Free printable
Your Christmas dinner checklist.
Everything from the turkey to the brandy butter, ready to tick, with a countdown so nothing sneaks up on you. Print it, clip it on and shop in one go.
- Free, no sign-up
- A4 and A5
- Room for notes and timings
The countdown
From four weeks out to the big day.
A simple plan so the shopping never becomes a last-minute scramble.
4–6 weeks before
- Decide how many are coming and any dietary needs
- Order your turkey, joint or nut roast, and check the shop’s deadline
- Buy or order the Christmas cake and pudding
- Order gifts that need posting. Twistaroo’s Christmas delivery guide is here
2 weeks before
- Check freezer and fridge space for the big day
- Buy long-life items: drinks, tinned goods, crackers, foil, napkins
- Book your supermarket delivery or click-and-collect slot. They fill up fast
- Print this checklist and start ticking
The week before
- Buy veg that keeps well: potatoes, carrots, parsnips, sprouts
- If your turkey is frozen, check the packaging for defrosting time and plan it
- Make or buy stuffing, sauces and gravy ingredients
- Clear the fridge so there’s room
Christmas Eve
- Prep the veg and set the table
- Make anything that can be made ahead: cranberry sauce, stuffing, dessert
- Write your timings on the Notes section: serve time, oven times, who’s doing what
- Remove the turkey from the fridge when your packaging or butcher says
Christmas Day
- Work backwards from your serving time, using the timings you wrote down
- Follow the cooking instructions on your turkey’s packaging or from your butcher
- Ask someone to carve, pour and clear. You’re allowed to sit down
How much?
How much do you need to buy?
| What | A rough guide per person |
|---|---|
| Whole turkey (on the bone) | Around 500g, plus extra if you want leftovers |
| Roast potatoes | About 250g, or 3 medium potatoes |
| Each vegetable | About 80g, a good handful |
| Pigs in blankets | 2 to 3 |
| Gravy | About 100ml |
| Pudding and cream | One generous portion each, with a bit spare |
These are rules of thumb, not rules. Adjust for appetites, leftovers and how many other dishes you’re serving.
Don’t forget
The things everyone remembers on Christmas Eve
- Foil and cling film, and bin bags for the aftermath
- Batteries for the presents
- Ice, mixers and soft drinks for non-drinkers
- Something for the person who doesn’t eat turkey
- Cheese and crackers for the evening
- A few extra bits in case someone turns up
Shopping the busiest week of the year
Go early in the day if you can, take your list, and write it in aisle order so you walk round once. A Twistaroo keeps the list in front of you so you’re not hunting your pocket. Our A4 clipboard holds this whole checklist.
Questions
Christmas planning FAQs.
When should I order my turkey?
Many supermarkets and butchers open orders in the autumn and stop taking them in mid-December. Check your own shop’s deadline and order early, especially for a larger or free-range bird.
How long does a frozen turkey take to defrost?
It depends on the size, so follow the instructions on the packaging or from your butcher, and allow plenty of time in the fridge. Don’t leave it to the last minute.
Can I print the checklist in A5?
Yes. The A5 version prints two on one sheet of A4. Just cut along the dotted line. Both sizes are on this page.
Is the checklist free?
Yes, free to download and print with no sign-up. Feel free to share it with family and friends.