That’s such a great question, and it’s something so many of us worry about! But try not to overthink it. Apart from doing as much prep ahead of time as you (to minimise time in the kitchen) here are some ideas to keep your guests happy and entertained while you’re cooking: Bring the party to the kitchen: Set up a little drinks station and some nibbles so guests can hang out with you while you cook. It makes the kitchen feel like the heart of the action! Music or a Christmas film: A festive playlist or a classic Christmas movie in the background keeps everyone entertained and in the festive spirit. Games and quizzes: Lay out some trivia cards or ask someone to run a little quiz. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and gets everyone involved! Get them involved: Delegate small, easy tasks - setting the table or taste-testing the gravy. People love to feel part of the prep. Keep kids busy: If there are little ones, set up a craft zone or bring out some toys or games from earlier in the day. Cocktail/mocktail station: Let them mix up their own festive drinks - it’s fun and keeps them busy while you’re cooking. Hope these ideas help! Honestly, a few snacks and some Christmas tunes can go a long way to keeping everyone happy. Wishing you a stress-free Christmas dinner! 🎄💚
Having done Christmas enough times, I already know this stuff. But I still watched the video because I knew I needed to hear & believe it!😊 I love the reminder that everyone needs to be considered, the host has needs too. If we get frazzled, we're just going to make everyone stressed. So let's look after ourselves.
I was so stressed, then I remembered what you said about it just being a posh Sunday dinner, so I’m getting Aunt Bessies type things that I can bung in the oven
Same here. Doesn’t matter to me if it’s cook from frozen as saves hours making these things yourself. I’d sooner be with my kids than stuck in the kitchen. We even get ready meal cooked breakfast lol. Put in oven and by time presents opened it’s ready
Hello Gemma. Love your shirt 👚 We always have Christmas Day with us 3, me hubby and son. We have chicken and all the trimmings (always buy the cauliflower cheese and yorkshires) I have cooked my gammon and frozen it all - sliced and prepped for portions. We always have a bacon sarnie in the morning and have a walk, we pretty much do Christmas our way every year and then Boxing Day at my parents xxx I don’t put pressure on myself anymore to make everything homemade just a few bits and pieces x
What tips have you for guests not to be bored whilst the cook is in the kitchen cooking ?! I find that part stressful as I am worried they are bored!
That’s such a great question, and it’s something so many of us worry about! But try not to overthink it. Apart from doing as much prep ahead of time as you (to minimise time in the kitchen) here are some ideas to keep your guests happy and entertained while you’re cooking:
Bring the party to the kitchen: Set up a little drinks station and some nibbles so guests can hang out with you while you cook. It makes the kitchen feel like the heart of the action!
Music or a Christmas film: A festive playlist or a classic Christmas movie in the background keeps everyone entertained and in the festive spirit.
Games and quizzes: Lay out some trivia cards or ask someone to run a little quiz. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and gets everyone involved!
Get them involved: Delegate small, easy tasks - setting the table or taste-testing the gravy. People love to feel part of the prep.
Keep kids busy: If there are little ones, set up a craft zone or bring out some toys or games from earlier in the day.
Cocktail/mocktail station: Let them mix up their own festive drinks - it’s fun and keeps them busy while you’re cooking.
Hope these ideas help! Honestly, a few snacks and some Christmas tunes can go a long way to keeping everyone happy. Wishing you a stress-free Christmas dinner! 🎄💚
Having done Christmas enough times, I already know this stuff. But I still watched the video because I knew I needed to hear & believe it!😊
I love the reminder that everyone needs to be considered, the host has needs too. If we get frazzled, we're just going to make everyone stressed. So let's look after ourselves.
@@theorganisedmum
Brilliant tips - thanks! I’ve done a quiz and I think I’m going to put the new film “That Christmas “ on in the background
love your blouse!
I was so stressed, then I remembered what you said about it just being a posh Sunday dinner, so I’m getting Aunt Bessies type things that I can bung in the oven
you'll smash it !! xx
Same here. Doesn’t matter to me if it’s cook from frozen as saves hours making these things yourself. I’d sooner be with my kids than stuck in the kitchen. We even get ready meal cooked breakfast lol. Put in oven and by time presents opened it’s ready
Hello Gemma.
Love your shirt 👚
We always have Christmas Day with us 3, me hubby and son.
We have chicken and all the trimmings (always buy the cauliflower cheese and yorkshires)
I have cooked my gammon and frozen it all - sliced and prepped for portions.
We always have a bacon sarnie in the morning and have a walk, we pretty much do Christmas our way every year and then Boxing Day at my parents xxx
I don’t put pressure on myself anymore to make everything homemade just a few bits and pieces x
this sounds heavenly!!!!
can you do a review on purdue and fig please ?
Oo self service is a fab idea!
It’s my first year hosting Christmas dinner
Good luck!!!
Tip: 🍷