A mum-of-two from Norfolk says she is hoping to have a relaxing, stress-free Christmas Day despite hosting half a dozen people, thanks to her organisational skills
A savvy mum began making her Christmas dinner two months before the big day – and will spend just £5 per head.
Tahnee Beck, 34, loves being prepared for the festive season and begins scouring shops for bargain presents and decor on Boxing Day. The organised parent, who is preparing to host six guests on December 25, has already cooked her roast potatoes, red cabbage with apple and parsnips to get ahead of the game.
Her essential Christmas Dinner components are now safely stored in her freezer, to make the main event as stress-free as possible. “Christmas should be a relaxing time for all – including the host,” said the married homemaker from north Norfolk.
“I love Christmas – and a little prep helps me enjoy it even more. In the past I’ve been preoccupied with getting lunch ready and the day has passed me by.
“I prepped everything last year and the dinner was a huge success. It doesn’t take that long because I just make double portions of roast potatoes or extra waffles during the run-up to Christmas. I’m now looking forward to a relaxed morning opening presents and not stressing about peeling potatoes.”
Tahnee’s inspiration to be organised last year came from a household name – Great British Bake Off star Mary Berry. She got her recipes from the culinary legend’s vintage 1977 pamphlet Freezing For Christmas, which contains recipes for the week beginning Christmas Eve to be prepared and frozen in advance.
Tahnee said the pamphlet opened her eyes to new dishes, including mackerel pate. “I love all things vintage, so it was a lot of fun for me,” she said. “My husband grew up eating a lot of these dishes at Christmas so it was nostalgic for him. The pineapple ice cream we had last year wasn’t the best however, so I’ll be sticking to Yule log for the children and fruit pavlova for the adults this year.
“For Boxing Day we’ll have a bubble and squeak breakfast from leftover potatoes and vegetables with eggs,” Tahnee added. “Followed by turkey bake and cheese sauce for lunch. It’s not just a stress-free Christmas but also affordable and no-waste.”
The homemaker has prepared seven meals in total for Christmas Eve, including gammon and red cabbage to be served with a blood orange salad thrown together on the day, as well as cooking waffles for Christmas Day morning. The money saving parent to a daughter, 12 and son, 9, she estimates she’s saved £5,000 in the last seven years by cashing in on sales throughout the year, making her Christmas half the cost.
“To anyone wanting to do the same this year, sit down and work out your menu and when you’ll cook each dish during the run-up to Christmas,” said Tahnee of her thrifty dinner plans. “And don’t forget to take it out of the freezer on Christmas Eve.”
