A celebration at home – Two festive tables with chef Ivelina Ivanova

Christmas is a time for warmth, shared moments and the comforting aromas of homemade food. And the most memorable festive tables are those that bring tradition and new ideas together around one table.

In this culinary experience, you will create two different festive menus – a traditional meat-free table inspired by Christmas Eve, and a rich, elegant feast for Christmas Day. You will discover how familiar holiday flavors can be given a contemporary twist and presented beautifully, without losing the warmth and spirit of a homemade celebration.

You will work with aromatic spices, nuts, dried fruits, seasonal vegetables, mushrooms, cheeses and festive ingredients, creating dishes that impress with their flavor, texture and presentation.

You will also learn how to plan your preparation so that the festive table becomes a pleasure rather than a source of stress – which elements can be prepared in advance, how to organize your time and how to combine the different dishes into a harmonious menu.

And once everything is ready, you will gather around the table to enjoy everything you have created together – just as a true celebration should be.

During the course, you will prepare:

For the Christmas Eve table

• Aromatic soda bread with walnuts, tahini and samardala – you will also prepare a classic version with a lucky coin, a small detail that turns the bread into a true symbol of the festive table.
• Bean spread with roasted garlic and herb butter – a rich and aromatic combination of familiar ingredients, presented in a fresh and contemporary way.
• Winter marinated salad with apple cider vinegar, citrus and spices – a fresh and aromatic addition that brings balance and color to the meat-free menu.
• Meat-free chumlek with wild mushrooms, chestnuts and prunes, baked in a clay pot – a comforting and richly flavored dish where the earthy aroma of mushrooms meets the sweetness of dried fruit and the richness of chestnuts.
• Poached quinces with pistachio pesto, white chocolate and basil – a delicate and elegant dessert combining fruity freshness, nutty notes and gentle sweetness.

For the festive Christmas dinner

• Colorful salad with pomegranate, persimmon and mint dressing – a fresh beginning with festive colors, sweet-and-sour notes and a refreshing touch of mint.
• Christmas wreath with a vibrant green spinach sponge, cheese mousse, smoked salmon, delicate sprouts and red caviar – an impressive festive appetizer that turns the table into a true celebration.
• Beef tenderloin stuffed with pistachios, dried cranberries and sage, served with Madeira sauce – an elegant main course with a rich filling and aromatic sauce, worthy of a special occasion.
• Polenta with ricotta and Parmigiano, served with roasted wild mushrooms and thyme – a creamy and aromatic side dish with rich flavors and delicate woodland notes.
• Christmas Snowballs – homemade strawberry ice cream, pistachio cream and golden crispy kadaif, transformed into an impressive dessert to finish the festive dinner.

During the experience, you will also learn:

• how to plan your festive menu and preparation several days in advance;
• which components can be prepared ahead of time;
• how to organize your work so you don't spend the entire celebration in the kitchen;
• how to combine flavors, colors and textures into a balanced menu;
• how to present festive dishes beautifully and impressively;
• how to transform traditional ingredients into contemporary festive creations.

The experience is suitable both for those hosting Christmas at home for the first time and for experienced hosts looking for new ideas, techniques and inspiration.

Lecturer: Chef Ivelina Ivanova

Location: Menu Culinary School, Sofia, 6–8 Maestro Mihail Milkov St.

Date and time: 19 December 2026
10:00–16:00

The voucher is valid for one participant.

Gift the taste of the holidays – a day spent creating two beautiful festive tables, discovering new ideas and taking home inspiration for the warmest celebrations with your loved ones.