You’ll thank yourself on Christmas Day! Here’s what to prep early for a smoother, cheaper dinner
The countdown to Christmas has begun, and if you want a delicious, stress-free dinner, the secret is to start now.
Yes, even in November and early December, it's already possible to take important steps forward and ensure a lighter and more organized end to the year. In this article, we've put together everything you can plan, buy, prepare or freeze in advance. Less rush, more flavor and more time to enjoy with those who matter.
1. Define the full menu now
No more deciding what to cook at short notice. Choose your starters, main courses, side dishes, drinks and desserts now. This way, you'll avoid duplicate purchases, expensive improvisations and the feeling that you're forgetting something.
2. Buy non-perishable ingredients
Rice, flour, canned goods, pasta, dried fruit, wine, olive oil, nuts, spices? All these items have a long shelf life and usually go up in price around Christmas. Buying now is a guaranteed saving.
3. Anticipate frozen food
Meat such as turkey, chester, tenderloin or cod can be bought in advance and kept in the freezer. You can also freeze ready-made broths, raw pasta or prepared fillings, saving a lot of time the week of the party.
4. Prepare and freeze some recipes
Some dishes are even better after being frozen and reheated. Farofa, tomato sauce, dumplings, quiches, savory pies, breads and dessert bases can all be made weeks in advance. Organize your freezer!
5. Organize utensils and crockery
Do you know where the beautiful cutlery is? The platters? The bowls? Don't wait until the 24th to find out. Check now, wash what you need, see if anything is missing and avoid last-minute stress.
6. Plan the table decoration
Even a simple table can look beautiful with a little planning. Think about the colors, the details, the tablecloth, the candles, the arrangements. By buying or setting up now, you can avoid last-minute rushes and make more creative (and economical) choices.
7. Agree tasks with the family
Christmas is not synonymous with overload. Talk it over with family members and agree who brings what. Delegating is essential to avoid making the meal a burden for just one person.
8. Test new recipes now
Want to serve something different? Then this is the perfect time to try it out. This way you can adjust the seasoning, the timing and avoid frustration on the day of the party. It's better to get things wrong (and right!) in good time.
The more you anticipate now, the lighter and more enjoyable your meal will be. Anticipation is not exaggeration, it's intelligence. Plan, buy, freeze, combine and enjoy. Your Christmas deserves flavor, but also peace of mind.
Mirella Mendonça
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