There’s something truly magical about Christmas Day…the sparkle, the atmosphere, and of course, the food. But with all the excitement can come a little pressure, especially when you’re hosting. To help you create a smooth, memorable, and utterly delicious Christmas feast, our Executive Head Chef Aaron Duffy has shared his Top Tips for the perfect Christmas Day Dinner.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or keeping it cosy, Aaron’s expert advice will take the stress out of the kitchen and elevate your festive table.

1. Prepare as Much as You Can in Advance

Christmas Day cooking can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be. Aaron recommends prepping everything you can ahead of time to save energy — and sanity — on the big day. Vegetables, sauces, stuffing, and desserts can all be made or part-prepared the day before.

2. Borrow a Second Fridge if You’re Feeding a Crowd

It might sound simple, but it’s a game-changer. With chilled drinks, ingredients, and leftovers, your fridge will fill up fast. A spare fridge from a friend or family member not only creates space, but it also helps you store raw and cooked items separately and safely.

3. Soak and Boil Your Ham the Night Before

Make Christmas morning easier by prepping the ham ahead. Soak and boil it on Christmas Eve, then simply glaze and finish it in the oven on Christmas Day. One less thing to think about.

4. Use Duck Fat for the Ultimate Roast Potatoes

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside — it’s the dream Christmas roast potato. Aaron’s secret? Duck fat. Once you try it, there’s no going back

5. Wow Your Guests from the Morning

Set the tone for a special day with a simple but impressive breakfast. Aaron recommends mimosas paired with crumpets, hot smoked salmon, and poached eggs. Light, luxurious, and perfect for Christmas morning. (See Aaron’s favourite recipes attached!

6. Create a Showstopper Dessert

A finale dessert is a must. Choose something to share and serve at the centre of the table — like Aaron’s Festive Yule Log. It brings everyone together and adds magic to the meal.

7. Let Your Meat Rest — Always

Whether it’s turkey or a beautiful joint of beef, resting the meat is essential. Give it 20–30 minutes minimum before carving. This keeps the meat juicy and gives you those wonderful drippings for gravy.

8. Serve Cheese at Room Temperature

If a Christmas cheese board is on your menu, take the cheese out of the fridge early. Cheese should never be served chilled — its flavours shine best at room temperature.

9. Add Sausage Meat to Your Stuffing

A simple but delicious trick: sausage meat adds moisture, richness, and incredible flavour to stuffing. Your guests will notice the difference.

Merry Christmas & Happy Cooking!

With these expert tips from Aaron, your Christmas Day dinner is sure to be relaxed, flavourful, and unforgettable.

From all of us at Castle Leslie Estate, we wish you a joyful festive season filled with warmth, laughter, and outstanding food.