Put together a perfect Christmas with Santa's online helpers

In a world where there seems to be an app for everything from buying groceries to hiring a plumber, why hasn't one been invented that organises Christmas for you?

For the chronically couch-bound, crowd-averse, time-sparse individual who loves the festive trappings but not the effort involved, it IS possible to outsource the cooking, the decorating, the gift-buying, even the ho-ho-ho-ing (thanks to rent-a-Santa).

We've made a list of party elves for you to call upon that you don't even have to check twice.

All you need is a smartphone and a wifi connection and before you know it, Christmas will be at your door, just the way you ordered it.

DECK THE HALLS

FLORAL OBSESSION

#01-1K,Scotts Square Atrium

Tel: 9146 0660

www.facebook.com/myfloralobsession

Chris Teo is a horticulturist and floral designer who turned a hobby into a "passionate obsession" that has lasted more than 20 years.

The 45-year-old has spent the last two years running his Floral Obsession, at Scotts Square, and offers festive home-decorating services.

Check out his customised wreaths, garlands for the staircase, or table centrepieces.

For him, it's all about being able to "create something that changes the whole atmosphere" that makes his day. Price upon enquiry.

EGG3

Tel: 6348 6564 / 6536 6977

www.eggthree.com

If your last attempt at Christmas decorating left you agonising over what to hang where, it's time to call in professional designers like Mike Tan.

The owner of lifestyle concept stores Egg3 has been in the trade for over 14 years, so he knows exactly what to buy create the mood you want.

He charges a minimum of S$5,000, and this includes things like full-dressed Christmas trees, ornaments, and products to hang or place around the house.

To reach him, just call one of his stores and a staffer will be able to link you up.

POLLYANNA

Tel: 6742 4212

enquiry@pollyanna.sg

https://pollyanna.sg

Pollyanna started business in 1989 as a supplier of Christmas decorations, along with artificial flowers and home lifestyle products.

They currently have a Christmas pop-up store in Tanglin Mall.

Their clients are mainly retailers and interior design companies, but they also do residences upon request.

You can either give them a theme or pick out your own festive decorations via their website - pre-decorated Christmas trees, garlands, or wreaths - and have them set it up for you.

Price upon enquiry.

FESTIVE FEASTS

FOODPANDA FINEST

https://finest.foodpanda.sg

Food delivery can be fancy too. Foodpanda's just-launched fine-dining arm foodpanda finest delivers meals cooked by high-end restaurants such Royal Plaza on Scotts, Peony Jade, Song of India, and Long Chim.

You also get a pick of bespoke packages that include hand-picked spirits and wines from partners like Wine Connection.

For Christmas, MeatSmith offers a premium platter (S$193 for four pax) featuring a dino beef rib, smoked chicken, pork ribs, garlic ribs, and sides, as well as Motorino's Festive Feast (S$172 for four pax) which includes a charcuterie platter, and lamb shoulder.

BAR-ROQUE GRILL

165 Tanjong Pagar Road #01-00

Tel: 6444 9672

www.bar-roque.com.sg

Modern rotisserie Bar-Roque Grill at Tanjong Pagar is teaming up with French bakery and cafe Do.

Main this year to serve a special Christmas menu. Select from homemade charcuterie including foie gras terrine (S$65 for 250g, S$128 for 500g); roast turkey with sides and gravy (S$220, serves six to eight); whole gammon smoked ham (S$138 for 1.5kg); beef wellington (S$260, serves four).

End the meal with Do.Main's Rubis log-cake made with almond capuccine sponge, chestnut cremeux and blackcurrant mousseline (S$48 for 900g).

Delivery is free with a minimum spend of S$1,200++, and reservations are required five days in advance.

GATTOPARDO

34 Tras Street

Tel: 9325 8843

www.gattopardo.com.sg

Gattopardo's Sicilian coastal-inspired Christmas catering menu offers options beyond ham and turkey.

Chef-partner Lino Sauro designed two menus that will be available from Dec 18 to 25.

Menu A features burrata cheese salad with fried kale and pomegranate, egg tagliolini pasta with Japanese sea-urchin sauce, and either oven-roasted seawater eel or crispy roast pork belly.

Finish off with a Christmas pandoro cake and Modica's bitter chocolate mousse at S$120++ per person (min eight pax).

Menu B includes a chicken consomme with Sicilian red prawns, Christmas turkey stuffed with chestnuts; and Sicilian spicy scorpion soup.

Priced at S$138++ per person (min 10 pax), reservations need to be made 48 hours in advance.

FIZZY DELIVERY

VINOMOFO

https://vinomofo.com.sg

Australian online wine retailer Vinomofo always makes sure you're well stocked.

This wine-tech company was founded in 2011 by Andre Eikmeier and Justin Dry, and officially launched in Singapore earlier this week.

They carry a range of wines from S$20 and up, from Australia, France, Italy, Spain, New Zealand, and Argentina.

Same-day delivery is possible as long as orders are placed before 2pm.

A few recommendations include Mimi The Flamingo Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2015 and Dromana Estate Tuerong Park Pinot Noir 2015.

CHEF FOR HIRE

CLUBVIVRE

www.clubvivre.com

This on-demand cheffing service lets you pick one of three Christmas menus available on the

Clubvivre's website, starting from S$85 per head (min six) for a three course set - potato gratin, ratatouille, whole roast turkey or marinated seabass, and a classic Christmas pudding.

Everything is done online, and confirmation is given within 48 hours of booking.

On the day itself, the chef arrives with ingredients, prepares the meal in two hours, serves it, and even cleans the kitchen after.

What could be easier than that?

GIFT LIST

ONE FARRER HOTEL

1 Far rer Park Station Road

Tel: 6705 7825

If you don't have a personal shopper, tap into One Farrer Hotel's in-house gift list which is extended to the public.

New gifts include the Royal Selangor Cell Whisky Decanter (S$230) and the BSAB Weed Diffuser - Lemongrass/Himalayan spices (S$158) which uses pure essential oils to give strong depth of scent.

Exclusive to the hotel is also Newby Teas Carousel Collection of green teas (S$79), with tin caddies featuring original illustrations by London artist Sarah Perry.

There's free delivery for purchases over S$500, or S$30 if below that.

This article was first published on December 11, 2016.
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