The secret to a brilliant Christmas Day is shopping smart and preparing ahead. This year, make Asda your first choice for everything you need for the all-important lunch. Here are our tips, honed from years of hosting, on how to make it the easiest but most spectacular festive season yet.
Minimise the legwork
Rather than stressing yourself out by trudging around multiple retailers for your Christmas shop, head somewhere you know is going to have the lot under one roof. Heading to Asda* means that you’ll get tasty dishes at truly great prices. You'll find everything from delicious desserts – like Christmas puddings and Asda’s Amazing Chocolate Fudge Yule Log (taste approved by us!) – as well as fresh produce, from Brussels sprouts to centrepiece-worthy turkeys.
Make friends with your freezer
Another way to get ahead is to buy or make dishes in advance and freeze them for the festive season. Mince pies (homemade or shop-bought – no shame there!), gravy and cranberry sauce can all be frozen for a few weeks, and thawed ahead of Christmas Day. Asda has an incredible range of freezer treasures too. We’ve fallen for the crunchy-topped pre-brûléed Extra Special Classic Crème Brûlée, which goes straight from freezer to table without needing a blowtorch or any cooking.
Get the day started the right way
A lush, lazy breakfast is the perfect way to kick off the merriment. Pop a bottle of fizz (Asda has it all, from purse-friendly Prosecco to its Exceptional Champagne Benoît Renaud) and let everyone graze from a beautiful breakfast-board buffet. With its pronounced smokiness, Asda’s Exceptional Fig, Whiskey and Spiced Honey Smoked Salmon was voted ‘Best flavoured smoked salmon’ by our Good Housekeeping Institute. Layer it up on platters with dollops of whipped cream cheese, sprinkle over some dill and finely grated lemon zest, then serve alongside stacks of warm toasted blinis or bagels. There’s OMV! Smoked No Salmon for vegetarian and vegan guests too.
Make it a mood
A memorable Christmas Day is about more than just the big meal (though let's not pretend that's not the main event). It's about creating a truly festive spirit that begins as soon as everyone wakes up – and what says festive better than matching Christmas pyjamas for bleary-eyed stocking opening. It's never too early in the day to light cinnamon-spiced candles and turn on the tree lights, either. When it comes to ramping up the festive atmosphere, don't underestimate the power of a great playlist – far easier and more effective than picking random songs while you’re trying to cook dinner and entertain. Gather requests from all the family and guests, stick the songs on shuffle to keep things varied and encourage singing along to the classics.
Pick the perfect main course
We’ve Taste Approved Asda’s Exceptional Norfolk Bronze Turkey (available in store from 19 December), along with its Exceptional Fig, Whiskey and Spiced Honey Gammon (ideal for Boxing Day too). Alternatively, order a hand-prepared lamb roasting joint or Asda’s impressive Exceptional Topside Roasting Joint (in store from 17 December), coated with a mustard crust and complete with knock-your-socks-off bone-marrow basting fat. If you’ve got vegan diners, the OMV! range has plenty of delicious plant-based options, including a nut roast and a whole OMV! No Turkey Joint (also from 17 December).
Set the scene
You don’t have to push the boat out on lavish props for your dinner table – use tree trimmings, some tea lights and a few mini baubles to create a stunning centrepiece, or turn them into smaller arrangements dotted around the place settings. Some simple white napkins and polished cutlery will add elegance, while Asda's subtly festive White Christmas Tree Porcelain Dinner Set will really add a special touch to proceedings.
Start as you mean to go on
Looking to serve something special before the main lunch? Asda’s got you covered. Full of deluxe shellfish and a lavish seafood mousse, its individually portioned Exceptional Prawn & Lobster Cocktails (from 17 December) are the ultimate in fuss-free hosting. Or if rustic chic is more your style, try slices of Asda’s cranberry-flecked Exceptional Brussels Pate (in store 5 December) with crisp sourdough toast soldiers.
Make a plan
To ensure the cooking goes without a hitch, decide when you want to serve lunch, then read the instructions on everything you’re making and work backwards from that time. This way, you’ll have a clear idea of when things need to go in the oven and you won’t get caught out.
End on a sweet note
We know that not everyone shares our enthusiasm for Christmas pudding – thankfully Asda’s huge range of dessert options will keep everyone happy. We’ve Taste Approved its sumptuous Extra Special Raspberry, Pistachio & Passion Fruit Pavlova Wreath – a crisp, chewy meringue, generously topped with passionfruit cream and raspberry compote. For a real showstopper, we also love Asda’s Exceptional Black Forest Bowl (available from 9 December) – an indulgent twist on a classic flavour combo containing layers of decadent mousse and compote, topped with profiteroles.
So, if you want to feel like you’re splashing out but ultimately still saving the pennies, treat yourself to Asda’s Exceptional range this year. With innovative premium recipes, unparalleled flavours and carefully selected ingredients, it's just the thing to take Christmas to the next level.
Visit Asda in store or online for your Christmas shopping
*Selected stores. Subject to availability. Delivery, collection and minimum basket charges may apply. Delivery/collection slots subject to availability.
