What Puts The Sparkle In Your Christmas ?

- 

Christmas is upon us again, following a year that’s flown by seemingly quicker than usual. The season conjures up carols and chocolates, Santa Claus and shopping malls, and the gathering of friends and family near and far.

But let’s be honest, I’m here for the food. To be precise, I’m here for the party with the best food.

Gatherings tend to revolve around food. (If your idea of a festive party involves a hike or a run, I don’t know you.) While life is too short year-round to waste on mediocre food, the situation becomes more acute during the festive season when cascades of invites fall out of your Whatsapp messages and stomach real estate must be measured in literal dish circumference. Is there space to fit in two more pieces of glistening thrice-fried duck fat potato wedges? Or do I roll the dice and try for the last slice of pork terrine AND that quivering sliver of virginia bone-in ham, thereby rendering myself unable to move or eat dessert for another hour. Decisions, decisions.

One’s friends must now be carefully judged for their gastronomic acumen. Will Host A be more likely to order the Pan- Pacific Singapore ham, or Host B the Goodwood Park Hotel turkey? Or let’s be brutally truthful, one doesn’t make any plans at all until Host C, the Most Amazing Home Cook, sends his invite – when that unique meal is worth cancelling all your other appointments for.