Are you the type to create a hosting Christmas checklist? Perfectly mapping out your Christmas day menu to a tee to make sure everything runs to schedule. Or are you a little looser when it comes to the day, letting everyone chip in with their two bobs and extravagant last-minute Christmas lunch ideas? Either way, we’re extra lucky as Sarah (Head of our food team) has put together her top tips to make your feast run smoothly.
Check product instructions
No one wants a Christmas day surprise (unless it's wrapped under the tree)! Take a peek at our labels or website before the big day. A little prep means more time for champagne and less time scratching your head in the kitchen.
Defrosting proteins
Trust us on this one - that turkey needs time to defrost! Larger proteins can take a couple of days to thaw properly, so clear some space in the fridge and give them plenty of time.
Presentation matters
Want to feel like a domestic goddess/god? Transfer dishes like our Potato gratin and Fig, leek, and hazelnut stuffing into your own baking dishes before cooking. Pop them straight from frozen into a similar-sized dish, and voila - it's like you've been cooking all day!
Serving sizes
Here's a little insider tip: with multiple proteins and sides, your dishes will stretch further than you think. Check out our 'size guide' tab for the full scoop. That eye fillet that serves 6? Add a few more dishes and suddenly you're feeding the whole street (well, almost!).
Use an air fryer
Got an air fryer? You clever thing! Put it to work with our Duck fat potatoes and Porchetta. Not only does it free up precious oven space, but it'll give you crispiness that would make a potato chip jealous.
Write an oven plan
Think of this as your Christmas Day battle plan. Here's a tried-and-tested schedule that'll have everything landing hot and delicious right when you need it:
9:30am: Preheat the oven and glaze the ham
10:00am: Place the glazed ham in the oven
10:30am: Remove citrus brined turkey from the fridge
11:30am: Citrus-brined turkey goes into the oven
12:00pm: Duck fat potatoes go into the oven or air fryer at 1:00pm
1:00pm: If the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and rest breast side down!
1:00pm: Fig, leek, and hazelnut stuffing in the oven
1:00pm: Dish up apple and cranberry relish
1:15pm: Heat french braised peas and gravy
1:20pm: Carve the turkey
Select platters and utensils early
Choose your serving dishes and utensils at least a day before, giving you time to buy or borrow extra if necessary. For a buffet, I use salad tongs rather than salad servers, as they are more practical.
Set the table the night before
Make it fun! Pour yourself a festive drink, crank up Michael Bublé, and turn table setting into your own little Christmas eve party. Future you will be so grateful.
Clear benchtops
Trust us, you'll need more space than you think. Clear those benchtops like you're expecting a visit from the queen - every inch counts when you're orchestrating Christmas lunch!
Remember, whether you're a meticulous planner or a go-with-the-flow host, the most important ingredient for a successful Christmas feast is sharing it with the ones you love. From our kitchen to yours, happy hosting!