If I am honest I am out of my comfort zone in the kitchen and the thought of preparing Christmas dinner brings me out in a cold sweat. It’s such an important meal that everyone looks forward to all year. I don’t think I can cope with the responsibility. You see my mum is an amazing cook. She times it all to perfection, and I really couldn’t even begin to compete. I think the boys look forward to my mum’s dinner as much as finally opening their presents.

Fortunately my mum is taking charge again this year (let out a huge sigh of relief!). But she does so with the promise it will be our turn to host Christmas eventually!!! So I need to get a handle on things ready so it’s not a complete disaster… because when we take over the helm it comes with big responsibility to make sure it goes as flawlessly as it ever did for my mum. That or I keep pouring such large drinks that soon enough no one notices how burnt or undercooked the food is!!!

I will be taking some shortcuts though, like buying shop bought cranberry sauce and not making desserts from scratch. I won’t have bread sauce, as I don’t get the attraction personally.

Tips to make the Perfect Christmas Dinner

This infographic from Spar is quite useful. The title caught my attention straight away “beginners Christmas Dinner checklist” – with me being a complete novice this sounds like my kind of checklist broken down into the level of detail I need.

It includes everything from getting prepared, what you need to buy, what needs doing and when (with clear timings). Hopefully even I can’t go wrong with this. It certainly takes off some of the pressure because it’s a comprehensive guide.

It helps save on having too much leftovers too, as I like the rough guide of how much vegetables to serve. Although I can’t promise sprouts will feature when its our turn to host. I hate them and now I am officially an adult I am finally being rebellious. Now I refuse the ones my mum used to make me have in honour of the day!!!

Thank you Spar it might be a Merry Christmas each year after all.