More than any other meal of the year Christmas dinner is a chance to indulge in your favourite foods. The challenge is in choosing dishes that will go well together as a satisfying whole.
For one easy summer menu, including prep plan, click through to my Summer Christmas Menu. Or to build your own menu use the mix-and-match guide below or see the recipe section of my website.
1. Choose a main course protein and a couple of side dishes – one carby and one packed with veges.
2. Choose a starter or two with wow factor.
3. Top it off with a showstopping dessert or two – preferably recipes you can make in advance.
4. If you're catering for a crowd, increase the quantities or add another couple of dishes.
5. Make sure there's something for everyone. If you've got vegetarian guests or people on special diets, delegate them the task of bringing something that suits their specifications.
6. Divide up the dishes so everyone does some shopping and cooking. That way everyone gets to feel useful and you get to have fun in the kitchen together!
7. For more tips on tailoring your Christmas menu to your tastes, read my Planning a Menu blog.
A Summer Christmas Menu
Choose from these easy fingerfood starters to whet the appetite as people arrive:
Fingerfood and Starters
Follow with turkey, ham or both, plus a vegetarian protein option if needed:
Main Course
Roll out some side dishes – add as many as you need to feed your number of guests:
Main Course
Top it all off with a scrumptious dessert or two – ideally recipes you can make in advance:
Desserts
While away the afternoon with a coffee and a few special nibbles. Happy Christmas!
