Host Christmas The Ivy Way

Hosting Christmas The Ivy way, with top tips from our team of experts

With Christmas Day fast approaching, The Ivy is giving guests a peek behind the curtain on how to host the ultimate festive celebration at home, just as it’s done at our iconic restaurants. With more than a hundred years’ experience delivering exquisite food and drink and fabulous service, our team of experts are sharing advice, from how to make sure Christmas dinner is spot on and what wines to serve, to what favours to gift and how to make cocktails that are the raved about into the new year and beyond.

However, guests who would like to celebrate the season but have a break from hosting are invited to enjoy the recently launched Festive offering at The Ivy Collection restaurants nationwide*. From Festive Breakfasts, delicious lunches and a twist on the iconic Afternoon Tea, to the Festive Set Menu and seasonal cocktail list, our restaurants are catering for all occasions and tastes, complemented by inimitable service and beautiful settings.

Christmas hosting tips from the experts

For many people, Christmas Lunch is the most daunting element of hosting on the day, with numerous variables, timings and ingredients that could prove challenging. To help guests have a smooth yet showstopping day, we’ve shared tips on how to cook a festive feast, The Ivy Way:

Bigger doesn’t always mean better when it comes to the bird

“Hosts might be tempted to go for a bigger bird than needed for its showstopping nature, however sometimes, this can cause a bit more trouble than it’s worth. For smaller parties, a Turkey Ballotine can work well and is easily available, either in sharing or individual sizes. Usually stuffed, its form helps maintain moisture and an even cook, providing a taste sensation even more impressive than a whole bird”

In the words of John Lennon – Let it be

“Timings can be tricky when cooking a big festive meal and one thing that can sometimes be missed is time to let the meat main. Resting your meat dish allows it to tenderise and reabsorb any juices, resulting in a beautiful bite. Don’t worry about it getting cold while resting, simply wrap in foil and top with a tea towel and your meat will be ready to serve after 15 to 20 minutes for smaller joints or 30 to 60 minutes for very large roasts like a whole turkey. Once out of the oven this can free up space for any final bits such as vegetables or stuffing.”

Catering for vegan and vegetarian guests is easier than ever

“Whether buying something pre-made or making from scratch, there are so many options on what to serve – and so delicious, even those eating meat won’t be able to resist. Something as simple as a nut roast or vegetable bake is a great choice that provides something hearty and packed of flavour with minimal fuss when making at home. 

Make every dish special by including luxurious ingredients.

“Putting on a showstopping festive dinner doesn’t need to be a challenge – showcasing luxurious ingredients can be an easy way to add a touch of elegance and decadence to any meal. For example, a garnish of caviar, a sprinkling of truffle or the addition of lobster immediately exudes celebration and will be bound to impress guests.”

Picking the perfect pairing

For some hosts, choosing the wine can be the hardest hurdle to get over. Making sure that guests are served something delicious – without breaking the bank – can take a festive celebration to the next level. To help hosts serve up the perfect festive sip.

Serve crowd-pleasing sparkles when hosting festive parties

“When it comes to hosting, I’d recommend ensuring you have a sparkling wine for welcome receptions or toasts. I’d recommend going for something that is not too dry so as to cater for the majority of palettes. A demi sec, such as Nyetimber Cuvee Chérie can be a great option for this, or The Ivy Cuvée – which is also available to purchase online from The Ivy Shop. If you know your guests will prefer something drier, then the Nyetimber Classic Cuvee is the perfect choice.

What wine to serve with the main event

“It’s always a safe bet to have one red and one white on hand when serving up the main festive meal. To go with turkey or similar, I’d recommend a lightly bodied red or a bold white. Favourites of mine that I love to recommend in-restaurant are Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir from Marlborough, for red and the Quinta Da Lixa Vinho Verde for white. For richer meats, something like the Quinta do Vallado Douro Tinto goes down a treat.”

Ensure Goldilocks wine temperatures before serving – not too warm and not too cold

“Once you’ve chosen your wine selection for your event, it doesn’t stop there! Serving the wines at the wrong temperature can make a huge impact on the wine-drinking experience. Hosts serving white should make sure their bottles aren’t too cold before they are served. Rather than keeping in the fridge for a prolonged amount of time, just half an hour to an hour before serving should do the trick. For a light-bodied red wine, you want to aim for a temperature of around 12 to 13 degrees. No need to get the thermometer out though, simply place any room temperature bottles in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes before serving for the perfect sip – especially important if they have been kept in a warm kitchen while the dinner is being made!”

How to still create a sense of celebration without alcohol

“Increasingly, there are guests who will be choosing to not drink alcohol and catering for these guests doesn’t need to be difficult, especially when trying to create a sense of celebration at your event. There are many non-alcoholic wines on the market right now and a favourite of mine – also served at The Ivy Collection restaurants – is Wild Idol Naturally Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine. Available in both a white and rosé, it is vibrant and naturally alcohol-free, hand-crafted from a superior blend of grapes by expert winemakers.”

No Ivy experience would be complete without the theatre and glamour of the cocktail bar. To help recreate that sparkle at home this Christmas, The Ivy Collection’s Head Drinks Innovation, Jean Vital, shares his expert tips on how to bring a touch of The Ivy magic to your festive serves:

Start Christmas Day The Ivy Way

“Enjoyed responsibly, a cocktail or mocktail with breakfast can be a great way to add a sense of occasion in the morning. A light, fruit-forward serve like a Pomegranate & Spiced Pear Bellini – which features on our own festive breakfast menu – offers a refreshing start that pairs beautifully with pastries or smoked salmon. For a non-alcoholic alternative, try a Cranberry & Orange Fizz – sparkling, tart and festive, perfect for all ages.”

Turn your living room into a cocktail bar

“When hosting at home, preparation is key. Before your guests arrive, batch your cocktails – mix your base ingredients ahead of time so all you need to do is shake or pour to serve. It makes hosting seamless – and ensures you can enjoy your own party too. Recreate the theatre of a cocktail bar at home with some traditional cocktail tools, accessories and garnishes – these can also be prepared in advance for the smoothest of soirees.”

Add a touch of drama

“Presentation is everything at The Ivy – and it’s easy to emulate at home. Dress your glassware with a frosted sugar rim, edible flowers, or a sprig of rosemary for an instant festive upgrade. For an elegant touch, use The Ivy’s branded cocktail stirrers (found inside the new Ivy Christmas Crackers) to mix your drinks – a subtle way to bring a piece of the restaurant’s glamour to your table.”

Find your signature sip

“This year has seen trending flavours take over social media, with many people incorporating them into cocktails and dishes when hosting family and friends. A favourite of ours is hot honey, which features in our The Gift of Christmas cocktail, paired with Don Julio Reposado, Beesou Honey, lime and fig leaf soda – creating an Ivy twist on a traditional margarita. Find your flavour of the year and experiment with incorporating it into your very own twist on a traditional serve.”

Whether for a host, loved one, or someone who simply adores The Ivy experience, The Ivy Collection’s first-ever festive gifting range brings the restaurant’s timeless charm into the home. To help you give with flair this season, Neil Maes, Retail Lead at The Ivy Collection, shares his top tips for thoughtful festive gifting:

 Give the gift of experience

“The most memorable gifts are those that create moments, and a wonderful way to do this is by gifting an experience. An Ivy Gift Card allows the recipient to enjoy an exceptional meal, afternoon tea or cocktails at any of our restaurants nationwide – it’s a thoughtful, elegant way to treat someone special.”

 For the host who has everything

“When you’re heading to festive parties, the hardest part can be finding something the host won’t already have – they’re likely well-supplied with wine and flowers. Why not offer a gift they can enjoy on the night? A festive bottle stopper or spoon rest is a unique touch that will set your present apart. Or choose something for them to enjoy on Christmas Day. No festive table feels complete without a touch of tradition, and The Ivy Christmas Crackers – each containing an Ivy-themed keepsake such as cocktail stirrers, bottle stoppers or key rings – make a luxurious addition to any celebration and always spark conversation over lunch.”

 A sweet seasonal treat

“For some people, traditional gifts simply won’t do – sometimes the quickest way to the heart truly is through the stomach. A fine bottle of Champagne, artisanal chocolates or a premium cheese selection can be the gift they never knew they needed. Our Ivy Shortbread Biscuits, hand-baked in Hereford and available in flavours such as Raspberry, Dark Chocolate & Mint and Milk Chocolate Chunk, make the perfect indulgence to enjoy over tea or after-dinner drinks.”

 Something to make them smile for years to come

“When you’re really unsure of what to choose, a touch of nostalgia can be the perfect solution. A retro toy, a childhood favourite, or a piece of art can evoke memories and spark meaningful conversations. Or consider a collectible they can treasure for years to come. The Ivy Teddy Bear 2025, complete with bow tie, embroidered logo and year insignia, is a charming keepsake for recipients of all ages.”

 Don’t forget to treat yourself!

“The season of giving should include a little something for yourself too. While you’re focused on finding the perfect presents for loved ones, remember to indulge in a small treat of your own – and there’s no better choice than a piece from the new Ivy Festive Range. The Ivy Classic Baubles, finished in festive red or green with our signature diamond motif, and the cheerful Santa Bauble – featuring Father Christmas enjoying a glass of Ivy Champagne – bring instant Ivy glamour to any tree. And after all, is it really a gift just for the home if it makes you smile every time you see it?”