Christmas Entertaining Ideas

Whether you observe Christmas, another religious or cultural holiday, or even just the opportunity for some time off, for most of us this is also a season for celebrating family, friends and — of course — food. Food plays a significant role in our observance of Christmas and seasonal holidays, with cherished traditional recipes and tantalizing displays of elegant dishes and treats, and from a special family breakfast through to the snacks passed around during the day and finally to a memorable dinner.

These are some of the most special treats, breakfasts and dinner ideas I've created for my own loved ones through Christmases of the past years, and they have become as cherished to them as to myself. Many vegetarians such as myself, or families who have one or more vegetarians, have had to forgo or add to earlier Christmas food traditions out of necessity. But this should be considered no loss as Christmas traditions have always grown throughout generations of family. One of the purposes of this food blog has always been to show that vegetarian food can be a rewarding experience, not just for everyday eating but also for the most important occasions. I hope that those of you who have followed me through the years can agree, and I hope that you will find an idea in these posts that will add to your own holiday eating and entertaining experiences. Most of all, I hope that each and everyone one of you — old friends and newcomers — have a very warm and blessed Christmas.

Nigella's Christmas Pavlova Like an enormous roasted marshmallow with a thick crispy caramelized-sugar exterior surrounding a light and creamy meringue, pavlovas have the same lumpy and carefree charm of appearance, sweetness and ease … or a charm that is actually improved by a jaunty slathering of whipped cream and a reckless scattering of fruit on top.

Lisa's Famous Christmas Rum Balls A Christmas classic, these rum balls disappear in moments once they're served. Somewhat like truffles, but with a smooth chocolate interior flavoured with crushed vanilla wafers and — of course — rum. A dark Jamaican rum will add extra intensity to the taste. Crushed hazelnuts or macadamias can be substituted for the vanilla wafers for a nuttier sensation.

Tropical Fruit Christmas Fruitcake Dark, rich, chewy and moist, this may be the best Christmas fruitcake you've ever had. Quality dried pineapples, lychees, mangoes, golden raisins and coconut, fresh cut citrus peels, and a splash of island rum — this fruitcake only improves with age. This year you can pass around a fresh and beautiful fruitcake, instead of all those fruitcake jokes that usually get passed around at this time of year.

Tropical Christmas Steamed Pudding The plumpness and fresh vibrant flavours of dried tropical fruits are the star qualities of this steamed Christmas pudding. Any kind of dried fruit that strikes your fancy can be used, but a mixture of tropical fruits — mangoes, papayas, pineapples and bananas — will let you imagine you and your family are sitting on a sandy island beach at Christmas-time surrounded by warm tropical breezes.

Eggnog & Rum Winter Spiced French Toast The perfect wake-up on a Christmas morning, the scent of eggnog combined with the gentle hints of rum and winter spices wafting through the kitchen might just give these breakfast treats priority over the presents under the tree this year.

Ginger Molasses Pancakes with Mixed Dried Fruit These simple pancakes have the same festive flair as Christmas fruitcakes but with a much lighter, fluffier and fresher taste and texture. Perfect for serving up on a Christmas morning with some warmed maple syrup without having to wait around for the store-bought treats to be set out.

Rum & Ricotta Fritters Christmas mornings are the perfect time to put on a pot of hot coffee and stir up a batch of these simple little rum and ricotta fritters — light, airy and golden like the day to come, and just like little pieces of the fluffiest and most delectable pancakes you can imagine. Dusted with icing sugar or dipped in maple syrup or a warm spiced chocolate sauce, the memory of the scents and flavors will linger gloriously in your nose and mouth for hours.

Spiced Pumpkin Waffles These light and fluffy waffles practically spring out of the waffle iron and onto the plate. The heavenly aroma of baked pumpkin and spices dressed with a little warmed maple syrup makes the most fragrant and delicious Christmas breakfast imaginable. Best of all, the aroma lingers through the house for hours to keep the festive cheer in the air.

Mushroom Nut Roast in Golden Puff Pastry Rich, hearty, earthy and delicious, this flavorful and gorgeous mushroom nut roast wrapped in a golden puff pastry is the centerpiece of any Christmas dinner, vegetarian or otherwise. Loaded with quinoa, different kinds of mushrooms and nuts, sun-dried tomatoes and plenty of spices and seasonings, it's extraordinarily nutritious as well, but you won't have to mention that to your guests to get them to finish it off.

Vegetarian Mushroom Bourguignon It is often said that mushrooms are the meat of vegetarians, and after eating this mushroom bourguignon you just might be convinced yourself. Tender chunks of plump portobellos and chewy dried lobster mushrooms are simmered into a rich, thick and fragrant sauce highlighted by a robust red wine and served over a bed of steaming egg noodles. Even your carnivorous guests won't miss a thing.

Tuscan Bean & Pasta Soup with Fresh Rosemary Fragrant and colorful, this simple but rich and flavorful bean and pasta soup will satisfy your guests in so many ways, from pleasing their tastes and filling their stomachs, to warming their bodies and cheering their souls. This soup is always a winner.

Scalloped Potatoes with Best-Ever Mushroom Sauce Scalloped potatoes are a tradition at many Christmas tables, and these soft, creamy and buttery potatoes get a special treatment worthy of the occasion with generous layers of a tangy and aromatic mushroom sauce that I maintain is simply the "best ever".