Turkey and the holidays go hand-in-hand, but a holiday celebration doesn’t always have to be about a big dinner.  Before the pitter patter of excited little feet on Christmas morning echo through the house, celebrate a quiet moment with a loved one with breakfast in bed. (or maybe after the gifts have been opened, slip back into bed for this breakfast treat)


Or, host a decadent holiday brunch with close family and friends as an alternative to holiday cocktail party or turkey dinner. Sebastien offers the following tips to host a festive brunch.

•    A holiday brunch is best kept simple with lots of white linen and touches of colour from seasonal greenery and flowers

•    Start the celebration off with something to take away the winter chill and brew a pot of gourmet coffee or espresso and serve spiked with Carolans Irish Cream or Kahlua

•    What’s festive and fizzy all over?  Champagne of course!  Champagne livens up any occasion – big or small – and the holidays wouldn’t be a complete without it.  Three recipes:

#1 – Bellini (champagne or sparkling wine with fresh peach juice and a splash of peach liqueur or peach schnapps)

#2 -   Mimosa (very traditional for brunch, champagne or sparkling wine with fresh orange juice)

#3 – Berry Splash (champagne or sparkling wine with strawberry juice and a splash of cassis liqueur, garnish with a floating raspberry)

•    For a sweet twist on a breakfast favourite, prepare a Buried Fruit Omelette.  The honeyed taste turns this dish into an indulgent breakfast, with a delicious surprise inside

•    For a more traditional breakfast recipe, try Fluffy French Toast with Caramelized Apples.  A change from plain French toast, this is sure to please guests, especially when topped with Caramelly syrup.  And for the busy hostess, it’s easy to prepare in advance