Choose your old faithfuls

Christmas is not a time to try a completely new menu that you've never cooked before. No matter how easy it's supposed to be, a set of new recipes can frazzle even the calmest cook. Instead, opt for at least a few of your favourites that you know you can handle and try only one or two new recipes on the day. ​

Think about space

When you're choosing the recipes, think about how long things will need to be in the oven or on the stove top, and in what order the dishes will need to be prepared. If you choose turkey, you probably won't be able to cook anything else in the oven until it is completely done. Similarly, if you need to re-boil a pudding for a couple of hours, you need to make sure you'll have a burner free for the job. You may even consider dusting off the barbecue to free up some valuable space. 

Write it all down

Get everything down on paper or jot it down on your phone so that you can quickly refer back to your lists and see what needs to be done. Don't forget to include any nibbles and drinks on the list. You may also want to write out the ingredients for each recipe to create a master shopping list. Look through the list and group items by what can be bought in advance.

How to plan a Christmas menu

Order ahead

You may need to order particular food items, such as turkeys, seafood or roasts by a certain date. Check with your fish monger or butcher at least a couple of weeks before to avoid disappointment.

Make it ahead

Christmas day is meant to be shared with loved ones, not shut out in the kitchen. Choose recipes that you can make ahead to alleviate some of the work on the day. Make a simple breakfast of shop-bought croissants and fresh fruit, give starters a miss and choose a selection cheeses and nibbles instead, opt for desserts that can be frozen a few weeks ahead and keep vegie sides fresh and easy.

Make a timetable

A few days before Christmas write out your timetable so that you know exactly what needs to be done on the day. If you can see times when things are going to be hectic, ask for additional helpers to lend a hand so that you can enjoy the Christmas fun and festivities as well.

Not sure what to make? Find inspiration in our Christmas recipes collection.