Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, when we gather with friends and family and eat a delicious meal. It also comes with a great deal of stress for many who are hosting Christmas dinner and trying to deliver a meal that beats all expectations.
What would you say if we told you, Christmas dinner could be stress free?
That’s right. By following the steps outlined below you can enjoy a meal without the usual chaos and worry.
Sounds good to us!
Ensure your menu is sorted
The only way to prepare for Christmas dinner is to ensure that your menu is sorted well in advance. This includes every dish you will need to make, nibbles, desserts, and even drinks.
Once you have decided on each recipe, compile the ingredients into one shopping list. If you do this early enough, you can begin to purchase non-perishable food as you complete your weekly grocery shop.
Purchase ingredients
If you haven’t started purchasing ingredients yet, be sure to add everything except fresh produce to your shopping trolly the week before Christmas. It’s ideal to leave the remaining items, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, to only a couple of days before Christmas Day. This will ensure they’re in their peak condition for cooking and serving.
Prepare side dishes and vegetables in advance
There is nothing more time consuming and stressful than leaving every dish until the day! Aim to prepare as many side dishes as possible in advance. This can include chopping vegetables and storing in the refrigerator for quick preparation and cooking the following day.
We also recommend preparing desserts, nibbles and cocktail mixes in advance. You’ll thank yourself when you can pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy the festivities with your family instead of slaving away in the kitchen.
Make a cooking plan
Expectations run high on Christmas Day which is why it’s important that you have a cooking plan! Create one by looking at each recipe you will be making and writing a run list of when dishes need to be placed into the oven or prepared on the stovetop etc.
Remember to include exact times for every dish. This will eliminate the urge to wing it and ensure your Christmas dinner is prepared to perfection!
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
If cooking makes you feel anxious, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Christmas is a time when friends and family are willing to pitch in for a common goal – and everyone loves a well-cooked meal. You may even choose to get your children involved by asking them to prepare a side dish or dessert. It could become a tradition you add to the joyous occasion each year.
Enjoy the day!
Our last piece of advice is to enjoy the day! Cooking Christmas dinner is a big task and one that can turn stressful in a moment. Be sure to step back and appreciate the opportunity to gather with family and appreciate memories being made! You’ll remember those far more frequently than the meal you consume.
Are you interested in learning more tips to sort your Christmas? We have subscription packages and affordable DIY tools designed to remove your stress, by taking care of all your Christmas preparation needs. Learn more about our services by visiting www.homesorted.com.au/my-christmas-sorted/ today.
