Rachel's tips for a fun and stress-free Christmas
We are well into the festive season – shopping, sugar, spice and all things nice! There’s a load to fit in to the diary, whether it’s last-minute wrapping or stocking up on ingredients for party food. If you’re hosting the big day, make it as enjoyable for you as it is for your guests and don’t let things get on top of you.
Here are my tips for a fun and stress-free Christmas:
* Remember, every oven varies slightly. Do a trial run with yours so that you're confident with temperatures and cooking times before attempting a big Christmas roast.
* Put together a Christmas playlist (share your suggestions with Khoollect HQ!). Throw in a mix of old school carols, some classical music, and a round-up of your favourite tunes.
* Less is more! No need for 10 different side dishes. It's always better to do a few of things really well than have a huge choice of mediocre options.
* Can't fit everything in the oven? Parboil your vegetables and place in a bag with some seasoning and a little oil. While your turkey is resting (wrap in a double layer of aluminium foil and several clean towels) for at least 30 minutes to an hour, pop your parboiled vegetables in the oven to roast.
* If you burn your veg, use that emergency bag of salad in the fridge with some orange segments and toasted nuts to make a seasonal salad.
* Delegate tasks in advance. Ask your guests to help make the Christmas crackers, decorations for the table, or preparing meals. They will be happy to help... even with dish-washing duty!
Photo by Lara Messer
