With Christmas Day almost upon us, the festive decorations are twinkling and the excitement is building. However, amidst the whirlwind of present wrapping and party planning, it's all too easy to overlook some crucial items for the big day itself.
Your Ultimate Christmas Day Essentials
To ensure your celebrations go off without a hitch, we've compiled a comprehensive checklist of must-have items. The best part? If you order promptly, these products should still arrive in time for Christmas, saving you a frantic last-minute dash to the shops.
For the Festive Feast
Making Christmas dinner run smoothly is a top priority. Disposable baking trays are a lifesaver for roasting potatoes and vegetables, offering an easy clean-up solution. To guarantee your centrepiece is cooked to perfection, a digital meat thermometer like the OXO Good Grips Chef's Precision model is indispensable.
Don't forget the serving essentials. A set of porcelain dishes and a selection of serving utensils will elevate your table. For drinks, a set of four tulip wine glasses provides an affordable touch of elegance for guests.
If oven space is a concern, a Tefal air fryer with a 7.5L capacity can handle extra roast potatoes or pigs in blankets. Finally, ensure you have luxury condiments, like horseradish sauce from The Condiment Company, and a practical gravy boat with a fat separator.
Post-Meal Clean-Up and Guest Comfort
Once the feast is over, be prepared for the clean-up. Stock up on heavy-duty cooking foil, Pyrex glass storage containers for leftovers, and reliable bin bags. A fresh, non-scratch scrubber, such as one from Scrub Daddy, is essential for tackling greasy pans.
Keeping guests happy is key to a festive atmosphere. Have heartburn tablets on hand for overindulgence and set the table with beautiful Christmas crackers from British brand Talking Tables. Plan some after-dinner entertainment with a quick game like 'Six Second Scribbles'.
Create a cosy ambience with a cinnamon-scented Yankee Candle and offer guests mulled wine made from convenient sachets. Consider sending them home with leftovers packed in disposable aluminium takeaway containers.
Often-Forgotten Extras and Post-Christmas Stock-Up
Several practical items are commonly missed. Kitchen scissors are versatile for food prep and opening presents. A wooden chopping board set is perfect for carving and cheese platters. Stainless steel measuring cups aid baking, and a pack of Duracell AA batteries will power new toys and gadgets.
Also, remember to stock up on premium toilet roll, like Andrex's XL quilted rolls, and elegant disposable dinner napkins to add a touch of class to your table.
Once Christmas Day is over, look ahead to Boxing Day and New Year. Make a note to replenish basics you may have run low on, such as milk, eggs, bread, soft drinks, alcohol, gravy, stock cubes, kitchen roll, and toilet paper. Planning this now will ensure you're fully prepared for the rest of the festive season.
