Christmas is the perfect occasion to enjoy food and celebrate with your family, friends and loved ones. Hosting the big day can be extremely fun and rewarding, but it can also be stressful! Here are some top tips to help you keep calm and carry on this Christmas.

Plan ahead

Decide your festive meals ahead of the day and plan your grocery list accordingly. Prepare a shopping list and categorise it (e.g chilled, pantry staples, frozen items, etc) so you know exactly what you need to grab and don’t waste time getting lost in the supermarket. If time is not your friend this time of year, try ordering your groceries online instead.

Have a clear out

There’s no point buying all that Christmas food if you have nowhere to put it. Before you do your big shop, have a clear-out of your fridge, freezer and cupboards. 

Prepare the table on Christmas Eve

If you’re having a big lunch or dinner with friends and family, get ahead and prepare the table setting on Christmas Eve. This will take a  huge weight off your mind on the day.

Plan your Christmas meals

Stick to recipes you’ve tried and tested before. If you do want to try a new recipe, make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment ahead of the day and feel confident it won’t take too much time and energy to prepare. If you’re needing some festive meal inspo, grab my free 12 Days of Christmas recipe book here.

Keep it cool

Keep your stress levels (and the kitchen) cool by having a seafood buffet for lunch with some delicious side salads. If you’re not a seafood fan, try a cold meat and cheese platter instead. It’s a simple lunch to prepare and you can do it all in advance, meaning you can spend more time enjoying the day instead of slaving over the oven.

Arrange some family fun

Plan activities you can do together. Have a quintessential Aussie Christmas and play some cricket in the backyard, have a water fight, or hit the beach. And don’t forget to have some party games ready!

Enjoy yourself

Finally, remember to enjoy yourself! The most magical time of year deserves to be celebrated with loved ones so it’s important to enjoy every moment and not stress over the little things. 

May your Christmas be a happy, joyous occasion surrounded by loved ones with laughter and great food!

Sophie x