We are just weeks away from Christmas and while the planning and preparations for creating the perfect Christmas Day menu for this big celebration can be daunting, you can save yourself from the holiday stress with our tips below.
Whether you’re hosting a grand family gathering or a cozy meal for a few, here are the secrets to crafting a Christmas menu that will have your guests–yourself, included–feeling relaxed, merry, and bright.
1. Start with a guest list and menu outline.
First things first before you go grocery shopping, determine your guest list. Knowing how many mouths you will be feeding is crucial for planning portions and avoiding food waste.
Once you’ve decided on the numbers, ask yourself these questions: Will you be serving a sit-down dinner or a buffet-style feast? Are there any dietary requirements to consider?
Taking note of these details will help set a direction for your menu planning.
2. Consider the art of timing.
To fully enjoy the holiday and avoid kitchen chaos, create a timeline that outlines when each dish needs to be prepped, cooked, and served. Doing so will help you manage your kitchen space and ensure that everything comes out freshly cooked and delicious.
Remember, some dishes can also be made in advance and reheated, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities with your guests.
3. Determine the dishes you wish to serve, and when they will be served.
If you’re serving lunch, start off with a selection of canapés and starters that are as easy on the eyes as they are on the palate. Think vibrant prawn cocktails, mini sausage rolls, and a cheese platter that showcases the best local produce.
Since these small bites can be prepared ahead of time, you can mingle with your guests and join in on the fun rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
For the main course, give your guests a feast for the senses by reinventing the classics or giving them your own unique twist. Aside from serving turkey, honey-glazed leg ham, and other traditional favourites, you can also try presenting a seafood platter.
Save some room for the salads and sides, too. Your options include a creamy potato salad, a fresh green salad with pear and walnut, or a vibrant pumpkin, cheese, and beetroot salad which can all be prepared in advance, leaving you free to focus on the main dishes on the day.
As ‘the cherry on top’, make your Christmas menu even better with desserts such as a classic pavlova adorned with fresh fruit and whipped cream, a rich cheesecake, or a zesty lemon cake.
Meanwhile, if you’re planning to go all out with a Christmas dinner as well, you can just go simple with a hot dinner of roast leg lamb or stuffed chicken paired with equally satisfying sides such as roast potatoes with rosemary or a roasted vegetable salad.
4. Compliment your food with festive drinks.
Add an extra layer of festivity with refreshing drinks that can compliment all the dishes you prepared.
You can go non-alcoholic with spritzers or a tropical punch. A pop of champagne is a good idea, too.
5. Don’t hesitate to delegate.
Delegate tasks among your guests not only to ease your load but also to make the celebration a collaborative and communal experience for everyone.
Have someone bring a side dish, another handle the dessert, and perhaps a third be in charge of drinks.
So, take a deep breath, take note of these tips, plan ahead, and get ready to create a holiday meal that you and your guests will surely enjoy.
Do you also have your personal Christmas menu-planning secrets and tips to share? Share them in the comments below!
