Australia’s much-loved food personality, Lyndey Milan, returns to television in March with a series close to her heart. Lyndey, who was recently awarded an OAM for services to the Australian food and wine industry, is once again on the hunt for the best food, wine and fun on offer – this time in her own backyard.

Entertaining at Christmas can seem like a daunting taste, but with coaching from Lyndey Milan and the Lifestyle FOOD Channel, you'll quickly master a traditional Christmas or Modern Christmas feast.

'I want people who don't entertain all the time not to get stressed at Christmas when it's their turn to cook lunch or dinner for family and friends. There are so many great dishes in the series which suit both a traditional or a contemporary meal,' Lyndey says. 'I want to give you some options that will highly impress your guests and keep your stress level low.'

On the traditional menu is smoked trout mousse, clove-studded glazed baked ham with accompanying mustard fruits, craisin and apple relish, a traditional stuffed and roasted turkey with vegetables. There's also white Turkish delight rocky road. All the dishes look superb and Lyndey makes it seem so simple.

For a contemporary take on Christmas, Lyndey prepares smoked crisp-skinned duck breast with spiced pickled cherries, white almond gazpacho with seared scallops, a seafood platter with chimichurri sauce, chipotle mayonnaise, salt-crusted standing rib roast of beef, roasted baby beets, baked parsnip with garlic and thyme, Bernaise sauce, baked Atlantic salmon with salsa verde, minted tomato salad, potato salad, raspberry ripple nougat parfait, and berries with sparkling shiraz syrup and white chocolate mousse. Seriously good food and seriously simple under Lyndey's knowledgable instruction.

Lyndey’s Cracking Christmas episode 1 Traditional Christmas premieres on the Lifestyle FOOD Channel on Monday, 10 December; and episode 2 titled Modern Christmas screens on Monday, 17 December, both at 8.30pm.