Top tips for a stress free Christmas

Take the chaos out of Christmas with these simple strategies.

It’s not just Santa who should be making a list and checking it twice. If you want Christmas to be a relaxed, fun festive occasion it pays to plan ahead, so that when the 25th rolls around you can relax and enjoy the day.

Order in advance

Don’t join the hordes dashing madly around the supermarkets on Christmas Eve. Make a list of all the main things you need and place your orders ASAP. Meat, seafood, specialty goodies, alcohol, chocolates, flowers, and even grocery basics can all be ordered ahead by phone or online and if you can have them delivered then so much the better.

Make space

We all go overboard stockpiling at Christmas so prepare your space now by defrosting your freezer and spring-cleaning your fridge, pantry and cupboards.

Set a budget

Working out how much you can really afford to spend on food and alcohol in advance can save headaches over maxed out credit cards come January. It’ll also help you determine what sort of entertaining to do over the holidays. Can you really afford that dressy cocktail party or dinner party for eight? Or is it better to stick to a low-key Boxing Day buffet or pre-Christmas BYO barbecue?

Embrace pre-prepared

There are many wonderful pre-made products on the market that can be bought ahead and simply reheated or cooked. Think frozen party food, store-bought mince pies, sauces, and seafood.

Strategise

If you don’t want to spend the bulk of Christmas day in the kitchen, your focus should be on a menu that can be made largely in advance and simply assembled and cooked on the day. Many Christmas dishes can be made days or weeks in advance (the freezer is your friend here). Write down everything you want to make and figure out what can be done in advance and when so you have a concrete plan.

Plan your menu

Working out what you’re going to make well in advance relieves a lot of stress and helps you budget and delegate accordingly.

Check out Taste’s great Christmas menu plans to suit all tastes and budgets from an outdoor vegetarian celebration to a garden party or Christmas on a budget.