OMG... Christmas - and I'm on the hook!

celyn90

moanymoany wrote: »

Look curv - there's a limit you know.....! :rolleyes:

What about a 1000 piece jig saw - you can get a good selection at any charity shop. I defy anyone not to look for that last piece...

Depends where you hide it

We have twenty questions and pictionary which are always a laugh, but to be honest, most of my family sleep after lunch!

My mum cooks lots of stuff the day before and does things like red cabbage in the slow cooker overnight.

love the idea of cranberry sauce jam tarts - that's so cool!

jessbrown100

oooh. it's our first year hosting the christmas festivities this year (first time that we haven't worked part of the day :j). It will also be the first christmas with our Bambino so twice as much stress! Will definitely be watching this thread!

Curv

suec wrote: »

On the day put a large saucepan of water on and just emerse the vag for about a min or so when needed ,

I'm sorry, suec, but I'm crying with laughter here... is this some sort of Christmas 'stress relief' technique?

Oh, thank you so much - you've got my morning off to a great start.

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

anniebooklover

curv :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

I'm another one who recommends making a list and a timetable. Before I go shopping for "Christmas Dinner", I go through what I want to serve - the starters, main course, desserts, afters - and make a list of the ingredients I need for them. I then check off all the ingredients I already have at home so I have a shorter list (hopefully) of what I *must* buy for my Christmas Dinner. This means I don't have a mad panic on the day when I discover that I have bought everything except the turkey.

purpleivy

My advice would be not to go mad with 'tea' on Christmas day. I know in the past I've slaved over this that and the other. Now I limit to a little bit of nice ham, pickles (just have to get them out of the cupboard,) bread and butter, jam and a piece of Christmas cake plus one more sort (something that can be done in advance, maybe scones or shortbread as they're plain and easy to do).

Either Make it clear to everyone that they are welcome to help themselves to drinks, or assign older children or A.N.Other on tea/coffee/drinks duties so that it is something you don't have to do. My DS makes a smashing Maitre d' .Kids can also swish bathroom and check for paper and towels. They can make ice for drinks...set the kitchen alarm to remind them to make more.

Younger children can pick up gift wrap and put their things away...give each child a big carrier bag with their name on so that they know where to find their things.

LISTs for everything.

People who are staying over, would be helpful if they could bring a towel and sleepingbag/duvet. As a family we do this, so the host doesn't have too much to do afterwards.

beachbeth

anniebooklover wrote: »

curv :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

I'm another one who recommends making a list and a timetable. Before I go shopping for "Christmas Dinner", I go through what I want to serve - the starters, main course, desserts, afters - and make a list of the ingredients I need for them. I then check off all the ingredients I already have at home so I have a shorter list (hopefully) of what I *must* buy for my Christmas Dinner. This means I don't have a mad panic on the day when I discover that I have bought everything except the turkey.

I definitely agree with making lists and plans. Make sure you know what the picky eaters will eat so you can include their favourite veg, dessert etc. Cook ahead if you can. I make my homemade stuffing a month ahead and put it in the freezer. I just have to get it out on Christmas Eve ready to pop in the oven the next day. Easy. If you are doing soup as a starter you can make it, freeze it and its ready to get out of the freezer and heat up on the big day.

Anything that saves you time is good - readymade custard tastes lovely and you just put it in the microwave. You can always then put it in a nice jug for the table.

I don't think you need to worry about entertaining on Christmas Day. Everyone will expect you to be in the kitchen cooking, not standing in front of them juggling and doing card tricks!:D The younger kids will be playing with their new toys and this tends to keep adults occupied because they help put them together and help play with them (especially the men!). In our dining room I have the tv on with something Christmassy and in the kitchen I have Christmas songs on the radio for background music.

Im sure it will all go brilliantly. If you plan ahead then you won't be panicked on the day itself (get OH to help by assigning him certain jobs too).

Curv

Thank you for all your suggestions so far... I love the idea of using simplicity to make things look impressive.

I'm going to plan a menu based on things I can cook/prep ahead and then finish off at the last minute, starting with Nigella's onion gravy and some stuffing balls.

I love the organizedChristmas website too... and thanks for the link to the thread about party games - some fabulous ideas on there.

I'm feeling much calmer about it now - thank you.

Triker

You can slowcook your turkey and then blast it off in the oven to crisp up the skin.

If not then I recommend slowcooking any ham or gammon joints, they're gorgous and the meat just fall away with minimum effect cooking wise.

elona

If you sprinkle some chopped fresh coriander on carrots they look very posh and as if you took ages on them.

An alternative pudding like "Eton mess" - just smashed up bits of mereingue, double cream and stawberries or raspberries (frozen and thawed) in a fancy bowl looks impressive and is very easy.

Triker

Cooking carrots in orange juice gives them a lovely flavour.;)