Smoked Salmon at Christmas: Platters, Canapés & Scottish Traditions

Smoked Salmon at Christmas: Platters, Canapés & Scottish Traditions

10th Dec 2025

There’s something timeless about smoked salmon at Christmas. Elegant and indulgent, smoked salmon has become synonymous with Christmas for so many of us. With very little effort, you can create fantastic canapés or starters, just using a few slices of smoked salmon. Perhaps piled high upon warm blinis with soft cheese, or generous platters shared before the main meal, there’s nothing better than smoked salmon at Christmas.

At Donald Russell, we’re proud to offer Scottish Smoked Salmon and premium seafood from waters we know and trust. Our traditionally smoked and expertly handled range brings the true flavour of Scotland straight to your festive table.

Why Scottish Smoked Salmon? 

Scottish salmon has long been celebrated around the world for its exceptional quality. This richly flavoured, sturdy fish stands up beautifully to curing and smoking. Our Scottish Smoked Salmon is cured and slowly smoked over oak, allowing the flavour to develop slowly and naturally. The result is delicate, tender slices with that unmistakable depth. 

It’s this traditional approach that makes Scottish smoked salmon so special at Christmas. It feels indulgent yet effortless, and it suits every kind of festive gathering, from casual grazing boards to a starter course in a formal dinner. 

Of course, smoked salmon is just one part of our Christmas seafood collection. If you’d like to explore a little further, you’ll also find magnificent centrepieces such as NEW Scottish Creel Caught Whole Lobster and Scottish Whole Langoustines, all perfect for a luxurious addition to your celebrations!

The Ultimate Smoked Salmon Platter 

A smoked salmon platter is easily one of the simplest ways to impress your guests. With just a few thoughtful touches, you can turn a pack of beautifully prepared salmon into a showpiece. 

Start with the star!

Our Scottish Smoked Salmon is best enjoyed after defrosting in the fridge for at least two hours (or overnight), then brought to room temperature. This allows the delicate oak-smoked flavour to shine. 

To serve: 

  • Season lightly with cracked black pepper 
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon 
  • Scatter over rocket leaves 
  • Finish with slivers of Parmesan for a savoury lift. 

Serve with soda bread, wholemeal, or a seeded loaf with plenty of butter. 

For a warmer, sweeter option: 

Try our Honey Roast Scottish Smoked Salmon. Lightly brushed with honey, this dish offers gentle sweetness, pairing beautifully with citrus or winter herbs. Defrost fully in the fridge, remove from the packaging, and let it stand for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.  

Serve as it is, or flake over salads, warm potatoes, or soft brioche. 

Make it a true seafood feast 

If you’re feeding a crowd, consider adding: 

Each arrives frozen at peak freshness and only needs to be defrosted before serving.

Festive Canapés in Minutes 

One of the great joys of smoked salmon is how quickly it turns into something special. During the busy festive season, that’s invaluable.

Here are a few effortless canapé ideas that always delight: 

  1. Classic Mini Blinis

Top warm blinis with a small curl of Scottish Smoked Salmon, a dot of crème fraîche or cream cheese, and a sprig of dill. 

  1. Crisp Cucumber Rounds

Ideal if you're keeping things light. Add Scottish Smoked Salmon ribbons, a squeeze of lemon, and cracked pepper to sliced cucumber rounds. 

  1. Hot Smoked Trout Pâté

Mash ChalkStream Hot Smoked Trout with crème fraîche, lemon zest, and chives. Spoon onto crostinis, oatcakes or water crackers for a canapé ready in minutes. 

  1. Honey Roast Brioche Bites

Layer flakes of Honey Roast Scottish Smoked Salmon onto toasted brioche slices with a little mustard mayo for a sweet, buttery, and festive bite. 

  1. Smoked Salmon Rolls

Spread softened cream cheese over each slice, roll the salmon tightly, chill, then slice into bite-sized coins. Perfect for passing around. We’d recommend following some classic recipes for the best and easiest (and least messy!) way to do this. 

Every one of these takes under 10 minutes to assemble, perfect for when friends or family drop by unexpectedly.

Gifting Premium Smoked Salmon 

Smoked salmon makes for a thoughtful Christmas gift, especially for the foodies in your life in prefer something savoury to something sweet! It feels generous, practical, and indulgent all at once. 

Each of our smoked salmon products arrives: 

  • Frozen at peak freshness 
  • Carefully vacuum-sealed 
  • Packed with dry ice to stay perfectly chilled in transit 

You can choose from: 

Pair with artisan bread, a wedge of cultured butter, or a bottle of bubbly for a complete gift.

A Taste of Scotland for Your Festive Table 

Whether you're preparing a sharing platter, creating quick canapés, or sending a thoughtful gift, Scottish Smoked Salmon is a delicious treat this Christmas. With its rich depth of flavour, velvety texture, and incredible versatility, it’s no wonder it continues to be one of Britain’s most-loved festive favourites. 

From all of us at Donald Russell, we hope our smoked salmon and seafood range brings something unforgettable to your celebration this year. 

!