My unpopular Christmas dinner opinion? Ditch the starter.

There, I've said it.

Christmas dinner is already a feast. Do we really need another course before we've even got to the roast potatoes, gravy and all the trimmings?

For me, Christmas Day should be about enjoying the food and the people around the table, not spending the entire day juggling oven trays, washing up and wondering whether the sprouts are ready.

Over the years, I've learnt that the secret to a relaxed Christmas dinner isn't doing more. It's doing as much as possible before the big day.

Here's how I make Christmas cooking easier.

1. Ditch the starter and create a help-yourself grazing station

Instead of a formal starter, I like to put together something people can help themselves to while Christmas dinner is cooking.

Think good crisps, a few bowls of nuts, olives and a lovely smoked salmon or smoked fish platter.

For the fish platter, whip cream cheese with a little lemon zest, lemon juice and black pepper. Spread it onto a plate or shallow dish and arrange the smoked fish alongside.

Add little bowls of capers, lemon wedges and perhaps some finely sliced red onion. Serve with crackers or good bread and let everyone build their own little bites.

You can prepare the cream cheese the night before, keep everything refrigerated and assemble the platter just before serving.

No extra cooking. No complicated plating. And importantly, no extra oven space.

That's what I call easy hosting.

2. Set up a drinks station the night before

This is one of those little jobs that makes a surprisingly big difference.

Get your glasses out, put out the napkins, arrange your drinks and make sure there's somewhere for people to help themselves.

A big jug of cranberry and rosemary margaritas would be lovely for Christmas.

You can prepare a cranberry and rosemary syrup ahead of time, then mix the cocktail on the day with tequila, lime and orange liqueur. Keep everything chilled and add ice just before serving.

Make a non-alcoholic version too, using cranberry juice, lime and sparkling water.

That way you're not constantly stopping to make drinks when you should be enjoying yourself.

3. Lay the Christmas table on Christmas Eve

Plates, cutlery, glasses, serving dishes, napkins - get the lot out the night before.

I even like to work out which serving dish is going to hold which vegetable.

It might sound excessive, but it saves that last-minute hunt for the gravy boat while somebody's asking where the serving spoons are.

And a pile of extra napkins near the drinks station is always useful.

4. Prepare your roast potatoes ahead

Christmas Day is not the time to be peeling mountains of potatoes.

Peel and cut your potatoes on Christmas Eve, then parboil them until the edges are just beginning to soften.

Drain thoroughly, give them a shake to rough up those edges, and let them steam-dry.

Cool them quickly and refrigerate in a covered container overnight.

On Christmas Day, coat them with your chosen seasoning and roast in hot fat until beautifully golden and crisp.

I particularly like Goat Rodeo's Better Than Sex Roast Potato Seasoning for adding extra crunch and flavour without any fuss.

And remember, the potatoes can go into the oven while your turkey or other roast is resting.

Related recipe: How to Make the Best Crispy Roast Potatoes for Christmas.

5. Get the carrots and parsnips ready the night before

Another job you can tick off the list.

Peel and cut your carrots and parsnips, then briefly parboil them until they're just beginning to soften but still holding their shape.

Drain well, cool quickly and arrange in a roasting tray with a light coating of oil.

Cover and refrigerate overnight.

On Christmas Day, roast them until golden and tender, adding a little honey or maple syrup towards the end if you fancy.

No peeling, chopping or extra saucepans when the kitchen is already busy.

6. Leave the sprouts until Christmas Day

Now, I know sprouts divide opinion, but I love them.

And they're one vegetable I'd rather cook fresh.

That doesn't mean leaving all the preparation until Christmas morning.

Trim them, remove any tired outer leaves and have them ready in a covered container in the fridge.

Get your saucepan out the night before too, so everything is ready to go.

Then all you need to do on Christmas Day is add water and cook them just before serving.

If you prefer them roasted or fried with butter and chestnuts, prepare those ingredients ahead as well.

7. Don't forget you've got an air fryer

Christmas dinner is when oven space becomes valuable real estate.

And if you've got an air fryer, use it.

Stuffing balls are ideal for cooking in the air fryer, freeing up space for your potatoes, carrots and parsnips.

You can also use it to crisp up smaller portions of roast vegetables if you're running out of room.

Just make sure everything is cooked through and follow the cooking guidance for your particular recipe.

8. Let the meat rest - and use that time wisely

This is probably my favourite Christmas cooking trick.

Once the turkey or other roast is cooked, take it out of the oven, cover loosely and let it rest.

While that's happening, turn your attention to the vegetables.

Get the roast potatoes, carrots and parsnips into the oven, cook the stuffing in the air fryer and put the sprouts on the hob.

Your meat gets the resting time it needs, and everything else gets finished without fighting for oven space.

The trick is to work backwards from when you want to eat, allowing enough time for the potatoes and vegetables to roast properly.

9. Think about pudding before Christmas Day

The last thing you want after cooking a big Christmas dinner is to start making a complicated dessert from scratch.

Christmas pudding can be prepared well in advance, and plenty of other desserts can be made the day before.

Trifle, chocolate mousse, cheesecake and many chilled desserts are perfect for preparing ahead.

And here's where we have a little disagreement in my house.

Cheese before pudding? Absolutely, as far as I'm concerned.

Not everybody agrees.

But that's a whole other Christmas conversation.

10. Remember, Christmas dinner doesn't have to be perfect

Nobody is going to remember whether the carrots were cut into matching pieces or whether you made everything from scratch.

They'll remember sitting around the table, having another helping of roast potatoes, laughing and enjoying themselves.

So ditch the unnecessary courses, prepare what you can the night before, make use of your pantry and give yourself permission to enjoy Christmas Day too.

Because good food shouldn't mean spending the entire day in the kitchen.

At Peak & The Pantry, that's what we're all about: making everyday cooking, hosting and gifting easier.

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