Christmas Eve dinner doesn't need to be complicated to feel like an occasion.

By Christmas Eve, I've usually had enough of cooking before I've even started Christmas dinner.

The vegetables need preparing, the presents need wrapping, the fridge is overflowing and there's still a list of things to do before tomorrow.

The last thing I want is to spend another two hours in the kitchen.

But I still want Christmas Eve to feel special.

And that's why I love the idea of a Chilli Night In.

A big pot of homemade chilli, bowls of tortilla chips, salsa, sour cream and grated cheese. Everyone helps themselves, nobody needs to dress up, and the washing-up is minimal.

Then, when everyone's settled, a big mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows and perhaps a few churros for dipping.

Simple, relaxed and just enough of an occasion to feel like Christmas.

1. Make the Chilli Ahead

This is the real secret to an easy Christmas Eve supper.

Make your chilli the day before, using the Peak & The Pantry Chilli Night Recipe Kit.

It's designed to make cooking a good, comforting chilli easier, without having to measure out lots of individual spices.

Whether you prefer beef mince or a vegetarian version with beans and vegetables, a big pot of chilli is perfect for feeding four.

Once cooked, cool it quickly and refrigerate it in a covered container.

On Christmas Eve, all you need to do is reheat it until piping hot throughout.

No chopping, no complicated preparation and no last-minute panic.

Shop the Chilli Night Recipe Kit

2. Turn It into a Help-Yourself Chilli Bar

This is where a simple supper starts to feel like an event.

Put the chilli in the middle of the table and surround it with little bowls of all the good things.

What to put on the table

• Blanco Niño tortilla chips

• A good tomato salsa

• Sour cream

• Grated Cheddar

• Sliced jalapeños

• Fresh coriander

• Lime wedges

• A little chilli sauce for anyone who likes extra heat

Let everyone build their own bowl.

Some might want their chilli over rice. Others might pile it onto tortilla chips and turn it into loaded nachos.

And that's the beauty of it. You're not making four separate dinners.

You're making one good dish and letting everyone enjoy it their own way.

3. Make It Feel Like Christmas Eve

You don't need an elaborate table setting.

Put out some napkins, a few bowls, the good tortilla chips and perhaps a candle.

Make a jug of something to drink, put on your favourite Christmas film or playlist, and let everyone settle in.

I think sometimes we put so much pressure on Christmas Day being perfect that we forget how lovely the evening before can be.

And it doesn't have to involve another roast dinner or hours of cooking.

4. Finish with a Hot Chocolate Night

Now, this is the bit that really makes it feel like a Christmas Eve tradition.

Once dinner is finished, bring out the hot chocolate.

Our Peak & The Pantry Hot Chocolate Night Recipe Kit is made for those evenings when you want something warm, comforting and a little indulgent.

Make a big batch of hot chocolate and put out a few toppings.

Think marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings and perhaps a plate of warm churros for dipping.

Let everyone make their own.

It's simple enough for a quiet evening at home but still feels like a proper treat.

Discover the Hot Chocolate Night Recipe Kit

5. Your Christmas Eve Shopping List for Four

The beauty of this supper is that you don't need to buy lots of special ingredients.

For the chilli night

• 1 Peak & The Pantry Chilli Night Recipe Kit

• Ingredients for your chosen beef or vegetarian chilli

• Blanco Niño tortilla chips

• Salsa

• Sour cream

• Grated cheese

• Jalapeños, coriander and lime, if you fancy

For hot chocolate night

• 1 Peak & The Pantry Hot Chocolate Night Recipe Kit

• Milk or your preferred alternative

• Marshmallows

• Churros

• Whipped cream or chocolate shavings, if you like

Most of the preparation can be done ahead, leaving you with very little to do on Christmas Eve itself.

Shop the hot chocolate and churros marshmallow bundle 

6. Why a Make-Ahead Christmas Eve Dinner Makes Sense

Christmas Eve should be about slowing down a little, not starting another marathon in the kitchen.

A big pot of chilli is affordable, easy to prepare in advance and simple to adapt to different tastes.

And if you've got any leftovers, portion them up and freeze them promptly for another day.

It's the sort of food that brings everyone around the table without needing a special occasion.

Although, on Christmas Eve, I think it's rather nice to make one.

A Little Christmas Tradition Worth Keeping

I love cooking, but I don't believe every meal needs to be a production.

Sometimes the best evenings are the ones where you put a few good things on the table, let everyone help themselves and actually sit down to enjoy it.

A chilli night, good tortilla chips, hot chocolate and a Christmas film.

That sounds like a pretty perfect Christmas Eve to me.

Good food, less fuss, more time together.

That's what Peak & The Pantry is all about.

Explore our Recipe Kits at Peak & The Pantry

Christmas Eve dinner doesn't need to be complicated to feel like an occasion.