Plan ahead
The first step to avoiding waste is knowing how many people will be sitting at your table. Once you have a guest list, you can:
Estimate portions: Use tools like the Love Food Hate Waste portion planner to calculate the right quantities.
Check dietary requirements: Ask your guests about allergies or preferences to avoid preparing food that won’t get eaten.
Check before you shop
Before heading to the supermarket, take a look at your fridge, freezer, cupboards and pantry to check what you already have. This helps you avoid buying items you already own.
Make a shopping list and stick to it to reduce impulse purchases and keep your spending in check.
Store your food correctly
Proper storage can significantly extend the life of your food:
Check packaging: Follow storage instructions to keep food fresher for longer.
Use your freezer: Freeze perishable items you don’t plan to use immediately, and save leftovers for later.
Serve family-style
Instead of plating meals individually, go for a family-style setup where everyone can serve themselves and take what they want. This means that:
Reduces uneaten food left on plates.
Makes storing leftovers easier.
Love your leftovers
No matter how carefully you plan, leftovers are often inevitable. But they don’t have to go to waste! Whether it is a simple turkey and chips dinner or a fancy turkey risotto, there are many ways to use up leftovers. Keep an eye out on our blog page as we will be sharing some of our favourite leftover recipes.
Celebrate sustainability
It’s easy to over indulge during the festive season, but a little planning goes a long way toward saving food, money, and the planet. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a fantastic Christmas dinner without the guilt of waste.
For more tips on reducing food waste and saving money, check out our dedicated food waste page.