What to take to Christmas gatherings to impress the host

It’s the silly season which means our calendars are packed full of Christmas gatherings, people to visit and road trips to take. With all the festive hullabaloo, it can be easy to feel stumped about what to bring to the party. But what do you take to a festive gathering when you’re told not to bring anything? If there’s one rule you should always follow when visiting during the festive season, it’s this: don’t turn up empty-handed. 

Showstopping cakes

If you’re looking for something eye-catching to impress the host, order from Black Star Pastry. The team has just opened their new flagship store in Victoria’s Chadstone Shopping Centre and unveiled a new look with Japanese illustrator Noritake. To celebrate, Black Star Pastry has added two fresh cakes to their offering.

Zen Cheesecake: a thin bed of charcoal milk chocolate feuilletine beneath layers of sweet mascarpone and cream cheese with a salty Shiro miso followed by an intense, candied black sesame cheesecake that is raked like a zen garden and dotted with almond and black sesame macaron ‘rocks’. RRP 9cm x 14cm (serves 4) = $44.00 / 14cm x 18cm (serves 8) = $85.00

Mango Yuzu Cake: a seven-layered cake combining refreshing yuzu with creamy coconut, the sweetness of fresh mango and the fun mouthfeel of sago. If that’s not enough, it’s decorated with a delicate, golden pineapple flower on top. RRP 9cm x 14cm (serves 4) = $44.00 / 14cm x 18cm (serves 8) = $85.00

If you are visiting a lover of spirits, they may appreciate an addition to their collection. 

Gin

Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale and Soda is crafted with a Tanqueray London Dry gin base, juicy French blackcurrants and vanilla notes elevated with an exotic, mysterious twist of Black Orchids. It’s finished with soda for a deliciously refreshing taste. Simply pour into an ice-filled glass and garnish with a handful of blackcurrants, or enjoy ice-cold straight from the bottle. RRP $26.99

Tanqueray Sevilla & Soda combines the uniquely bittersweet and zesty taste of sun-soaked Seville oranges with the lightness of soda. Simply pour into an ice-filled glass and garnish with a wheel of orange for that holiday feel, or enjoy ice-cold straight from the bottle. RRP $26.99

Scotch

Scotch lovers will enjoy the new Johnnie Walker 12 Days of Discovery Calendar. This bold new, limited-edition collection is a statement addition to any drinks collection. The gift pack contains six different award-winning Scotch whiskies to be discovered over 12 days – the perfect holiday activity for Scotch connoisseurs! RRP $99.00

Try the Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Festive Cracker if you’re after a bit of fun. It’s a vibrant, stylish scotch crafted using whiskies chosen for their sweet, honeyed qualities. It offers rich layers of flavour in every drop. This is a scotch made for celebrations. RRP $35.00

Baileys Apple Pie

Nan will love the new Baileys Apple Pie. It blends the delicious flavours of homemade apple pie with the creaminess of vanilla ice cream and Baileys Original Irish Cream. It has hints of cinnamon and spices, creating a taste of indulgence. RRP $36.99

Bundaberg Rum Ball Liqueur

The new Bundaberg Rum Ball Liqueur has been masterfully crafted for rum lovers, sweet-tooths and anyone looking for a delicious sip of holiday cheer. The limited-edition liqueur has notes of warming rum, sweet spice, biscuit, vanilla, cocoa and coconut – all the flavours of your favourite festive treat! RRP $49.95

Reeftip Drinks Co. Spiced Rum

Rum lovers will also love Reeftip’s Spiced Rum. This newly launched Spiced Rum celebrates Aussie inspired ingredients (and looks after the reef simultaneously). With hints of blood orange, pineapple, refreshing ginger and cinnamon, this rum is made to be enjoyed with good friends and good vibes. RRP $64.99

If you’re attending a few barbies on the beach this year, pick up a pack of Ginger, Lime & Soda, also from Reeftip Drinks Co. They’ve blended their premium Aussie spiced rum with hints of ginger and lime and thrown in a dash of sparkling water for zest. 

You can also try their Pineapple, Lime & Soda, which blends their premium spiced rum blended with notes of pineapple, lime and soda. 

Their Mango, Coconut & Soda is a tropical and tasty blend with hints of mango and coconut mixed with spiced rum and a splash of soda water. RRP $24.99 per 4-pack.

For something non-alcoholic, try Mildura’s new sparkling fruit drink range. Made in Australia, Mildura Sparkling comes in 330ml cans for $2.50 a pop, so they’re perfect for summer barbecues and lazy days by the beach.

Brandy & PX Sherry Cask

For something that will surely impress your host, try this three-way collab. Tasmania’s Lark Distilling Co. has partnered with South Australian winemaker Seppeltsfield and Tasmanian distillery Bothwell to create its new Brandy & PX Sherry Cask release. This unique single malt was thoughtfully created using Bothwell’s iconic bourbon, which was combined with sherry and white oak casks to balance Seppeltsfield’s PX Sherry and Lark brandy barrels. This resulted in a deep, intense whisky with nodes of rich plum pudding, blackberries, forest fruits and citrus peel to finish – the perfect accompaniment for a Sunday evening feast and a treat for the holiday season. RRP 100ml $89.99 / 500ml $299.99 

Wine

It can be hit or miss with a bottle of wine. Your host may be quite the connoisseur. Fortunately, a bottle of Chablis will always impress a host. The Chablis region is located in the northernmost wine district of Burgundy, France. This cool climate produces wines with distinct tasting notes.

The full-bodied Grand Cru is perfect alongside lobster, crawfish and prawns, and white meats and poultry in cream.

The fresh and simple Petit Chablis is an ideal wine for summer salads or as a pre-dinner drink. It’s also delicious with hard cheeses like Gouda or Gruyere and savoury puff pastries.

The Premier Cru can be enjoyed young (5 years) or aged (10 years) and is a good match for oysters and fish in sauce or French dishes such as andouillettes (small tripe sausages) and escargots (snails).

Prosecco lovers will enjoy the Brown Brothers Prosecco range. Their Prosecco Brut NV is made from grapes picked from Brown Brothers Banksdale Vineyard in the King Valley. It’s bright, zesty and vibrant, with aromas of apple and citrus. RRP $27.00

Brown Brothers NV Prosecco bursts with lively notes of apple and citrus and is made to drink at its light and delicate best. RRP $20.00

Those wanting to reduce their alcohol intake will love Brown Brothers Prosecco Ultra Low, crafted for a new range of Australian palates with 0.5% alcohol, the flavour of green apples and a zesty finish on the palate. RRP $20.00

Lastly, the Prosecco Rosé NV is almost everyone’s favourite. It retains the freshness and vibrancy that Prosecco is known for, while providing a subtle hint of berry on the palate. RRP $20.00