The Hard Shoulder You Are What You Eat: Christmas Dinner Prep
Dec 19, 2025
Aisling Larkin, a Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef, shares her expertise in Christmas dinner preparation. She emphasizes the importance of early prep to minimize stress and suggests asking guests to contribute dishes. Aisling presents delicious vegetarian main options like chestnut-lentil Wellington and offers practical timing strategies for Christmas Eve and Day. She also provides valuable cooking hacks, including easy gravy tips and impressive canapé ideas using supermarket shortcuts. Don't miss her festive e-book packed with planning advice!
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Feed Guests On Arrival
- Have snacks ready when guests arrive to take the edge off their hunger and buy you time.
- Get out of the kitchen and chat so you can finish prep without people hovering around the island.
Ask Guests To Pitch In
- Ask guests to bring sides or courses so you don't have to do everything yourself.
- Delegate starters or desserts and focus on the main to reduce workload and stress.
Vegetarian Main Options
- Make a vegetarian main like a chestnut-lentil Wellington so vegetarians feel fully included.
- Alternatively roast a whole cauliflower or prepare a squash-and-cheese tart ahead and reheat on the day.