: Dust off the stockings and deck the halls, Christmas has come early with the launch of a pop-up restaurant dedicated to the most wonderful time of the year.
For three nights only, from 6 - 8 November, Kiwis can jingle, mingle and dine at Woolworths Christmas Table - a fun night of festive feasting with Trudi "The Foodie" Nelson sharing all the best tips and tricks for hosting Christmas at home.
Tickets are only $30 each, which includes a three-course meal and all beverages with all sales going straight to The Salvation Army's Christmas Appeal.
Rising culinary star, 19-year-old Emily Morgan has been handpicked to design the decadent menu which guests can enjoy at The Tuesday Club in Auckland.
The award-winning teen has used nothing but Woolworths Own food range and fresh seasonal produce for the three-course meal to show that everyone can create a memorable feast to share with those who matter most.
"You don't need a fancy kitchen or expensive ingredients to create an incredible Christmas spread," Emily says. "It's all about quality ingredients, flavour, fun, and using what's easily accessible-like Woolworths' Christmas ham and lamb, which are essentials for any Kiwi Christmas lunch in my book!"
Trudi, meanwhile, is excited to combine her hosting and culinary expertise, by giving guests a magical night of food, fun and festivity.
"It all started for me with my part-time high school job at Woolworths Kensington in 1987," says Trudi. "So, it's fun to be back with Woolies presenting this fun Christmas pop-up and showing people how they can create all their favourite festive meals using time-saving tips, without breaking the budget."
"Christmas is loads of fun but can be stressful for those in the kitchen! I know there will be many holiday hosts keen to get the jump on the silly season and be prepped for the big day," says Trudi.
The menu will give guests a taste of what's possible when you combine creativity and quality ingredients.
Starters include zucchini and corn fritters, perfectly paired with a zingy avocado and lime cream, and mains feature a Christmas centrepiece protein line-up that'll have mouths watering: slow-cooked lamb leg, chargrilled harissa chicken, lemon and caper baked salmon, and Woolworths' award-winning Christmas ham.
Fresh summer salads and exquisite sides will complete the main course followed by dessert - a platter of Woolworths' iconic Christmas cakes, pies, and puddings, wrapping up the evening in sweet style.
Guests will leave stuffed full of delicious eats and easy Christmas hacks to recreate the celebration on December 25th. Plus, each night Woolworths will shout one lucky winner the full Christmas feast for hosting at home.
Food is what brings Kiwis together at Christmas, says Woolworths Commercial Director Pieter De Wet.
"It's the most exciting time of year for our team and we love seeing what Kiwi families are serving up at home, whether it's a casual summer BBQ or a sit-down meal with ham, lamb and all the trimmings.
"This Christmas, Woolworths Own food range will have a selection of well-loved Christmas classics, and some with delicious twists. We have the best ham in the land with our award winning free-farmed ham, an apricot and rosemary stuffed spring lamb, or whole chicken with cranberry glaze with gingerbread stuffing!
"With Christmas Table, we want to take the stress out of Christmas cooking by showing guests how to create tasty meals using Woolworths' high-quality products. Plus, it's wonderful to be able to give back to The Salvation Army in the process."
With just 60 seats available at the pop-up restaurant each night, spaces will fill fast and it's first in, first served. Tickets are available here .
