Christmas Day in my house has never been about a perfectly styled table or everything running on time. It's about my people. It's about doors being open, extra chairs pulled in, kids in and out of the kitchen and conversations flowing as easily as the drinks. This year, as I get ready to host friends and family, my Christmas table feels especially intentional. Every choice I've made reflects who I want to support and what I want this day to stand for.
As guests arrive and the heat of the day settles in, the first thing I reach for is Jarrah Boy. I love cracking open a cold bottle and handing it over as we hug hello. Founded by Dale Vocale, a proud Monero Ngarigo man, Jarrah Boy is Indigenous-owned craft beer brewed with native Australian ingredients and named in language. It's refreshing, but it's also grounding. People always ask about it, which gives me the chance to share the story behind the brand and why I choose to support Blak-owned businesses whenever I can.
On the drinks table, right next to it, is Ben Tyler's Unconscious Drink. I make sure it's just as visible and just as celebrated. I pour it into proper glasses, add ice and a slice of citrus and offer it without explanation. Some of my guests don't drink, some are driving, and some just want something different. Having Unconscious there makes everyone feel considered and included, which is exactly how I want my home to feel on Christmas Day.
By mid-morning, the kitchen bench is full and Kakadu Organics starts to shine. I'm spreading their jams onto fresh bread for grazing boards, spooning chutneys alongside cold meats and prawns, and sprinkling dukkah over salads and roasted vegetables as they come out of the oven. These are the flavours people keep coming back for, asking, "What's in this?" Native ingredients like Kakadu plum aren't trends. They're ancient knowledge systems, and using Kakadu Organics feels like a small but meaningful way of honouring that knowledge while feeding the people I love.
Indigiearth is woven through the day in quieter moments. I brew their native teas early, sharing a cup with whoever is up before the house fills. Later, their spices and rubs are worked into marinades and finishing touches, adding depth and warmth to the meal. Lemon myrtle, wattleseed and bush tomato ground the food in Country and story, and they always spark conversation around the table. I love watching guests connect the flavours to the stories behind them, and understanding why supporting Indigenous-led businesses matters beyond one day of the year.
When the plates are cleared and the pace slows, Chocolate on Purpose comes out. I break it into pieces, pass it around with tea and coffee and let everyone help themselves. It's rich, indulgent and made with care, and it's the perfect way to end the meal. It reminds me that even the smallest choices, even dessert, can align with our values.
My Christmas table this year is full of laughter, warmth and intention. Choosing Blak-owned businesses isn't charity to me. It's how I show respect. It's how I invest in people, culture and futures.
This Christmas, as you open your home to the people you love, I encourage you to be intentional too. Ask who you're supporting. Choose Blak-owned. Share the stories behind what's on your table. Because when we choose Blak-owned, we're not just feeding our guests. We're backing our people.
If you'd like to bring these stories, flavors and values to your own Christmas table, you can support these Blak-owned and purpose-led businesses directly:
Jarrah Boy
Purchase online: https://jarrahboy.com/
Kakadu Kitchen x OzHarvest Conscious Drink
Purchase online: https://shop.ozharvest.org/products/kakadu-kitchen-x-ozharvest-conscious-drink-750ml
Kakadu Organics
Purchase online: https://kakaduorganics.com.au/
Indigiearth
Purchase online: https://shop.indigiearth.com.au/
Chocolate on Purpose
Purchase online: https://chocolateonpurpose.com.au/
