YES! Less is definitely more. I used to stress so much about the having the “perfect” christmas day and it was always so stressful and not enjoyable at all. Now I just try and make it as stress free as possible and go with the flow a lot more and its a much better day for everyone. Ask everyone to bring a plate, do as much prep as you can the day before and dont try and stick to a strict schedule. Christmas is about family coming together and enjoying each others company and you cant do that when you’re stressed over the details.

We normally have a big roast meal for lunch. Lamb, chicken, pork and ham with all the veggies trimmings. Then it’s cold meat and salads for tea. Get everyone to bring a plate to reduce your stress levels

Get everyone to bring something!

I would suggest everyone bring a plate each.

Whatever you decide to end up doing: prepare, plan and organize. Sit down a month before and plan the menu. Make a list of things to buy and things to do. Many magazines will actually print such lists in November. Do as much as you can before Christmas day.

Get everyone to bring a plate. Set out your menu and work out who is to bring what. That way, you’re not stuck with all the expense, all the clean up and all the work. If you have too much at the end of the day, send plates home with guests, or ask if they want their leftovers. Or invite people round on Boxing Day to help finish things off

Hope your Christmas lunch was successful; good company is always the main thing. Everything else is a bonus!

i am hosting christmas lunch at our place this year? all we do is have salads, 2 types of meat and i try to stop my mum from bringing so much food that we could share it with the whole neighbourhood. Hope to use our back verandah if its not too hot

I always did the all out everything with the lot, trimmings and worked myself into the ground for weeks, Not now, I would encourage quality disposable plates, glasses, lovely serviettes and nice festive tablecloths, we always have a cold lunch and serve it buffet style, this way it can all be prepared in advance, placed on large platters, I serve different salads, we also have a dessert buffet, if you are not into cooking then the cheesecake shop make an awesome lemon cheesecake and also a great blackforest cake, add in a xmas fruit cake and pudding with premade custard, fruit platter. lollies, chips, nuts, biscuits and dips on the table along with the cherries, large garbage bag for all the rubbish. we also have an esky with ice for all drinks. we have found this to be the easiest, less stressful and allows time to be with the family and not fussing in the kitchen as it can really all be done in advance. and really family is what it is all about not five star dining!!

We all take turns having Christmas Day at each others home…we all contribute & the one hosting sets her menu, sends it to all the family & each choose what they would like to contribute from the list ie main plus a sweet, salad or nibbles etc, this year I am bringing along turkey rolls & a lime meringue cheesecake… enjoy

Not sure how many people you are expecting and what sort of food you were thinking of but you could make up a selection of salads. A potato salad, garden salad, Pasta salad and a greek salad perhaps. All prepared the night before.
Cook a Ham which serves many people.
Dessert you could easily purchase a Christmas cake and zap it in the microwave to heat it up and serve it with whipped cream, custard and Ice cream.
Or make up a plain trifle with chopped up jam sponge rolls lining a glass bowl, tip in some fruit salad and top with custard and sprinkle with chocolate flake.
Easy and feeds many.

It\’s my first time hosting lunch on Christmas Day too and with twin 2 year old girls I am going to try and get as much done prior, as I dont want to be stuck in the kitchen while my girls are so happy and excited with their new toys! We are having cold ham, turkey, roast lamb (done on the webber), fresh prawns and then a potato salad, coleslaw and garden salad (all made the day before). For dessert I\’m making trifle and raspberry cheesecake (making the day before) my girls are going to bake some Christmas cookies the day before. that way all I have to do is put the turkey in the oven and assemble the trifle. Go for easy, simple dishes that you know how to make and try and get as much done before the day! Good luck with it and Merry Christmas!

My advice, is to plan early, and don’t be afraid to ask people to contribute! Even if you’re asking people to bring one thing each. It’s a big deal to take on solo

I would rather attend a Christmas lunch with a happy, relaxed host than a stressed out person!

Just have the basics whatever they may be for your family.. ours is ham, chicken, turkey, roast veggies and dessert or pavlova and cheesecake.

Christmas for me is a family get together with seasonal food.

Maybe string up a set of lights around the dining area for a touch of atmosphere.

Don’t forget the bon bons! Everyone in those paper hats and tacky jokes are a great part of the day.