If you’re in charge of cooking this Christmas, you need to prepare all the Christmas dinner essentials ahead of time. There really isn’t such thing as ‘preparing too early’, as this helps take the pressure off your efforts on the big day, appeal to your guests’ tastes, secure high quality produce, and more benefits. This post is designed to give you all the tips you’ll need on preparing to cook Christmas dinner, as well as why it’s valuable to place your meat order early.

Planning Christmas dinner ahead of time is important for several reasons that contribute to a smoother, more enjoyable experience over the holidays. In contrast, rushing to get the ingredients and equipment you need can be a nightmare, especially if you’re cooking for a big crowd. Below are the benefits that come with being prepared when cooking Christmas dinner.

• Get the ingredients you want: Certain ingredients are in high demand during the Christmas period. The most common example is Turkey, which is almost exclusively eaten around the holidays in the UK. Ordering what you need well in advance helps ensure you get everything you need with having to make frustrating last-minute substitutions.
• Reduce stress: Planning your Christmas menu and getting everything you need in advance helps avoid last-minute stress. This also means that time management is easier, as each task is already prepared, and you can be free to spend time with the people you care about while the meal comes together.
• Coordinating logistics: If your Christmas dinner involves contributions from guests, forward planning allows you to coordinate who is bringing what, ensuring a balanced meal without duplications or missing items. It also gives you space to think about any decorations and serving considerations that might come with the occasion.
• Accommodate dietary needs: It’s important to consider the dietary needs and preferences of your guests, such as providing vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly options. This makes sure that everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy themselves on the big day. Taking the time to plan for dietary needs is especially significant when you’re trying out new recipes.
• Manage budget: Planning early allows you to set a budget for the meal and stick to it. You can take advantage of sales and discounts, buy non-perishable items in advance, and avoid the higher prices that often occur closer to the holiday. Additionally, careful planning means you can avoid spending money on unnecessary food items, thereby reducing waste and cost.
• Having a backup plans: If something doesn’t go as planned, having thought through your Christmas dinner in advance gives you the flexibility to adjust or have backup options, such as extra side dishes or desserts.

Christmas Turkey

A large turkey roast is often the centrepiece of choice when it comes to Christmas dinner. Although it can be tricky to cook turkey to perfection, sourcing a high quality bird can go a long way. For guaranteed succulence and deep flavour, choose a KellyBronze Turkey. These famous turkeys are the perfect showstopper for a memorable Christmas, with plenty of meat for leftovers.

Christmas beef roasting joints

If you’re looking for a richer main meat component for your Christmas dinner, there are many beef cuts that can fulfil this role. From a rolled boneless rib of beef, to a beef rump joint and many more. All our roasting joints are available in a range of sizes so you can buy the right amount to cater to your Christmas crowd.

Christmas hams

If you’re looking for a large boneless meat joint, a ham or gammon is a delicious option. Both of these are best cooked over very long periods of time so you have freedom to organise other aspects of Christmas day while the meat is cooking. Gammon and ham also offer a great deal of flexibility, with a variety of glazes and cooking methods that can . For inspiration, read our recipe for Honey Mustard Glazed Gammon with Cider.

At The Village Butchers, our range of quality meats are delivered packaged and ready for freezing. This makes it ideal for buying in advance of Christmas, keeping for months and then defrosting the day before. This includes huge variety which can be mixed and matched in our Christmas meat hampers. Even these can be delivered quickly to put your mind at ease. Get in touch if you have any questions about our Christmas offerings.