‘Tis the season… To get your act together
Every year it’s the same: You blink, and suddenly it’s December. The shops are packed, the lamb is super expensive, and you’ve forgotten to defrost the gammon. But not this year, fam. This year, you’ll plan your Christmas lunch like a royal… With time to spare, budget intact, and stress levels nice and low.
Let’s get festive, shall we?
Step 1: Finalise your guest list
Before you buy a 5kg leg of lamb for 3 people or, worse, a single chicken for 12, get your RSVP list sorted. This determines everything: Budget, menu, seating… And how much pudding to make.
Step 2: Choose your menu (and keep it classic)
Here’s a classic SA Christmas lunch combo:
- Glazed gammon.
- Roast chicken or turkey.
- Rice with raisins (don’t fight us).
- Roast potatoes.
- Veg medley (think butternut and green beans).
- Greek salad (someone always brings 1).
- Malva pudding or trifle.
Going modern? Think lamb sliders, Christmas bobotie, or seafood platters. Whatever works… Just keep it manageable!
Step 3: Delegate like a boss
This isn’t MasterChef. You don’t have to make everything yourself. Assign side dishes, starters or desserts to your guests. Let tannie Maureen make her legendary peppermint tart. You focus on the main course and drinks.
Bonus tip: Ask someone to bring ice. There’s never enough ice.
Step 4: Shop smart (and early)
Start buying non-perishables in early November:
- Long-life custard.
- Tinned fruit for trifle.
- Cranberry sauce.
- Baking essentials.
- Frozen meat (if you’ve got freezer space).
Buy weekly instead of all in 1 go to avoid a wallet meltdown.
Step 5: Don’t forget the vibe
Your house might not be a palace, but that doesn’t matter! A little décor goes a long way… Think fairy lights, crackers, festive serviettes, and some Boney M on repeat.
Want to go big? DIY a photo booth corner. Want to keep it budget-friendly? Use pinecones, candles, and leftover gift wrap as table runners.
Step 6: Prepare for leftovers
Christmas lunch is always too much. That’s the point. But make sure you:
- Have Tupperware or foil containers for guests to take home leftovers.
- Plan Boxing Day meals (gammon toasties? Chicken curry?).
- Don’t waste food. The king doesn’t like wastage.
Bonus: Keep the kids busy
Have a craft table, backyard games, or a movie zone set up. That way, the grownups can eat in peace while the kids make reindeer masks out of toilet rolls. Win-win.
Christmas lunch doesn’t have to be chaotic. With a bit of planning and a touch of royal flair, you can host a festive lunch that’s full of flavour, not stress.
And while you’re at it… Protect your home (and festive feast) with the king’s home contents insurance. Fires, fridge meltdowns, or sneaky Grinches, we’ve got you covered!
Simply WhatsApp 0860 50 50 50 or click here to get a commitment-free quote.
FAQs
1. When should I start planning my Christmas lunch?
Start early November. Finalise your guest list, plan your menu, and buy long-life items weekly.
2. What’s the best budget-friendly main course?
Roast chicken or gammon are great value-for-money centrepieces.
3. How do I avoid last-minute stress?
Prep what you can in advance, delegate dishes to guests, and shop smart.
4. What are some fun ideas to entertain kids?
Craft stations, scavenger hunts, Christmas movies, or cookie decorating.
5. Can I use leftovers creatively?
Absolutely! Gammon goes great in toasties, quiches, and pasta. Chicken = perfect for curry or salads.