Sorting out your Christmas dinner plan can feel like a mammoth task, but it really doesn't need to be a stressful one. Think of this guide as your secret weapon for pulling off a memorable feast, absolutely packed with proper, authentic flavour. We'll cover everything from classic roasts with a twist to full-on BBQ menus, giving you the confidence to build a Christmas dinner that’s all you.

Crafting Your Perfect Christmas Menu

Whether you're a seasoned pro at hosting or this is your first time cooking the big festive meal, the goal is always the same: create something delicious and memorable without spending the entire day in a tizz. The secret? A solid plan that balances tradition with your own cooking style.

This guide will walk you through building your ideal menu, from the big-ticket centrepiece right down to the humble-but-heroic side dishes. By thinking through your courses now, you can design a cohesive, flavour-packed feast that’ll have every guest asking for seconds.

Start with the Centrepiece

The main course is the anchor of the whole meal. While tradition usually points to one particular bird, the modern Christmas dinner is a much more exciting affair. In the UK, turkey still reigns supreme – YouGov found that 57% of Brits plan to have it for their Christmas dinner. But with beef, chicken, and brilliant veggie options on the rise, there's plenty of room to get creative.

Your choice of centrepiece really sets the tone for the rest of the menu. Here are a few paths you could take:

• The Traditional Roast: A beautifully roasted turkey, a rich joint of beef, or a succulent glazed ham. These are classics for a reason—they just work.
• The BBQ Showstopper: Fancy something different? A smoked brisket, a beer-can chicken, or even a whole smoked turkey delivers a bold, flavour-forward alternative for the more adventurous cook.
• The Plant-Based Star: Forget boring nut roasts. A whole roasted cauliflower rubbed with spices or a seriously hearty mushroom Wellington can be every bit as impressive.

Building Your Supporting Cast

Once you’ve locked in your main event, you can start building the rest of the menu around it. The trick is to balance rich, comforting dishes with fresh, vibrant ones. A truly great meal is all about variety in textures and flavours.

A great Christmas dinner isn't just about the main event; it's about the entire symphony of flavours on the plate. Every element, from the crispiest potato to the tangiest cranberry sauce, plays a vital role.

From starters to desserts, having a clear vision makes the shopping and prep work so much easier. A bit of planning now is what separates a relaxed Christmas Day from a chaotic one. For a deeper dive, check out our complete guide to planning your Christmas dinner.

Reimagining The Traditional Christmas Feast

A classic Christmas dinner is all about tradition, but that doesn't mean it has to be predictable. The best meals are often the ones that honour the classics while injecting a fresh burst of incredible flavour. This is where you get to have some fun, turning timeless dishes into modern showstoppers with a few simple, high-impact additions.

Forget about rummaging through the back of the cupboard for a dozen half-empty spice jars. The real secret to a stress-free yet unforgettable holiday meal is a perfectly balanced, high-quality seasoning blend. It’s your secret weapon for adding depth and that "wow" factor without any of the faff.

The Perfect Turkey Two Ways

Let’s face it, the turkey is the undisputed king of the Christmas table. Getting it right sets the tone for the entire meal. Whether you prefer a classic roast or something a bit more adventurous, the right seasoning is non-negotiable for juicy meat and crispy, golden-brown skin.

For a flawless traditional roast, a simple dry brine is your best friend. Seriously, it's a game-changer.

1. Pat the Turkey Dry: Grab some paper towels and pat the entire bird down, inside and out, until it’s bone dry. This is a crucial step for achieving that perfectly crispy skin we all crave.
2. Season Generously: Coat the turkey all over with a liberal amount of our SPG (Salt Pepper Garlic) Base Blend. And don't be shy—get it inside the cavity, too. This simple blend is all you need for a deeply savoury foundation.
3. Chill Uncovered: Place the seasoned bird on a rack in a roasting tin and pop it in the fridge, uncovered, for at least 24 hours. This dry-brining process pulls moisture from the skin (hello, crispiness!) while driving flavour deep into the meat.

Want to really mix it up this year? For a truly memorable twist, you could even try deep-frying a turkey without the oily mess. It's a method that delivers an incredibly moist bird with shatteringly crisp skin in a fraction of the time it takes to roast.

Elevating Beef and Pork Centrepieces

If your family tradition leans more towards a magnificent joint of beef or a glistening glazed ham, the right rub can turn a great cut of meat into a legendary one. These richer cuts can handle bold flavours, creating a delicious crust that seals in all those precious juices.

For a prime rib or beef topside, you want a rub that builds a rich, dark bark. Our Revolution Beef Rub was made for this. Its blend of coarse black pepper, garlic, and savoury spices creates a beautiful crust that perfectly complements the deep flavour of the beef. Just coat the joint evenly before roasting.

When it comes to pork, the magic is in balancing savoury with a hint of sweet. A festive glazed ham or a roasted pork loin becomes something truly special when paired with fruit-forward, smoky notes.

For all things pork, our top recommendation has to be the Cherry Force BBQ Rub. The subtle sweetness of cherry combined with a gentle smokiness is a total game-changer. Use it to season a pork loin before roasting, or mix it into your favourite ham glaze. Trust me, it’ll have everyone talking.

Don't Forget The Flavour-Packed Sides

The side dishes are where you can really let your creativity run wild. No Christmas plate is complete without a mountain of colourful, flavourful veg. A simple dusting of a quality rub before they hit the oven is the easiest way to elevate them from an afterthought to a highlight of the meal.

Here are a few dead-simple ideas to make your sides sing:

• Ultimate Roast Potatoes: After parboiling, give your spuds a good shake in the colander to rough up the edges. Before adding your fat, toss them in a generous coating of SPG (Salt Pepper Garlic) Base Blend for the crispiest, most savoury roasties you’ve ever had.
• Carrots and Parsnips with a Twist: These sweet root veg are fantastic with a savoury, herby counterpoint. Try tossing them with olive oil and a light coating of our Wingman Wing Rub before roasting for an unexpected, delicious kick.
• Brussels Sprouts That Steal the Show: We promise this will convert even the most stubborn sprout sceptics. Halve your sprouts, toss with olive oil and crumbled bacon, and then sprinkle with the Hickory Hog Pork Rub. The smoky, savoury notes are incredible with the bacon and caramelised sprouts.

By thoughtfully seasoning every part of your meal, you guarantee each bite is packed with proper, authentic flavour. This is how you make this year's Christmas dinner the best one yet.

Hosting A Festive Christmas BBQ And Smoker Menu

For the flavour pioneers out there, taking the Christmas dinner outdoors is a game-changer. A Christmas BBQ isn't just another meal; it's an event. It's about filling that crisp winter air with incredible aromas and creating a depth of flavour an oven just can't touch. You’re not just cooking; you’re building a memorable centrepiece that’ll have everyone talking for years.

This is your game plan for crafting an unforgettable feast using your smoker or grill. We’re talking show-stopping mains and sides infused with that authentic, smoky goodness.

The Smoked Turkey Showstopper

Just imagine bringing a stunning, mahogany-brown smoked turkey to the table. Smoking a turkey locks in moisture, keeping the meat incredibly juicy while infusing it with a gentle, smoky flavour that’s simply unbeatable. The secret is a bold rub that can stand up to the smoke and build a seriously crispy skin.

Here’s how to pull off a turkey that steals the show:

1. Prep the Bird: Just like a standard roast, pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a crisp finish.
2. Apply a Bold Rub: For a bird headed to the smoker, you need a rub with character. A generous coat of Chipotle Cowboy Chicken Rub delivers a warm, smoky heat that’s absolutely perfect. Get it all over the skin and inside the cavity.
3. Smoke to Perfection: Set your smoker to around 135°C (275°F). Pop the turkey in and let it smoke until the internal temperature hits 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the breast.

The wood you choose is a key player here. Fruit woods like apple or cherry add a subtle sweetness that’s fantastic with poultry. For a deeper, more classic smoke profile, hickory or oak work beautifully. If you need more guidance, check out our detailed tips on cooking with wood pellets to nail the perfect flavour for your festive feast.

Beyond The Bird: Other BBQ Centrepieces

Not everyone’s a turkey traditionalist, and that's where the fun really starts. Your smoker opens up a world of incredible alternatives that are perfect for a festive gathering, bringing a relaxed, celebratory feel to the day.

Festive Pulled Pork Sliders
Slow-smoked pulled pork is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s low-effort for a huge flavour payoff and can even be made a day ahead.

• Seasoning: Get a whole pork shoulder and rub it generously with Hickory Hog Pork Rub. Don't be shy.
• Cooking: Smoke it low and slow at about 120°C (250°F) for 8-10 hours, or until it's fall-apart tender.
• Serving: Shred the pork and pile it onto brioche buns with a festive cranberry BBQ sauce and some crisp slaw.

Unforgettable Smoked Beef Ribs
For a truly epic centrepiece, a rack of smoked beef short ribs is hard to beat. They’re rich, tender, and incredibly satisfying.

• Seasoning: Start with a solid foundation of salt, pepper, and garlic. Our SPG (Salt Pepper Garlic) Base Blend is ideal, followed by a layer of Revolution Beef Rub to build that deep, savoury crust.
• Cooking: Smoke at 135°C (275°F) for 5-6 hours. For the final hour, you can glaze them with a rich, beefy BBQ sauce.

Smoked Side Dishes That Steal The Show

Don't let your sides be an afterthought. The smoker can transform humble vegetables into absolute flavour heroes. If you can roast it, you can smoke it.

The secret to a legendary BBQ menu lies in the details. Applying the same smoky logic to your side dishes ensures every single element on the plate is packed with layers of incredible flavour.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Smoky Mac & Cheese: A true comfort food classic. Make your favourite mac & cheese recipe in a cast-iron skillet or foil tray and stick it in the smoker for the final 30-45 minutes of cooking. It’ll absorb all that delicious smoky essence.
• Smoked Brussels Sprouts: Toss halved sprouts with olive oil, bacon lardons, and a good dusting of our Wingman Wing Rub. Smoke them until tender and slightly caramelised for a side dish that will convert even the biggest sceptic.
• Smoked Creamed Corn: This is a decadent game-changer. Combine corn kernels, cream cheese, butter, and a hint of smoky heat from our Spitfire Spice Blend in a foil tray and smoke until it's bubbly and golden.

Creating Vibrant Plant-Based Centrepieces

A truly memorable Christmas meal is one where every single guest feels looked after. That means moving beyond the same old nut roast to create vibrant, exciting plant-based dishes that are showstoppers in their own right. A thoughtfully prepared vegetarian or vegan centrepiece can be every bit as impressive as any traditional roast.

It’s all about using bold flavours and clever techniques to turn humble vegetables into something truly special. Get the seasoning right, and you’ll build incredible depth of flavour in a main course that everyone at the table will be eager to try.

Show-Stopping Whole Roasted Cauliflower

A whole roasted cauliflower is a fantastic way to create a visually stunning and flavour-packed centrepiece. When you season it correctly, it becomes meltingly tender on the inside with a beautifully caramelised and savoury crust. This isn't just a side dish; it's a main event.

Here’s how to make it shine in 3 steps:

1. Prep the Cauliflower: Get rid of the outer leaves and trim the stem so it sits flat, then rub it all over with a good glug of olive oil.
2. Season Generously: For a zesty, herbaceous flavour that cuts through the richness, coat the entire cauliflower with our Greek Odyssey Gyros Rub. Don't be shy – get the seasoning right into all the nooks and crannies.
3. Roast to Perfection: Pop it in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 40-50 minutes, or until it's tender all the way through and golden brown on top. Serve it with a dollop of tahini sauce and a sprinkle of fresh pomegranate seeds for a final flourish.

Hearty Mushroom and Lentil Loaf

If you’re after that classic "roast" feeling, a mushroom and lentil loaf is a brilliant choice. It’s hearty, savoury, and absolutely packed with umami goodness. The secret is building a deep flavour base that gives the loaf a satisfying, meaty character without any meat at all.

Our versatile SPG Base Blend is the perfect foundation here. Use it to season your sautéed mushrooms and onions to draw out their natural sweetness and create a rich, savoury backbone for the entire loaf. Trust us, this simple step is the difference between a bland loaf and a spectacular one.

To get a better handle on the philosophy behind plant-based eating and spark some ideas for your own festive creations, it’s worth exploring what a plant-based diet entails in a bit more detail.

Vibrant Sides That Steal the Show

Even with a cracking plant-based main, the side dishes are crucial for rounding out the meal. These small touches ensure every part of the plate is bursting with thoughtfully crafted flavour.

• Spiced Maple-Glazed Carrots: Toss whole Chantenay carrots with maple syrup, olive oil, and a light dusting of our Spitfire Spice Blend. The gentle warmth of the spice blend beautifully balances the sweetness of the maple.
• Creamy Herbed Mash: Take your mashed potatoes to the next level by stirring in a knob of plant-based butter and a teaspoon of Greek Odyssey Gyros Rub for a fresh, herby lift.

And for more inspiration, be sure to explore our complete guide to vegetarian meals for Christmas dinner.

Your Foolproof Christmas Cooking Timeline

The secret to a relaxed Christmas Day isn't some fancy gadget or a bigger oven—it’s a solid plan. Seriously. Breaking the cooking down into small, manageable jobs transforms a potentially frantic day into a smooth, rewarding experience.

Think of this timeline as your roadmap to a stress-free feast. We’ll walk you through everything, from the week before right up to the moment you serve up. A good schedule doesn't just save your sanity; it actually makes the food taste better. Lots of things, from sauces to desserts, are better made in advance, letting the flavours properly mingle and deepen.

One Week To Go: Your Prep Starts Here

This is the time for big-picture thinking. Get the tasks that don't rely on fresh ingredients out of the way now and you'll thank yourself later. It’s all about laying the groundwork for a calm kitchen.

• Finalise Your Menu: Lock in exactly what you're making for the main event, sides, and dessert. This is the blueprint for your master shopping list.
• Create Your Master Shopping List: Split your list in two: non-perishables (tins, jars, spices, drinks) and fresh stuff (meat, dairy, veg).
• Shop for Non-Perishables: Get all your long-life items bought now to dodge the last-minute supermarket madness. This includes stocking up on your flavour essentials. Grabbing a Christmas Feast BBQ Rub Gift Set now means you’ve got a versatile toolkit ready for everything from the turkey to the spuds.
• Check Your Equipment: Dig out your roasting tins, serving dishes, and any other kit you need. There’s nothing worse than realising your meat thermometer has vanished on Christmas morning.

The Final 48-72 Hours: The Real Work Begins

With the main shop done, the next couple of days are all about getting ahead. This is where the real magic of preparation happens, saving you precious time on Christmas Day itself.

It's a good thing, too. Recent data shows that our festive get-togethers are getting bigger, with 80% of us expecting Christmas gatherings to be the same size or larger than last year. On top of that, 75% are planning at least one other big celebratory meal over the holidays, so getting organised is non-negotiable. You can check out more UK Christmas food trends on ahdb.org.uk if you're curious.

A huge time-saver is prepping your star protein. For turkey, this is the perfect window to get a dry brine on. Season the bird generously with a balanced rub like our SPG (Salt Pepper Garlic) Base Blend and leave it uncovered in the fridge for 24-48 hours. This simple step guarantees seasoned, juicy meat and unbelievably crispy skin.

Here's your checklist for the day or two before the big one:

1. Prep Your Veg: Peel and chop your potatoes, parsnips, and carrots. You can keep them in pans of cold water to stop them from browning. Go ahead and trim the Brussels sprouts and prep any other greens, too.
2. Make Your Sauces: Cranberry sauce, bread sauce, and even the base for your gravy can be made now. Just pop them in the fridge and reheat on the day.
3. Assemble Desserts: Trifles, cheesecakes, and Christmas puddings can all be put together and stored, ready to go.

By tackling these jobs early, you clear the decks for a much calmer Christmas Day. The focus can be on the main event, ensuring your meal is remembered for all the right reasons.

To make it even easier, we've broken the final few days down into a simple timetable. Follow this, and you can't go wrong.

Christmas Dinner Countdown Timetable

Follow this step-by-step schedule from three days out to the moment of serving for a seamless cooking experience.

This schedule takes all the guesswork out of the day. All you have to do is follow the steps, and you'll be serving up a Christmas dinner that's as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.

Finding The Perfect Gift For Food Lovers

Once the last plate is cleared and everyone's loosening their belts, the spirit of Christmas carries on with the giving of gifts. For the food lovers in your life, the best presents aren't just things—they're an invitation to fire up the grill, get creative in the kitchen, and explore a world of authentic flavour.

We’ve pulled together the ultimate gift guide for BBQ fanatics, family cooks, and anyone who appreciates real taste made with no added crap. Each of our gift sets is a passport to flavour, beautifully presented in our signature craft cans that look fantastic under the tree.

Gift Sets For Every Taste

Finding the right gift can be a pain, but a collection of high-quality seasonings is a guaranteed winner for anyone who loves to cook. Our bundles are put together to suit different tastes and cooking styles, making your Christmas shopping dead simple.

• For the All-Rounder: The Best-Sellers Seasoning Gift Set is the perfect choice for those who love a bit of everything. It’s packed with our most popular rubs, giving them a versatile toolkit for everything from weekend BBQs to weeknight dinners.

• For the Festive Foodie: Look no further than the Christmas Feast BBQ Rub Gift Set. This selection is specifically designed to take holiday classics to the next level, from the turkey to the roasties. It’s the ideal seasonal present.

A Personal Touch With Custom Bundles

Want to give something truly thoughtful? Build a custom collection tailored to their specific tastes. This is where you get to play curator, hand-picking the exact flavours you know they'll absolutely love.

Our Build Your Own Bundle option lets you design a set from scratch, showing you’ve put some real thought into it. It’s a brilliant way to introduce a mate to new flavours or restock their personal favourites. Gifting incredible flavour doesn't have to break the bank, either. A recent analysis reported the average cost of a classic UK Christmas dinner for four was just £32.46, proving that a small investment in quality ingredients goes a very long way. Find out more about Christmas meal costs from Sky News.

Gifting a Smokey Rebel set isn’t just giving someone a tin of spices. You're giving them the key to countless delicious meals, the buzz of trying new recipes, and the satisfaction of cooking with real, honest ingredients.

Got a Question About Your Christmas Dinner?

You're not alone. Here are the answers to a few common queries we get around the holidays. These tips will help you nail the timings, sort out any problems, and pack a serious flavour punch into every part of the meal.

How Far In Advance Can I Season My Christmas Turkey?

You’ll want to get your rub on the turkey a good 24 to 48 hours before it goes anywhere near the oven. This is a technique called dry-brining, and honestly, it’s a complete game-changer for any roast bird.

It’s simple. First, pat the turkey skin completely dry with a few paper towels. Get it bone dry. Then, give it a generous coating of our SPG (Salt Pepper Garlic) Base Blend all over the skin and inside the cavity. Pop it on a tray, uncovered, and slide it into the fridge. The rub gets to work seasoning the meat right to the bone, while the cold air dries the skin out, guaranteeing an unbelievably crispy finish.

What Are The Best Rubs For Christmas Vegetables?

Don't let the veg be an afterthought! A quality seasoning can turn a humble side dish into one of the stars of the show.

• For Classic Roast Potatoes: You just can't beat our SPG Base Blend for creating the ultimate savoury, crispy spuds.
• For Parsnips and Carrots: Give those sweet root veggies a savoury, herby kick with a light coating of Wingman Wing Rub.
• For Brussels Sprouts: A light dusting of the smoky Chipotle Cowboy Chicken Rub before roasting with some bacon bits is phenomenal.

The key is to think of seasonings as a way to create balance. A savoury rub on sweet carrots or a smoky one on earthy sprouts adds a new layer of complexity that makes the whole meal so much more interesting.

Any Tips For Cold Weather Grilling At Christmas?

Absolutely! Winter grilling is fantastic, but you need to make a few adjustments. First up, always allow extra time for your grill or smoker to preheat. It’s going to take longer to get up to temperature when it’s battling the cold.

Keep the lid shut as much as you possibly can to hold onto that precious heat. This is where a remote meat thermometer becomes your best mate, letting you track the cook without lifting the lid. Using a quality fuel like our wood pellets is also a massive help, as it provides a consistent temperature, which is crucial in the chill. Trust me, a turkey smoked with Hickory Hog Pork Rub is well worth braving the cold for.

Ready to create your most flavourful Christmas meal yet? Explore the full range of authentic, no-crap seasonings at Smokey Rebel and find the perfect gift for the food lover in your life with our Christmas Feast BBQ Rub Gift Set.