What do you have for dinner on Xmas eve?

[vinoelle]

Just that really, can’t say I’ve ever thought about it as it’s just been me and my husband the last few years, and we always went to the pub. Now having my family over so wondered what to do Xmas eve that’s ‘festive ’ but easy? Don’t want to cook 2 big meals in a row!

Usually baked gammon, broad beans in parsley sauce, carrots and roasties. A large ham required for cold meat on boxing day when usually I have 12-14. However that's not happening this year so:

Smoked salmon, prawns, mixed green salad with avocado, good bread, mozzarella, tomato and black olive salad.

In previous years I hosted the whole family on Christmas Eve so made the first of 4 Christmas dinners that usually happened over the festive season.

This year that isn't happening! So we've decided on Chinese takeout that we can set out as a floor picnic in the living room with blankets and cushions and Scrooged on telly.

Buffet party food. Stuff that can be popped in the oven or microwave with no fuss.

We usually have salmon with new potatoes and veg. This year , the " pop up" fish restaurant, which is linked to a fish stall on the Market, are doing ready meals for christmas so its lobster and prawn starter , followed by salmon en croute. They are delivering as well.

Whatever's around. Maybe takeaway.

We often have raclette with cold meats, cornichons, pickled onions, breads and salad but also use the hot stone on top to cook thinly sliced steak, Iberico pork, bacon, black pudding, mushrooms, peppers, onions etc.

Obviously raclette isn't much use for you if you don't eat dairy but you could do everything else. If your guests eat cheese, they could still have the raclette and potatoes part, and maybe you could make a dairy free potato salad as well.

Cooking together at the table is always fun and it's so quick and easy to prepare so you get to enjoy the night rather than slaving over a hot stove. All you have to do is boil some new potatoes and slice a few things.

Sometimes we go the whole hog and have a chocolate fondue for pudding, other years we have a Yule log.

Burritos and nachos with dip I think this year. I can make the meat of in the morning, stick it in the slow cooker and get on with the day. Dh is at work till late so he can have his when he gets in and it will still be fresh.

Gammon, macaroni cheese & crusty bread.

Takeaway.

Sushi platter and edamame and hot miso soup. And champagne or sparkling apple juice depending on your ages and preference.

Beef Bourguignon with microwave rice. Quick and easy, one pan.

Poached salmon with hollandaise sauce.
Peas, green beans, spinach.
Dauphinoise potatoes.
Then something chocolatey...

Kedgeree with smoked cod and prawns, chilli pickle on the side.

Naice salad, party food from m and s, maybe cook the ham Christmas eve as well. We do the same nye as well though usually combine offerings with ndns but not this year obviously.

We get a curry 😃

Pate on toasted crusty bread with nice chutney. Or cheese and biscuits.

Fish with some vegetables.

@CatholicKidston

I usually get some nice party food from M&S and do a little buffet for us.

We do exactly the same. Very low key. We love it.

The ham I've cooked and glazed that day, Delia's braised red cabbage and either dauphinoise or baked potatoes.

A takeaway of some sort. I'd love to do party food but it seems all we eat between Boxing Day - New Year's Day is party food so I try to have something totally different lol

Hot roast pork sandwiches

Indian!

Fish and chips with peas or beans and bread and butter.
Homemade mince pies with cream or ice cream.

We either have a Chinese or a buffet supper.