Making Christmas easy with some party menu inspo
We are quite the social butterflies at The Fold, so the silly season and all the parties it tends to bring with it is quite possibly our favourite time of year!!
We’re also super savvy with making sure we maximise our party time and minimise the working our butts off in the kitchen time – that’s why when we checked out Bendooley Estate Larder’s Christmas catering menus, we got all inspired to rustle up some festive food ideas for the different types of gatherings we host, turn up to or ahem* crash.
One more thing we love about Bendooley Estate Larder’s menu is the variety of gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and even vegan options, so everyone can enjoy something tasty this season.
From the big day to work parties, pre-Chrissy cocktails to post-Chrissy catch-ups, here’s what we reckon will get your Christmas party started!

CHRISTMAS DAY FEASTING
Why not save some stress in the kitchen this Christmas and check out Bendooley Estate Larder’s Christmas Day Catering. It’s a Highlands classic, and for good reason. It’s simply delicious.
We’ve ordered it in the past and can confidently say the quality and flavour are outstanding.
You might decide to pick a few highlights from the menu, like the Glazed Leg Ham or the Slow Braised Junee Lamb Shoulder for mains. Maybe even add their iconic Chocolate Yuletide Log for dessert and handle the sides yourself. Or you could go all out with their Full Christmas Lunch Package. Either way, you’re in for a treat.
There are four packages to choose from: small or large, with the option to include wine in each. Go on, it’s Christmas after all!
- The small package includes a sourdough loaf with Pepe Saya butter, a 4-5kg maple and clove glazed leg ham, and olive and tomato braised chicken thighs with lemon, olives, and capers. You’ll also get 1kg of poached Australian King prawns with Marie Rose sauce and citrus wedges.
For sides, there’s smoked paprika roasted pumpkin, sweet potato, fennel, carrot, Spanish onion, and thyme, plus a chat potato salad with pancetta, snow peas, asparagus, and chickpeas tossed in Bendooley Estate saffron dressing.
And for dessert, it’s that decadent chocolate Yuletide log with raspberry and cherry compote… mmmmm.
This small package is perfect for around 4-6 people. - The large package features the same wonderful selection, just with larger portions. You’ll get 7-8kg of ham, 1.5kg of prawns, and bigger sides.
This one suits around 8-10 people.
If you choose to add wine, you can pick from two options: Prosecco, Pinot Gris, Rosé, and Pinot Noir.
Orders are open and must be placed by 12pm on the 23rd. We recommend getting them done ASAP so you can cross one more thing off your Chrissy list.

CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL PARTY
Who doesn’t love a few cocktails with friends and loved ones over the festive season?
And amidst all the merriment it’s best to keep the crew fed as well. No hangry guests for you!x
Bendooley Estate Larder’s catering menu has lots of nommy nibbles that are sure to bring a level of sophistication to your shindig.
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a fancy affair, their selection will have everyone jolly.
Here’s some inspo:
- The Bendooley Cheese Board filled with Cloth-matured cheddar, Milawa Blue, and Furneaux brie, served with quince paste, lavosh, and dried muscatel grapes.
- The Bendooley Deli Board with chicken liver parfait, cured meats, Australian olives, toasted sourdough and condiments.
- Their selection of Dips & Olives including Mixed marinated olives, Classic Hommus, Green pea, mint & fetta dip, Sweet potato & sesame dip.
- And for puds the Individual Chocolate & Almond infused Panna Cotta which are also gluten free.

WORK CHRISTMAS PARTIES
It’s the end of a busy year and it’s time for everyone in the office to step away from their desks and let their hair down.
If you’re having a casual catch up at the office or factory or workshop, outsourcing the catering is a great idea.
Or maybe the boss is welcoming everyone to the family home for a chilled out catch up.
Or maybe you’re hosting a bit of a relaxed soiree for your clients at the office.
Whatever it is, the food needs to be substantial. Make it filling, delicious and easy to serve up on a buffet or Susan’s desk.
Here’s some inspo:
- Sydney rock oysters
- Dill & Pernod Gravlax Cured Salmon
- Chicken tikka wraps with slaw
- Roasted vegetables wraps with tomato relish
- Ham + Cheese wraps
- Chocolate and hazelnut torte
- Raspberry ripple cheesecake
- Carrot & walnut cake with cream cheese icing

WHEN FRIENDS AND RELOS COME TO STAY OVER CHRISTMAS
We absolutely love hosting family and friends over the Christmas break.
But in amongst whipping out the blow up, getting everything tidy, making sure Grandma has that tea she likes and no one’s stuck next to Uncle Bob’s snoring in the guest room, deciding on what to cook can feel like an extra pressure.
Bendooley Estate Larder has some excellent options to help lift the load whilst still looking like a host extraordinaire.
Whether you’ve got guests staying for a few days or just popping in for a catch-up, they’ve got the goods.
Here’s some inspo:

THOSE IN-BETWEEN DAYS
Those days between Christmas and New Year can feel like a time vacuum… and we love it!
Lots of lazing around, catching up with loved ones, and of course eating leftovers.
But there comes a point when you get a bit over three-day-old ham and salad and just need to get out of the house, right?
Why not place an order for one of Bendooley Estate Larder’s amazing Picnic Hampers?
Filled with fresh wraps, salads, nibbles, and sweet treats, plus the option to add a bottle of vino, it’s a fab way to enjoy the warmer weather, pull everyone away from the telly, and take a break from leftovers.
Nice!

DON’T FORGET THE WINE
Best stock up on the vino now before the festivities truly kick off.
We love having an extra bottle [or three] on hand for when guests unexpectedly pop in, a quick catch-up turns into a long lunch, or even for last-minute host gifts.
Bendooley Estate Larder has plenty to choose from, straight from the Estate itself.
Here’s some inspo:

Merry Feasting Highlanders!
Bendooley Estate Catering from the Larder features the fresh, wholesome food you find every day in the Larder on Bong Bong Street, Bowral. Sooooooo delicious and fresh. From small lunches with friends, dinners with large groups, work functions and everything in between, there is a range of meals and packages to suit any occasion. Click here for more information about this fab local offering.
…
This blog features friends and advertisers of The Fold Southern Highlands and is fully endorsed by The Fold Southern Highlands. We strongly believe in the businesses and all the information we share with you on The Fold and we’re excited to share the amazing stories and adventures of our local businesses. We want to say a BIG thank you to you for supporting our sponsors who help make The Fold possible.


