How to have the perfect Christmas

Christmas is a magical time of the year that we all love to share with our family and friends and food is one of the most important aspects of Christmas no matter where you live. 

It's that time to come together, share stories and laugh over a delicious meal.  From Roasted Turkey, Glazed Ham with Roasted Vegetables to a Seafood and Salad extravaganza, all finishing with an indulgent Pudding and sauce.  Everyone has their own traditions and recipes to ensure Christmas Day is a special one and that left overs can be enjoyed for days to follow.

Below are some handy tips on how to make your Christmas stress free, memorable and delicious for everyone.

Inviting friends & Family for Christmas –

Inviting someone for Christmas (in-laws, other family members, or friends), do it in person or by phone and leave it so they can get back to you as they may have to confer with others first.  If they are unable to make it, be gracious and remember it's such a busy time of year (and that means there's more pudding for you!)

Dietary requirements -

Anyone joining you that you haven't entertained before or seen in a while, make the effort to ask for any dietary requirements so you are prepared (It's so common that people develop intolerance or change their diets for personal reasons) this is easiest when they are confirming they’re joining you. 

Table Setting –

The basic rules do not vary when laying the table. Make sure it is done prior to guests arriving, for busy days like Christmas you can do the day before.  Give each person as much elbow-room as the table permits, leaving an even amount of space between places. Knives and spoons go on the right, forks on the left. When eating, always start from your outer cutlery and work in (outer - entree, working your way into dessert) Simple!

Place Cards –

Place cards are excellent to use when hosting.  Make seating a quick and stress free part of everyone’s lunch or dinner, your guests will appreciate it.

Table Setting pointers –

 https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-set-a-dinner-table

Suggested Menu options and Links to the best recipes -

Toast Turkey –

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/perfect-roast-turkey-recipe4-1943576

Glazed Ham –

https://www.puddinglady.com.au/blogs/simple-recipes/sticky-chilli-jam-and-marmalade-roast-ham

Roasted Vegetables –

https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetables-recipes/christmas-vegetables/

Seafood ideas –

https://www.gourmettraveller.com.au/recipes/recipe-collections/christmas-seafood-recipes-14969

Salad ideas –

https://www.puddinglady.com.au/blogs/simple-recipes

Christmas Pudding & Sauce ideas - https://www.puddinglady.com.au/collections/christmas-collection

How to heat Newcastle’s Pudding Lady Puddings –

Our puddings are fully cooked, however if you prefer them heated:

To heat Pudding: link - https://www.puddinglady.com.au/pages/customer-care

Christmas Decorations

Christmas Tree

Traditionalists would argue for the beginning of Advent, if not later, while some folk are so overflowing with the Christmas spirit that they won’t even wait until December.

Go early and some will call you tacky, wait and some will call you a Grinch.  I think whenever you are putting up your tree, make sure you have time, patience and definitely Christmas Carols lifting the occasion.  If you choose a real tree go mid-December as they don't last for the full month of December (a dead looking Christmas Tree really isn't in the spirit).

Festive Table

A festively decorated Christmas table is one of the most joyous things, along with Christmas tree and presents. The whole family will gather around the table and if you are hosting Christmas, you want your table setting to be as festive as possible.  This doesn't have to cost a fortune, if there is a special theme or colour (for example Navy & Gold) you are after, then it is always better to think about it in advance, so you can buy or make centrepieces and other things according to your specific theme and budget.

Other Christmas Blog ideas / Do's and Don'ts for the Festive Season

Christmas Cards

Most people enjoy receiving Christmas cards. You don't have to be wordy, but a nice thought above your signature can make someone's day. While it's okay to have a holiday newsletter enclosed, keep it brief and positive. Avoid too much bragging, or you'll have your recipients rolling their eyes.

Re-gifting

If someone gives you something you can't use or don't care for, it's okay to re-gift it later, as long as you don't give it back to the original person! To prevent this from happening, attach a note with the original giver's name and store all your re-gift items together.

Office Party

Have fun at the office party but don't forget where you are. It is never okay to drink too much, tell off-colour jokes, or get too chummy with the person in the next cubical over. Laugh, make small talk, and enjoy getting to know your co-workers on a lighter level, knowing that you'll be back to work in a few hours or days.