Hosting the whole family for Christmas this year? Don't panic – we've got all the tips and tricks you need to save space in the kitchen so you can entertain with ease.
If you don’t have a big dining table, save space by using a sideboard or kitchen worktop as a buffet station where you can lay out the food. This frees up the table for extra places, and means you’re not leaning over each other to help yourself to food. Let your guests assemble their own nibbles, like with these 'DIY' blinis, and serve easy winter platters for everyone to dig into. For more ideas on how to host the perfect Christmas buffet, we’ve got all the recipes you need.
Set up a drinks station out of the kitchen so guests don’t need to keep coming in while you’re cooking. Lay out the glasses and serve your cocktails in a large jug or punch bowl and let everyone refill themselves. Make a jug of this marmalade mojito or zesty prosecco mule to keep your guests entertained – they're super easy and ready in minutes! Or try a classic Christmas punch with cranberry juice (or this mocktail version with pomegranate) and serve up in a punch bowl with lots of garnish. Find more cocktail inspiration with our top ten recipes.
If you’re catering for kids, why not set up a Christmas picnic area for them? Simply put out a blanket – under the tree is especially magical if you have space – and let them sit and eat together. From adorable bakes to delightful finger food, we’ve got all the kids Christmas party recipes you need for a magical day.
Maximise space in your kitchen by making the most of your freezer. You can make ahead and freeze gravy and bread sauce to save time and space on the day, and this tasty nut roast is great to have in the freezer for any vegan and dairy-free guests! For an easy party buffet main, this chicken, mushroom and cranberry pie can be stashed in the freezer until needed. For winning roasties, parboil your halved potatoes for 5 mins, drain and return to the pan. With the lid on, shake them well to fluff up the edges, so they go crispy later and leave them to cool. Pop onto baking trays to freeze and, once frozen, tip into freezer bags to store. When ready to cook, heat a baking tray with oil or goose fat then cook the potatoes straight from frozen, just allowing 5-10 mins longer than normal. This method also works for other root veg such as carrots, parsnips and butternut squash.
With all the sides and trimmings, getting everything in the oven on Christmas day can feel like a mission. Save space by roasting all of your root veg together on the same tray and boil all of your greens in one pan. You can even put your roasties in with your meat or fish in the oven, like in this stunning roast salmon and hasselback potatoes recipe. The potatoes will soak up all of the tasty juices too, for extra flavour!
From classic Christmas cake to this showstopping chocolate and caramel ice cream bundt cake, get ahead of the game and freeze these stunning desserts, ready to defrost in time for Christmas Day. You can also freeze baked treats like biscuits and mince pies, which you can easily defrost whenever you need a festive pick-me-up.
If you’ve ran out of space in the fridge and oven, these speedy desserts require no baking and can be assembled immediately before serving in a matter of minutes! Turn ready-made mini panettones into towering showstoppers with sherry and marmalade, throw together a festive Eton mess with pomegranate, mint and ginger or make a speedy yet indulgent adults-only affogato with mince pies and dark chocolate. For a last-minute dessert that’s ready in just 15 minutes, use your microwave to make this oozy chocolate lava cake.
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