10 Christmas Day hacks

A few little ideas to make life easier!

Dec 12, 2024

For many of us, it is the biggest cooking operation of our entire year – but it doesn’t have to be a total stress fest. If you follow these simple steps, you will save time and make a doddle of your dinner. Good luck!

1. Prep veggies in advance

Save time and stress on the big day by prepping your vegetables ahead of time. Peel and parboil root veggies like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, then drain and let them cool. Once ready, store them in the fridge on baking sheets. When it’s time to roast, they’ll crisp up beautifully and cut down your cooking time.

2. Roast chicken gravy

Get ahead with a rich, homemade gravy that will elevate your meal. Roast a tray of chicken wings with onions, thyme and a drizzle of olive oil until golden. Deglaze the roasting pan with white wine to capture the flavour-packed bits, then stir in flour and chicken stock to create a thick, glossy gravy ready for reheating.

3. Bougie cheat’s crisps

For a chic but effortless canape, create a platter of salted crisps as your base. Top each one with a dollop of creme fraiche, finely diced red onion, fresh dill, and a scattering of Goatsbridge trout roe. This savoury, crunchy bite is quick to assemble and never fails to impress guests — it’ll disappear in minutes!

4. Fridge door cocktails

Streamline entertaining by pre-mixing cocktails that are ready to pour. Try a classic Negroni: combine equal parts gin (Silk’s Gin works beautifully), vermouth (like Valentia Island Vermouth), and Campari. Store in a bottle in the fridge. When friends arrive, simply pour over ice, add an orange slice, and you’ve got an instant, sophisticated aperitif.

5. Make-ahead desserts

This season, plan desserts that can be made in advance, leaving you free to enjoy the festivities. Crowd-pleasers like tiramisu, sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel, or a self-saucing chocolate pudding are perfect choices. Pair them with good-quality ice cream, and you’ll have decadent, stress-free desserts ready to serve in moments.

6. Ham station

Prepare for indulgent leftover feasts with a well-stocked “ham station” for sandwiches. Have soft, floury rolls, pickles, mustard, celeriac slaw, and maybe a wedge of cheese ready. Adding cheese-and-onion crisps is a game-changer for extra crunch, especially after a long night of celebrating. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the quieter, in-between days.

7. Supermarket cheats

Lean on ready-made essentials to save time without compromising on quality. Stock up on premade blinis to pair with smoked salmon, tubs of premium ice cream, and quality custard for dessert. These cheats make hosting easier while still wowing your guests. Sometimes, the key to holiday success is knowing when to let someone else do the work.

8. Plates & platters & storage

Minimise holiday stress by laying out your table well in advance. Set your plates, glassware and serving platters, ensuring everything is ready to go. Keep utensils and any additional items close by. For leftovers, invest in stackable, resealable glass containers. Not only will they keep everything fresh, but they’ll also help organise the inevitable post-dinner chaos.

9. Dry brine your turkey

Transform your turkey with an easy but impactful dry brine. Combine salt, peppercorns and aromatic herbs, and rub the mix all over the bird, inside and out. Let it sit for 1-2 days to infuse flavour. Before roasting, brush off the brine, then coat the turkey with butter for a golden, flavourful and perfectly juicy roast.

10. Order online

Skip the hassle of crowded grocery stores by doing most of your Christmas shopping online. Reserve trips to specialty stores, like your butcher or local farm stand, for unique items. This way, you can enjoy the festive spirit without the stress, supporting local producers while ensuring your table is filled with the best ingredients.

Wind Shore Goods

Wind Shore Goods is a celebration of timeless design, effortless living, and the beauty of everyday moments. Please have a look through our full selection of products on our website and if you’re local to Dublin, join us for our pop-ups at Newbridge House on the lead-up to Christmas with exclusive discounts, oil tastings, cookery demos, and a chance to experience the products firsthand. If you’re reading this from further afield, we can ship to you a little bit of Wind Shore Goods worldwide.