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Alternative Christmas dinner ideas please.

(68 Posts)
Whethertomorrow Wed 25-Sept-24 22:36:01

I will be on my own for Christmas dinner again this year. I had baked beans last year but this year I thought I might treat myself.

I hate any sort of fish so can anyone recommend something else please.

Thank you.

Beechnut Wed 25-Sept-24 22:48:33

It’s three months today so you could put your sprouts on 😂

In the past I’ve served up venison and steak. One year when I was on my own I cooked some chicken breasts.

Ali23 Wed 25-Sept-24 22:48:45

How about making a nice casserole and maybe a pudding that can be baked in the oven at the same time?

Or a lasagne and simple salad for one?

Allira Wed 25-Sept-24 23:03:26

I'd buy a posh ready meal and pud. There's lots of choice plus starters too which you could always have for supper.

Yes, get the Brussels on or they'll never be done

Theexwife Wed 25-Sept-24 23:03:49

Impossible to say without knowing dietary requirements or having any idea of the type of foods you like.

Maybe add a bit more detail.

Whethertomorrow Wed 25-Sept-24 23:20:23

I’ll eat anything apart from fish and scallops and lobster.

Thanks for ideas so far. Much appreciated.

Charleygirl5 Wed 25-Sept-24 23:32:01

I have mine down to a T. I buy a pack of two duck legs with sauce and cook in the air fryer with a variety of vegetables and usually dauphinoise potatoes. Two meals sorted. I usually start on Christmas Eve.

travelsafar Thu 26-Sept-24 00:40:40

Oh I'd push the boat out and treat myself to a luxury ready meal...no washing up, a delicious dessert or really good ice cream. Some good coffee and maybe a small box of Elizabeth Shaw chocolate mints. If you like a glass of wine or sherry that too. Whatever you decide I hope you enjoy it.

NotSpaghetti Thu 26-Sept-24 07:13:37

My mother-in-law likes this coq-au-vin. She likes to serve it to family members who she occasionally has over for dinner.

If you have a shop nearby or are able to put an order in, the "Cook" meals are quite good though I've not tried this one as am vegetarian - my daughter likes it.

Our local co-op has a good selection as does our larger garden centre.

www.cookfood.net/products/coq-au-vin/

GrannyIvy Thu 26-Sept-24 07:15:29

I would buy myself a posh ready meal and dessert and have all my favourite biscuits and chocs around plus a bottle of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc put my feet up and watch what I want on TV. Push the boat out and spoil yourself

kittylester Thu 26-Sept-24 07:21:56

A couple of restaurants round here are delivering Christmas meals that you reheat on the day. We have had a Sunday lunch previously and it worked very well.

We might treat ourselves this year.

Astitchintime Thu 26-Sept-24 07:33:10

I agree with travalsafar - that sounds ideal smile

eazybee Thu 26-Sept-24 07:52:29

Gather together a selection of your favourite foods, either ready made or home-made, to cover breakfast/brunch/elevenses lunch/afternoon tea/dinner//supper/midnight feast and include self-indulgent treats, Then decide on the day how and when you wish to eat and fit meals round pleasurable activities, with enough left over for Boxing Day.
I had a Cornish cream tea sent as a surprise gift for my birthday in January, and ate it outside, well-wrapped up, with Prosecco and hot chocolate.

Imarocker Thu 26-Sept-24 08:32:38

There are always three of us for Christmas meal but we buy ready made wellingtons from Lidl and add the trimmings.

RosiesMaw2 Thu 26-Sept-24 08:53:16

Imarocker

There are always three of us for Christmas meal but we buy ready made wellingtons from Lidl and add the trimmings.

I should think they’d be on the tough side, better get them on now along with the sprouts

flappergirl Thu 26-Sept-24 09:02:43

Starter, asparagus with ready bought hollandaise sauce or avocado salad with Waitrose french mayonnaise which tastes like homemade.

Main, Boeuf Bourguignon with potatoes gratin (you can buy packs of 2 individual gratin potatoes in Lidl and they are very good).

Dessert, Tiramisu which you can buy or make yourself the day before.

Buy a selection cheese and biscuits, some grapes and a good jar of chutney to graze on later in the day. You can also buy part cooked baguettes in most supermarkets so you have some nice fresh warm bread as well. Don't forget a box of your favourite chocolates and a bottle of your preferred tipple.

Oreo Thu 26-Sept-24 09:20:20

Allira

I'd buy a posh ready meal and pud. There's lots of choice plus starters too which you could always have for supper.

Yes, get the Brussels on or they'll never be done

That’s what I recommend too, M&S do some good meals, the Chinese or Indian ones are very good.Not really expensive either.

shysal Thu 26-Sept-24 09:52:41

Last year I was alone on Christmas Day, so had a baked Camembert with garlic french bread. I enjoyed it so much that I plan to do the same again this year.
Enjoy whatever you choose!

kittylester Thu 26-Sept-24 09:55:01

Boom boom Maw

Cossy Thu 26-Sept-24 10:06:13

Look at Donald Russell online, they have some good individual things, they do a lively one person beef wellington and nice desserts.

If not, how about something nice from M&S, they do a very nice Gastropub Chicken Kiev.

Cossy Thu 26-Sept-24 10:07:12

flappergirl

Starter, asparagus with ready bought hollandaise sauce or avocado salad with Waitrose french mayonnaise which tastes like homemade.

Main, Boeuf Bourguignon with potatoes gratin (you can buy packs of 2 individual gratin potatoes in Lidl and they are very good).

Dessert, Tiramisu which you can buy or make yourself the day before.

Buy a selection cheese and biscuits, some grapes and a good jar of chutney to graze on later in the day. You can also buy part cooked baguettes in most supermarkets so you have some nice fresh warm bread as well. Don't forget a box of your favourite chocolates and a bottle of your preferred tipple.

Sounds good!

Allira Thu 26-Sept-24 10:46:07

Waitrose meal deals
Charlie Bigham
M&S
Tesco Finest

I'm sure they'll all do Christmas specials.

BigBertha1 Thu 26-Sept-24 10:53:52

Love it RosiesMaw2!

Definitely a Charlie Bingham fish pie if it were me. Some nice greenery and a lovely pud to follow. Small bottle of fizz too.

kittylester Thu 26-Sept-24 11:01:57

Small, Bertha, come on it's Christmas!blush

Allira Thu 26-Sept-24 11:19:49

BigBertha1

Love it RosiesMaw2!

Definitely a Charlie Bingham fish pie if it were me. Some nice greenery and a lovely pud to follow. Small bottle of fizz too.

Anything but fish for Whethertomorrow, I think, BigBertha1, although yes, or Smoked Haddock Gratin. DH prefers the Waitrose fish pie because it has prawns in it.