Make a Seafood Feast the Star of Your Christmas Table

Create a stunning Christmas dinner with a luxurious seafood feast. 

From whole baked fish to extravagant shellfish platters, discover festive flavours, sides and serving ideas for a brilliant holiday centrepiece.

When most of us imagine Christmas dinner, we picture a golden turkey, a mountain of roast potatoes and the familiar trimmings passed down through generations. 

But in recent years, more households across Britain have been rethinking their festive menus and embracing something lighter, more luxurious and wonderfully celebratory: a seafood-focused Christmas feast.

If you’re ready to bring a touch of coastal sparkle to your holiday dining, here’s how to create a seafood centrepiece that feels both indulgent and perfectly seasonal.

Why Choose Seafood for Christmas?

Seafood offers a fresh, elegant alternative to the traditional roast. It’s ideal if you’re expecting fewer guests, catering for pescatarians, or simply fancy a change from the usual marathon of turkey-based cooking. 

It also tends to be quicker to prepare, giving you more time to enjoy the day rather than watching the oven like a hawk.

And from a presentation perspective, few things look as spectacular as a grand platter of lobster, gleaming prawns, plump scallops or a whole roasted fish.

Choosing Your Showstopper

Your centrepiece can take many forms, depending on budget, confidence level, and how dramatic you want the reveal to be.

1. Whole Baked Salmon or Sea Bass

A whole fish baked with herbs, citrus and seasonal vegetables looks impressive yet requires very little hands-on effort. It’s naturally festive when served on a large platter surrounded by sprigs of dill, pomegranate seeds and roasted new potatoes.

2. Luxury Shellfish Platter

For pure extravagance, nothing beats a cold seafood platter:

Lobster tails

King prawns

Oysters

Dressed crab

Smoked salmon

Add bowls of lemon wedges, Marie Rose sauce, and herb-infused butter, and you have a Christmas lunch worthy of a seaside grand hotel.

3. Scallops with a Winter Twist

Pan-seared scallops served with crispy pancetta, winter squash purée or even a splash of champagne butter make an unforgettable starter—or a decadent main if you serve larger portions.

4. Festive Seafood Paella

Perfect for a relaxed Christmas Eve gathering or Boxing Day feast. Packed with prawns, squid and mussels, it’s warm, colourful and a brilliant centre-of-table dish for communal eating.

Flavours That Feel Christmassy

Seafood pairs beautifully with seasonal ingredients. Consider adding:

Citrus: clementines, oranges, lemons

Fresh herbs: dill, parsley, chives

Winter spices: saffron, star anise or nutmeg in small amounts

Festive garnishes: pomegranate arils, cranberries (fresh or dried), edible gold dust

And don’t shy away from serving with a chilled glass of English sparkling wine, it’s a match made in heaven with shellfish.

Sides That Complement a Seafood Feast

To keep your table balanced and Christmassy, pair your seafood centrepiece with:

Roasted new potatoes or buttery mashed potatoes

Winter greens with garlic and lemon

Honey-roasted carrots and parsnips

A zesty fennel and orange salad

Crusty bread for mopping up sauces

These sides are light enough not to overwhelm the star of the show, yet seasonal enough to keep the festive spirit alive.

Make It Social and Spectacular

Presentation is everything with a seafood Christmas. Use large white platters, rustic wooden boards, or tiered stands to show off different elements. Add greenery, bay leaves, rosemary or holly (for decoration only!)—to bring in that unmistakable Christmas feel.

A few candles and a scattering of sea-salt flakes over the platter just before serving can elevate the whole moment.

A seafood-led Christmas dinner is a refreshing, elegant and utterly delicious way to celebrate the season. Whether you opt for a majestic whole fish or a lavish shellfish tower, it’s a wonderful opportunity to introduce new flavours and traditions to your festive table.

If you’ve never tried it before, this might just be the year to bring the seaside to your Christmas Day feast.

Alternative Meats for Your Christmas Feast

Christmas dinner is a cherished tradition, and for many, turkey takes centre stage. 

But if you're looking to shake things up this year or cater to a diverse group of guests, there are plenty of delicious alternatives to the classic bird.

Whether you're feeding a smaller crowd, aiming for something less traditional, or accommodating dietary preferences, there’s an option for everyone. Here are some ideas to inspire your festive feast.

1. Goose: The Traditional Rival

Before turkey became the go-to Christmas roast, goose reigned supreme in Britain. Its rich, gamey flavour and tender meat make it an excellent alternative. Goose is also self-basting, thanks to its higher fat content, ensuring a succulent result. The rendered fat can be used for making incredible roast potatoes—an added bonus! Pair it with spiced red cabbage and apple sauce for a truly nostalgic Christmas meal.

2. Duck: A Smaller Yet Luxurious Choice

Duck offers a similarly rich flavour but is more manageable for smaller gatherings. A whole roast duck with crispy skin and a sticky orange glaze makes a stunning centrepiece. Alternatively, serve confit duck legs for an elegant twist. Duck pairs wonderfully with cranberry, cherry, or plum sauces to bring festive sweetness to your table.

3. Beef Wellington: A Showstopper

If you're seeking drama and decadence, look no further than a classic Beef Wellington. This dish combines tender beef fillet, mushroom duxelles, and savoury prosciutto, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. It's an impressive main course that will leave your guests in awe. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and a rich red wine jus for a meal to remember.

4. Venison: A Taste of the Wild

Venison adds a touch of rustic charm to Christmas dinner. Its lean, earthy flavour is ideal for a hearty roast or as steaks paired with juniper and redcurrant sauces. Venison works beautifully with seasonal accompaniments like parsnip purée, roasted chestnuts, and Brussel sprouts cooked with pancetta. It’s perfect for those who enjoy game meats.

5. Gammon: Sweet and Savoury Delight

A glazed gammon joint is a versatile and budget-friendly alternative. Whether slow-roasted with honey and mustard or baked with a sticky marmalade glaze, gammon brings a balance of saltiness and sweetness to the table. It’s also ideal for leftovers, making sensational sandwiches and salads in the days following Christmas.

6. Lamb: Rich and Tender

Roast lamb can bring a Mediterranean flair to your Christmas feast. Season a leg of lamb with garlic, rosemary, and lemon for a fragrant, tender roast. For something unique, try a Moroccan-inspired lamb tagine spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and apricots. Lamb pairs beautifully with mint sauce, roasted potatoes, and winter greens.

7. Vegetarian and Vegan Alternatives

If you're catering for vegetarians or vegans, there are plenty of festive options to rival a traditional roast. A mushroom and chestnut Wellington or a spiced nut roast can be as hearty and satisfying as any meat dish. For a more modern touch, consider a roasted cauliflower crown with tahini dressing or a stuffed butternut squash filled with quinoa, cranberries, and pecans. These dishes are packed with seasonal flavours and ensure everyone at the table feels included.

8. Seafood Celebration

For a lighter, coastal-inspired Christmas, why not try a seafood main course? Whole baked salmon with a dill and lemon crust is elegant and simple to prepare. Lobster tails or a luxurious seafood platter with prawns, scallops, and oysters can make for an unforgettable festive feast.

Final Thoughts

Breaking away from the traditional turkey can add excitement and variety to your Christmas celebration. From rich, gamey meats to plant-based creations, there’s no shortage of ways to make your festive meal memorable. Pair your chosen main with your favourite seasonal sides, and don’t forget to indulge in a decadent dessert to finish.

This Christmas, why not make your dinner table the place for culinary creativity? Whatever you choose, it’s the company and the joy of the season that truly matter. Cheers to a delicious and merry Christmas!