Hi - just looking for some advice. My husband and I are hosting Christmas dinner this year - first time we are hosting as we are now in a house rather than tiny flat! We also have a baby who will be 6-months old by then so I’m abit stressed. I am going to do all the cooking, DH will be looking after baby and relatives. Luckily, not many of us - 5 adults, 1 of which is veggy.
I’ve cooked roast dinners for us before but I’m already nervous about laying on Christmas dinner and hosting. Luckily, nobody that keen on turkey so will do either beef or pork.
Just wanted to get some tips for the day, and had some questions.
- do I need to do much extra compared to a usual Sunday roast? - I was thinking for the main meal: meat, roast potatoes, carrots, parsnips, cabbage, stuffing and gravy. Extra sides for Christmas will do brussel sprouts, pigs in blankets, Yorkshire puddings …. Do I need to do anything else for the main?
- What about starters/ nibbles? - was thinking either some shop bought prawn cocktail and some blinis and crisps. Any other recommendations?
- Dessert - Christmas pudding (shop) plus one other dessert (as I don’t like Christmas pudding!)
- Do I need to decorate the table in a fancy way? I was thinking maybe a couple of candles and a festive table runner, but don’t want to go over the top
Would appreciate any general tips for Christmas dinner prep (I feel relatively confident with roasts having done these before although usually just for me and DH).
Also, shop recommendations? We are near a Waitrose and Sainsbury’s so think both will have food options.
Thanks!