Eat, drink and be merry

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While turkey is a Christmas favorite, few people know about the alternatives available.

The shop window is key to enticing customers into stores. (CCTV.com)

Fortnum's butcher, Gary Connolly, explains that duck can be a good alternative for a smaller family. Smoked salmon is another favorite during the festive season. And lobster can add a touch of luxury to a Christmas meal.

Confectionery and chocolate are popular at this time of year as well. Glace (Gla -say) fruit and sweetmeats are a Christmas classic.

Managers of the store feel confident of their sales this Christmas. But one survey at least appears to refute the idea that Christmas and luxury -- always -- go hand in hand. It indicates that as many as 60 percent of the people questioned will be making more festive food from scratch than they did last year. But an analyst says the luxury end is still doing quite well.

Malcolm Pinkterton, Senior Analyst, said, "Obviously, food inflation doing very well."

All in all it seems that despite financial belt-tightening, Christmas still represents a great time for indulgence.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei