A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Turkey Size for Your Christmas Feast

Hello! If you’re anything like me, planning the perfect Christmas dinner is one of the true joys of the season. And let’s be honest, the turkey is the star of the show.  However, knowing which size bird to choose can sometimes feel like a bit of a guessing game, especially when you're juggling guests, leftovers, and oven space!

So, I’ve put together this helpful little guide to take the stress out of it all. Whether you're hosting a cosy dinner for four or feeding the whole extended family, I’ll walk you through how to pick the perfect size turkey. Trust me - getting it right makes all the difference, and we're here to help every step of the way.

Know Your Numbers

If you’re not sure where to start, our Turkey Size Calculator takes out all the guesswork. Pop in the number of guests, let us know if you’d like leftovers, and we’ll suggest the perfect size bird for your needs.

Alternatively, start with your guest list. Are you feeding two, ten, or twenty? As a general rule, you’ll want around 450–500g per person, which includes the weight of the bones. This gives you a generous portion for everyone — and a bit extra for those who love a second helping.

• Small (2.5–3.49kg): Feeds 6–9 people

• Medium (3.5–4.49kg): Feeds 9–12 people

• Large (4.5–5.49kg): Feeds 12–15 people

• Extra Large (5.5kg+): Feeds 15–18 people

And let’s not forget the leftovers. Turkey curry, sandwiches, soup... dare I say, leftovers are one of the best parts of Christmas! If you fancy having a few extra meals after the big day, consider adding an extra kilo or so to your estimate.

Don’t forget to factor in:

• Little ones (they often eat less)

• Big appetites (there’s always one!)

• Any special dietary needs

Once you’ve got your ideal size, it’s worth remembering that cooking times will vary depending on the weight. Always use a meat thermometer and aim for 74°C in the thickest part of the thigh — that’s when you know it’s safely and perfectly cooked. Each of our turkeys ordered comes boxed with giblets, recipe leaflet & handy pop-up timer as we like to make your Christmas Day as stress-free as possible.

Choose a Turkey That Tastes as Good as It Looks

Of course, size is just one piece of the puzzle. The quality of your turkey makes all the difference. At Copas Farm Shop, we’ve been raising free-range bronze turkeys for decades - and once you’ve tasted one, you’ll understand why people come back year after year.

Let’s Make This Christmas One to Remember

Choosing the right turkey size might seem like a small detail, but it can really make your Christmas dinner feel effortless and enjoyable. If you’ve got any questions, feel free to pop into the shop, give us a ring, or drop us a message — we love chatting turkey!

Ready to choose your perfect bird? Browse our turkeys here and reserve yours early — they do go quickly! Oh and don't forget to order your Copas Cranberry Sauce and Traditional Gravy!