Take care when setting the Christmas pudding a light or when flaming liquors to add to other dishes.  A safe way to do this is to put the brandy or liquor into a metal soup ladle.  Warm it over the hob, then set light with a match and pour the flaming alcohol over the pudding. 

 

This technique can also be used when flaming is required for dishes such as Beef Stroganoff  or Crepes Suzette.