Real Housewives star Krissy Marsh’s lavish Christmas prep
Real Housewives star Krissy Marsh is taking holiday celebrations to a whole new level. Discover how she and other Queensland celebs are ringing in the festive season.
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Real Housewives sensation Krissy Marsh is taking holiday celebrations to a whole new level with her insanely elaborate Christmas lunch, with a jaw-dropping, months-in-advance planned feast on the Sunshine Coast.
But she’s not the only star in Queensland with unique holiday plans, as the Courier-Mail reveals how other beloved Queensland celebrities, from radio hosts to fashion icons, are ringing in the festive season.
Krissy Marsh, Real Housewives of Sydney
In a blend of culinary expertise and family traditions, Krissy Marsh, famed for her role in “Real Housewives of Sydney,” is preparing for an extraordinary Christmas celebration at her family’s Noosa home on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
This year’s festivities, detailed by Marsh, are set to be both a grand and intimate affair with nearly 30 family members gathering for a traditional feast.
“We got 30 (people) for Christmas lunch, which is really, really exciting,” Marsh said.
Marsh, who is also a chef and cookbook author, takes a meticulous approach to the holiday season.
She revealed that the planning for Christmas Day’s menu begins as early as November.
“put out the Christmas menu in November. Everyone gets to comment on it say what they want additions,” she said.
Christmas in the Marsh household is a well-orchestrated event with each family member playing a role in the preparation.
“Everyone knows their job in November … It’s all very much a tight well-oiled machine,” she proudly stated, revealing that almost every dish is freshly prepared on Christmas Day.
The Christmas spread, a testament to Marsh’s culinary prowess, starts with a tantalising array of seafood, including Oysters Kilpatrick and Moreton Bay bugs, celebrating the local Queensland cuisine.
The main course features a diverse selection, ranging from stuffed turkey to beef fillet and rolled pork, catering to every family member’s taste.
Alongside the main dishes, the festive table will be adorned with various sides and desserts, some of which are specialties from Marsh’s cookbook.
However, Marsh emphasises that Christmas is more than just about the food; it’s a time for relaxation and family bonding.
After a busy year for Marsh, from appearing on Season two of reality series ‘The Real Housewives of Sydney’ and releasing a cookbook, she plans on using her time on the Sunshine Coast unwind to reset.
“For me, being a Queenslander, it’s about unwinding. It’s my happy place, looking out to the greenery … It’s tranquil,” she shared.
Adding to the festive joy, Marsh is also bringing her four dogs from Sydney, ensuring that the celebration is a truly all-inclusive family event.
“I also bring my dogs up there as well, so they can’t wait to go on holidays,” she said.
David ‘Luttsy’ Lutteral, Nova radio host
David ‘Luttsy’ Lutteral, the charismatic Brisbane Nova radio host, has a heartwarming Christmas planned, balancing community service with family time.
Luttsy, known for his vibrant personality on air, will begin his Christmas morning with an act of kindness.
“A few of us will lend a hand to Al Graham and his Suncorp Stadium team as they feed the homeless Xmas morning,” he shared, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.
After contributing to this noble cause, Luttsy will join his family for a traditional Christmas lunch, revealing a simpler side to his festive celebrations.
He humorously noted his father’s easy-to-please nature, saying, “The old man is pretty easy to please as long as he has a XXXX Gold in hand.”
In contrast, his mother’s preference for seafood on Christmas Day leads the family to Gambaros on Caxton St.
“We thought instead of spending hours peeling prawns we’d let someone else do the heavy lifting,” Luttsy explained.
“The guys were just named the 2nd best Seafood restaurant in Australia which most people wouldn’t even know!
“Plus, it’s Mum’s shout, so let’s make it count….”
Laura Geitz, former Netball player
Queensland netball legend Laura Geitz is embracing a nostalgic and family-oriented Christmas this year, returning to her roots for a special celebration.
Geitz, along with her husband Mark Gilbride and their four children, Barney, Franky, Billie Mae, and Pippa, are set for a ‘bush Christmas’ at her childhood farm, a place she hasn’t visited for Christmas in a decade.
“This Christmas, we’re actually just going to go back to the farm and have the most basic Christmas,” Geitz shared, expressing her joy in the simplicity and magic of a stripped-back holiday.
Unlike the hustle and bustle of urban festivities, Geitz is looking forward to a tranquil celebration, reminiscent of her childhood memories on the farm.
“Because I grew up on a farm on Christmas time always fell during harvest so I remember
my childhood of Christmas memory is Christmas arrives the most stressful time you know,” she reminisced.
“So I always remember like our Christmases was so basic because a harvest was either still going or it just finished and we were everyone was exhausted. So it was all very basic.”
“I find a lot of joy, a lot of magic in just stripping it right back to what’s special and just having everyone around us that’s important and not getting too caught up.”
A key element in their festive preparations is a real Christmas tree, a relatively new tradition Geitz holds dear.
“Our tree from Little Christmas Co. was our first one last year that we had as a real Christmas tree,” she recalled.
She added that the scent of the fresh tree, filling their home throughout December, adds to the authentic Christmas atmosphere.
Most exciting for Geitz is the prospect of waking up on Christmas morning at the farm, surrounded by nature and family.
“I’m so excited for it because it’s like going back to the place that I had all my childhood Christmases,” she said.
Abby Coleman, B105 radio host
Brisbane’s B105 Breakfast show host Abby Coleman is gearing up for a memorable Christmas with her family on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula,
Known to many as the familiar voice driving them to work, the mum-of-three is set to enjoy the festive season with a blend of family fun and unique traditions.
“We do an epic savage Santa with the extended family before lunch,” she shared, detailing their exciting gift exchange tradition.
This family activity is not just about the gifts; it’s a playful and competitive event, complete with ‘boobie prizes’ and a coveted major prize.
”One major prize last time was a new Dyson hairdryer. It becomes quite heated,” she revealed
For Abby, Christmas is also about indulging in her favourite dish.
“Prawns are my favourite food,” she said, explaining how she makes a special seafood dipping sauce that combines BBQ sauce and mayonnaise, a recipe she learned while working at a posh Sydney establishment.
Beyond the fun and food, Christmas holds a deeper meaning for Abby.
“Seeing my husband’s face when the kids open their presents from us … he is just as surprised as them,” she said with a laugh.
Additionally, the family eagerly anticipates Santa’s gifts, which also serve as a fun gauge of how well her husband behaved throughout the year.
This Christmas, Abby’s wishlist is focused on the future.
“Money, to start a savings account to start travelling more as a family,” she revealed.
Liesel Jones, Former Olympic swimmer and Triple M radio host
Former Olympic swimmer and Triple M radio host Liesel Jones is set for a cozy and intimate Christmas this year in Samford with her parents. The festive season for Jones is marked by a unique blend of family traditions and simple joys.
“I’ll be in Samford this year with my parents, a small and quiet day.”
Despite the low-key celebration, the spirit of Christmas is kept alive with a playful family tradition.
“The Kearns Family (my Mum’s side of the family) play ‘Tipped ya last’ which is a massive game of tag,” she explained.
This game involves a race to the car to leave Christmas lunch, making for a fun and energetic end to the meal.
When it comes to Christmas cuisine, Jones has a traditional favourite.
“I love Christmas pudding with brandy sauce,” she said.
Above all, Jones cherishes the happiness and excitement of children during the festive season. “I love seeing kids enjoying Christmas,” she said, highlighting the joy brought by Christmas lights and carols.
As for her Christmas wishlist, Jones is practical yet hopeful.
“A new suitcase! Mine just broke on my last flight of this year,” she shared.
Sonia Stradiotto, fashion designer
Gold Coast fashion designer and entrepreneur Sonia Stradiotto, recipient of the Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year awards entrepreneur prize, is set to celebrate Christmas with a blend of family traditions and chic style.
This year, the festivities for Stradiotto, her husband, and their adult children will take place both at her home and her son James’ residence, reflecting a beautiful family tradition.
“Our clients have been trained well,” she proudly stated, referring to her boutique’s clientele who have already picked their holiday wardrobes.
She revealed that preparations for the season started as early as October, showcasing her foresight in fashion planning.
Christmas at the Stradiotto household is a festive and decorative affair, with the entire house, including the bathroom, adorned in Christmas decor. “Christmas is always full of decorations, the tree, lots of flashing lights, outdoor lights, we love Christmas,” she shared.
Being of Italian descent, Christmas is a significant occasion for her family, filled with love, celebration, and elaborate dinners, which she celebrates with her two adult children James and Bianca, her husband Craig, and his children Sarah and Angus.
This year, Christmas Eve dinner will be at Stradiotto’s home, featuring a beautifully set table with the finest crockery.
The main event on Christmas Day, will be hosted by her son James for the first time, marking a proud moment for her as the family traditions pass from one generation to the next.
Christmas lunch involves a blend of Greek and Italian traditions, including a lamb on the spit and Italian gnocchi, symbolising the merging of different cultures in their family.
As for fashion trends, Stradiotto highlighted that sequins, particularly pink and red, are in vogue this season, alongside the timeless summer classic, the kaftan.
“The Barbie revival this year bought a lot of pink sequin to Christmas, pink is running a tie with red this year, and a lot of sequins,” she said.
“Christmas Day is also about our beautiful caftans, Christmas Day for most families is about being at home by the pool.”
Christopher Wayne, celebrity magician and comedian
For Christopher Wayne, known as one half of the Naked Magicians and a former Big Brother housemate, this festive season holds a special significance, as he celebrates the precious gift of family.
Especially after a harrowing experience last Christmas Eve when he nearly lost a parent.
“I almost lost one of my parents last Christmas Eve, one year later they are alive and well,” he revealed.
Wayne’s Christmas is all about cherishing moments with his loved ones.
“I’m excited to spend this Christmas with my parents and family, celebrating our health and the gift of time,” he shared.
As a single adult, his day begins leisurely with a coffee and a hearty breakfast, setting the stage for festive family gatherings.
“Christmas is for family, New Year’s is for friends.”
His Christmas traditions, though unconventional, are filled with joy and laughter.
“Does getting blasted and doing the nut bush with my Grandma count as a tradition?” he said jokingly.
When it comes to the feast, Wayne’s favourite is the humble potato bake, enjoyed off a Christmas dish, playfully questioning those who prefer a cold Christmas lunch.
Amid the festivities, Wayne doesn’t forget to savour the unique tranquillity that Christmas,
“It’s the only time of year that LINKT don’t remind me that my toll account is overdue,” he said.
Looking ahead, he’s eager to dive back into work, revealing exciting plans for the Theatre of Magic’s relocation in February.
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