Monday 9 November 2026
The festive season is just around the corner, and the best tables and treats always go early. We have picked five of the strongest ideas from The Sauce Collective‘s festive round-up, from afternoon tea at Jacqueline at The Chancery Rosewood and restaurants open on Christmas Day from Mayfair to Chelsea, to a midnight Champagne tower party at The Eagle Bar and gifts including Rick Stein’s Christmas Pudding. Here is how to plan a delicious December.
1. Festive afternoon tea at Jacqueline at The Chancery Rosewood
Festive afternoon tea is one of the great December rituals, and the round-up’s headline pick is Jacqueline at The Chancery Rosewood. It is billed as the home of the World’s Best Afternoon Tea, which sets the bar suitably high for a Christmas treat. Afternoon tea is a lovely way to catch up with friends or family without committing to a full evening out. It also makes a thoughtful gift for someone who has everything. Festive sittings tend to be in demand, so it is worth booking sooner rather than later.
2. Let someone else cook on Christmas Day
If the thought of wrestling with a turkey fills you with dread, why not hand over the cooking this year? The round-up includes a guide to restaurants open on Christmas Day, from Mayfair to Chelsea and beyond. Eating out on the big day means no washing up, no timings to juggle and more time with the people you love. It can also be a memorable way to mark a special Christmas. Christmas Day tables are among the hardest of the year to secure, so plan ahead.
3. Festive set menus to suit every budget
Office parties, catch-ups with old friends and family get-togethers all need a venue in December. The round-up gathers festive set menus from around the UK, with prices ranging from £20 to £185. That spread means there is something for a casual group lunch as well as a full-blown celebration. Set menus also make organising a group much simpler, as everyone knows what to expect and the bill is easy to split. Get your dates in early, as December weekends fill up fast.
4. A midnight Champagne tower party at The Eagle Bar
Once Christmas is over, attention turns to New Year’s Eve, and the round-up has a showstopper. The Eagle Bar is hosting a midnight Champagne tower party to see in 2027. There are few more celebratory sights than a glittering tower of glasses as the clock strikes twelve. It is a fun option for anyone who wants a proper party rather than a quiet night in. New Year’s Eve plans are best sorted early, before the tickets disappear.
5. Gifts and hampers for food and drink lovers
Stuck for presents? The round-up’s festive gifting guide is full of ideas for anyone who loves good food and drink. Highlights include Rick Stein’s Christmas Pudding, a crowd-pleasing addition to the Christmas table. There are also hampers, which make a generous gift for families or colleagues. For the spirits fan, premium Venezuelan rum is a stylish choice to wrap up. Edible and drinkable gifts are always welcome, and they never end up gathering dust in a cupboard.
Info
Afternoon tea: Jacqueline at The Chancery Rosewood
Christmas Day dining: Restaurants open from Mayfair to Chelsea and beyond
Festive set menus: From £20 to £185
New Year’s Eve: Midnight Champagne tower party at The Eagle Bar
Gifts: Rick Stein’s Christmas Pudding, hampers and premium Venezuelan rum
Book directly with each venue or retailer.