Hewitt-Cromwell Rosanne - Easy Recipes for Christmas Cooking: A Short Collection of Receipes

Like Mam Used To Bake Christmas Checklist November

Make Christmas cake, pudding and mincemeat

All benefit from time to mature so the earlier you make them the better they will taste.

Write guest lists and send invitations

People book up quickly as December draws closer so its best to get in early. Write a guest list for each event that you plan to host over the Christmas season. A simple text, email or phone call will do. Alternatively you could design and send an e-invitation or a traditional card one.

Make appointments

Hair salons, barbers, beauticians etc. will be busier than normal during December so make appointments early to avoid disappointment.

Book babysitters

EVERYONE will be going out in December meaning local babysitters will be in high demand. You could also arrange a babysitting swap with family/friends, you babysit for them and vice versa.

Defrost and clean out the freezer

Make room for ice for drinks and any party foods that you want to make/buy in advance.

Clean out larder/store cupboard

Clear out the store cupboard binning anything that is out of date. Write a list and buy non perishable items that need to be replaced or bought especially for Christmas entertaining. Stick a piece of paper on the back of the door and write a list of any items as they run out during the month.

Place order with butcher

Order you turkey and ham and any other large joints of meat that you may require, and arrange a date close to Christmas day for collection.

Book online grocery delivery

If you plan to do your grocery shopping for Christmas day online book your delivery slot well in advance to ensure it arrives at a time that suits you.

Order fuel

If you will require gas/oil/coal etc. make sure to book in a delivery to avoid a cold Christmas.

Buy cards, stamps and wrapping paper

Write, address and stamp cards ready for posting.

If you havent done so already do up a spreadsheet with names and addresses of everyone on your Christmas card list. If you want to be super organised you could also do up an address label template that you can simply print out each year.

Place online orders

If shopping online or buying items not available in shops place orders early to allow for delivery or to allow for a plan b if an item is not available.

Check Christmas lights

Theres nothing worse than finding that lights dont work when you are just about to put them on the tree. Test the lights in advance so that you can replace any if needed to avoid stress and disappointment when you are knee deep in pine needles and baubles.

Write December engagements on calendar

Write down all engagements for December on a calendar or planner that the whole family has access to to avoid double booking any dates.

Like Mam Used To Bake Christmas Checklist December

Post your cards

I like to do this nice and early, I love walking to the post box with a bundle of carefully addressed envelopes and for me it kicks off the home stretch to the big day.

Deep clean the house

This year Im breaking it down room by room as opposed to spending one torturous day cleaning. Whichever way you do it the basics for each room are the same: declutter, organise, clean and decorate. If you do the big clean nice and early you will just have to dust and hoover/mop Christmas week.

Wash and iron guest room bed linen

Finalise plans for the main meal

Decide exactly what you will cook, write a list of ingredients and print out recipes for quick reference on the day. Dont be afraid to ask guests to help out, they could each bring items to save you cooking starters/sides/dessert.