Following the Yuletide traditions, members of The Tollygunge Club and their guests gathered at the main lawn to soak in the spirit of Christmas at Absolut Glassware presents The Telegraph X-Mas Feast. People of all age groups joined this annual feast, accompanied by soothing retro music setting the mood for a relaxed Christmas afternoon. The weather being pleasant added to the spirit of an outdoor gathering for the kids and adults alike. Snapshots.
“I think Calcutta is great for celebrating Christmas. I really like how Park Street is all lit up in its best attire. This year is very special for me because I have got my daughter, my family and my parents here. To celebrate Christmas here with the full family is a dream come true. Tolly Club is where I really grew up. Played lot of golf here with my father. I am a big foodie. Getting a mix of Bengali food and Anglo-Indian food is what I love about Tolly Club. I also love dropping by at my favourite stops, be it Nahoum or Flurys,” said Leander Paes.
“Such a treat to see so many people I’m fond of! I’ve always loved Calcutta’s exuberant Christmas spirit, which was as vivid at this sun-splashed lunch today as it is in the dazzling lights of Park Street, which I miss every year wherever in the world I may be,” said Nandana Dev Sen (right), who dropped in with husband John Makinson, daughter Meghla and author Shobhaa De.
“It is wonderful to be in Tolly Club and meet all the friends who have come from all over the world. It is so special. It gives us the feeling of bonhomie and the festive spirit is brought in by the wonderful lunch with a lovely spread. I look forward to the cold cuts, the lovely salad and the traditional desserts,” said Nayantara Palchoudhuri.
Hair accessories that we loved
We spotted some cool Christmas-themed hair accessories sported by kids as well as adults. Antlers was the popular choice.
Style pick
We loved how the Khannas colour- coordinated their outfits in black and maroon, all picked up from the UK. “We are regulars here. We live in Delhi but make it a point to visit Calcutta during winters,” said Devapriya, an entrepreneur. “Mumma always has the idea of what the entire family should be looking like and we dress accordingly,” said Avantika (left) and Ahana.
It was all about wearing an old wardrobe favourite for Theresa Joseph and accessorising it with a pair of cool shades. “This is my first visit to Calcutta. I am here for my cousin’s wedding. I have heard that Christmas is huge in Calcutta. I am looking forward to go to Park Street and soak in the vibe,” said Theresa, a graphic designer from Cochin.
Food and Sip
Roast Potato, Bekti in Cheese and Wine Sauce, Roast Turkey Galantine with Onion Sauce, Pot Roast Rummy Lamb were popular dishes at the food counter along with a variety of salads and delish desserts. Cocktails like Creamy Top Campfire, Creamy Chocolate Infused Vodka Martini and Creamy Top Eggnog were some of the bestsellers at the bar counter.
Photo corner
The Absolut photo corner at the entrance decked out with Christmas decor had people pose for the perfect click before joining the celebrations at the main lawn.
Music
Kamran Khurshid set the afternoon mood at the club with English retro numbers. Starting with melodies like Love Will Keep Us Alive, he moved on to rock ’n’ roll numbers like Jailhouse Rock, Y.M.C.A., I Want To Break Free and ended the performance with What A Wonderful World and Last Christmas. “I have been coming to Tolly for the last 10 years. I know the members here love classic numbers,” said Kamran.
Club speak
President of Tollygunge Club, Sanjiv Dhir, joined the spirit of bonhomie with his entire family. “This event has been going on for as long as Tolly started and it is the traditional Christmas lunch. I think a lot of people really look forward to it. Everyone who walks in gets the vibe and indulges in the spirit of celebration,” he said.