Cook ahead ideas for a smartish Christmas lunch?

[AquaticNocturne]

We've invited friends to lunch on 23rd December and I want to give them something nice but am going to be working that morning. Any ideas about 'smart' recipes I can make the day before?
I was thinking just smoked salmon or a pear and Roquefort salad for starter but really need main course and pudding ideas. No special dietary requirements, four adults and four under fives. Was wondering about something gamey like venison pie?

Many thanks :)

We love a pintade or guinea fowl ( a small chicken' but nicer than chicken). It's easy done like a normal roast on the day actually. Then a chocolate roulade with choc. or chestnut puree and marscapone filling. you can make both days before and then freeze.

Oh yes, guinea foul- our farm shop sells them and we had one a couple of weeks ago. Delicious with garlic and orange up its bottom. Will have to google pintade!

They're much nicer than chicken IMO and dead easy because it's best not to overcook them.You could put some nice chopped carrots and onions underneath ( we do it on a trivet breast side down) 'cos that gives moisture to it and then you can mash them with some wine for a lovely sauce\gravy. BTW we're in Fr and pintade is french for guinea fowl

Then in a separate tin do some roast spuds and or celeriac and fennel or whatever ooh I just bung a small squash in the oven. That 's lovely and dead easy because you don't have to peel it!

Thanks ppeatfruit- I will try breast down. Did that with a chicken the other day and it was lovely.
And I googled pintade and found a fab website dedicated to the acquisition, cooking and serving of guinea foul- fab!

Good luck