A Relaxing Christmas Lunch: Planning the Perfect Feast for Boxing Day

Christmas is a time for family, love, and togetherness. With the excitement of our first Christmas with dear Ayla, our precious grandbaby turning one in January, we wanted to make the celebrations extra special without the added stress. To keep things relaxed and enjoyable for everyone, we’ve decided to host our family gathering on Boxing Day instead of the big day. This way, our kids can celebrate freely without worrying about fitting in multiple visits, and we get to enjoy a beautiful, stress-free day together.

To inspire your own family gathering, here’s a festive menu for a delightful Christmas lunch featuring fresh seafood, vibrant salads, mouthwatering meats, and trending desserts. This menu is tailored for a table of six, complete with recipes to make planning easy and enjoyable.

Christmas Lunch Menu for Six

Starter: Seafood Platter

A fresh and simple seafood platter is a perfect way to start the meal. Include:

•  12 freshly shucked oyster
•   2 kgs large king prawns ( our family LOVES them )
•   6 blue swimmer crab halves
•   Smoked salmon slices (200g)
•   Lemon wedges
•   Dill and caper aioli (recipe below)

Dill and Caper Aioli

•   1 tbsp chopped dill
•   1 tbsp capers, finely chopped
•   1 tsp lemon juice
•   Salt and pepper to taste
•  1 teaspoon dijon mustard
•  1/2 cup mayonnaise 

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and serve chilled.

Main Course: Mixed Meats

Herb-Crusted Roast Beef

•     1kg beef sirloin roast
•     2 tbsp olive oil
•     2 tbsp Dijon mustard
•     1/4 cup breadcrumbs
•     2 tbsp chopped parsley
•     1 tbsp chopped rosemary
•     1 tsp garlic powder
•     Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

1. Rub the beef with olive oil, mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix breadcrumbs, parsley, rosemary, and garlic powder in a bowl. Press the mixture onto the beef to form a crust.
3. Roast for 30-35 minutes for medium-rare, then let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Honey-Glazed Ham

• 1kg boneless ham
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern. Mix honey, mustard, brown sugar, and cloves, then brush over the ham.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally.

Salads

Mango and Avocado Salad

• 2 ripe mangoes, sliced
• 2 avocados, sliced
• 100g baby spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• Dressing: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey
• Arrange spinach, mango, and avocado on a platter.
• Sprinkle with pine nuts and drizzle with dressing.

Potato Salad with Herbed Yoghurt Dressing

• 600g baby potatoes, boiled and halved
• 1/4 cup Greek yoghurt
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp chopped chives
• 1 tbsp chopped dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Combine yoghurt, mayonnaise, chives, and dill.
2. Toss with potatoes and season to taste.

Dessert

Pavlova with Summer Fruits

• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup caster sugar
• 1 tsp cornflour
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 300ml whipped cream
• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Passionfruit pulp

1. Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gradually add sugar until glossy. Fold in cornflour and vinegar.
3. Spoon onto the tray, shaping into a circle. Bake for 1 hour, then cool in the oven.
4. Top with whipped cream and fresh fruits before serving.

Mini Christmas Pudding Ice Cream Bombs

• 500ml vanilla ice cream
• 1/4 cup chopped mixed dried fruit
• 2 tbsp brandy or orange juice
• Melted chocolate for drizzling
• Soak dried fruit in brandy for 10 minutes, then mix into softened ice cream.
• Spoon into silicone muffin molds and freeze until firm.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.

Drinks

• Sparkling water infused with mint and cucumber
• A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or chilled Prosecco

Tips for a Relaxing Day

1. Prep Ahead: Make the aioli, dressings, and desserts the day before.
2. Delegate: Share tasks like setting the table or pouring drinks.
3. Set the Mood: Play soft Christmas tunes and decorate with festive table settings.
4. Enjoy Together: With everything prepped and planned, focus on spending quality time with your loved ones.

This Boxing Day, let’s cherish a day of laughter, delicious food, and shared memories around the table. After all, the heart of the holiday season is love and connection—and a little less stress never hurts!