5 Simple Tips for A Stress-Free Christmas Dinner

We all dream of a stress-free Christmas Dinner, but the reality is anything but that. The endless amount of food options, fussy children (and adults), supermarkets full of panicked people, and the dreaded washing up that waits for you at the end. We are here to put your mind at rest and back on track with our 5 Simple Tips for A Stress-Free Christmas Dinner.

The Secret To Perfect Yorkshire Puddings

1. Choose a Simple Table Setting

Give yourself plenty of time to focus on the main part of the day. You can do this by choosing a simple yet attractive table setting which is easy to set up. If you want to add a splash of colour to the table – you can do this with colourful napkins or by placing Christmas Crackers on empty plates before you serve. We also recommend stacking plates or bowls that will not be used until later – once one set of tableware is used, you are then able to calmly distribute the new set for the next course. If you are placing hot crockery on the tableware – ensure you place down wooden boards, this will also add some subtle decoration to your table setting.

2. Be Organised!

Organisation is key when planning a Christmas Dinner. Make sure you have decided on the courses you are going to produce, and the meat (or meatless) food you will be having and write a list. Once you have decided this - you are then ready to book your food delivery (we recommend you do this way in advance to ensure you get everything you want). If you’re wanting meat from a butcher – you’ll need to let them know in advance the meat you’re after and how much of it so they can supply it. The top tip here is to do most of the food shopping early enough, this allows you to focus on other details of your stress-free Christmas.

3. Clean As You Go

Don’t leave your washing-up until the end – if you wash up as you go then you’re creating more space to put your food and you won’t have to dread the pile waiting for you at the end. We recommend emptying your dishwasher before you get started – the last thing you want is to have to put all the clean dishes away whilst juggling the preparation and cooking of your Christmas Dinner.

4. Ask For Help

If you’re unable to handle everything on your own then ask for help from family or friends – by doing this you won’t have the added stress and you’re able enjoy the day as things will get completed faster. Remember that Christmas is about having fun, and not everything has to go perfect – just stress-free.

5. Make Sure You Have The Right Cooking Equipment

We recommend writing a list of every piece of equipment that is needed in completing your Christmas Dinner – from pots and pans to oven trays and serving dishes. Lockhart Catering have a cookware and bakeware section full of everything you will need to make your Christmas Dinner complete. If you are unsure what pieces of equipment you will need then read through Jamie Oliver’s Stress Free Utimate Equipment Checklist.

Want to know how to get the most perfect Yorkshire puddings for your Christmas Dinner? Read our Secrets to Perfect Yorkshire Puddings Article.

Do you have any stress-free Christmas Dinner tips of your own to add to our list? Or have you found any of ours helpful? Let us know by sending us a tweet @BunzlLockhart!