Five places to celebrate this December

Interior of The French Kitchen of the French Cafe in Mt.Eden. Picture / Babiche Martens.

Private dining destinations perfect for entertaining a small festive crowd.

1. The Pearl Room at The Oyster Inn on Waiheke caters for 32 guests for a sit down lunch or dinner. Book by emailing events@theoysterinn.co.nz

2. Journey west for the afternoon or evening to The Tasting Shed in Kumeu. The free-standing Cabana and partially enclosed Grotto dining spaces are perfect for hosting without hassle. Ph (09) 412 6454.

3. Orphans Kitchen's wood-clad dining room seats 20 and can accommodate you for breakfast, lunch or dinner, so you can flex your Christmas entertaining muscle at any time of day. Ph (09) 378 7979.

4. The French Kitchen at The French Cafe is a beautiful space with its own open kitchen, where Simon Wright or Sebastian Hindrichs can cook for an intimate number of guests. Ph (09) 377 1911.

5. Make a lasting impression by hiring a food truck to come to you. Our favourite options are The Lucky Taco, The Roaming Dive or, for a liquid lunch, Claire Donaldson's One Little Wagon, a caravan bar on wheels.

- VIVA