Christmas is the most joyful time of the year. However, truth be told, it is the most stressful time of the year as well, especially if you are the host. From looking after the kids to cooking a lavish meal, the tasks can sometimes pile up and get on your nerves, eventually leading to mistakes. Hence, planning things well and in advance is important to make your kitchen duty stress-free. Here are some common mistakes many tend to make while cooking their grand Christmas dinner. These will help you avoid making the same mistakes while cooking the holiday feast, making your festive season prep much easier.
Not keeping count of your guests before prepping for the feast
One of the most common mistakes that many tend to make while cooking their Christmas dinner is not keeping count of their guests. Instead of confirming everyone’s availability at the last moment, send the invitation in advance and get a confirmation at least a month before the big day. This will help you keep a headcount and prepare some extra food depending on the same. While sending out invites, do ask your guests to send through any allergies or dietary restrictions along with their RSVP. This will prevent any last-minute panic at the dinner table and help you plan the menu accordingly.
Not deciding upon the menu before you start cooking your Christmas dinner
Once the invitees are confirmed and locked in, sit with your family and decide on a menu for the big day. Many skip this part while cooking the Christmas dinner. However, this will give you a clear picture of the items you need to cook on the same day, the ones you need to thaw the night before, and the dishes you can pre-cook and store in the fridge beforehand. Never leave it for the last minute. It will only lead to panic and anxiety, and you don’t want anything to ruin your Christmas.
Not cooking the Christmas dinner as per your convince
You might be tempted to make your family’s age-old, time-consuming traditional recipes. However, do you have the stamina for the same? With kids asking for you every few minutes as the schools will be out due to the holiday season, you will need to balance the festive season prep with quality time spent with the little ones. Acceptance is key, and becoming a mama changes the game for the holidays. So, you need to adjust your plans accordingly. Avoid making this very common mistake while cooking for Christmas dinner.
Plus, there is no harm in looking for new recipes that are easy to make or can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Cooking at your convenience will keep you sane throughout the holiday season, allowing you to spend more quality time with your family and friends. Depending upon the situation and time constraint, make things easier by getting your hands on some pre-cooked Christmas food items like brown-and-serve rolls, steam-in-the-bag veggies, canned yams, pre-cut veggies, etc. You can add a festive twist to these and serve them to your guests at the very last minute.
Not considering cooking time before making your Christmas dinner
Cooking time, cooking utensils, fridge space, and oven size are some of the things you must consider before switching to your holiday cooking mode. Many miss out on considering these very essential things while making Christmas dinner, leading to last-minute chaos in the kitchen. Almost every Christmas dish requires an ample amount of cooking time, fridge space, and the right utensils to nail the recipe. So, plan what you should cook first and how to store them. Also, be mindful of the size of your oven. Imagine getting a giant turkey for your Christmas feast, only for it to not fit in your oven!
Not shopping early for your Christmas dinner
Last-minute grocery shopping is never a good idea during the holiday season. Moreover, as Christmas draws closer, most stores are out of good produce and other products. So, after deciding on the menu, prioritize preparing your grocery list. Go through it twice, cross-check with the recipes so you don’t miss out on any of the ingredients, and shop as early as possible.
However, we realize that some food items must be made fresh and may not last a week in your fridge. Consider curbside pickup or delivery a day or two in advance to avoid a last-minute run to the grocery store. If you have a grocer you frequent and have a good relationship with, you can request them to keep aside some of their good produce and deliver the same to your home a day or two before the big day.
You should also make sure you know what to do if a recipe goes wrong. Knowing some handy tips and tricks can save your dish at the very last minute. Also, do not hesitate to ask for help from your family and friends. Everybody knows how stressful cooking can be for the host and will gladly lend a hand to take some pressure off your shoulders. So, avoid these mistakes while cooking your Christmas dinner and have a jolly ol’ time this holiday season.
