‘Tis the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature is stirring…except for Father Christmas! As we eagerly await his arrival with presents galore, have you ever wondered what jolly old St. Nick would truly love to find on his plate?
This festive season, let’s go beyond the usual milk and cookies and treat Santa to a luxurious spread that will make his taste buds dance with delight. From delectable treats to tantalise his palate to indulgent sips that warm him from within, join us as we explore tips for creating the perfect Christmas Eve plate fit for our favourite gift-giving hero.
The tradition of the Christmas eve plate
The tradition of leaving out a plate of food and drink for Father Christmas and his reindeer on Christmas Eve is a beloved custom that has been passed down through generations and may have originated in the 1600s in Germany or Scandinavia. It’s a magical way for children to show appreciation for Santa Claus and all he does on this special night with the eagerly prepared plate filled with delectable treats a lovely way of saying ‘thank you’ for his generosity.
Leaving out a plate for Santa on Christmas Eve is more than just leaving him some food – it’s about creating an atmosphere of warmth and anticipation. The excitement builds as children carefully select the perfect goodies to place on the plate, imagining how Santa will enjoy each bite.
When it comes to leaving out a delicious spread, there are plenty of traditional treats that have stood the test of time. While every family may have their own unique spin on what they leave out, there are some classic options that tend to make an appearance year after year.
In many households, cookies are the centrepiece of the Christmas Eve plate. Classic choices like chocolate chip or sugar cookies often take centre stage, but why not get creative? Consider baking gingerbread men or festive holiday-themed treats to add an extra touch of whimsy.
Of course, no Christmas Eve plate would be complete without something to wash down those delicious treats and it appears that 36% of Brits are doing it wrong, by offering up an alcoholic beverage, rather than a traditional glass of cold milk. We wouldn’t want the Christmas legend flying under the influence now would we? Why not elevate the milk and consider offering Santa a mug filled with rich hot cocoa topped with fluffy marshmallows? Mind you, seeing as it’s the arduous task of the adult of the home to actually enjoy this beverage, a glass of Baileys or perhaps even a steaming cup of spiced apple cider likely wouldn’t go amiss.
These are just suggestions, of course, feel free to get creative with your offerings when putting together your Christmas food delivery! Perhaps you could leave out some gourmet chocolates or artisanal cheese alongside a glass of eggnog. Remember, this is your chance to give Father Christmas something special that truly reflects your family’s taste and style.
As we set out these offerings for Father Christmas, we can’t help but feel connected to traditions that have spanned centuries. It’s an opportunity to share in something truly magical and keep the spirit alive during this most joyous time of year. So let us continue this cherished ritual by creating the ultimate Christmas Eve plate that will leave Santa feeling appreciated and content as he continues on his merry journey across the world!
Top alternative treats to make the plate more luxurious
The holiday season is a time for giving and spreading joy and by thinking outside the box and surprising Santa with some alternative treats, you can make his visit even more magical. Here are our top picks for indulgent delights that will surely please jolly old St. Nick.
Gourmet cookies: Upgrade from ordinary chocolate chip cookies to gourmet varieties such as white chocolate macadamia nut or salted caramel dark chocolate chunk. These rich and decadent treats are sure to satisfy Santa’s sweet tooth.
Artisanal hot chocolate: Instead of regular hot cocoa, why not prepare a cup of artisanal hot chocolate? Use high-quality cocoa powder or even melt real dark chocolate into warm milk for an extra luscious and velvety taste sensation.
Handcrafted chocolates: Delight Santa with a selection of handcrafted chocolates in various flavours like raspberry truffle, sea salt caramel, or champagne-infused ganache. These small bites of luxury will show your appreciation for all his hard work.
Festive doughnuts: Swap out traditional cookies for festive doughnuts this year! Go all out with flavours like gingerbread spice, eggnog glaze, or peppermint swirls – perfect accompaniments to Santa’s midnight snack.
Exquisite cheese board: Treat Santa to an extravagant cheese board featuring aged cheddar, creamy brie, tangy goat cheese, and perhaps some smoked gouda or blue cheese too! Add a variety of crackers, dried fruit, and nuts to create the ultimate savoury experience.
Craft beer sampler: If Santa enjoys a good brewski after his long night of delivering presents worldwide (and who could blame him?), surprise him with a craft beer sampler pack featuring unique flavours from local breweries – he may discover new favourites!
A fine whiskey: Warm up Santa with a sampler of whiskey and why not really treat him by cracking open a special bottle this Christmas Eve? We’re sure that it’ll be enjoyed by whoever is lucky enough to get their hands on the glass. Remember that the key to a luxurious Christmas Eve plate is not just about the food and drink but the effort and fun you have in putting it together. Most of all, find the traditions that suit you as a family and enjoy the time you have together.
