10 Terrific Christmas Lunch Tips For An Unforgettable Meal

The best tips and tricks to an organized Christmas day lunch (10 tips!). Plan, prep and serve like a pro with these easy Christmas day lunch ideas.

Published December, 2022

Key Takeaways

• Plan your Christmas menu early to avoid last-minute stress.
• Prep your roast, sides, and dessert ahead for a smoother day.
• Use simple tricks like salting cucumber slices to avoid soggy canapés.
• Keep music light and festive to set a cheerful mood.
• Create a grazing board for an easy, crowd-pleasing starter.
• Double up on seasoning stations for a more relaxed dining experience.
• Make dessert easy with fresh fruit and ice cream or prepare it the day before.
  

Christmas Day Lunch Tips

Christmas lunch is one of the highlights of the holiday season. It is a time for family, laughter, and of course delicious food.

Welcome to the yummiest Christmas food blog that is going to help you create a memorable Christmas lunch.

From planning ahead to adding those little personal touches that make the day special, you will find the best practical tips to simplify the process.

Whether you are hosting a small gathering or a big family feast, I am here to help you create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

So? I’d say we get started and make your Christmas lunch one to remember!

Oh, but before that, do I have a surprise for you or what! Here’s a bonus section:

Bonus Section - Tricks to a Great Christmas Lunch

Planning your Christmas menu can feel overwhelming, but I promise it does not have to be.

Here are my favorite bonus tips to help you stay organized, save time, and wow your guests without breaking a sweat. By ‘favorite’, yes, I mean, I follow these every year – guilty as charged!

Follow these and I guarantee, the prep will become 10x easier!

Plan Your Menu

Deciding what to make for Christmas is your first step.

Think through every course – grazing boards, starters, mains, side dishes, and desserts.

Trust me, it is easy to get carried away and try to make everything. Resist the urge! Pick dishes that complement each other and work well together.

When it comes to starters, ask yourself: are you serving appetizers like prawn cocktails (which need plates and cutlery) or simple, handheld canapés? For me, crackers and toppings are always a winner when I want to keep it fancy yet stress-free.

Easy Cracker Toppings

Keep it simple when it comes to toppings. My go-to? Cream cheese, a slice of smoked salmon, chopped dill or chives and a few capers. Serve them on a white platter or board, and they instantly look elegant.

Check out my Summer Crackers Charcuterie Board for more tips.

Tip: Assemble these crackers as close to serving time as possible. No one likes a soggy cracker! If you are using cucumber, salt the cucumber slices lightly and let them sit for a bit to drain extra moisture.

Set the Mood with Music

Music is terribly underrated yet it's there to set the mood. Christmas music, classical or classics but certainly nothing over the top that strains conversation during the meal. If you prefer to eat with loud music then go for it. Myself - I like Boney M in the mornings 🙂 What can I say! Some parts of me are still stuck in the disco era!

Make Dessert Easy

If making dessert ahead of time is not on your list, one of the best tricks to a great Christmas lunch is fresh seasonal fruit with a scoop of ice cream; it is a perfect option.

It's light, refreshing, and a beautiful way to end a big meal.

Tip: Create a fruit platter with vibrant, in-season fruits like pomegranate seeds, citrus slices, and kiwi. Pair it with Italian kisses or your favorite ice cream for a simple but elegant dessert. Check out my Charcuterie Fruit Platter for inspiration.

Grazing Boards and Charcuterie

If you are looking for a low-effort starter, my Italian Antipasto Charcuterie Board is your best friend. Pile it high with Italian meats, cheeses, olives, and breadsticks. It is visually stunning and the best part is that the guests can nibble while you finish up in the kitchen.

Double the Seasoning Stations

Do not let "please pass the salt" become the soundtrack of your meal.

What I always do for any set up is have two seasoning stations – one on each side of the table. This simple tweak makes everything smoother and keeps guests happy.

These bonus tips are your secret weapon for the most enjoyable Christmas lunch. From music to crackers to dessert, small details make all the difference.

Christmas Day Lunch Tips

Hosting Christmas lunch can feel like organizing a mini celebration.

The key? Planning ahead and sprinkling in a few clever tricks. Here are my top tips to help you pull off a festive meal without breaking a sweat.

Tip 1: Take Your Roast Out of the Freezer Days Before

This one has always been a lifesaver, trust me!

If you are planning to serve gammon, turkey, or duck, take it out of the freezer well in advance. For a 4-5 kg gammon, move it to the fridge three days ahead so it thaws slowly. Smaller cuts need about two days.

Bonus Tip: Prep your gammon the day before. Simmer it gently (I cannot stress this enough) to keep it tender, then roast it for that perfect finish. You can try my favorite recipes like Frangelico Glazed Gammon or Instant Pot Gammon.

Add flavor to your gammon while simmering by tossing in aromatics like a halved onion, bay leaves, cloves, and peppercorns. It makes all the difference.

Tip 2: Make Your Roast Potatoes Ahead

Roast potatoes are a crowd favorite, and this trick saves loads of time. Roast them a day ahead, pulling them out when they are just lightly golden. Let them cool, store them in the fridge, and leave the oil-filled roasting tray at room temperature.

For something special, try Crispy Baked Hasselback Potatoes.

Sprinkle a bit of semolina on your parboiled potatoes before roasting. It adds a crisp, golden crust.

You can find alternate recipes like Roast Chicken and Potatoes, Herb Chicken Roast, and Air Fryer Whole Chicken to make your roasted potatoes the talk of the town this Christmas!

Tip 3: Make the Gravy Ahead

Gravy is non-negotiable, but you do not need to wait for pan drippings on the day. Whip up your gravy in advance using my foolproof recipe. It is rich, flavorful, and reheats amazingly.

Add a splash of red wine or port for a rich, festive touch.

Tip 4: Starters, Appetizers, and Canapés

Keep it simple and delicious.

My favorite? Strawberry Coulis Tartlets. Bake the pastry ahead, and just before serving, add cream cheese, a fresh strawberry, and a mint leaf. Done and dusted.

Bonus Tip: Use puff pastry instead of phyllo for a quicker option. Cut, bake in a muffin tin, and fill as you like. Easy and impressive!

You can swap strawberries for raspberries or mix both for a festive twist!

Tip 5: Make the Cranberry Sauce

This one is all about the wow factor. Bright, tangy cranberry sauce looks beautiful on the table and pairs perfectly with roast meats. Make it ahead and refrigerate – it tastes even better the next day.

Bonus Tip: Add orange zest or a splash of orange juice for a citrusy punch.

Tip 6: Simple Vegetable Medley

Save time by prepping veggies the night before. Steam Brussels sprouts, carrots, or butternut and store them in the fridge. Make your salad dressings and sauces ahead, too.

Here are some other top recipes for the veg section of your Christmas lunch: Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Stovetop, Oven Roasted Butternut and Brussels Sprouts Air Fryer and Oven Roasted.

Pro Tip: Toast nuts like almonds or walnuts to sprinkle over veggies or salads. They add crunch and a touch of elegance.

Top your veggies with toasted nuts or crispy breadcrumbs for extra texture.

Tip 7: Festive Table Settings

Do this the night before – plates, cutlery, decorations, candles, the works. It gives you free time on Christmas morning and a chance to tweak things. Use a kitchen nook or patio for other meals leading up to the big day so the main table stays picture-perfect.

Bonus Tip: Add personal touches like handwritten name cards or tiny ornaments as place settings.

Clever Ideas

• Use a neutral tablecloth and add pops of color with napkins and candles.
• Scatter pinecones or sprigs of rosemary for a natural, festive vibe.
• Keep it simple but elegant – it is all about creating a cozy, welcoming space.

Tip 8: Relaxed Buffet Setup

Create a buffet setup on a side table or counter for the food. It keeps the dining table open for conversation and leaves space for decorations.

Bonus Tip: Set up a drinks station nearby with glasses, ice, and mixers. It is a fun way for guests to mingle and serve themselves.

Label dishes with small cards so guests know what they are serving themselves.

Quick Idea

• Use a side table or kitchen counter for your buffet.
• Group similar items (salads together, mains together) for easy access.
• Add festive touches like garlands or fairy lights around the serving area.

Tip 9: Make Dessert Ahead

Dessert is one thing you should not leave until the last minute. My go-to? My Pecan Nut Chocolate Cheesecake recipe is great for making ahead. It gets better the longer it chills. Pair it with ice cream or fresh mint for a stunning finish.

For a lighter option, try Mini Pavlovas with fresh berries or a summer trifle with seasonal plums.

Alternatively, go for my Easy South African Summer Trifle Recipe because plums are in season this time of year, or this Blueberry Cream Tart!

You can also opt for the spectacular No-Fail Chocolate Cheesecake

Bonus Tip: Add a sprinkle of sea salt to the top for a sweet-and-salty combo.

Tip 10: Create Smart Seating

Think beyond the dining table. Add cozy seating areas around the house or even outside. Pull out extra chairs, arrange couches in clusters, and make room for everyone to relax and enjoy.

Bonus Tip: Use colorful cushions or throws to make extra seating spots feel cozy.

Quick Idea

• Arrange chairs and sofas in small groups to encourage conversation.
• Add a side table or two for drinks and snacks.
• If hosting outdoors, use blankets or outdoor heaters for warmth.

There You Have It – All The Secrets For An Epic Christmas Lunch!

Remember, the key to an organized Christmas Day lunch is thoughtful planning and preparation.

By breaking down tasks, involving others, and staying organized, you can create a stress-free Christmas for everyone and a sweat-free Christmas for yourself!

• Create a Shopping List: Once your menu is ready, make a detailed shopping list. This way, you will have all the ingredients. You know how tricky it is to find turkey or cream cheese the day before Christmas.

• Prep Ahead of Time: Many dishes can be prepared in advance. Chop vegetables, marinate meats, and prepare side dishes a day or two early to minimize your workload.

• Delegate Tasks: This is a game-changer. Give everyone something to do, no matter how small.

• Prepare a Signature Drink: Simplify beverages with a festive punch or non-alcoholic option that complements the occasion.

Finally, be grateful you are here. Be present for your loved ones and yourself. The true joy of Christmas is not in perfection – it is in the people, the laughter, and the shared moments.

It is the little things: good food, fresh linens, a great book, your pets, the sunshine, and the sea. So be kind to yourself and each other, and enjoy the blessings of the season.

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Don't forget to comment on this post and leave a rating. Your feedback helps others find these tips and allows me to keep sharing free recipes and ideas with you. Wishing you a joyful, delicious, and unforgettable Christmas! I’d love to read what you guys chose to make for your meal from my menu. Happy holidays!