Season’s Eatings: Festive cooking confidence at an all time high, as Brits set to enjoy a bumper number of Christmas dinners this year

With Christmas falling midweek this year – so flanked by two weekends – and trends such as ‘Friendsmas’ also on the rise, a recent study by Ocado has highlighted a significant surge in the number of Christmas gatherings predicted to take place this season. The study suggests that Brits can’t get enough of the Christmas dinner, as a third (32%) are planning to enjoy at least three this festive season, while one in 10 (10%) are planning to tuck in between five and 10 times.

The study by the UK’s largest dedicated online retailer, Ocado, found that over three quarters (77%) of Brits are attending multiple festive celebrations alongside their main dinner, with friends (23%), at work events (13%), with the wider family (18%) and their partner’s family (23%).

But the increase in festive gatherings doesn’t translate into more stress for hosts, in fact – it’s quite the opposite. This year, nearly 1 in 3 (30%) Brits say they feel ‘less pressure’ to deliver the perfect traditional Christmas spread, while the same number (30%) reveal they feel more confident than ever when cooking up the dinner.

With the sheer volume of Christmas gatherings taking place, self-proclaimed foodies are relishing the opportunity to get creative in the kitchen, as a quarter (25%) of Brits say they are excited to experiment with flavours and show-off their cooking skills. What’s more, a quarter of the nation (26%) are more eager than ever to take on or help with the Christmas cooking this year.

With this newfound confidence, nearly a third (31%) of Brits are looking to put their own creative twist on Christmas classics and a quarter (25%) are eager to experiment with new flavours. Sweet potato (37%), parmesan cheese (18%), balsamic vinegar (16%), curry spice (15%) and coconut milk (15%) are among the top ingredients being considered for inclusion in the festive feast, despite not typically being found in a traditional British Christmas dinner.

To inspire Christmas dinner-loving Brits who are keen to get creative in the kitchen this year, Ocado has partnered with chef Seema Pankhania (@Seemagetsbaked), to share her twists on some classic festive staples. Whether it’s for the main event on the 25th, or one of the many (many) feasts leading up to it, Seema’s Masala Cauliflower Pithivier, Brussel Sprout Pakoras and Garlicky Turmeric Bread Sauce recipes are perfect twists to experiment with throughout the season.

Laura Harricks, Ocado Chief Customer Officer said, “As one of the most eagerly anticipated meals of the year, we know just how important the Christmas dinner is and – with key elements like pigs in blankets trending on site as early as September – that our customers take planning what will be on their plate very seriously! While it’s clear there’s still a lot of love for traditional turkey and all the trimmings, we’ve seen growing interest in twists on the classics too, often with an international influence. We hope Seema’s recipes will inspire the growing number of Christmas cooks who want to get creative in the kitchen this year, and help keep things interesting for those with a diary full of festive dinners to look forward to.”

Seema Pankhania said: “It’s great that Brits are excited to get creative in the kitchen this Christmas. Whether it’s your first time diving into Christmas cooking or you’re a seasoned pro, there’s so much scope to customise the festive favourites. There is so much range on Ocado, you’re a bit spoilt for choice and can really let your imagination run wild, which is why I’m so thrilled to partner with them on this campaign and to hopefully help inspire many, many merry Christmas dinners!”

With over 45,000 products available, Ocado offers everything needed for every Christmas celebration. Whether it’s traditional favourites or hard-to-find international ingredients for a new recipe, Ocado’s extensive range has customers covered this holiday season.
Seema’s Christmas Dinner Recipes:
Brussels Sprout Pakoras
Masala Cauliflower Pithivier
Garlicky Turmeric Bread Sauce

Seema’s debut book, Craveable, is out now. In Craveable, Seema shares joyful, flavour-led dishes that are sure to satisfy every mood and appetite. Inspired by her travels and the food cravings we all share, Seema will take you on a journey of fresh, comforting, salty, sweet and celebratory meals.