Countdown to Christmas: Our Go-To Guide for a Calm and Joyful Festive Season

As Christmas approaches, the build-up can be just as magical as the big day itself – if you're well prepared. Over the years, we’ve found that a little forward planning makes all the difference. From festive table settings to sorting the centrepiece of your Christmas lunch, the key to a relaxed and memorable celebration is getting ahead of the game.

One of the most important things to tick off early is your festive meat order and we really can’t recommend pre-ordering enough.  Securing your festive meat early takes a huge weight off your shoulders and means you’re not left being stressed in the final weeks leading to Christmas. Whether you're planning to serve roast turkey, beef, goose or something a bit different this year, getting your order in early allows you relax a little and concentrate on the rest of the to-do-list. 

Essential Prep for a Smooth-Running Christmas

We know how much there is to think about when you’re hosting or even just contributing to the Christmas festivities. That’s why we’ve put together some of our top tips to help you get organised – and enjoy it all along the way.

Make a To-Do List (and Check It Twice)

We always suggest starting with a clear to-do list. It's a great practical way to keep track of what needs doing and when. Include everything from sorting decorations and writing cards to planning your meals and finalising your gift list.

Breaking larger tasks down into smaller, more manageable chunks makes it easier to stay on top of things. So instead of writing “prepare Christmas lunch,” try listing it as “plan menu”, “order meat”, “buy non-perishables”, and so on.

Allow some breathing space, too – not everything goes to plan, and having a bit of wiggle room helps keep the festive spirit intact.

Planning the Christmas Lunch – The Sooner, the Better

The centrepiece of Christmas Day for most families is the dinner, so it pays to get it sorted early. Deciding on your menu a couple of weeks in advance gives you time to make adjustments if needed – especially if you’re catering for dietary preferences or allergies.

We recommend splitting your shopping list into two: one for the non-perishables you can buy ahead of time, and another for the fresh bits closer to the day. Planning your cooking times also helps – work out what can be prepared in advance and reheated, which takes the pressure off the oven on the 25th.

And don’t forget about the leftovers! Having containers ready and space in the fridge or freezer means nothing goes to waste.

Why Pre-Ordering Your Christmas Meat Is So Important

We’ve seen year after year how quickly our meat options sell out in the run-up to Christmas. That’s why we always encourage our customers to pre-order early; it gives you peace of mind and ensures you get exactly what you’re after.

Knowing your Christmas meat is ordered allows you to plan the rest of the meal properly. Plus, you can choose a collection date that fits around your busy schedule – no last-minute dashes or worrying about availability.

What to Consider When Choosing Your Centrepiece

When it comes to festive meat, we offer a variety of options to suit every gathering. Whether you're going all-out with a full turkey or another chosen meat, it’s worth thinking about how many people you’re feeding, whether you want leftovers, and how confident you feel with different cooking methods.

If you’re unsure, our team are always happy to offer guidance – we’ll help you choose the right size, share cooking tips, and make sure you feel confident from oven to table.

Adding the Final Festive Touches

Once the big jobs are sorted, it’s time to enjoy the little things that make the season magical.

Dress the Table for the Occasion

A thoughtfully laid table brings an extra touch of magic to Christmas lunch. Choose a colour theme that ties in with your décor – we love traditional red and green, but silver, gold, or even navy and white can look stunning too.

Add a nice tablecloth or runner, some cloth napkins, and a centrepiece, perhaps a few candles, some greenery, or a bowl of baubles. It doesn’t need to be over the top, just a bit of sparkle to set the scene.

Quick Décor and Gift Ideas if You’re Short on Time

If a few things are still left on the list by the time Christmas Eve rolls around, don’t panic. You can still make the house feel festive in no time.

Pop fairy lights along windowsills or the mantlepiece, fill a vase with baubles or dried orange slices, or simmer some cloves, cinnamon sticks, and orange peel on the hob for a gorgeous festive scent.

For last-minute gifts, homemade treats like biscuits or fudge go down a storm. A wrapped-up book or a voucher for a local experience also make thoughtful presents when time is tight.

Create a Cosy and Welcoming Atmosphere

At the end of the day, it’s not about perfection – it’s about the feeling. Soft lighting, gentle music, and the smells of Christmas are often what people remember most.

Warm-toned lamps and fairy lights help set the mood. A playlist with a mix of classic carols and festive favourites always goes down well. And nothing beats the smell of something lovely roasting in the oven.

But most of all, if you’re relaxed, your guests will be too. That’s what makes Christmas truly special.