Creating the Perfect Christmas Dinner
Christmas dinner is more than just a meal. It's the centrepiece of the day, bringing family and friends together around the table to enjoy great food and create lasting memories.
At Atkinsons of Harwood, we've been helping families enjoy Christmas since 1908, and we know that a fantastic Christmas dinner starts with quality ingredients and a little planning.
1. Choose the Right Centrepiece
The star of any Christmas dinner is the meat. Whether you're a traditional turkey family or fancy something different, choosing quality makes all the difference.
🦃 Turkey
The classic Christmas choice. Look for a fresh, well-reared bird that will stay moist and full of flavour.
🥩 Beef
A beautifully matured rib of beef or topside joint makes an impressive alternative and is perfect if you prefer a richer meal.
🍖 Gammon
Perfect alongside turkey or as the main event. A glazed gammon with honey and mustard is always a crowd-pleaser.
🐷 Pork
A pork loin with crispy crackling is another excellent choice for those wanting something a little different.
Our team is always happy to help you choose the perfect joint based on the number of guests you're feeding.
2. Don't Leave It Until the Last Minute
Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for your local butcher. Ordering early means:
- You'll get exactly the cut or size you want
- You can plan your meal with confidence
- You avoid the stress of supermarket shortages
- Everything is prepared exactly how you like it
3. The Perfect Roast
Whatever meat you choose, don't rush it. A few simple tips:
- Bring your meat to room temperature before cooking
- Season generously with sea salt and cracked black pepper
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect results
- Allow plenty of resting time before carving
Resting your meat for 20–30 minutes keeps it juicy and makes carving much easier.
4. The Trimmings Matter
A great Christmas dinner isn't just about the meat. Think crispy roast potatoes, fluffy Yorkshire puddings, pigs in blankets, honey-glazed carrots, sprouts with pancetta, red cabbage, cauliflower cheese and rich homemade gravy.
Using quality sausages and bacon for your pigs in blankets can elevate the whole meal.
5. Don't Forget the Stuffing
Homemade stuffing always wins. Whether you prefer classic sage and onion, pork and herb or something more adventurous, good stuffing adds another layer of flavour to your Christmas dinner.
6. Make Gravy Properly
Forget instant gravy if you can. Roasting juices, a little flour, stock and a splash of wine or port create a rich, silky gravy that ties the whole meal together.
It's often the one thing everyone remembers.
7. Prepare Ahead
Christmas morning should be about enjoying the day, not spending every minute in the kitchen.
- Prepare vegetables the day before
- Wrap pigs in blankets in advance
- Make your stuffing ahead of time
- Set the table the evening before
The more you prepare, the more time you'll spend with family instead of rushing around.
8. Support Your Local Butcher
Buying from your local butcher means you're getting expert advice, quality meat and personal service you simply won't find elsewhere.
Our team takes pride in preparing every order as if it were going on our own Christmas table. Whether you're feeding four people or forty, we'll help you choose the right products and quantities to make your Christmas dinner one to remember.
Let Us Help Make Christmas Special
From premium turkeys and succulent beef joints to homemade sausages, bacon, stuffing and festive favourites, we're here to help you create the perfect Christmas feast.
Order early to avoid disappointment and let our experienced team take the stress out of Christmas catering.
We look forward to helping your family enjoy a truly memorable Christmas dinner.
Atkinsons of Harwood – Quality Butchers Since 1908.
Pre-order Christmas Meat