Christmas gatherings are all about sharing special moments with loved ones. And nothing brings people together quite like a delicious meal!
Whether you’re hosting an intimate traditional Christmas dinner or entertaining a large crowd, planning your meat order is essential to creating a beautiful meal with those who matter most.
The right selection in your Christmas meat order ensures your guests are satisfied, setting the stage for the perfect festive feast!
Planning your Christmas meat order for large gatherings
When you’re preparing for a big Christmas Day, ordering the right amount and variety of meat can make all the difference.
Whether it’s a juicy ham, tender turkey, or a classic roast, understanding how much to buy and which cuts will satisfy everyone at the table ensures your guests are happy and full!
How to estimate the correct amount of meat
Planning the right quantity of meat per person is key to ensuring everyone enjoys their meal without running short!
As a general guide, aim for about 250-300g of meat per adult. For a larger crowd, consider a variety of meats to cater to different preferences, like ham, turkey, or beef.
Choosing the right variety of meats
Selecting the right variety of meats for your Christmas gathering involves three core considerations:
- Your guests’ preferences,
- Their dietary restrictions, and
- How much time you’re willing to spend in the kitchen!
For larger groups, offering a mix of meats like ham, turkey, beef, or lamb is a great way to satisfy everyone’s tastes.
Ham is a classic crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, freeing you up for other tasks on the day. Turkey, on the other hand, makes an impressive centrepiece and requires careful planning and cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
For guests with dietary restrictions, consider including smaller portions of specialty meats or vegetarian options alongside the main dishes.
Timing your meat order
Secure your Christmas meats well in advance to ensure a stress-free holiday. Popular cuts like ham and turkey can and will sell out quickly!
That’s why we offer pre-orders on our most sought-after meats, allowing you to plan ahead and avoid any last-minute rush. Place your order at least two weeks before Christmas to guarantee the freshest cuts and ensure you’re well-prepared.
With our convenient locations across Melbourne’s southeast and an online shop, you can choose to pick up your order or have it delivered straight to your door.
Make sure to order early – after all, Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year!
Pairing side dishes with your Christmas meats
Choosing the right side dishes elevates flavours and creates a well-rounded, satisfying meal for your guests.
You can’t go wrong with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and a fresh green salad to balance the richness of a glazed ham. If turkey is on the menu, consider serving stuffing, cranberry sauce, and roasted root vegetables, which pair perfectly with the bird’s savoury flavour.
If you’re serving lamb or beef, complement their robust taste with sides like garlic-infused roasted potatoes and buttery green beans.
For more ideas, take a look at our best side dishes to pair with your Christmas roast meats, offering inspiration for a balanced and memorable Christmas menu.
Serving your Christmas meat like a pro
When it comes to presenting your feast roast, how you carve your Christmas meat can make all the difference. Carving not only affects the look of your feast but also impacts how tender and juicy the meat remains.
For ham, it’s best to cut thin, even slices against the grain to maximise tenderness and flavour. If you’re serving turkey, remove the legs and wings first, and then slice the breast meat in long, smooth strokes.
Whether you’re slicing up a juicy roast beef or a perfectly glazed ham, the proper carving technique ensures each guest gets the perfect bite.
Enhancing flavour with meat glazes and marinades
A well-chosen glaze or marinade can take your Christmas meats to the next level, adding depth and richness to every bite. Glazes, in particular, are great for adding a glossy finish and a burst of flavour.
For ham, a sweet glaze made from ingredients like honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar combined with mustard or cloves can create a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Try a savoury herb and butter marinade for a turkey to keep the meat moist and add a rich, earthy flavour.
If you’re after something with a bit more kick, consider a spicy marinade for your beef or lamb, using ingredients like chilli, garlic, and smoked paprika.
Your perfect Christmas feast starts with Australian Butchers Store!
Planning ahead is the key to creating a beautiful Christmas meal. Select the right meats and ensure your order is placed early so you can focus on enjoying the holiday with your loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or feeding a large crowd, choosing the perfect cuts will help make your festive feast truly special.
Best of all, there are also plenty of ideas on how to use up your leftover Christmas meats, so you can also enjoy delicious meat after the day has passed.
At Australian Butchers Store, we provide the freshest cuts at unbeatable wholesale prices, ensuring your Christmas meal is one to remember. Visit us in-store or shop online to secure your order and make this holiday season truly joyful!
