Be sure to cater for everyone

You’ve already drafted a menu, but does it take into account all those specific dietary requirements? Vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free… there’s likely to be at least one guest who will appreciate the special thought you’ve given them during the festivities. And if you thought that ‘vegetarian’ limited you to mushroom risotto, or vegan equals salad – it’s time to consult our vegan Christmas menu planner. From Silvia Colloca’s vegan lentil and sweet potato chickpea stew to a delicious tomato paella, prepare to have your worlds rocked, carnivores.

Don’t forget your gluten-free mate or cousin!

Step aside fruit platter; whether it’s sweet or savoury, there are a bevvy of gluten-free options to feast on during the holidays. This roast pork with pistachio stuffing is easy for coeliacs and gluten intolerants alike to digest, while a garlic and cheese pull-apart will sate all those bready cravings. And these ultra-festive buckwheat and ginger reindeer biscuits will add some cheer to any Christmas spread.

Get more gluten-free Christmas inspiration here.

Get pickling and preserving

Nothing screams thoughtfulness (not to mention saves those precious pennies) like a handmade gift. If you’ve been scarred by one too many failed baking attempts in years gone by, give pickling or preserving a go this year. There’s nothing more festive than a pretty jar filled with something bright and tasty, finished with ribbon and a special little thought on a tag. Homemade strawberry jam will always receive a smile in return, as will a jar of pickled baby carrots. The best thing about pickles and preserves is that they can be made weeks ahead – four weeks, even. Be sure to keep a jar of whatever you make for your own Christmas Day spread.

Choose your meat

If you haven’t already, now’s the time to get this one out of the way. Once you’ve chosen your mains, it will pave the way for you to decide on all your sides, salads and condiments. Hams and turkeys are ageless showstoppers (who doesn’t want to be that smug person emerging from the kitchen with a perfectly glazed and studded ham leg?), but if you want to cook outside the box this year, try this light and summery poached rolled chicken with mango and chilli chutney; it’ll knock their socks off.

Get more ideas for Christmas mains.

Decide on your seafood

It wouldn’t be a Southern Hemisphere Christmas if there wasn’t some of the ocean’s bounty on offer. Cold seafood is always a time and resource-light option to have prepped ahead, not to mention the ideal accompaniment to all those Christmas tipples. Breathe new life into the classic prawn cocktail with this out-of-the-glass option (haven’t you heard? Everything old is new again!), or simply serve up a platter of freshly shucked oysters with lemon wedges and a couple of vinaigrettes. For the ultimate jaw-dropper, this grilled crayfish with saltbush butter will do the trick. Here are more festive seafood ideas.

Plan to keep the oven turned off this year

Before you conclude that we’ve totally lost our holiday marbles (Christmas carols on repeat can do that) – hear us out: there’s no reason your entire Christmas spread can’t be made in the fridge or on the barbie. Imagine that: a party spent outside or in the company of your loved ones rather than sweating it up in the kitchen. This barbecued lobster is both festive and simple, while these barbecued prawns with quick aioli are the ultimate express pass-about. When it comes to the sweet stuff, opt for a no-bake treat like delicious.’s cult classic, the mangomisu, or this decadent no-bake gingerbread trifle, ready in less than 30 minutes. Until next time, oven.

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