Five best venues for Christmas Day lunch with locations in Ipswich, Eye and Sudbury revealed in lifestyle guide

Christmas lunch is by far the most anticipated meal of the year, but it can easily become the most stressful.

From fussy eaters to sprout-haters to dietary requirements – all that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to cooking the perfect festive meal.

However, this year you can skip the headache and dine in-style at these five Suffolk venues.

Muddy Stilettos – a lifestyle guide – has revealed these places to be the best locations for a ‘chic’ Christmas Day lunch.

Here are the top five:

Hintlesham Hall Hotel

Where: Hintlesham Hall Hotel, Hintlesham, Ipswich, IP8 3NS

Looking for a traditional Christmas scene with a roaring fireplace, a glittering tree and posh fine-dining? Then Christmas at Hintlesham Hall is just the place.

The hotel offers an indulgent three-course menu that includes a Christmas Eve champagne reception accompanied by local carol singers, a Christmas hamper, lunch and evening buffet on Christmas Day as well as a casino night on Boxing Day.

If you need to walk off the festive food, the site also offers 175 acres of grounds. To book your table, click here.

The Swan, Lavenham

Where: High Street, Lavenham, Sudbury, CO10 9QA

Nestled in the centre of the medieval village, The Swan offers a three-night Christmas package including a five-course menu.

Starting from £32, the dishes range from a roast turkey with apricot and chestnut stuffing to a roast sirloin served with red cabbage, Brussels sprouts and parsnip puree.

During your stay, the package also includes a champagne and canapé reception and a choir performance on Christmas Eve as well as quiz on Christmas Day.

Pre-booked guided tours of the historic town are also available. Click here for more.

The Westleton Crown

Where: The Street, Westleton, Saxmundham, IP17 3AD

Before you sit down to enjoy a Christmas lunch by a roaring fire, start your festive day with a walk by the Dunwich coast.

For the price of £95 per adult and £45 for under 12s, this festive menu includes a Jerusalem artichoke soup for starters, a roast shalford turkey with pigs in blankets for mains and a vegan Christmas pudding for desserts.

To make it even more magical, book a stay in one of the luxurious rooms and spend the afternoon working through the cocktail and wine list. To book a table for your family, click here.

Retreat East

Where: Brick Kiln Farm, Sandy Lane, Hemingstone, near Needham Market, IP6 9QE

Retreat East is set to be a gastronomic feast with a Jerusalem artichoke risotto for starters, a roasted turkey ballotine and braised feather blade steak as mains and a selection of traditional desserts.

For £145 per person, enjoy a chilled glass of fizz and canapés on arrival before sitting down to a three-course meal.

To enjoy the festive spirit for even longer, the hotel also offers luxurious stay packages with spa facilities.

Click here to book your space.

The Oaksmere

Where: Rectory Road, Eye IP23 8AJ

Situated in the heart of Suffolk and hidden down a stunning lime tree avenue, The Oaksmere boasts stunning architecture – with some dating back as far as the 16th century.

Enjoy the big day in absolute luxury and feast with a six-course menu, including a selection of canapés, a fish course and even a pre-dessert for £120 per person.

If you need some fresh air, you can enjoy the hotels 17 acres of parkland or relax in one of the rooms.