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.
Up the happiness index at the table by draping a garland of fresh flowers right down the center | cathylawrie
Blooming table | r0xanne_aquino
Family favourites, both healthy and indulgent | trvreyes
A berry appetiser is always a good start to a perfect feast | chefpia
Bring out all the candles to bathe the table with light and fragrance | r0xanne_aquino
Graze throughout Christmas Eve | missingspain.com
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
An ambient Christmas forest theme ignites a soothing feeling | maricellenarciso
Add Yuletide cheer to sweet treats | cat_g0rd0n
A simple Boxing Day breakfast after a day of eating and drinking | doritg888
Serving Spain on the table with seafood paella | valieang
A platter of charcuterie is a sure hit at the table | valieang
Spanish-themed feast trumpeting sharing dishes like jamón Ibérico and more | la rambla, hong kong
Greens made more appetising with blackberry goodness | bellinapa
Indulge in a Basque cheesecake | missingspain.com
Nothing beats sweet endings like these festive fruits | kitchenkitchiekoo
Mouth-watering indulgences to wrap up a feast | cat_g0rd0n
An all-time Christmas favourite, traditional turkey is a must-have | cat_g0rd0n
Breakfast after “Simbang Gabi”, nine dawn masses in anticipation of Christmas, practiced by Filipino Catholics and Aglipayans | naymontilla
