6 FESTIVE TIPS

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On Christmas Eve, lay out the platters and serving bowls and attach a Post-it Note with the name of the dish you will serve in it. With lots happening on the big day, this will make for stress-free entertaining.

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To save time, prepare your roast potatoes ahead of Christmas Day. Simply cook peeled, halved or quartered potatoes in boiling water until just tender. Drain well and cool completely. Freeze potatoes, spread in a single layer, in large freezer bags. On Christmas Eve, thaw potatoes in the fridge. Just before cooking, toss in a little olive oil and salt in a roasting pan. Cook in a hot oven (200C), turning once, until golden and crisp. If you forget to defrost them, you can roast them frozen, just allow a little extra time.

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If you are reheating a steamed pudding, keep the kitchen cool and your cook top clear by reheating it in a slow cooker away from the main kitchen area. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for reheating times.

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Make a good supply of ice cubes or freeze fruit juice in ice cube trays. Once frozen, tip them into freezer bags and return to the freezer for up to two weeks. Use the fruit juice cubes to freshen up a punch, add to cocktails or sparkling wine.

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If time is short or you simply want a fuss-free Christmas dessert, serve a selection of gorgeous gelatos in glasses topped with a wafer or pieces of crisp almond bread (try spooning the kids gelato into crunchy waffle cones). It’s simple but I have never met anyone who says no to gelato, especially after a filling Christmas lunch or on a hot day!