I’m hosting lunch this year HELP!

WITH SOME ADVANCE PLANNING, CHRISTMAS DAY WILL BE A BREEZE

There are few more enjoyable ways to express appreciation of our families than with a lovingly prepared Christmas meal. Trouble is, it can be such a task that often the host finds themselves working right until the meal is served.

Thankfully, chef Mel Alafaci, author of Culinary

Quickies, says you can wow your guests with incredible flavours while hardly lifting a finger on the day.

“On Christmas, all I want to do is wake up and open some presents, without stressing about prepping,” she says. “I like to plan a sequence of events so you can have the whole menu done and in the fridge.” Here’s the timeline for your most gourmet, yet fuss-free, Christmas ever.

MAKE A PLAN

Ask for RSVPS, then sit down to work out what you need and what you can delegate. “How many salads do you need? What desserts are you going to have?” Mel asks. “Tell your guests what you are going to make, then ask what they can contribute.”

PRE-MAKE DESSERTS

Get on top of your sweets way ahead of the day.

“I’ve made a lovely layered ice-cream with pistachio black salt praline, which looks stunning and can be simply pulled out of the freezer on the day,” Mel says. “Panna cotta is another simple dessert that you can make ahead of time. Make some toffee so all you need to do is bash it up to make little shards of toffee glass to put on top on the day.”

FILL YOUR CRISPER

Fruit and vegies should last in the crisper for three to four days. Buying a few days out will help you avoid the Christmas Eve rush and give you peace of mind you’ve got everything you need.

PREP YOUR VEGIES

Spread chopped vegetables on roasting trays or make salads that can be dressed prior to serving.

“You could fill

an oven tray with roast vegetables, using sweet potato, eggplant, capsicum or whatever you have. Cut vegies that cook quickly big, and ones that take longer smaller, so that they all cook at the same time,” Mel suggests. “On Christmas Day, set your oven to 220 degrees so you brown those vegetables off and get maximum flavour in as little as 20 minutes.” Steaming vegies on the day puts you at risk of wilted, greying sides, so Mel suggests

blanching beans under boiling water for one minute. Setting the table on Christmas Eve can ease the morning pressure, and if you’re hosting an outdoor event, have all the decorations and tablecloths ready to set up first thing.

PLATE UP A PLATTER

In the hour prior to guests arriving, open your cheeses and dips for a simple spread that will tie everyone over until the main meal. “This is not the day to try something new,” Mel says. “Know what your equipment is capable of and only do one or two things on the day so you remain relaxed.”