Christmas day lunch
Five Family Feasts
Christmas is the time of year we most want to treat our loved ones to a festive feast – a spread that feels special without costing the earth or stressing us out unduly.
While it’s easy to stick with the tried and true, there’s no reason the Christmas meal has to be entirely traditional. Try one of our five simple, but celebratory, Christmas menu plans. They’re all a little bit different, ranging from a barbecue bonanza to a seafood meal that’s perfect for enjoying outdoors. We’ve also given you vegetarian, budget-friendly and plan-ahead options, so there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets.
BBQ Feast
Fire up the grill and enjoy Christmas outdoors with this easy barbecue meal made to please a crowd.
Crispy barbecued side of salmon with cucumber yoghurt
Barbecued pork chops with apple and potato salad
Barbecued asparagus with balsamic vinegar
Barbecued corn on the cob with lemon or lime butter
Season summer fruit platter and ice cream
Seafood Spread
This Asian-inspired seafood feast is perfect for enjoying on a hot day.
Oysters with lime and chilli dressing
Steamed Thai-style sea bass with rice
Thai tomato, avocado and prawn salad
Fresh Asian Noodle Salad (Note: Omit the chili in this recipe if your kids don’t like spicy food)
Mangos and strawberries with coconut rice
Make-Ahead Menu
This menu allows you to do much of the work in advance, leaving you free to relax with your guests. Both the beef braise and the summer pudding are best made the day before. The potatoes can be made in the morning and reheated. Then, simply assemble your salad and antipasto platter shortly before eating.
Antipasto platter
Beef Braise with oranges and star anise
Mashed potatoes
Leafy green salad and/or steamed broccolini
Vegetarian-Friendly
If you’re making Christmas lunch for non meat eaters, forget about meals that aim to imitate meat and three veg and dish up this delicious, proudly vegetarian menu instead.
Rice Salad with feta, olives & herbs
Tuscan tomato salad with marinated goat’s cheese
Jamie Oliver spinach and ricotta cannelloni
Budget Buffet
Money can be tight during the festive season but with a little creativity you can still serve up a rich, delicious spread.
Sticky lemon roast chicken with sweet tomatoes
Steamed green beans with slivered almonds
Nigella Lawson’s Grandmother’s Ginger jam bread and butter pudding
