Christmas food shopping

[1sttimemumtobe2021]

First year of hosting and I need some food shopping advice. Turkey dealt with.

We are hosting although have outsourced some cooking (kitchen renovation being done so it's down to the wire so we only just having a working fridge - don't ask!).

I haven't got a delivery slot. When would you recommend going to get fresh veggies etc. Is it mayhem on 23rd (first day off). I remember my dad going at the bonkers time of around 5 or 6am on Christmas Eve (not happening! But I am willing to go relatively early to the shops).

Any recommendations from experienced hosts would be appreciated!

Lists and organisation.
I usually get the fruit/veg/cream on 23rd and would store it outside if no room for it in kitchen or if I didn't have a cool place in the house.

I do usually arrive at the supermarket at about 7.15am though. I guess you cd try 9pm on 22nd and if no joy set your alarm for 23rd.

Have to ask though, why on earth are you hosting if you are mid renovations?

I think quite a few shops are extending their opening hours. Ive been to my local Sainsburys around 8.30 on 23rd last few years and found it fine & been able to get everything. Good luck! Its just a glorified roast dinner really. Prep what you can on Christmas Eve. Peel potatoes carrots etc. Just write a bit of a timing plan. I've found a steamer and hot plates to be my friends in keeping everything hot. I also use a slow cooker for my ham. I struggle a bit for space.xxx

@RosesAndHellebores it's a valid question! We are due to be all finished a few days before christmas.

OH is so excited that he has his dream kitchen, that he wants to host and mentioned it months ago to his parents. We've had a few cross words as it's all very stressful at the moment but there's no turning him (he's a builder so is aware of his deadlines, however mad they are!). Kitchen was fitted a week or so ago without the working appliances at that stage.

Thank you both. Seems like an early ish morning on 23rd is realistic then which is what I like to hear!

On the 21, 22, and 23 the supermarkets by me have been mayhem. The last two years DD and I have nipped into our local Tesco at about 10.30/11am, the car park has spaces, the shop floor has been calm, the staff look relaxed, loads of fresh food out (but running low on mince pies, Christmas pud and cake etc), the tills have also quiet - it’s a bit of a party atmosphere . In my area it seems to be that by late morning most people are done, they want to start celebrating Christmas, but I think this does depend on where you live as I’ve seen others on here saying that Christmas Eve in their local supermarket is manic.

I get a delivery/click and collect on the 23rd with all my fresh food in as I sometimes start to prep that evening. The Christmas Eve visit is to pick up anything that hasn’t been delivered (and to treat me and DD to a Christmas treat in the cafe).

I'm. Going 21st.
I normally buy veg that lasts 5 or so days so why not at Xmas.
Plus chances are some of it will be sat in warehouses or on shop floor early anyway do no fresher Xmas eve etc

I’m going food shopping either late on the 23rd or very early on the. 24th, I have my meat and cheese ordered from butcher so I only need basics from the supermarket.

I'm going very early on the 21st. Veg etc. Will keep in the fridge from then. Meat being collected from butchers on Christmas eve.

If you don't have enough fridge space, can you drop things with those who are coming Christmas day so they can bring them?

I don't know if this helps anyone, and no idea how useful it will be on 23/24 Dec, but with Amazon prime you can order from Morrisons and get a delivery the same day! I did it today. Trying to fit another one in between my Tesco slots over the next week. We dont have Morrisons locally so I am well pleased.

Go the 21st if you can, it generally tends to be the same stock (dated 26th or 27th). I find aldi much quieter than other supermarkets, I get as much as I can beforehand and basically get veg/spuds/cream then. Dh goes early Christmas eve for bread/milk/salad stuff.

Worse case scenario then, you end up at corner shop for any can't get bits or improvise. But usually about 12ish Christmas eve everywhere is quite quiet and you can get the off bargain.

We a delivery on 22nd but no doubt DH will need to go in for things that are missing, he usually does this mix afternoon on 24th and comes back with pencils of perishables.