It’s a tradition for families to reunite during the Christmas holidays and take the opportunity to spend quality time together.
If it’s your turn to host the relatives in your Mosman home, you’re probably feeling the pressure to entertain and indulge them. Read on for some ideas to make this family festive season a jolly one.
More organisation, less stress
Begin planning early so you can welcome your guests with open arms and a relaxed smile, knowing everything is under control. Prepare the house in advance by putting up the Christmas decorations, creating space in the fridge and freezer and organising the guest bedrooms. It’s a nice touch to stock up on spare items for your guests such as travel-sized toiletries or a hair dryer. If you’re time poor, recruit a personal concierge and get them to take over.
Food is always a big part of Christmas so it’s worth investing time up front to plan menus and order shopping ahead of time. Consider offering buffet meals, particularly if you are expecting a large group. Or why not outsource and hire a local Mosman private chef so you can relax and enjoy yourself too?
Little things, such as having a list of your guests’ dietary requirements, allergies or favourite foods, will go a long way to making their stay special. If you’re ordering gifts online, get onto it early so they are delivered well in time. Most online stores now offer gift wrapping as well.
Planning activities or dining out near and around Mosman? Early bookings are essential at this time of year, especially for larger groups.
Group day trips
Mosman and the local area offer a wealth of choice when you’re looking to entertain your yuletide holiday visitors.
Take everyone on a nature walk to enjoy the beautiful harbour views and bush landscape. The Manly to Spit or Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay tracks are both stunning. Go for a swim at one of the secluded beaches along the way followed by a delicious lunch at a cafe in Manly or Chowder Bay.
Treat everyone to an unforgettable Mosman experience on the water with a harbour cruise. Champagne Sailing is a local business offering fully catered on-board Christmas parties. For a more leisurely, intimate sightseeing cruise check out Sydney Harbour Boat Tours.
Your guests may prefer an active Mosman adventure, and what better way to see this picturesque part of the world than in a kayak? Sydney Harbour Kayaks offer a four-hour guided eco tour around Middle Harbour. It’s a great opportunity to learn all about the local environment and history while enjoying the peace and serenity of the natural bushland.
Other fun family options include the unmissable Roar and Snore experience at Taronga Zoo, which the kids will love.
Hire a driver for the day
For seniors or less mobile family members, take everyone on an intimate, personalised tour to see the highlights of Sydney from a top-of-the-range Tesla. Revel Drive will organise chauffeur-driven electric vehicles to pick you all up from home in Mosman and plan a day taking in all the unmissable city sights in luxurious comfort.
Eating out in style
Spoil everyone with a lunch or dinner (or a few of them) at one of Mosman’s iconic restaurants.
The Bathers’ Pavilion in Balmoral is a must with its classic art deco style and beachside location.
For fabulous fresh food and water views it’s hard to get past Ripples at Chowder Bay. Why not book here for a special dining experience on Boxing Day?
Treat them to sweeping harbour views and a delectable high tea at Burnt Orange cafe or Gunners Barracks.
Closer to the centre of Mosman, Yachiyo offers locals and visitors the best of Japanese food. While two-hatted Grecian Blue is the place to go for exquisite Mediterranean flavours.
A chance to impress on New Year’s Eve
Your visiting family will surely be expecting to see the world-renowned Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks given Mosman’s prime location.
First option for an awesome New Year’s Eve experience on your doorstep has to be Taronga Zoo. Bring your own picnic and get rock star views of the fireworks in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Bradley’s Head: The Amphitheatre is another local choice for unmissable views, a festive musical vibe and its suitability for all ages.
If you’re inclined to impress them with a more luxurious New Year’s Eve experience then NYE at Pier One could be the choice for you. This festival-atmosphere event offers premium views of the Harbour Bridge as well as live music and food and drinks stalls. Otherwise, for an adults-only 5-star view of the show take a look at Kirribilli Club, which is offering a three-course meal and deluxe beverage package.
These are all ticketed events so it’s best to reserve quickly to avoid disappointment.
The De Brennan Property family wishes you all the best in planning and enjoying a fun, festive season with loved ones in Mosman.
