The Ultimate Christmas Food Shop 

With the big day around the corner, it’s time to get thinking about writing your Christmas food shopping list. For some, doing the Christmas food shop has become a tradition, taking the family to spend time trawling the aisles for the best deals or a new treat to try. For others, the dreaded task is put off until Christmas Eve.

To help you craft the perfect Christmas menu and have a stress-free, enjoyable, festive food shop, follow this simple guide.

Drinks 

If you’re in charge of hosting the Christmas get-together this year, or it’s just the close family, you want to ensure your guests don’t run out of refreshments. Opt for a traditional Bucks Fizz for a classic crowd-pleaser, or if you’re into more artisan wines, try matching the tipple to your chosen cut of meat.

For a non-alcoholic option, there are many different Christmas teas that complement the flavours of the main meal. They’re perfect to keep stocked up in the cupboard over the festive period, too.  

All the trimmings

To many, the most important part of the beloved Christmas dinner is the trimmings. Love them or hate them, the humble Brussels sprout should always be included. Why not try adding bacon and chestnuts to them to create a delicious festive side?

Although they require a lot of time and attention, making the perfect golden roast potatoes is worth the effort, so don’t forget to add goose fat to your list.

Choosing your meat

Perhaps the most expensive item on your shopping list is the meat you choose. The traditional turkey roast never fails, but if you want to try something different, delve into the red meat section and choose a succulent beef sirloin or glaze a gammon joint with honey and spices.

If you have guests with dietary requirements, a delicious nut roast works well with all the vegetables you’ll already be serving. 

Desserts

It’s not just the savoury elements that cause controversy, as the honourable Christmas pudding divides households. To keep up with traditions, make sure you’re stocked up on brandy butter or cream to serve with the classic confection.

For the chocolate lovers, a yule log always goes down a treat. Get the little ones involved to help decorate with edible decorations such as ivy leaves and icing sugar to act as snow. 

Cheese

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a post-dinner cheeseboard. To cater to all tastebuds, include a milder cheese such as cheddar, a soft option like brie, and a strong blue for real cheese lovers. Don’t forget the extras, such as crackers, chutney and honey, to truly enjoy what your showstopping cheeseboard has to offer. 

This is a collaborative post.