Holiday merry-making won’t be complete without indulgent food and tipples spread on dazzling tablescapes. Lavish festive menus may have evolved – vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free and vegetarian dishes are now added to the mix – but traditions, nostalgia, indulgence and rituals all come together at the table. To hail the arrival of Christmastide, Weekly Sparks assembles a feastful fare of food, fizzies and table trimmings to spark up the holiday vibe. Eat, drink and be merry. Have your fill until you can’t stuff in another bite. Remember, Christmas calories don’t count.
Breakfast after “Simbang Gabi”, nine dawn masses in anticipation of Christmas, practiced by Filipino Catholics and Aglipayans | naymontilla
An all-time Christmas favourite, traditional turkey is a must-have | cat_g0rd0n
Nothing beats sweet endings like these festive fruits | kitchenkitchiekoo
Mouth-watering indulgences to wrap up a feast | cat_g0rd0n
Serving Spain on the table with seafood paella | valieang
An all-you-can-eat Filipino feast called a ‘boodle fight’ where fingers are the only utensil, and a mat of banana leaves is laid out with sumptuous food (pre-covid, of course) | r0xanne_aquino
A platter of charcuterie is a sure hit at the table | valieang
Up the happiness index at the table by draping a garland of fresh flowers right down the center | cathylawrie
Indulge in a Basque cheesecake | missingspain.com
A simple Boxing Day breakfast after a day of eating and drinking | doritg888
A berry appetiser is always a good start to a perfect feast | chefpia
Greens made more appetising with blackberry goodness | bellinapa
Family favourites, both healthy and indulgent | trvreyes
Bring out all the candles to bathe the table with light and fragrance | r0xanne_aquino
Add Yuletide cheer to sweet treats | cat_g0rd0n
An ambient Christmas forest theme ignites a soothing feeling | maricellenarciso
Blooming table | r0xanne_aquino
Spanish-themed feast trumpeting sharing dishes like jamón Ibérico and more | la rambla, hong kong
