Getting everything ready and prepared for Christmas can be a daunting and time-consuming task. Sometimes it can be hard to relax and enjoy the festivities, knowing that you have so much to get ready, in-time for the big day. With gifts to buy and wrap, celebrations to organise, and decorations to put up, we know how hectic the run-up to Christmas can become, which is why we’ve tried to tick a job off your list.
Our Christmas Day Essentials List (find condensed version at the bottom) is a great resource for you to use to help get your Christmas planning underway. Make a copy and tick it off as you do your food shopping, or just use it as a guide to get some ideas for what you might need if you’re hosting Christmas this year.
Remember, this list can be adjusted based on yours and your guest’s preferences, dietary requirements, and how many people you’re catering for. Tailor it to suit you and make 2023 the best Christmas yet.
The Main Event - Christmas Dinner
The first and foremost item on your Christmas Day essentials list has to be the all-important Christmas Turkey. If you’re substituting turkey for an alternative meat or meat-free option, this should be at the top of your list. To go alongside your chosen Christmas meat, you may want to consider what seasoning you’re going to use. Our Ross and Ross Christmas Roast Trio Pack is a great option if you’re thinking of doing things a bit differently this year and are unsure where to start.
Once you’ve sourced your meat and decided on seasoning, it’s time to think about the other elements that your Christmas dinner will consist of. Fresh vegetables, like carrots, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, potatoes (roasted or mashed), and cabbage are perfect staple items for a Christmas dinner. Add our Ross and Ross Veggie Rub to your greens to really impress your guests.
To really make your Christmas dinner memorable, you must include all the trimmings. Stuffing, pigs in blankets, and a rich, tasty gravy are non-negotiables.
To ensure everyone gets to enjoy their Christmas dinner the way they like it, make sure you’re well stocked on condiments and sauces. Cranberry sauce, mint sauce, bread sauce and horseradish are usually ideal for Christmas dinner.
Something Sweet – If You’ve Got Room
It doesn’t matter how much I eat, or how full I get, I always find a bit of room for a dessert. Someone once told me that desserts go to a separate stomach, where there is always room and, especially around Christmas time, I live by that motto.
Mince pies, Yule log, Christmas fruitcake, cookies, trifle, or tiramisu, are just a few of the Christmas favourites that are sure to be a hit. Maybe considere having a few different desserts prepared, to make sure everyone is catered for. Obviously, this depends on how many people you’re hosting for.
A Christmas cheeseboard is also ideal for a bit of supper, or an extended dessert, depending on how hungry you are. Browse our full The Cheeseboard Collection – Butchers-Sundries to get all the chutneys, marmalades, and sauces you’ll need to make your cheeseboard extra special.
Snack and Appetisers
Things like savoury or sweet biscuits, prawn-cocktail, crisps and dips, a selection of nuts, wrapped sweets or chocolates, or dried fruits are perfect to have on the go throughout the day for guests to help themselves to.
Something to Wet Your Lips
Don’t forget to have a good selection of soft and alcoholic drinks available. Champagne or Prosecco is a great drink for toasting to and can make for a really enjoyable party atmosphere.
Spirits, beer, and liquors are good choices too.
OUR FULL ESSENTIALS LIST – Condensed
- Turkey – Or your preferred substitute
- Meat Seasoning – Shop Here
- Fresh Vegetables. I.e., carrots, broccoli, Brussels, cabbage, cauliflower
- Potatoes – For mashing or roasting
- Roast Potato Seasoning – Shop Here
- Vegetable Seasoning – Shop Here
- Stuffing – Shop Here (Available in 8 different varieties)
- Pigs In Blankets
- Gravy – Shop Here
- I.e., Cranberry Sauce, Mint Sauce, Bread Sauce, Horseradish – Shop Here
- Puddings
- Mince Pies
- Yule Log
- Christmas Fruit Cake
- Cookies
- Trifle
- Tiramisu
- Cheeseboard
- Chutneys for Your Cheeseboard – Shop Here
- Snacks and Appetisers. I.e. Savoury or Sweet Biscuits, Prawn Cocktail, Crisps and Dips, a Selection of Nuts, Wrapped Sweets or Chocolates, or Dried Fruits
- Soft Drinks
- Alcoholic Beverages