Will Nigella Feast be sufficient to get me through my first ever Christmas Dinner?

[Pinkjenny]

Not that I've never eaten one, I've just never made one. I am seriously stressing out now.

Do I need to buy Delia's or will Nigella's suffice?

[domesticsluttery]

I prefer Delia's, it is a bit more basic and gentle for a beginner. I like Feast and I also like Nigella's Christmas, but I always go back to Delia.

I have the original Delia's Christmas rather than the newer Happy Christmas one though. You can buy the original quite cheaply, I think I paid £5 for mine a few years ago. or maybe have a look in the library?

[domesticsluttery]

This one

[Pinkjenny]

Have ordered Delia Christmas, and just realised I also have Nigella Christmas .

I will be positively drowning in ideas, now! Basic is good. I am not relishing the prospect of putting the turkey in a bucket, really.

[Pinkjenny]

x post - that's what I ordered! Thanks so much for your advice!!

[Suncottage]

Only lots of wine gets you through your first Christmas dinner. The cook book becomes very irrelevant very quickly.

Take my MIL's advice - use Aunt Bessie everything

[Pinkjenny]

Suncottage - I plan to start drinking as the first present is opened

I can't, in all conscience, use Aunt Bessie's.

[Suncottage]

I wish my MIL wouldn't either - bloody awful stuff - but then again she also serves Blossom Hill wine [boak]

I prefer Nigella but the key is preparation really - get as much prepared in advance as you can and stay calm. Also delegate wherever you can

[tulpe]

Buy this December's Good Housekeeping. THey always do a brilliant breakdown of christmas lunch - together with get ahead tips and freezing/defrosting info (if you cook items in advance). I still use the recipes from 2000 - which was the first year I cooked lunch for us :)