Wiltshire


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/Stress-free-entertaining-tips.jpg" alt="Stress free entertaining tips" class="wp-image-39708" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/Stress-free-entertaining-tips.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/Stress-free-entertaining-tips-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/Stress-free-entertaining-tips-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/Stress-free-entertaining-tips-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Christmas may be fabulous, but let’s be honest &#8211; it can also be a logistical circus. Between feeding a crowd, keeping the fizz flowing and trying not to incinerate the pigs-in-blankets, festive entertaining can tip even the most organised of us into mild panic.</p>



<p>But fear not. We’ve called in reinforcements. Nancy Lawson, a seasoned cook and owner of <a href="https://overtownmanor.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Overtown Manor</a>, has hosted more gatherings than most of us have gobbled mince pies. From effortless crowd-pleasers to time-saving tricks, there’s very little she doesn’t know about entertaining like a total pro.</p>



<p>Here, Nancy shares her smart, stress-saving tips to help you host with confidence &#8211; and maybe even enjoy yourself in the process. You’re welcome!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-freeze-festive-sides"><strong>Freeze festive sides</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/Veggies-to-make-ahead-on-Christmas-day.jpg" alt="Veggies to make ahead on Christmas day" class="wp-image-39707" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/Veggies-to-make-ahead-on-Christmas-day.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/Veggies-to-make-ahead-on-Christmas-day-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/Veggies-to-make-ahead-on-Christmas-day-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/Veggies-to-make-ahead-on-Christmas-day-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>If you can freeze it, do it. Braised red cabbage freezes beautifully, and Bread sauce can be frozen too (just leave out the cream until serving). Make your stuffing ahead of time and stash that in the freezer too. These little jobs are an easy win, and add up to big time saved on the day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tr-y-a-turkey-crown"><strong>Tr</strong>y<strong> a turkey crown</strong></h2>



<p>When it comes to turkey, Nancy swears by a crown. It’s far easier to carve, takes up less precious oven space and cooks more evenly than a whole bird. Ideal if your kitchen is already working overtime.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-be-a-parchment-pro"><strong>Be a parchment pro</strong></h2>



<p>Parchment paper is your new best friend. Whether you’re cooking pigs in blankets, stuffing balls or roasting veg, line all your trays. It speeds everything up and makes washing up almost enjoyable (almost).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-the-gravy-ahead"><strong>Make the gravy ahead</strong></h2>



<p>A game-changing trick. Make your gravy in advance using chicken wings for depth and richness, then simply add the turkey juices on the day. Zero stress, maximum flavour.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chill-your-drinks-outside"><strong>Chill your drinks outside</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/Christmas-champagne-tips.jpg" alt="Christmas champagne tips" class="wp-image-39703" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/Christmas-champagne-tips.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/Christmas-champagne-tips-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/Christmas-champagne-tips-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/Christmas-champagne-tips-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Is the Christmas fizz fighting for space in the fridge? Pop champagne and any other chilled drinks outside in a bucket &#8211; winter temperatures are nature’s walk-in fridge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-follow-a-light-timetable"><strong>Follow a (light) timetable</strong></h2>



<p>No need for military precision, but having a loose timetable helps everything flow. There are plenty of sample Christmas Day schedules online, so borrow one and tweak it to suit your household.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prep-the-turkey-ahead"><strong>Prep the turkey ahead</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/how-to-cook-roast-turkey-Christmas.jpg" alt="how to cook roast turkey Christmas" class="wp-image-39706" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/how-to-cook-roast-turkey-Christmas.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/how-to-cook-roast-turkey-Christmas-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/how-to-cook-roast-turkey-Christmas-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/how-to-cook-roast-turkey-Christmas-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Stuff and weigh the turkey ahead of time so you know <em>exactly</em> how long it needs in the oven. Nancy’s rule is 20 minutes per 500g, plus an extra 20 minutes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bring-the-turkey-to-room-temperature"><strong>Bring the turkey to room temperature</strong></h2>



<p>Depending on size, let the turkey sit out for up to an hour before cooking. It ensures an even roast and juicier meat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reheat-roasties"><strong>Reheat roasties &nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/easy-christmas-lunch-tips.jpg" alt="easy christmas lunch tips" class="wp-image-39704" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/easy-christmas-lunch-tips.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/easy-christmas-lunch-tips-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/easy-christmas-lunch-tips-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/12/easy-christmas-lunch-tips-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Roasties can be cooked earlier in the day if oven space is tight. Just crisp them up at 200°C for 20 minutes before serving, while the turkey is resting.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-use-a-digital-thermometer"><strong>Use a digital thermometer</strong></h2>



<p>No more guesswork. The thickest part of the breast and thigh should hit over 75°C for 5 seconds. Once it does, cover the turkey in foil and let it rest for up to an hour while you finish everything the rest of the meal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warm-your-plates"><strong>Warm your plates</strong></h2>



<p>Ensure your meal is toasty warm by gently heating plates in a low oven. That way, nothing goes cold before it reaches the table. Make sure your gravy is piping hot too. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-final-word"><strong>A final word</strong>&#8230;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/10/Overtown-Manor-credit-www.elizabethwattsphotography.com-65.jpg" alt="Overtown Manor B&amp;B" class="wp-image-38860" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/10/Overtown-Manor-credit-www.elizabethwattsphotography.com-65.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/10/Overtown-Manor-credit-www.elizabethwattsphotography.com-65-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/10/Overtown-Manor-credit-www.elizabethwattsphotography.com-65-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/10/Overtown-Manor-credit-www.elizabethwattsphotography.com-65-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>When I host Christmas at Overtown Manor, I often feeds more than 20 people &#8211; and I love it &#8211; but I never do it alone. I always start with the best intentions of being organised, but then November and December whirl me into the busy time running Christmas cookery demos, cooking for office Christmas parties, and managing the holiday let. The real secret to a joyful Christmas? Delegate. Let friends and family bring a pudding, the crackers, the canapés, the name cards, or proudly arrive clutching the champagne. When everyone joins in, Christmas feels like a shared feast rather than a one-woman performance.</p>



<p><strong>Overtown Manor is available for whole-house hire, and B&amp;B. Check out the <a href="https://overtownmanor.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a> to see Nancy&#8217;s upcoming cookery demonstrations, and see Muddy&#8217;s review <a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/spotlight/overtown-manor-wroughton-wiltshire-bb-holiday-home-cookery-retreat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. </strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE? </h2>



<p><a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/health-fitness/recipes/recipe-healthy-brownies-naturedoc-lucinda-miller-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lucinda Miller&#8217;s black bean tahini brownie recipe</a></p>



<p><a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/home/tis-the-season-festive-afternoon-teas-to-book-today/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Festive afternoon teas to book today </a></p>



<p><a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/home/james-may-gin-cocktail-recipe-bloody-mary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Let&#8217;s get the party started! James May&#8217;s twist on a bloody Mary</a><br></p>


Cheers! Easy Christmas entertaining tips and tricks

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