Ultimate Christmas planner for a perfectly timed feast

dailyrecord.co.uk:

With the big day just 24 hours away, Christmas eve is last chance to plan ahead for the festive dinner to ensure a fail free meal.For many, Christmas dinner is the highlight of the holiday but cooking so many dishes to serve at once can be stressful.

Even just one error can push you behind schedule.And if this is your first time in the kitchen, you may be feeling the pressure to make sure everything goes perfectly.

While it seems daunting, cooking Christmas dinner can be a seamless task - it's all about preparation, timing and making sure you have enough oven space.Thankfully, the experts at Great British Chefs have compiled a handy guide to planning the perfect turkey dinner.

With a checklist, timed schedule and tips from top cooks, you can plan a perfectly timed feast to serve at 2pm - whether it's for two or eight people.Make sure you have enough food to last until the shops are open again after Boxing Day.Check you have enough cooking pans, pots and plates - it’ll be too late if you realise on Christmas DayIf you are cooking a frozen turkey, take it out of the freezer a few days before to defrost in the fridge.Designate storage areas for all the extra food you’ll be stocking up on.Check you’ve got enough alcohol, take advantage of deals where you can find themPeel, boil and fluff up the potatoes in advance for tomorrow, then cover and keep in the fridge.Parboil sprouts, then chill and finish them off in a frying pan just before serving.Make a checklist of the different things you need to do tomorrow with timings, so you don’t forget the cranberry sauce or Yorkshire puddings.8am – Take your turkey and stuffing out of the fridge to come to room temperature. 9.30am – Preheat the oven and rub the turkey with butter or