Russian touches bring soulful carols, hearty comfort dishes, and time-honored customs: slow-simmered borscht, golden pirozhki, honeyed tea service, and a table laid for the traditional twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper (Sviatki-inspired) that honors abundance and family stories. Add the French je ne sais quoi through elegant plating, butter-rich pastries (think tarte Tatin and madeleines), a cheese board with seasonal picks, and delicate sparkling wine or warm mulled cider with brandy.