Plan your Christmas menu
When you're cooking for a crowd, having a menu plan is essential for a stress free event. Especially for large events like Christmas, getting your menu in order is the very first step. Whether you're a Christmas party veteran or it's your very first time, this list of courses and recipe ideas will make planning easy for you.
Christmas menu courses
Canapés
Have these finger foods out for your guests as they arrive and mingle. These little nibbles are just to keep the guests happy before the main event:
Starters or entrées
Let the feast begin! Once the guests are seated, it's time to bring out the entrées:
Mains
Go traditional with options including turkey and ham, or choose something meat-free that will please any guest:
Side dishes
The sides are arguably what makes the meal, after all, what is turkey without stuffing, or a roast pork without potatoes? Mix and match these sides:
Salads
A hot Aussie Christmas calls for some green salads to freshen things up. Once you try these ideas, you'll never settle for bagged salad again:
Christmas desserts
Traditional hot Christmas pudding, or modern eggnog ice cream to cool off the day? Why not both! These options fuse a little bit of old and new for desserts that will delight everyone:
Drinks
Make your job as a host easier by making a big bowl of punch with summer fruits or jugs of easy cocktails for a crowd.
GET THE RECIPE: Chicken and pork terrine with egg centre by Australian Eggs
This terrine can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it a great make-ahead recipe for summer entertaining.
GET THE RECIPE: Sticky Asian Pork Belly with Plums by Summer Stonefruit
If you want to try something different, this pork belly with crunchy crackling and sticky plum sauce makes a stunning main.
GET THE RECIPE: White Forest Crackle Cheesecake Log by Copha
This creamy and crunchy cheesecake log with cherries and white chocolate is a fantastic chilled dessert to make for a hot summer Christmas.
