Two-week Christmas countdown stay on track for the big day
Stay on track by ticking off a job a day on your list in the run-up to the 25th
“Delegate someone to pour drinks: guests with a glass in hand are happy to wait for food!”
12th
If you haven’t done so already, book your online shopping delivery slot as soon as you can. all the retailers differ in their timings, but some open up slots as early as october. If you prefer to shop in store, pick up non-perishables now to make the last-minute shop a little less bulky.
13th
Cook a few meals that can be on standby in the fridge or freezer – see our Friends for supper recipes on p190. a houseful of visitors are easy to feed when you have the comfort of back-up meals!
14th
Clean out the fridge and throw any unused bottles that take up space that you’ll need closer to the time.
15th
Buy the cheese for your cheeseboard. Keeping it in the fridge for a bit means on Christmas day you’ll have ripe cheese at its best.
16th
stock up on boxes of chocolates and bottles of fizz for hosts of parties you attend – for that moment you’re running out the door and realise you haven’t bought any gifts. our gift guide on p47 will help too.
17th
Make a batch of mince pies and pop them in the freezer, before cooking. When needed, you can take them out, cook them in the oven and serve warm with fresh cream or brandy butter.
18th
It might sound mad, but we’ve tried and tested this and it absolutely works a charm! Boil and roast your potatoes, and take them out the oven when they’re just pale golden in colour. allow to cool, then freeze in freezer bags. on Christmas day, remove from the freezer early in the morning and roast for 45-50mins.
20th
Make your gammon glaze.
Boil the gammon and store in the fridge – then simply glaze on Christmas Day.
21st
Make your sauces in advance and freeze (see p169 for sauce recipes).
22nd
stock up on ice – or make sure those empty ice trays in the freezer are now full!
23rd
plan your fresh shop of last-minute goodies. don’t forget to buy fresh flowers for the table too.
24th
Defrost your turkey. remove the packaging the night before Christmas so that the skin dries out for beautifully crispy skin.
25th
Lay your table early, just after breakfast. Laying out serving platters will also remind you what to cook – don’t forget the sprouts! have a time plan handy so you know what goes in the oven when. It’s always good to have a few minutes to soak it all up before guests arrive, to bring you back into the moment – preferably with a glass of wine! w&h