Christmas dinner is one of the most flavourful meals of the year, filled with rich sauces, seasonal sides and a sense of celebration. Choosing the right wines can transform each dish and make your table feel warm and welcoming. This guide brings together practical tips, elegant hosting ideas and sommelier-led wine pairings to help you prepare with confidence.
How to Prepare for Christmas Hosting
Hosting a festive meal is about balance and ease. A little preparation makes the whole day calmer for both you and your guests, and thoughtful wines bring everything together.
How Much Wine to Buy
A simple rule for Christmas Day is one bottle per person across the whole celebration. For longer lunches or multiple courses, have an extra bottle or two chilled and ready. Sparkling tends to disappear quickly, so keep a spare in the fridge.
Mixing Styles for a Balanced Menu
Offer a sparkling wine as guests arrive, followed by a fresh white or rosé for starters. For the main course, choose either a versatile red or a fuller white such as a Burgundy. For the cheese course, a structured red or an aromatic white works beautifully. This keeps your menu harmonious and ensures everyone finds something they enjoy.
Serving Temperatures
- Sparkling wine: 6–8°C
- Fresh whites and rosés: 8–10°C
- Fuller whites (e.g. Chardonnay): 10–12°C
- Reds: 14–16°C
These temperatures bring out each wine’s aromas and help them match the food more naturally.
Setting Up a Drinks Area
Create a small drinks station with chilled bottles, an ice bucket, glasses and a bottle opener so guests can help themselves. It keeps the table clutter-free and encourages a relaxed flow throughout the day.
How to Dress a Beautiful Christmas Table
A thoughtful table sets the tone for the meal. You do not need elaborate décor: a few calm, seasonal touches make a strong impression.
Linens and Texture
Choose natural tones, a textured tablecloth or runner and cloth napkins. Soft materials add depth and a sense of occasion.
Candles and Light
Candles instantly make a table feel inviting. Mix pillar candles and tea lights at different heights, keeping space clear for dishes and conversation.
Glassware and Plates
Keep it simple. One wine glass for white and one for red is more than enough when serving multiple courses.
A Touch of Greenery
Eucalyptus, rosemary or winter foliage adds fragrance and subtle colour without overwhelming the setting.
What to Pour with Each Course
Aperitif
Start with something bright and celebratory.
Veuve Olivier & Fils Carte d’Or Brut is crisp and elegant, perfect with canapés, smoked salmon and festive bites.
Starters
For seafood, pâté or winter salads, choose a wine with freshness and gentle fruit.
Dzimbahwe Rosé Classic 2021 works beautifully with prawn cocktail, salmon dishes and vegetable-led starters.
The Main Event (Turkey or Vegetarian Centrepiece)
Turkey, nut roasts and roasted vegetables pair well with both structured whites and light reds. A fuller white keeps the meal bright while standing up to the richer flavours.
Philippe Bouzereau – Bourgogne Chardonnay 2022 offers gentle creaminess and vibrant acidity for the perfect festive pairing.
Beef or Lamb
For stronger, darker flavours, choose a red with generous fruit and structure.
Aalto Ribera del Duero 2022 is powerful and expressive, ideal for roast beef, lamb shoulder or slow-cooked brisket.
Cheese Course
A generous cheese board suits a wine with enough depth to complement bold flavours.
Cà Dei Maghi Canova Rosso 2021 pairs effortlessly with mature cheddar, gouda and soft blue cheeses.
Hosting Tips from a Sommelier’s Perspective
Small adjustments can improve how your wines taste and how your guests experience the meal.
Decanting
Decant structured reds for an hour before serving. Fuller whites can also benefit from a few minutes of air. Lighter wines generally do not need it.
Open in Advance
Open your wines before guests arrive. It saves time and helps the wines open gently in the glass.
Pacing the Meal
Serve smaller pours and refresh glasses with each course. It keeps flavours bright and makes the meal feel more refined.
Your Christmas Day Wine Plan
- Aperitif: Veuve Olivier & Fils Carte d’Or Brut
- Starter: Dzimbahwe Rosé Classic 2021
- Main (Turkey or Veg): Philippe Bouzereau – Bourgogne Chardonnay 2022
- Main (Beef or Lamb): Aalto Ribera del Duero 2022
- Cheese Course: Cà Dei Maghi Canova Rosso 2021
Conclusion
Christmas dinner is full of flavour, warmth and tradition. With thoughtful preparation and a selection of well-chosen wines, your table becomes a place for relaxed conversation, good food and beautiful memories.
Until next time, stay nosey.
