Countdown to Christmas dinner

Christmas turkey     Christmas cracker     Christmas mince pie

In the countdown to Christmas it pays to be organised. Follow our month-by-month guide, and look forward to a fuss-free Christmas dinner come Christmas Day.

Plus, get more ideas, tips and advice on our Christmas homepage, and for a detailed checklist for the big day itself, print out our Christmas dinner timetable

October

  • Prepare your Christmas cake
  • Make Delia Smith's fastest mince pies ever
  • Create 8 kinds of boozy Christmas gift
  • Save money with edible Christmas gifts
  • November

  • Make Christmas pudding - either traditional or low-calorie
  • Learn how to celebrate Christmas on a smaller scale
  • Choose delicious smoked fish and meats for ideal Christmas presents
  • December

  • Print-and-go guide to the perfect dinner
  • Discover 76 essential Christmas recipes
  • Give parties with mulled wine and punch
  • Make edible Christmas odecorations for your Christmas tree
  • More Christmas food ideas