The spirit of camaraderie melded into the rich ingredients and special spirits that went into a vast cake mixing vat where select women invitees got into the act, complete with chef’s caps, aprons and gloves. The ceremony, held at The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata was a truly festive Christmas decor, and the carols in the background were an added boost to the Christmas cheer.

This tradition is being maintained by the hotel for a long time now, and happens about a month before Christmas. So, for a whole four weeks, the carefully chosen dried fruits soak in whiskey, brandy, rum and some key spices, and then the final process of baking takes place. All the guests present went about the mixing gamefully, enjoying the heady aroma. The whole process is done as a portend of good times to come.

Afterwards, a carefully crafted spread awaited the guests, with everything from avocado open faced sandwiches to bite sized beer battered fish, mushroom vol au vents and plenty else. The “return gift” of a box of chocolates completed the picture of enjoyment.