This post may contain affiliate links.
It’s all here… Everything you need to know for pulling off Christmas Dinner without any stress! If the prospect of cooking the biggest meal of the year for guests is getting a little bit daunting, fear not my friends. This Ultimate Christmas Plan is all you need!
this Christmas DINNER plan includes:
⭐️ What extra equipment you’ll need
⭐️ A shopping list for the main course
⭐️ A master timing plan
⭐️ Tips for getting ahead
⭐️ A printable main course menu for the big day
🎄 CHRISTMAS DINNER PLAN 🎄
What’s the one thing we need to take out of Christmas Day cooking? STRESS! There is no place for panic at Christmas, and that is what this Christmas plan is all about making sure of.
I wanted to make a one-stop-shop for how to make it as smooth as possible and reduce overwhelm so you get to enjoy yourself, as well as feed hungry mouths. NO STRESS is the aim here, and to achieve that it’s all about the early prep so you’re not under pressure on the day.
All of the recipes have been tried-and-tested again and again, and designed with convenience, cost and crowd-pleasing in mind.
I have worked meticulously on timings (check out the Master Timing Plan below) and have taken into account hob space and oven shelf space at any one time.
Did I use a spreadsheet to calculate this? Yes absolutely as I am a Christmas obsessive..
Things to buy to make your day easier!
⭐️ Mandoline – I use this one for slicing
⭐️ Disposable tins – These ones from Amazon are ideal
⭐️ Meat thermometer – This is my favourite to use. Not the cheapest but always accurate
⭐️ Large tin foil roll – You can usually get this in all the supermarkets around Christmas
Notes if you’re vegetarian:
- The gravy recipe is vegetarian and so delicious, even the meat eaters will love it.
- There is the option of a vegetarian main course.
- The recipe is linked below, you’d just need to adjust your shopping list and oven timings accordingly.
STARTERS
You could make all, or one or two of these, depending on what you fancy, budget and how many people you are serving. They are all really simple but look impressive!
(Add the ingredients of your chosen starters to your printable shopping list).
Prawn Cocktail Canapés
Brie and Cranberry Bites {The BEST Christmas Canapés}
Smoked Salmon Canapés
MAIN COURSE
All of the classics here, but made ridiculously easy, ready for your Christmas feast.
Classic Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
Mushroom Wellington (Optional Vegetarian Main Course)
Stress-free Roast Potatoes
Glazed Carrots & Parsnips
Cauliflower Cheese
Braised Red Cabbage
Festive Brussels Sprouts
Sausage & Apricot Stuffing
Make-Ahead Gravy
DESSERTS
Don’t forget to leave room for afters to finish off the meal nicely!
(Add the ingredients of your chosen desserts to your printable shopping list).
Christmas Wreath Pavlova
Baileys Cheesecake {No Bake}
Slow Cooker Chocolate Orange Pudding
⭐️ DOWNLOAD AND PRINT ⭐️
THE CHRISTMAS DAY MENU
AND TIME PLAN
MASTER CHRISTMAS DINNER TIME PLAN
So, I’ve worked out my timing plan based on never having more than 3 shelves used in a single oven at one time.
(If you only have 2 shelves, you can usually sit a grill pan type rack on the bottom of the oven to makeshift another shelf. Check the safety instructions for your oven though first!)
I thought I would show you my spreadsheet I used just to visually explain the timings:
The timings are detailed in the printable menu and time plan but this may be useful for you to visualise!
⭐️ TIPS FOR GETTING AHEAD ⭐️
PREP
Obviously prep prep prep ahead! This is your key to success here.
DEFROST IN TIME
Allow plenty of time for defrosting anything that’s frozen.
LOCATE KITCHENWARE
I like to get all of the serving dishes, plates, cutlery, glasses, candles, crackers out the night before (ideally I’d lay the table but we need to eat breakfast!) So I just stack them in the kitchen ready to go the next day. No hunting around on Christmas morning for a serving spoon.
DO WHAT YOU CAN
Many budgets are tight this year. Do not feel that you need to have a 20 course meal for everyone to have a good time. (Frankly, I’d be happy with a huge bowl of those roast potatoes – who’s with me?!)
FOOD DELIVERY
Book a supermarket delivery or click and collect order if you can. (Aldi Click and Collect I love you.) If you can buy some tin foil containers in advance, I really do think this is one occasion when they are worth it. What joy to limit the washing up on Christmas Day!
ENJOY YOURSELF!
And honestly, if all else fails and you can’t face any of the above – just buy ready made what you need to. No-one will notice and you need to have a good day too!
HAVE PLENTY OF LEFTOVER TURKEY?
Time to make my Leftover Turkey Curry! (After you’ve had a nap).
Let me know how you got on and what you thought of this plan in the comments below.
Also I’d LOVE to see your Christmas cooking creations. If you’d like to share yours with me, you can tag me on Instagram (@tamingtwins).
And… HAPPY CHRISTMAS! Remember everyone is there to be together, not for the food. I hope this plan eases the stress so you can relax and enjoy the day❤️
Thanks for the Christmas plan. With the cheesecake, do you only prepare the base in advance and do everything else on the day? I can’t see on the plan when to do the filling?
you are amazing
Thanks Sarah, you are always so generous with your recipes, tips and ideas. I have both your books and have also bought them for my daughters who are just starting out on their cooking for a family journey.
Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family xx
I always enjoy your input. May I wish you and your family all the best of the seasons wishes.
Blanche
Hey,
Been following your recipes for a little while now, but love this Christmas one, brilliant👍👍
Thank you
Greg
Hey,
Been following your recipes for a little while now, they are great, thank you.
But got to love this Christmas one, brilliant👍👍
Thank you
Greg
When I was working and had 2 kids, ages 5 and 0, I used to cook our Christmas Dinner on Christmas Eve and depending on the day of the week, have my mum over and have a little Christmas with her and her presents. Then Christmas Day, just us 4, we were free for toys, walks and fun, eggs and bacon brunch or breakfast, and a cold turkey lunch or tea and a Christmas cake or pudding later on!! No stress and we all got to enjoy the day! Enjoy your family time xx
As there will only be the two of us this year, (Kids and Grandkids doing their thing) we’re not having a turkey turkey but a stuffed roll (Not just any stuffed roll but M&S stuffed :-)). I like the look of the canapés and puds also the gravy.
I also really like the way the recipe adjusts when you reduce/increase the number you’re cooking for.
Keep up the good work
Love this thank you!! If you threw making yorkshires into the mix when/how do you recommend including them? I always get confused as the oven has to be so hot for them!
You’ve changed my life with your recipes! Currently doing a kitchen reno so the slow cooker has been my best friend!