Eat, drink and be merry (minus the meltdown) with these festive menu time-savers!
If cooking your average Sunday roast leaves your kitchen in complete disarray, a full Christmas dinner might be a tad daunting, especially with excited little ones running around the kitchen, and probably friends and family to cater for too. And let's be honest, we want to spend time with loved ones at Christmas, not stuck in the kitchen all day, that is why these Christmas dinner tips are important to know.
So don’t stress! With some minor adjustments can save you time and energy and still serve up a delicious Christmas dinner. And no, we don’t mean Christmas dinner in a can (it does exist…), it just takes a little organisation and preparation ahead of the big day.
Get ready for the 25th with these simple Christmas dinner tips and you will still produce a meal Jamie Oliver would be proud of. Read our shortcuts below for a stress free Christmas meal everyone will enjoy (including you!) and you never know your toddler might even stay seated at the table, but we can't promise miracles.
Christmas dinner hacks 2024
1 of 71) Get a turkey crown
Generally cheaper than a full turkey, a crown, which is the breast meat on the bone, is easier to carve and a great option if you haven’t got lots of guests. And it still gives you a juicy, delicious cut of meat. Plus it will leave room in your oven too, which might make timings easier when cooking. Plus, lots of supermarkets sell it with stuffing included, making your job even easier.
Warning: You may have fewer turkey leftovers for that sandwich the next day.
2 of 72) Befriend your freezer
If you do decide to stuff your own turkey, remember that both stuffing and gravy can be made in advance and frozen ahead of Christmas day – just remember to defrost in good time. While we are talking about frozen food, it's good to remember that frozen deserts are another mouth-watering option and are up to a seriously yum standard these days. Our vote goes to some sort of pavlova or cheesecake. You can look at retailers like Cook for some truly tasty puddings (and mains!)
3 of 73) Make a cold starter
Asparagus with cured meats. Smoked salmon with melba toasts. Any sort of salad. A chilled starter saves you oven space when it’s full of turkey and roast veg, plus it's a bit lighter leaving you more room for mains and dessert. We also love that it can be made in advance giving you even more free time on the big day.
4 of 74) Pick your veg wisely
Did you know you can buy certain vegetables pre-chopped to save time? Genius.
And really think about what you need – all the trimmings are lovely, but sticking to two or three sides (we recommend roasties, peas and parsnips, but that’s just us) could save you juggling endless pots and pans on the day. If you decide not to go for pre-chopped, then prep those veg and potatoes the day before and leave them in saucepans ready to boil on Christmas morning.
5 of 75) Try a Gousto box!
If you really want to ace Christmas dinner, but standing in busy supermarket queues feels you with dread, then a recipe box may be the answer! For those hankering after a classic dinner, Gousto has a Turkey Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings that takes just one hour to finesse – and only uses two pans! If you like you want something different to turkey then Gousto does a pork and sage stuffing pizza with gravy dip, which looks delicious. Catering for family or friends with dietary requirements? Gousto even has a vegan Christmas dinnerwith all the trimmings to keep everyone happy.
6 of 76) Ask guests to bring a dish
Don't be afraid to ask for help. After all when you’re cooking a big meal for family and friends, nobody can really be put out if you ask them to bring a pudding or some canapés. It is fun and sociable to all share the responsibility and each bring a dish. Kids will also love to get involved by making some festive biscuits to give as a gift, or to share with guests after dinner. Plus, you can return the favour when they next host so it’s a win-win for everyone.
7 of 77) Embrace the pre-prepared
Christmas dinner isn't a competition and it is about spending time with family and friends rather than cooking Michelin starred roast potatoes. It is okay to use pre packed veg, microwaveable sides, frozen desserts, gravy granules and even Aunt Bessie's Yorkshires. We love that they are quick, easy and delicious, giving you more time to focus on the main course – and the festivities.
FAQs
How to simplify Christmas dinner?
Make sure you enjoy the festivities and don't get stuck in the kitchen by keep Christmas dinner simple. Limit your number of sides, don't be afraid to use pre chopped veg or frozen puddings and prepare things in advance as much as you can. It is okay to ask for help and make cooking the Christmas dinner a social event, so you are not alone slaving over a hot stove, while everyone else is having fun.
How do you make Christmas dinner easier?
Christmas dinner doesn't have to be complicated, you can keep it easy with a simple menu, such as turkey, two sides and some roasties. Starters can be something like salad which can be made ahead and desserts can be frozen. With a few Christmas dinner tips (or cheats) you will enjoy the meal as much as everyone else without missing out on all the fun.
Laura Healy is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. She is a mum-of-two girls and loves writing about all things parenting, she is particularly interested in the toddler years and eco-friendly baby products, as well as children’s literature. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and has published short stories in the UK and Ireland, as well as previously writing freelance for her local paper.