What makes the perfect Christmas dinner?

As we approach the festive season, Christmas menus in the UK are changing. For years, Christmas was synonymous with turkey, mince pies, and mulled wine, but today’s food and drink landscape has a surprising number of twists.

From innovative Christmas-themed foods to plant-based roasts, and even inflation-proof festive meals, the UK’s holiday culinary traditions are in for some refreshing—and sometimes daring—updates. Let’s explore what reimagined ‘traditional’ holiday fare looks like – and what you might like to bring to your table this Christmas. Plus, details of how you could win in our competition as Howden trims back the cost of Christmas.

Christmassy culinary creations

One thing that defines the season is that nearly everything edible seems to get a holiday makeover. While we’ve long been familiar with turkey sandwiches appearing on meal deal shelves from November, today’s Christmas flavours are much more adventurous.

How about a turkey lasagne ready meal? Or pigs in blankets mac ‘n’ cheese? These quirky takes on quintessential comfort foods are fun dinner options during the holidays. And who can forget Yorkshire pudding wraps – a delicious roast dinner rolled into one, trimmings and all. You often find these at festive markets, alongside the bratwurst stands and arcade games.  

But these creations can go too far.

Do we really need Marmite covered sprouts? It’s possible the inventor hoping that by combining two of the most controversial foods in British cuisine, they’d cancel each other out to make a beloved new dish. Or how about Espresso Martini wensleydale; last year Aldi unveiled this boozy cheese, though we can’t see it becoming a staple on cocktail menus anytime soon.

This year, the budget supermarket has sparked debate again with its “Chreaster eggs” AKA Christmas Easter eggs, shaped like penguins and gingerbread men. We’ll have to see if this one catches on and becomes a Christmas tradition!

Amazing grazing

As the trend of charcuterie boards and grazing spreads continues to dominate, it’s fair to ask: does everything have to be a grazing board?

The short answer is that yes, this trend looks like it’s here to stay, with amazing grazing board creations all over Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. And with good reason! Grazing boards are visually appealing, fun to assemble, and perfect for gatherings where people can snack as they mingle.

The beauty of a grazing board lies in its flexibility. While a classic Christmas board might feature cheeses, cured meats, figs, and chutneys, a festive twist could include mini Yorkshire puddings filled with turkey slices, stuffing balls, and cranberry sauce. And for vegetarians, a  board could feature roasted seasonal vegetables, baked camembert, and even a touch of spiced nuts or dried fruit to keep with the holiday theme.

For anyone hosting this season, grazing boards offer a stress-free, make-ahead option. You can go luxe with artisanal cheeses and prosciutto or keep it budget-friendly with supermarket selections. And the best part? They look like a feast, even on a tighter budget.

Have a very veggie Christmas

Here’s a festive food fact! Did you know, the number of vegans in the UK rose by an estimated 1.1 million between 2023 and 2024? As of this year, there are 3.1 million vegetarians in the UK, making up 5.8% of the population.

With the rise of plant-based diets and the increase in flexitarian lifestyles, it’s no surprise that Christmas dinners have evolved to include meat-free options. No longer confined to nut roasts or side dishes, plant-based Christmas foods are now inventive, flavourful, and worth celebrating.

One popular choice is ‘halloumi in blankets’, a vegetarian-friendly twist on pigs in blankets that swaps out pork for halloumi, wrapped in a strip of roasted red pepper or even a vegetarian bacon substitute. It’s a satisfying treat that pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables and brings a festive feel without the meat.

The UK’s market for meat alternatives has also grown significantly, with options like plant-based roasts featuring ingredients like mushrooms, lentils, or chickpeas to create dishes that resemble traditional Christmas roasts. Brands have even started crafting plant-based ‘turkey’ slices and gravies, ensuring that vegetarians and vegans can enjoy a meal just as hearty and festive as their meat-eating friends.

Getting in the holiday spirit

Plenty of us enjoy a festive tipple! But there’s also a growing number living a low or no-alcohol lifestyle. In 2024, young people are the biggest consumers of low and no alcohol alternatives, and they’re also the most sober age group overall – 39% of 18–24-year-olds don’t drink alcohol at all.

Alternatives are on the rise, and brands are offering seasonal variations to cater to everyone’s tastes. With young people increasingly turning away from alcohol, holiday drinks are starting to embrace low or no-alcohol alternatives without sacrificing festivity.

And for those that do partake, Christmas drinks are evolving. Take M&S White Mulled Wine, a refreshing twist on the classic mulled wine, coming in at a reasonable £6. Featuring a combination of traditional mulled spices, but with a white wine base, it offers a light alternative for those that aren’t a fan of traditional mulled wine.

At the same time, local gin infusions have become popular, with flavours like spiced apple, cinnamon, or fig making a splash in UK bars and kitchens alike. Whether you prefer a bold and warming drink or a lighter mocktail, it’s clear that Christmas drink trends are shifting to embrace all types of holiday drinkers.

Inflation-proofing your Christmas dinner

While the inflation rate has fallen, many of us are still watching our wallets and seeking ways to enjoy Christmas dinner without breaking the bank. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to keep costs down while still serving up a memorable spread.

One easy way to cut costs is to incorporate seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussel Sprouts, parsnips, and potatoes—hearty, filling, and often available at a lower price in winter. Roasting these vegetables with a mix of spices and a drizzle of oil can make them as appealing as any luxury side dish.

For those aiming to save on the main course, consider serving a small turkey crown instead of a full bird, or even choosing a chicken or pork roast, both of which tend to be more affordable.

Leftovers are also an essential aspect of budget-friendly Christmas dining. Instead of letting anything go to waste, consider using leftover turkey, ham, or even roasted vegetables in a Boxing Day bubble and squeak or a festive frittata. Stretching out ingredients not only makes them more economical but also creates fun, post-holiday dishes that keep the festive spirit alive just a bit longer.

Howden is trimming back the cost of Christmas!

Christmas is about joy, gathering, and savouring the season—no matter what ends up on your plate or in your glass. So as you plan your festive menu, and consider whether to add a twist to the classics or embracing a new trend, why not enter Howden’s festive competition?

After comparing costs from 2019, looking at common food, drink and presents, the team estimate that Christmas is now £250 more expensive on average – a staggering increase for families to bear during the holiday season.

And because the Howden believes that insurance should be a force for good, we’re paying the difference in costs from five years ago. Across Howden’s local branch network we’re offering a £250 pre-loaded Mastercard to 20 lucky winners.

To enter Howden’s festive competition, or to learn more about Howden Insurance, simply give your local branch a ring or visit in person and speak with a member of the team.

Terms and conditions apply.