First the table. I decided to go for tartan as my theme this year and bought a red tartan blanket for a tablecloth. I am using red napkins tied with ribbon and in the middle of the table, I have a clear vase on a woven base holding a white candle and chestnuts. This is surrounded by a wreath, covered in felt hearts and wrapped with twinkly LED blue battery lights, which I got from xmasdirect, who specialise in lovely twinkly lights for all year round. I am quite pleased with the effect and it will be even more lovely on Christmas evening with the candle lit. You will notice the table is only set for three. This is just a trial run. There will actually be six of us on Christmas day. A bit of a squeeze, but great fun.
Giveaway at end of post.
(Update! I added a couple more place settings and used it for dinner tonight. Cooper was unimpressed with all the fripperies and more interested in playing with the pepper grinder, *sigh* Why do I bother?)
Now the food. So, on to the vegetarian Christmas. I haven't settled on the final meal yet, but I thought I would have a search for some inspiration and share it with you. There are a few things I have to think about. No dairy or eggs for Graham, no spice for my dad and no or just a few mushrooms for Lachlan. My mum and I are easier to please and Cooper, well we will have to wait and see. I may have to make more than one version of each meal. Here are some of the dishes that made my mouth water.
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| photo: Closet Cooking |
- Black Bean & Sweet Potato Soup with Lime - Kalyn's Kitchen
- Breaded Aubergine and Mozzarella Stack with Marinara Dressing - Amuse Your Bouche
- Courgette & Pesto Parcels - A Wee Bit of Cooking
- Crowdie Stuffed Mushrooms - A Wee Bit of Cooking
- Fig & Gorgonzola Crostini with Honey - Closet Cooking
- Roast Onion Soup with Thai Spices - Please Do Not Feed The Animals
- Tomato & Goats Cheese Tarts - More Than Burnt Toast
- Tortellini Soup The Garden Grazer
- Vegetable Biryani Stuffed Tomatoes and Mushrooms - Farmersgirl Kitchen
- Watercress sorrel velouté - French Foodie Baby
Main Course
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| photo: Stasty |
- Balsamic Tomato & Feta Tart - Tinned Tomatoes
- Carmelised Onion and Feta Cheese Tart - A Pot of Tea and a Biscuit
- Celebration Pot Pie with Pumpkin Biscuit Crust - FatFree Vegan Kitchen
- Festive Strudel with Cranberry & Port Sauce - The Vegetarian Experience
- Goats Cheese Galette with Baked Tomatoes & Rosemary - A Tasty Love Story
- Mushroom Nut Roast in Golden Puff Pastry - Lisa's Kitchen
- Sweet Potato Strudel with Balsamic Mushroom Sauce - More Than Burnt Toast
- Vegetable Spiral Arty Tart - Stasty
- Vegetarian Sausage, Mushroom and Stuffing Wellington - Belleau Kitchen
Side Dishes
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| photo: A Wee Bit of Cooking |
- Blackened Potatoes - Tinned Tomatoes
- Carrot, Courgette & Peanut Butter Stuffed Mushrooms - Tinned Tomatoes
- Cauliflower Mash - Amuse Your Bouche
- Creamed Leeks - Jam and Clotted Cream
- Mushroom & Whisky Gravy - Green Gourmet Giraffe
- Onion & Sundried Tomato Gravy - Green Gourmet Giraffe
- Parmesan Gratin with Gruyere and Thyme - Feasting at Home
- Puy Lentils with Aubergine & Red Onion - A Wee Bit of Cooking
- Roasted Cauliflower and Aged White Cheddar Gratin - Closet Cooking
- Rumbledethumps - Tinned Tomatoes
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| photo: Annie Eats |
- Banoffee Pie - Tinned Tomatoes
- Berry Almond Brioche Pudding - A splash of Vanilla
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie - Annie Eats
- Cranberry & Mincemeat Streusel Cake - The Caked Crusader
- Creamy Rice Pudding with Boozy Berry Compote - Tinned Tomatoes
- Frozen White Chocolate Cream Puffs - Rock Recipes
- Key Lime Pie with Meringue - Tinned Tomatoes
- Mocha Chocolate Creams - Fuss Free Flavours
- Trifle Sponge Cake - Caked Crusader
- Truffle Torte - Tinned Tomatoes
- Whisky Christmas Pudding - Butcher Baker
- White Chocolate Bread Pudding with Whisky Cream Sauce - Julia's Album
Christmas Lights Giveaway
Xmasdirect have kindly offered me four sets of multi-function christmas lights for one lucky winner. The winner can choose the colour. If you would like to win the lights, just leave a comment
For extra entries:
- Like the Tinned Tomatoes Facebook Page and leave a separate comment to let me know you have done so.
- Follow @tinnedtoms on Twitter and leave a separate comment to let me know you have done so.
- Follow Xmas Direct on Twitter @XmasDirect and leave a comment to say you have done so.
- Tweet the competition using (Make your Christmas twinkle! Win 4 sets of Christmas lights from @XmasDirect @tinnedtoms http://tinyurl.com/ce6a49m #giveaway #win #Christmas) and leave a separate comment to say you have done so.
- Follow Tinned Tomatoes on Google Connect or Networked Blogs (down the side panel) and leave another comment to say you have done so.
This giveaway will run until Thursday 29 November 2012.
Good luck everyone!
This giveaway is now closed, the winner has been drawn. The winner is - Cornish Girl.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.
Ooh, you set a beautiful table, Jac.
ReplyDeleteWednesday evening I'm setting mine for Thanksgiving, and I'm really thrilled to be using all of these dishes I found from the 1800's - people hold onto these beautiful things, and look at them, rarely use them, and then... die. I picked up a load of gorgeous stuff thrifting, and I have decided I really want to use it. I'm certainly loving your chestnut candle thing!
Better still is a chance to talk food! We're a mixed bunch at our table, too - omnivores, pescatarians, vegetarians and vegans... so things get tricky. So far, I am making roasted Brussels sprouts with slivered almonds and a vinaigrette; I know people don’t love those, but they can be really good, and they’re good for you. Also making roasted butternut squash ragout with mock duck, dried cranberries and pears. Also D’s making a gluten roast with garlic and various root veggies, roasted potatoes/sweet potatoes, and gravy (which we're attempting with almond milk - we'll see how that goes). I will also make a green salad, so we don’t die under the heaviness of all the other food. I have pumpkin, but I don’t know if I’m going to make a simple pie, or pumpkin custard with coconut milk.
I can't wait to see pictures of your trial run and THANKS for the links to all of those fantastic and fancy looking foods!! Even though cooking for vegans can be a little challenging, but it's a good excuse not to rely on cream and cheese to round out a meal.
Merry, merry! ☺
Wow, sounds like you are organised Tanita and it all sounds great apart from the brussel sprouts. I can't stand them. Only veg I don't like. Happy Thanksgiving when it comes and I will quietly be jealous of your lovely old plates :)
DeleteYou are so ahead of the curve. I haven't even thought about Christmas yet. Thanks for including my soup!
ReplyDeleteThat's ok Kalyn, it's a fab recipe. I am glad to be a bit more organised this year :)
DeleteLovely table's Christmas decorations Jacqueline!! I like the Tartan design and the food! So many inspiring vegetarian dish...Italian vegetarian side dish are very simple.
ReplyDeleteYes, the side dishes are definitely the easy part :)
DeleteI have done my Christmas shopping too - just waiting for the last of it to be delivered, can't wait for the tree to go up so I can get some shoe space back in my wardrobe!!! I am well impressed that you already have your menu sorted, that was my plan for this weekend but I have failed miserably ... might be stealing some your ideas ;0)
ReplyDeleteGood, I am glad to have inspired you Chele. I am wondering where I will put my tree this year, as I have a bookcase where it usually sits.
DeleteI have a tartan tablecloth too! I made it years ago. It has holly material round the border. I don't bother with the fripperies as, like Cooper, no one seemed that interested, so the food is the main event. Love, love, love that spiral tart, visually stunning.
ReplyDeleteThe spiral tart is amazing, isn't it? I do love the sparkly lights on the table instead of just candles. Don't know why I didn't think of it before.
DeleteWow, you are super organised. Love the tartan table cloth. You have got quite a lot to think about re everyone's dietary requirements. Hope the planning goes well :-)
ReplyDeleteI know, but I am sure it will be fine :)
DeleteJacque, table looks absolutely super and the food.......well so many delightful dishes tomchoose from. Even though I've just had a huge meal I could have eaten quite a few of them. I'm sure everything will be wonderful at Christmas, sorry we won't be there. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks. Would be better if you were both here, even though it means two sittings, haha xx
Deleteoooh it's great to get some veggie christmas inspiration - I've got a couple of vegetarians to feed this christmas so feel like I want to make an effort for them. I think some tarts would be good as I can make them ahead of the big day to cut down on the stress.
ReplyDeleteGood idea Katie and there are some good ones in my links :)
Deletewhat a bloody excellent post!... I love that youve shown up all those moaners who bang on about what they're supposed to cook for veggies for Christmas... thank you for including me, that's brilliant option!... I also did a wonderful veggies mushroom suet pudding last year too... fab post! xx
ReplyDeleteWell I am lucky enough to have missed the moaners, but thank you. There are some yummy recipes and I will have to check out that mushroom dish :)
DeleteAll the recipes sound delicious, will be trying some over Christmas. I would like to win the lights
ReplyDelete@cqbish
Thanks Rainie :)
DeleteI follow on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI follow on Twitter
ReplyDelete@cqbish
I follow Xmas Direct on Twitter
ReplyDelete@cqbish
I have Tweeted about the competition
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/cqbish/status/270733430411644928
@cqbish
I follow on Google Friend
ReplyDeleteYour table looks gorgeous - and your dietary requirements sound interesting - I think I will be doing bare minimum for Christmas day this year after our trip but this list makes me want to plan somethingfancy
ReplyDeleteYes, no wonder as you are travelling around the world first :)
DeleteI was really interested to read this, Jac. My sister is vegan, so we always are looking for ideas to cook for her on Christmas day, too!
ReplyDeleteNot many of the options are vegan, but they can be adapted :)
DeleteI will be cooking veggie this year as my parents are vegetarian and I am happy to go veggie too! Lovley post and I hope I win the lights, as we need some new ones!
ReplyDeleteGood luck then Karen. I can't wait to hear your menu :)
DeleteLots of new ideas there. Love the look of the Berry Almond Brioche Pudding and I'm definitely going to try some of those starters :)
ReplyDeleteGlad I inspired you :)
DeleteYour table is lovely Jac. And I can't get over that spiral tart - I'm just blown away! Part of me wants to try it and the other part of me knows I could never do it justice.
ReplyDeleteThanks Louise. Yes, I felt like that when I saw that tart too. The girl is a genius! I want to try it, but I am a bit scared :)
DeleteLoving that tartan look - very apt for the season.
ReplyDeleteThanks Erica :)
DeleteLiked on fb
ReplyDeleteFollowing on twitter @ericahughes
ReplyDeleteTweeted @ericahughes
ReplyDeleteFollowing on GFC
ReplyDeleteWow! Glad I found this blog. Some great recipes and some lovely ideas here. Definately inspired to try some of them out. I am following you on Facebook now. (Lindy Hine)
ReplyDeleteGood. I hope you visit again Lindy :)
DeleteFollowing on twitter too (@LindyHine)
ReplyDeleteI am following @XmasDirect on twitter too (@LindyHine)
ReplyDeleteHave tweeted @LindyHine
ReplyDeleteFollowed you on GFC too! (I came up as Linda Hine on that one)
ReplyDeleteLove the inspiration! I've been veggie for 20 years and usually do a puff pastry thingy with balsamic tomatoes, cranberry sauce and crumbly Lancashire cheese! Would love to win some twinkly lights please! Emma xx (twitter id @beachpebble)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds good Emma, I'll have to try it :)
DeleteTweeted for a bonus entry xx (@beachpebble)
ReplyDeleteFantastic post! I'm not cooking Christmas dinner this year. Wishing I were now I've seen this.
ReplyDeletePS Fairy lights are my favourite. :)
Yes, I love fairy lights too and not just on a tree. It is always hard to take them down after Christmas.
DeleteOoh, I love your centre piece! You have inspired me :)
ReplyDeleteWould love to win some lights, please enter me into the draw :)
Am a liker or your facebook page (Hele Reith)
ReplyDeleteFollow you on twitter @milkpetal
ReplyDeleteFollow Xmas Direct on twitter @milkpetal
ReplyDeleteHave tweeted - https://twitter.com/milkpetal/status/272294170314539010
ReplyDeleteFollow you on GFC too :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the ideas and inspiration for the vegetarian Christmas board. Everything looks so yummy, delicious and attractive. And I love that the recipes are included.
ReplyDeleteI also like to prepare handmade gifts for my vegetarian and vegan friends: I give jams made with fruits from my own orchard, pickles and chutneys made from my garden vegetables and other yummy treats and they're always appreciated.
I am glad to have inspired you Heather. I usually give chutney & jam at Christmas, but didn't get round to making chutney this tear, so jam it is .
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great foodie inspiration - as a non-veggie, I'm always looking for tasty new ideas. Love your tartan Christmas table too :)
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I'd be delighted to win some twinkly lights, thanks for the chance!
I'm a happy follower of your blog :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I like your facebook page too.
ReplyDeleteI have some great ideas now for my Christmas dinner, make a change from quorn roast :) I'm liking the idea of the Goats Cheese Galette with Baked Tomatoes & Rosemary. Fairy lights are always a winner, cheer me up all year round.
ReplyDeleteFollow you on FB as Samantha Fernley
ReplyDeleteFollowing Xmas Direct on Twitter as @happyhomebird
ReplyDeleteLove vegetarian ideas, we eat wayyy to much meat in our family
ReplyDeleteFollowed on twitter as kbh4031
Facebook as kelly mse harper
Tweeted too :D
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