Take-out Christmas

Not eager to brave the weather and fight the crowds? Stay home and enjoy a cozy Yuletide celebration with friends and family. Our food writers tell you where to go for the best goodies.

Beijing

Gobble gobble on the go

In Beijing, there is the whimsically named take-away special from The Fairmont. This year, the hotel is taking a fresh approach to Christmas to help those wishing to dine at home without any of the added stress. The Cut will be preparing delicious turkeys with all the trimmings for an innovative promotion to enjoy at home. Turkey packages start from 1,688 yuan ($280) and include a whole roasted bird of about 6 to 7 kilograms, stuffing, glazed root vegetables and sauces. Additional sides, starters and desserts can be chosen a la carte for a surcharge. Orders will be taken up to Dec 26.

Fairmont Beijing. 010-8511-7777.

Four Seasons festive hampers

For those who prefer to whip up their own gourmet creations, hampers from Four Seasons Beijing will help the process along. Packed with holiday delights, the hampers include fine pasta from Mio, Lorenzo No 5 olive oil, a bottle of XO sauce, Or Noir chocolates, macaroons, gingerbread and cookies, Mio's Cantucci di Prato almond biscotti and an Iberico ham Christmas pudding with a bottle of Italian Gaja Ca'Marcanda Promis red wine. You can also choose from other options that include more goodies, such as a ceramic bottle of gourmet Chinese vinegar, Kaluga Queen caviar, Staud jam and a bottle of Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV Champagne. Prices range from 1,888 yuan ($310) to 2,888 yuan.

Four Seasons Beijing. 010-5695-8888.

Putting on the Ritz

If you are out to impress, bring home the Ritz-Carlton Beijing catering team. They are all ready to help you put up a most impressive year-end party with personalized service. Prices start at about 388 yuan ($64) per person with a minimum order of 30, but you will be getting served at your own home by the chef and his impeccably couture serving team. Add on 30 yuan for free flows of beer and another 80 yuan for free flows of wine. The canapes are as classy as ever.

The Ritz-Carlton Beijing. 010-5908-8973.