The December and New Year’s break usually means seeing friends you want to see… and family you might not! I find this time is the best time to be at home, or stay local. There’s always something to do, and the easiest and cheapest option is hanging at the beach. I love entertaining at this time of year – it really makes a holiday for me. But entertaining can be tiring – so what do you do to make your life easier in the kitchen?

As the season dictates, think about gifts that keep on giving. Do yourself a favour and think about a meal than can go the distance, or feed a few more people. Think baking, and big pieces of meat or fish. It’s also the ideal time for the one pot wonder, throw in the veg and leave it cooking while you relax and enjoy the time and the kids screaming in the back ground (or Aunty Marge, who’s had a few too many glasses of prosecco).

One of the best meals that lasts for two or three rounds is corn beef hash with leftover potatoes, onion, fried egg and chili mayo for breakfast. It’s a great sandwich filler for quick lunches, and it’s always good sliced on toast with hot mustard for dinner. Just add a cold beer.

The holiday season is also a time that you can get lunch organised for a few days. ‘Tis the season to take it easy at night so dinner should be a simple look in the pantry. Cheese toasties and simple bites are the way to go. Who doesn’t love a cheese toastie? And don’t get caught up thinking you’ve got to cook every night – burgers and takeaway chips from your local milk bar are an Aussie holiday staple. (Not to mention goddamn delicious).

What I’m saying is that the most important thing for entertaining during these times isn’t about planning amazing menus and putting in hours of preparation, and it’s not what’s in Santa’s sack – it’s what in Matt’s esky when he turns up on the doorstep with the family.