Christmas to Go

Erika Fulenwider offers tips for an effortless Christmas at home.
Prefer an intimate Christmas dinner at home over the noisy, party atmosphere out on the town? Then there are plenty of take-out and dine-in options. Whether you are throwing a small party, a large banquet, or simply a family gathering, there are grand take-away meals and deluxe hampers to satisfy your holiday food cravings - and save you the hassle of cooking.

Oliver’s Choose from chilled hampers with meats and cheese, fresh antipasto platters, Christmas hampers stuffed with fine wine, chocolates, cakes and puddings, and a plethora of wine and liquor collections. Save yourself the work and order food for your holiday parties, includinig freshly cooked turkeys, roasted hams, and New Zealand lamb racks. Pick up the Christmas Catalogue 2005 for a full list of goodies and recipes Hampers cost $480-$3,360. Shop 233 Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Rd., Central, 2810-7710.

Great Order a cooked turkey, ham, chestnuts, traditional stuffing and other fixings, as well as platters of cold cuts and cheeses, and pastries and cakes for dessert. Also pick up the Christmas hamper catalogue from the order counter. Hamper prices range from $380-$3,500. Basement, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2918-9986.

Wildfire Party at home with Wildfire turkeys. Order a 10-pound pre-carved turkey with chestnut stuffing, roast potatoes, gravy and cranberry sauce - enough for up to six people - for $1,800. Place orders from Nov 25-Dec 25 and allow eight-10 days for processing. Asia Miles members can pick up a dinner in exchange for 16,000 miles. Pick up an order form at any Igor’s Group restaurant (The Cavern, La Bodega, Marlin, The Keg, Wildfire, Stormy Weather, The Boathouse) or call 2540-6630. 21 Elgin St., Central, 2810-0670.

InterContinental Hong Kong Traditional holiday fare such as roasted turkey and fixings, glazed ham, homemade puddings, cakes and gourmet items can be ordered through the Restaurant Reservation Center (2721-1211, ext. 2323 or 2324) or by visiting the Holiday Desk in the hotel lobby. Executive chef Laurent Andre has prepared two choices of festive culinary hampers with bakery items, homemade chocolates, gingerbread, Christmas pudding and more. 18 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui.

The Kowloon Hotel Take your pick from two types of hampers at the Kowloon Hotel. The Luxurious Hamper is filled with gourmet goodies such as French red and white wine, tricolor pasta, and Italian panettone ($898). The Angel’s Cradle is filled with bath and beauty products ($588). Purchase five or more and receive a lunch buffet coupon for two at the Window Café; buy 10 or more and you’ll get a cash coupon worth $800 for the Window Café. Order on or before Dec 22. 19-21 Nathan Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2929-2888.