Festive food is a Christmas tradition that's honoured in almost every UK household. Typical dinner table stars on the 25th December are turkey, stuffing, roast potatoes, bread sauce, cranberries, and the ever-divisive brussels sprouts.
Despite most of the nation gorging themselves silly on this festive fare at lunchtime, by the time evening rolls around we're ready for more. As well as going through the Radio Times to plan your Christmas specials viewing, make sure the cupboard is stocked with these must-haves for a post-Christmas dinner feast.
Desserts and sweets
As we all know, there's always room for dessert! Even if you can't face any more turkey, you'll be able to squeeze in something sweet.
Christmas pudding is an obvious choice, but some find the suet and dried fruit too heavy for the evening. Consider mince pies and brandy cream or a slice of stollen for a lighter seasonal snack.
Other non-traditional festive favourites include chocolate yule logs and the delicate cream pudding pavlova.
Drinks and digestifs
Let's face it: we all like a Christmas tipple, whether alcoholic or not!
Get ready with the familiar post-roast digestifs like sweet Baileys, sharp sherry, and warming ginger wine. You should also fill the fridge with other familiar drinks such as beer, wine, and various spirits. You can find non- or low-alcoholic versions of these drinks for drivers and anyone who's tee-total.
For something a bit more comforting but still festive, consider speciality hot drinks like Christmas tea or flavoured hot chocolate.
A cheese board
If there's something no one can resist for supper, it's a cheese board! This is a truly indulgent supper option that's the perfect way to end this special day.
When you're selecting your cheeses, think about the preferences of your guests. Some may prefer very strong flavours such as blue cheese while others will want mild varieties like wensleydale and brie. Make sure you have a separate knife for each cheese to avoid cross-contamination.
Alongside your cheeses, put out an array of crackers as well as fruit that pairs well with cheese such as grapes and figs.
Inventive leftovers
Can't face repeating the roast? Get inventive with your leftovers. This will help you to use them up more quickly and make the menu more interesting to you and your guests.
Why not use your turkey carcass to make some stock as a flavourful base for soup and casseroles? Soup is the perfect way to give cold cooked veg a new lease of life. The meat works well in pies and pasta bakes, and of course the famous Boxing Day sandwich.
Even if you have some sprouts fans in your household, it's likely that you'll have some to spare. Bubble and squeak is a great way to get rid of leftover sprouts, and you'll likely have all of the other ingredients handy already.
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