Simple Christmas dinner alternatives for smaller gatherings

For many of us this Christmas is the perfect opportunity to try something new on the food front. Traditional turkey is a thing of beauty, but smaller, alternative centrepieces are just as worthy when it comes to celebrating the festive season.

So enjoy what you can with who you can and let the good times roll with our small yet mighty Christmas mains..

Less is definitely more when it comes to this seriously-special twist on a classic Wellington. Blushing seared beef fillet, smothered in mushroom pâté, all wrapped up in a gorgeous spinach pancake and golden puff pastry parcel. Any leftovers are a joy – just make sure it’s piping hot to serve.

Stuffed with chestnuts, sage, dried cranberries, and orange, this roast chicken is bursting with festive flavours. Topped with crispy bacon and fragrant thyme leaves, it’s far from your standard Sunday roast. Plus, you’ll get great leftovers to enjoy on Boxing Day.

This super-simple dish uses just 8-ingredients easily found in your local supermarket and elevates the humble salmon fillet to a show-stopping centrepiece. Embrace store-cupboard shortcuts with tasty red pesto used two ways, and ready-made puff pastry to take the stress out of cooking on the day. Delicious served hot, or cold for next-level leftovers.

Slow-roasted and stuffed with nutty cranberry-spiked rice, this Christmas vegan dish is a flavour-packed festive favourite. Serve as a centrepiece in its own right, or as a delicious side dish for veggies and meat-eaters alike. Great served cold on Boxing Day too.

Crispy, festive-spiced skin and tender, juicy meat – roast duck is an incredible alternative to the traditional turkey. What’s more, the leftovers are really something to get excited about – think duck pancakes, ridiculously good ragù, or a festive salad.

Celebrating beautiful seasonal veg, this stunning vegan main transforms humble squash into the most amazing individual showstoppers, giving you real flexibility. When a fruity, nutty grain stuffing is paired with sweet, roasted squash it’s next-level delicious.

After clever ways to use up leftovers? Look no further.