December 9, 2017, by Chloe

How to Host a Student Christmas Dinner

One of my favourite things about Christmas is the food, so I love arranging big festive meals with my friends. It’s a little more challenging to cook a big roast in a student kitchen than at home, but the challenge makes it more fun! Here’s my guide on how to hold the best student Christmas dinner:

Set the scene

A Christmas meal, for me, is not one to be eaten in a rush on the sofa. If you’ve got a big enough table for all your housemates/guests, then use it – it makes the meal feel much more special. If not, you could do it picnic style with red blankets. Crackers are a definite must, and yes, hats are compulsory. I think it’s nice to have all the food in the centre, sharer style, with candles etc scattered around.

The food

Cooking a big meal sounds expensive, but last year we managed it for about £4 a person with lots of leftovers! Firstly, check what you already have. Between you, you’re bound to have some veg, potatoes, maybe ingredients for yorkshire puddings. Then decide on what your priorities are for buying food – don’t bother buying sprouts if nobody likes them. Do a big shop at a cheap supermarket such as Lidl or Aldi and it’ll cost you very little.

Everything else

A Christmas meal is sort of like a mini Christmas day, so schedule enough time to spend proper time together. It’s a great chance to do a Secret Santa, exchange presents, maybe play board games. Whack on some Mariah Carey in the background and you’ll have a great time.

I’m quite traditionalist when it comes to Christmas, but if this sounds terrible to you, why not host alternative celebration, with different foods and activities? The important thing is taking the time to be with each other and de-stress during this cold, challenging time of year.

I hope you all have fabulous Christmas breaks and enjoy any meals you have – I can’t wait for my few!

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