg or Emmental from the Hampton Cheese and Wine Company who even offer the perfect tasting experience as a Christmas gift.
Find the full recipe here.
Mains
Treacle-Roast Ham with Spiced Rum Glaze
Avoid turkey and indulge in this glazed ham recipe with a treacle and rum twist.
Take a wander around The Surrey Wine Cellar in Chobham to pick up some spiced rum if you haven't already got some in your liquor cabinet.
Find the full recipe here.
Stuffed Celeriac with Parsnip Cream
Stuffed celeriac filled with cranberry-jewelled quinoa and served with a rich, nutty parsnip cream and thyme.
No matter who's coming for Christmas, everyone will love this stuffed celeriac main which has real wow factor but just happens to be vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free.
Find the full recipe here.
Grilled Lobster
A grilled lobster recipe from Bryan Webb flavoured with ginger, lime juice, garlic and chilli.
Whilst lobster is traditionally associated with Christmas Eve, how about skipping the poultry this year and serving up shellfish instead.
If, however, you don't fancy the culinary challenge but do relish the taste, make a festive holiday reservation at michelin starred head chef Matt Worsick at the Latymer in Bagshot and order one of the tasting menus which serve a lobster course.
Find the full recipe here.
Sides
Aya Brackett
Sauteed Spinach with Pepitas and Sesame Seeds
In addition to your trusty pigs in blankets and roast potatoes, toast some pepitas and sesame seeds and mix together with spinach over a high heat to create this nutritious and hearty side.
Top tip: Look for leaves that are thick and curly, which will retain more texture and flavour when sautéed.
Find the full recipe here.
Spice-Roasted Butternut Squash with Cider Vinaigrette
Oven-roasted squash with thyme, coriander, sugar and nutmeg drizzled over with an apple cider dressing.
This dish is certain to set your guests' mouths watering at the table so be sure to make enough to go around.
Find the full recipe here.
Apple and Sausage Stuffing
Loaded up with vegetables, fruit and savoury sage sausage, this stuffing can easily make 8 portions and has something in it for everyone to enjoy.
A quirky alternative to the traditional stuffing, the flavours are an American classic that's more likely to be found on a Thanksgiving dinner table but equally appropriate for our December holiday.
Find the full recipe here.
Desserts
Vegan Panforte
Panforte is a traditional Italian dessert made with fruits, nuts and spices. It dates back to the 13th century in Siena, Tuscany, hence why it’s also sometimes called a Siena cake or Panforte Di Siena.
The texture is somewhere between a fruitcake and a candy and the flavour is sweet, festive and completely addictive.
Find the full recipe here.
Pork, Cranberry, Orange and Cointreau Tarts
Festive seasonal tarts created by Surrey blogger, Shirlee Posner.
Unique in taste, Shirlee recommends using Orange Marmalade Jelly for the glaze from local producer Jam Packed Preserves but any sweet clear jelly will work as well such as quince, redcurrant or cranberry.
Find the full recipe here.
Mulled Wine Cheesecake
Make your cheesecake more festive with this sweet and spicy mulled wine version.
You can also easily make this wintry dessert completely gluten-free by using gluten-free chocolate digestives and dark chocolate bar.
Find the full recipe here.
Drinks
Mulled Cider
Easy to make and delicious to drink, this recipe is from Ryan Law, head barman at the Hind’s Head in Bray. The gastropub has recently hired a new head chef, Pete Gray. To view the menu and book, visit: hindsheadbray.com.
Find the full recipe here.
Vegan Hot Chocolate
A mixture of almond milk, almond butter, a squeeze of date syrup and raw cacao.
Instead of the usual hot chocolate recipe, have a go at making this healthy option instead, taken from Deliciously Ella.
Top tip: It’s especially good drunk through a cinnamon stick which acts as the perfect straw as each sip is infused with subtle hints of delicious spice.
Find the full recipe here.
Christmas Punch
Consisting of clementine juice, benedictine liqueur, cognac and cranberry juice, this drink is sure to set you and your tastebuds into a frenzy.
An old-school punch bowl is a really nice touch at a party, and this festively flavoured one is ideal for this time of year.
Find the full recipe here.
Classic Champagne
And finally, to top off your day, indulge in a classic glass of champagne.
If you're struggling to find the perfect bottle, take a browse on sparklingdirect.co.uk who provide a next-day delivery Champagne service to Surrey and London, perfect for special occasions.
