Ideas to help prep Christmas lunch

[TOWGA]

It's my first year cooking Christmas lunch, it's just the 3 of us, me, husband toddler, we already have a turkey crown in freezer, I'm working Christmas Eve and won't be home till 7.30, any tips to make it easier?

Jamie's get ahead gravy and red cabbage made and in the freezer over the next week.
Prep veg e.g. potatoes, parsnips, sprouts day before and put in water - can DH do this as you're working?
Make a plan for what will go in which tray/dish/pan/serving bowls.
Do a timings list - Turkey can rest for ages if you need oven space for potatoes or whatever.
If its just you there's no pressure on timings etc, enjoy it!

Freeze ahead roasties www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/freeze-ahead-roasties

Roast parsnips and carrots with freezing and reheating instructions www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/parmesan_roast_parsnips_63627

This bread sauce will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/creamy-bread-sauce-2/ I reheat it with a splash of milk.

Cauliflower cheese with make ahead instructions realfood.tesco.com/step-by-step/how-to-make-cauliflower-cheese.html

Just take your time. No pressure to eat with it being the three of you. Just eat when it’s all ready. Obviously toddler will be hungry but that’s easily sorted.

I would agree with peeling veg and leaving overnight in cold water. I also have a warming tray with lids I use to keep veg warm. But you don't really need that with only 3 of you. Once you take the turkey out to rest you can sort the rest. I make my own stuffing with fresh breascrumbs. Butter mixed dried herbs and chopped fresh onion. I put it in the microwave for approx 2 mins. Just before serving.

If you wanted to make your dinner even easier you could cook root veg with baby potatoes in one dish in the oven.

Keep it simple, it's better to have two vegetables nicely cooked, than five vegetables mushy or under cooked.
Go easy on the sherry until you've served the meal, everything is more difficult if you're too tipsy.
Beforehand, look up how to carve whatever you are going to cook.
Take shortcuts, eg add a splash of port to bought cranberry sauce, serve cream or ice cream with pudding rather than make sauce. Next year, you can try a few more fancy touches.

Thanks everyone! I will try and the veg peeled the night before at least, then take it slow!

@AdaColeman can't drink I'm currently 14 weeks pregnant!

@TOWGA oh wow! Congratulations! Have a lovely Christmas 🎄 Day!