Plan Christmas Dinner: Menu Planning Made Easy
• By Louise
Christmas is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to plan Christmas dinner!
There are so many delicious dishes to choose from, but it can be tough to decide what to include.
In this blog post, we will share some tips for planning the perfect Christmas dinner menu.
Whether you are looking for a traditional feast or something a little more unique, we have you covered!
How to Plan Christmas Dinner Menu
A Christmas menu planner can be a great help when you're trying to plan the perfect holiday meal. With it, you can plan out what you'll cook and when, as well as make sure you have all the ingredients and kitchen supplies you need. This can be a huge time-saver, especially if you're hosting family or friends.
To get the most out of your menu planner, start by making a list of all the dishes you want to prepare. Then, take note of any special instructions or dietary restrictions. Once you have your list, you can start planning out your menu. Once you've planned out your menu, make a shopping list for any ingredients you need to buy. With a little advance planning, you can make sure your Christmas dinner is everything you hoped for - and more!
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you're planning your Christmas dinner menu:
- Start with the main dish and work your way out. What do you want for your main course? Once you've decided, you can plan the rest of your menu around it.
- Consider your guests and any dietary restrictions. You'll want to make sure everyone has something they can enjoy!
- Think about how much time you want to spend in the kitchen. Christmas is a time to relax and enjoy yourself, so don't spend all day in the kitchen!
- Pick recipes that you can make ahead of time. This will help you enjoy the day with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Plan ahead and choose recipes that can be made ahead of time. This way you can enjoy the day with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen all day!
Our Christmas planner includes a menu planner, shopping list, and cooking schedule to help you plan the perfect holiday meal. With it, you can plan out your menu, shop for ingredients, and make sure everything is ready on time.
When it comes to planning the perfect Christmas dinner menu, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Christmas Dinner Cooking Tips
Looking for some ways to save time and reduce the stress of Christmas cooking?
Check out our post about ways to save time and effort on Christmas Day to make sure you enjoy the day too!
1. Atmosphere
You will want to decide what kind of atmosphere you are trying to create. Are you looking for a traditional sit-down dinner, or something a little more casual? A buffet is a great time saver and can be less formal if you are having a large group over. It's probably not a good idea for Christmas Day itself though as most guests will be expecting a more traditional offering.
If you are planning a sit-down dinner, you will need to decide on a main course. Do you want something traditional like roast beef or turkey, or something more unique like seafood? Once you have decided on your main course, you can start to plan the rest of your menu around it.
If you are looking for a buffet-style meal, you can have a variety of dishes that everyone can enjoy. You can include traditional Christmas dishes like stuffing and roasted potatoes, as well as some lighter options like salads and fruit. Don’t forget to include something sweet! A festive dessert is the perfect way to end your Christmas dinner.
2. Special Dietary Requirements
You will need to consider your guest list. Are there any dietary restrictions that you need to accommodate?
If you have guests with dietary restrictions, be sure to plan accordingly. There are plenty of delicious options that everyone can enjoy! With a little planning, you can create the perfect Christmas dinner menu that your guests will love.
3. Schedule
Think about how much time you want to spend in the kitchen. Anything that can help you save time on Christmas day is a bonus!
You might be hosting the dinner but don't lose sight of the fact that it's Christmas for you too. Spending all day in the kitchen is not fun for anyone so plan your menu accordingly. There are plenty of great recipes that can be made ahead of time and reheated on the day. Also consider buying pre-prepared veg or frozen items to make life easier. It might not be as special but it will give you more time to spend with your guests. This will help you enjoy the day along with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen!
Now that you have a few things to think about, let’s take a look at some menu ideas.
Starters
With so much food to come, you don't want your guests to fill up on starters. Keep it light with some soup or a salad.
- Soup
- Seafood
- Salad
- Smoked salmon
- Fruit salad
Main course
This is the star of the show! Choose something that will impress your guests but won't take all day to prepare. There are so many delicious options for the main course of your Christmas dinner. A few classics include roasted turkey, honey glazed ham, and roast beef. If you are looking for something a little different, seafood is always a great option! No matter what you choose, your guests are sure to enjoy a delicious meal.
- Turkey
- Glazed Ham
- Roast beef
- Seafood
- Pork loin
- Lobster
Side dishes
The accompaniments can make the meal extra special. Plan to have a few side dishes that will complement your main course.
- Roast potatoes
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrots
- Peas
- Green beans
- Corn
- Stuffing
- Mashed potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Cranberry sauce
Dessert
No Christmas dinner would be complete without a festive dessert! There are so many great options to choose from. A few of our favorites include Christmas pudding, mince pies, and gingerbread.
- Christmas pudding
- Mince pies
- Gingerbread
- Fruit cake
- Cheesecake
- Chocolate log
- Ice cream
- Christmas cookies
Final Thoughts
Christmas is a wonderful time to gather with family and friends. By following these tips, you can plan the perfect Christmas dinner menu that everyone will enjoy!
Happy holidays!
Christmas Planners
Check out our Christmas planners designed to make Christmas planning easy. We've made sure everything you need is included, from budgeting to gift lists, and more!
If you're looking for Christmas planning tips check out our post about Christmas planning through the year. We've broken down all of the most important tasks into easy month-by-month tasks so you'll be organised and ready for Christmas.
Christmas Planner Book
Printable Xmas Planner
