Christmas Dinner basics

[Windybob]

Am starting to put together a plan for Christmas dinner. Have done it a couple of times before, and am slowly starting to get into the swing of things. But was wondering if I’ve been missing anything for the past few years.

Mumsnet's "Ultimate Christmas Dinner Shopping List" posts come up tops in Google. They're great, although I find the sheer amount of stuff on them a bit overwhelming. So, I thought I'd look at going back to basics.

In my search for Christmas dinner basics, I came across this article. I like their pre-made shopping list (attached): I think it includes most things (including Buble’s Christmas album, naturally), but wanted to put it to the community for scrutiny. What’s missing on here, if anything?

Also, what do you think of the article’s FAQ’s? I’m a bit wary about the advice about defrosting a turkey. Can it really take that long? Also, we’ve always had a starter, but what do you think about the advice to skip it?

Yes Turkeys take ages to defrost. We tend to buy a fresh one. Nhs advice on defrosting:

To work out the defrosting time for your turkey, first check the packaging for any guidance. If there aren't any defrosting instructions, use the following times to work out roughly how long it will take to thaw your turkey:

• In a fridge at 4C (39F), allow 10 to 12 hours per kilogram. Be aware that not all fridges will be set to this temperature.

• In a cool room (below 17.5C/64F), allow around 3to4hours per kilogram, or longer if the room is particularly cold.

• At room temperature (about 20C/68F), allow approximately2 hours per kilogram.

When your turkey is fully defrosted, put it in the fridge until you're ready to cook it. If this isn't possible, make sure you cook it immediately.

I’m having a flash back to the still-not-bloody-defrosted-frozen turkey debacle of 2015 😂

You can do it in cold water, but then you need to clean anywhere that water droplets could have splashed.

I know what you mean about over detailed lists- unless it’s your list it’s more off putting than helpful.

But there’s more to Christmas than dinner so you may need to add in other meals. Even if you’re lazy like me and live on leftovers, the condiments change.

Think in terms of categories too- store cupboard: spices/stock/herbs/ cornflour/ ketchup/salt/pepper

Kitchen roll/ tin foil

Cleaning: Detergent/bin bags

Thanks for the NHS info, Dementedpixie. Looks similar to what's in the article. Good grief, I had no idea it really took that long!

And, oh my gosh! Sorry to hear about the turkey saga, Alanmackree! I shall endeavor to not repeat it at mine this year! Also, glad to know it's not just me that finds other people's lists a little off-putting. And kudos for the tips about extra cleaning bits! Hadn't thought of that and they're not on the list I posted either!

In our house, we don’t do a starter but have a (or maybe 2 if we’re starving and turkey is big) tray of M&S party food nibbles while we are opening presents and dinner is cooking. As something just a bit more substantial than just crisps and dip.

Ir you could have bite sized smoked salmon on brown bread or pate on crackers already to hand out if you don’t want to sacrifice oven space.

There’s no rule that you MUST have a starter.

But it probably depends on your numbers, the general expectations and traditions of you and your guests, and what you as host are comfortable doing.

We were watching the “Safe Food” ad in doctors office this morning - which said frozen turkeys can take up to 3 days to defrost in the fridge- which was recommended. Or fresh turkeys are fine for up to 2 days in fridge before cooking.

I think it’s safefood.eu is the website.