Christmas dinner is one of the most important meals of the year.
It is the meal we plan for, talk about and look forward to for weeks. It brings everyone around the same table, often with a few extra chairs squeezed in, favourite side dishes making their annual appearance and plenty of opinions about who gets the best bit of the turkey.
And while Christmas dinner should be a pleasure, we know that planning it can sometimes feel a little daunting.
How big a turkey do you need? How much ham should you order? Will there be enough for everyone? And, equally important, will there be enough left over for the sandwiches the next day?
The easiest place to begin is with one simple question:
How many people are you serving?
Once you know that, choosing the right size turkey and ham becomes much easier.
Choosing Your Christmas Turkey
Whether you are cooking for a smaller gathering or a full house, there is a turkey option to suit your table.
Whole Turkey
As a general guide:
- 5–6kg serves approximately 6–7 people
- 6–7kg serves approximately 7–8 people
- 7–8kg serves approximately 8–9 people
- 8–9kg serves approximately 9–10 people
- 9–10kg serves approximately 10–11 people
A whole turkey is a wonderful traditional centrepiece and, of course, gives you plenty of opportunities for those all-important leftovers.
Free Range Boneless Turkey Crown
For easy carving and less waste, a boneless turkey crown can be a brilliant option.
- Bantam, 1.8–2.2kg serves approximately 6–8 people
- Small, 2.5–2.9kg serves approximately 8–10 people
- Medium, 3.2–3.6kg serves approximately 10–12 people
- Large, 5.2–5.6kg serves approximately 14–16 people
A Bone-In Turkey Crown, 2.8–3.2kg, will generally serve around 8–10 people.
Choosing Your Christmas Ham
For many families, the ham is every bit as important as the turkey.
Our size guide will help you choose the right one for your gathering.
Traditional Cure Boneless Ham
- Small, 1.8–2.2kg serves approximately 4–6 people
- Medium, 2.8–3.2kg serves approximately 6–8 people
- Large, 3.8–4.2kg serves approximately 8–10 people
- Extra Large, 5.8–6.2kg serves approximately 10–12 people
Heritage Cure Ham
A Whole Heritage Cure Ham, 6.3–7.5kg, serves approximately 14–16 people.
A Boneless Heritage Cure Ham, 2–2.5kg, serves approximately 4–6 people.
A Traditional Bone-In Ham, 6–6.5kg, serves approximately 14–16 people.
Remember, Every Christmas Table Is Different
Serving guides are exactly that — guides.
Think about the rest of your menu too. If you are serving plenty of stuffing, roast potatoes, vegetables and all the trimmings, your meat may stretch a little further.
If your family loves generous portions — or if Christmas night sandwiches and St Stephen’s Day leftovers are part of the tradition — it is always worth allowing a little extra.
And this is where your butcher can help.
At James Whelan Butchers, we take enormous pride in being part of your Christmas table. Tell us how many people you are feeding, what you are planning to serve and whether you would like plenty left over afterwards. Our butchers can help you choose the size and cut that will work best for you.
Because the most important meal of the year should be something you look forward to, not something you worry about.
From helping you choose the right turkey and ham to offering advice on preparation, cooking and carving, ask your James Whelan Butcher — we are here to help make Christmas dinner that little bit easier.
After all, looking after Christmas dinner is one of our favourite traditions too.
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas from all the team at James Whelan Butchers.
