Help! I'm hosting the family for Christmas!

Last Updated: 12/05/2022

It has been decided, the die has been cast: it’s your turn to organize the family Christmas gathering this year! How will you decorate the table? What will you cook? What wines will you choose? Don’t panic just yet. We have concocted the perfect turnkey solution to inspire and simplify your life! Here are the places you need to go to peacefully prepare for the holidays and, above all else, to help you enjoy the whole process!

Let’s Hit the Grocery Store!

Several groceries and fine groceries are in Old Montreal this year, and they perfectly facilitate your shopping for the Christmas supper you have to organize… From premium ingredients to desserts already prepared for you, any helping hand you can get is great to help you avoid stressing out too much and allow you to fully appreciate the magic of the holidays!

Le Beau Marché, fine cheeses, fruits and vegetables, beers, and a helping hand!

No need to run from one side of town to the other to find gourmet cheeses from Quebec or France, fresh fruits and vegetables, craft beers, your baguette and croissants, or even prepared dishes (for in case you might have burned yours or you’d rather spend your time decorating your house). Now you can just push open the front door of this Notre-Dame Street grocery store. We love the almost retro look that gave our little trip to this boutique a bit of a European shopping trip feel.

Good to know, their hours of operation (7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the week, and 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends) are very practical!

Mercato Comunale, a Christmas with an Italian flavor

In this Italian market, you can buy local ingredients mixed with Italian flavors to concoct a delicious Christmas meal. You will also find a wide selection of natural wines that will accompany your dishes perfectly. Mercato Comunale is sure to impress your guests.

Chez Potier, desserts and gourmet dishes

Chez Potier is your top choice for desserts, of course, but also for their variety of hummus (perfect for tapas themed meals). And let’s not forget jarred Quebec cattail hearts, fiddleheads, or gourmet mustard – ready to slip under the tree right alongside a gourmet sampler for a gourmand, or a festive aperitif. When you’re ready to cook, put all the odds on your side with these premium ingredients!

Aisle 24, ultra practicality

Aisle 24: the solution to simplifying and resolving all our problems with the ingredients we always run out of last minute. Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, this is THE handiest place to know! Who hasn’t had to interrupt a recipe because you’ve run out of butter, sugar, or that spice that you could have sworn you bought more of… And this new place in the neighbourhood gets rid of that problem entirely! Whew!

Desserts to Close Out the Meal

A unique dessert from Bervig

At Bervig's, you can have specialized pastries prepared to offer an intense and elegant moment for a dessert. This pastry shop opened in September and offers delicious Christmas cakes made to order and wants you to experience emotions with every bite you eat! Beware, you will not be able to do without it!

Bread For the Table!

Boulangerie Le Marquis: meeting your guests’ dietary needs!

When it comes to preparing meals, you should take into consideration those you know that may be suffering from celiac disease or gluten intolerance. To make sure everyone is included, turn to Boulangerie Le Marquis sans gluten who, as the name suggests, offers gluten-free breads, pastries, and even quiches for a smooth, trouble-free supper that everyone can take part in.

L’amour du pain: the name says it all!

The special breads, baguettes, and even their cannelés (our dear favourites!) will be able to jazz up your table and compliment any cheese or dish. We love their savoir-faire and the generous taste of their products will never let you down.

Photos: Le Marquis (1), Pâtisserie Bervig (2), Le Beau Marché (3)