It’s my turn to host Christmas Day lunch – and there’s going to be 16 of us! What can I do to start preparing now?
Freeze, freeze, freeze. You’ll be amazed at what you can get out of the way now by popping it in the freezer until Christmas Eve and letting it thaw out overnight. Make things that can be fiddly on the day such as bread sauce, braised red cabbage and gravy well in advance. You can add the juices from the turkey to the gravy before serving, and braised red cabbage actually improves in flavour over time. You can even par-boil and freeze potatoes and other vegetables. Just remember to label everything so you know where it is on the day.
Try this: make the meal go further by supplementing your main turkey dish with a few extras on the side. Try Aldi’s Specially Selected Five Bird Roast (1.58kg, £9.99).
I’m hosting Christmas Day for the first time and I’m keen to impress with a delicious starter, but I’m already feeling stressed out at the thought of having so much to do.
One word: canapes. Without question, your guests will want to save their appetite for the main event, so don’t even worry about an elaborate first course. Simply put some easy-to-assemble people-pleasing smoked salmon, king prawn or mozzarella and tomato canapes on trays for everyone to help themselves to before they sit down at the dinner table.
Try this: Aldi’s Specially Selected Smoked Salmon 100g is a steal at £2.49. Choose from Honey & Mara Seaweed or Applewood & Oak Smoked.
I have so many nieces and nephews under 10 that shopping for Christmas presents seems to take forever – and it’s hard to keep track of what they’re into.
Definitely shop online where possible – even if it’s just to research what’s out there before making a decision. It’s easy to spoil children, but limit yourself to one gift per child so it’s less fiddly. Have you considered getting them all the same thing, but in different colours or variations? That way your nieces and nephews won’t fight over who got the best gift. Large families should also consider doing a secret Santa - where you put your names into a hat and pick out one person you then buy a present for. Simple!
Try this: to ensure the kids are as excited about the wrapping as much as the present, use Disney/Marvel Gift Wrap, 5m, £99p. Discover more giftwrap tips at aldi.co.uk/Christmas
I’m having people round for pre-Christmas drinks, but I don’t know what to stock up on. The possibilities are endless.
They are, but you’re not opening a bar. If you are hosting a drinks party you need to keep it as simple as possible – not only is it time consuming making all kinds of concoctions, it’s expensive. Choose one or two signature drinks to offer people alongside wine and beer, for example, prosecco with a drop of elderflower cordial or make a pitcher of gin punch.
Try this: get those corks popping with Aldi’s Prosecco Spumante DOC Magnum,1.5 litres, £11.99.
I love giving presents, but hate waste. How do I make sure my gift doesn’t end up in the charity shop or, worse, in the bin in a few weeks time?
Steer clear of surprises and ask your loved one what they really want or need. If it’s something outside of your budget, maybe you can contribute to it. Websites such as patchworkpresent.com allow friends and family to club together towards one big present that’s really wanted. Alternatively, consider edible gifts, especially if you’re buying for a foodie. Posh biscuits, expensive cheese, or a lovely bottle of wine or spirits are all good choices. Even better, make your own – a beautifully presented tin of homemade shortbread or cordial in a glass swing top bottle are both thoughtful gestures and are easy to pull off.
Try this: in Italy, it’s traditional to give panettone at Christmas, a towering, light-as-air fruitcake. Aldi’s Luxury Topped Panettone 750g is just £5.99 and is presented in a beautiful gift tin.
I love the hustle and bustle of Christmas and regularly entertain groups of guests, but I seem to spend all my time in the kitchen.
Learn to delegate! Having friends over for a festive catch-up doesn’t have to mean slaving over a hot stove. It can actually be more fun to ask everyone to bring a dish and serve it buffet-style. You can just provide the basics like lovely fresh bread and butter and perhaps a salad – it will totally take the pressure off being the host.
Try this: fill your freezer with items from Aldi’s party food range – perfect for those occasions when friends drop by unannounced. Try Aldi’s Specially Selected 12 Piece Premium Prawn Selection (270g, £2.49).
