Christmas is fast approaching, and with just a week to go, you might be imagining yourself relaxing with a glass of mulled wine, confident that everything is ticked off your list. But is it really? Even Delia Smith, the iconic British cook, reminds us in her Christmas cookbooks that it’s often the little non-food essentials – the easily overlooked items for the home – that make all the difference when hosting.
When it comes to Christmas hosting, it’s easy to forget the small details that keep everything running smoothly. Do you have enough napkins and napkin rings so guests aren’t reaching for kitchen roll? Spare place cards? Or a simple set of matching candlesticks to make your table feel effortlessly polished? A few thoughtful purchases now will ensure you’re ready for guests, without any last-minute scrambling or awkward improvisation.
One of the most commonly overlooked essentials is batteries. If you’re not sure you have enough, I’d recommend ordering two large packs of batteries from Amazon now – you can never have too many. To make things even easier, here’s a handy list of last-minute buys you can add to your basket today and have delivered straight to your door before Christmas.
Forgotten Christmas Essentials That Save the Day Every Year
Drinking glasses often run short when guests arrive, leaving you scrambling for spare tumblers or wine glasses. A quick solution is to have an extra set of bistro-style drinking glasses, such as this Tumbler Set on Amazon, on hand – they’re practical and always look smart.
Placemats and table runners are another easy detail to overlook, yet they can instantly transform a table from chaotic to carefully curated. Don’t forget serving utensils, either – a missing ladle or cheese knife can turn a simple buffet into a minor disaster. Stocking up on these often-forgotten essentials now will keep your Christmas hosting running smoothly and save you from any last-minute panics.
Long matches are at the very top of my Christmas home essentials. It’s worth choosing a matchbox that looks stylish enough to sit out on a coffee or dining table, and the extra length makes it easy to light fires and those tricky-to-reach candles safely and effortlessly.
A large pack of tapered dinner candles is a must-have for festive hosting. If you’re planning a Christmas feast, you’ll likely go through more candles than you anticipate. To be on the safe side, I recommend ordering two packs – Price’s, a trusted British brand, makes some of the best.
If you like to assign your guests a seat, don’t forget place card holders – these small details can make a big difference. There are plenty of options available, but these from Culinary Concepts are particularly stylish. Even better, Liberty offers next-day delivery, so there’s still time to get your order in.
There’s nothing more frustrating than preparing a delicious dish only for it to turn lukewarm before anyone gets a taste. If you’re cooking up a storm this Christmas, these are an absolute must-have – say goodbye to tepid turkey and lukewarm bread sauce for good.
Do you have a gravy jug? If so, do you have enough for all your guests? If you’re hosting a crowd, one might not be enough. This generous jug by Jamie Oliver holds plenty of gravy and is just £17. Order with next-day delivery before 11 pm, and it’ll be at your door tomorrow – definitely worth securing now.
Have you remembered the Christmas crackers? You have until 20th December to order, so it’s time to act fast. These are the perfect choice for a classic yet contemporary Christmas tablescape.
It’s nearly impossible to have too many tealights at Christmas – they disappear almost as soon as you light them. If you’re unsure whether you have enough, the answer is probably no. The problem with most tealights is that they burn quickly and need constant replacing. Not so with St Eval tealights: they burn slowly, last all day, and fill your home with an utterly heavenly fragrance.
Rush to your cupboards and take stock of your wine glasses. Are there enough for all the guests arriving in the next few days? If not, these are the perfect solution – classic, simple, and affordable, with next-day delivery straight to your door.
Now for a crucial question: do you have a platter large enough for the turkey? You’d be surprised how often this essential is overlooked. While there are plenty of beautiful – and often very pricey – serving platters available, this one is truly hard to beat.
By now, your list of last-minute buys should be looking a little more complete, but there are always a few more overlooked essentials that make Christmas hosting run smoothly. Make sure you have plenty of thick bin bags to avoid the dreaded overflowing recycling on Boxing Day, and enough ice trays to keep drinks flowing without frantic freezer raids. Spare tea towels, extra chopping boards and a few rolls of kitchen paper are surprisingly handy when unexpected spills happen, while a set of small serving bowls or platters will save you from scrambling when everyone wants a second helping.
Do not forget corkscrews, bottle openers and trivets to protect your surfaces, and despite my aforementioned disdain of kitchen roll at the dining table, ensure you buy plenty of the stuff for the kitchen (Regina Blitz from Amazon is the very best kitchen roll). By thinking ahead and ticking off these often forgotten items, you can enjoy hosting with confidence, knowing your home is fully prepared for a stress-free, festive Christmas.
