Kitchen design
Hosting Christmas in a Small Kitchen
Feeding ten from a galley kitchen is possible. How to free up worktop, oven and fridge space, and the jobs to do before the day.
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A small kitchen does not mean a small Christmas. It means planning: doing as much as possible in advance and using every surface and appliance cleverly on the day.
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Before the day
- Make ahead and freeze: mince pies, stuffing, pigs in blankets, gravy and bread sauce all freeze.
- Make the Christmas pudding today, on Stir-up Sunday: see our Christmas pudding.
- Prepare vegetables on Christmas Eve and keep them in cold water or bags in the fridge.
Making space on the day
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| No worktop | Clear the toaster, kettle and jars into a cupboard; use a board over the sink and a trolley |
| One oven | Rest the turkey for an hour wrapped in foil and towels while potatoes roast |
| Full fridge | Use a cool box for drinks; keep vegetables in a cold porch or garage |
| Few hob rings | Microwave or steam vegetables; keep gravy warm in a flask |
Share the work
Ask guests to bring a pudding or starter, and give someone the job of drinks. Our Christmas dinner oven plan has a full timetable, and small kitchen ideas has storage tips for the rest of the year.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I cook Christmas dinner with one oven?
Work backwards from serving time, rest the turkey for up to an hour while potatoes roast, and use the hob and microwave for vegetables.
What can I make ahead for Christmas?
Mince pies, stuffing, gravy, bread sauce, pigs in blankets, red cabbage and the pudding can all be made ahead; many freeze.
Where can I keep drinks if the fridge is full?
In a cool box, a cold porch, shed or garage, as long as they will not freeze.