There are so many options when it comes to planning a Christmas lunch or dinner, you may not even know where to start. And what do you do when a recipe you’ve set your heart on serves four or six, and you’re hosting a party of eight? Or it’s just you and your partner? Enter the menu below. It’s easy to adjust depending on how many people you’re planning to serve (and easy enough to make a little extra in case unexpected guests drop in!).

Festive mains for everyone

Self- saucing stuffing pie

For a truly impressive main with a difference, we give you this cheesy confit duck pie by chef Ivor Jones. The original recipe serves four to six, but if you want to make this for just the two of you, simply halve the ingredients for the filling, cheese layer and duck legs.

Self saucing stuffing pie recipe

Whole roasted trout

For an additional impressive main, you can’t go wrong with a whole roasted fish. However, if you’re catering for fewer than six people, this recipe will work just as well with trout portions. Whatever you opt for, the magic lies in the flavourful salsa verde and acidic beetroot vinaigrette, so don’t skimp on those elements.

Whole roasted trout recipe

Porchetta with pecorino cream sauce

How utterly divine is porchetta? So festive, so beautiful – and made even more delicious with the additions of pecorino cream sauce, nutty salsa and apple slaw. If you're catering for fewer people, choose a smaller pork belly or halve it and freeze the rest for another dish.

Porchetta with pecorino cream sauce recipe

I’ll have a side of...

Fluffy duck-fat roast potatoes

No festive table is complete without potatoes! Coat potatoes in duck fat (the secret ingredient!) before letting the oven take over. This recipe by Jason Lilley caters for 10 people, but you can adjust the number of potatoes accordingly – although we always ask: can you ever have enough roast potatoes?

Fluffy duck-fat roast potatoes recipe

Sesame-crusted seared tuna in an Asian dressing

If you’re not serving a fish main course, then start your meal with Siba Mtongana's seared tuna salad that's served with a citrusy umami dressing. You can easily double it if you’re serving more than four people or, likewise, halve it if you’re serving two.

Sesame-crusted seared tuna in an Asian dressing recipe

Spanish compose salad

This layered seasonal salad is everything. Roma and exotic tomatoes and melon are layered on a bed of vinegary, grated tomato, then topped with ham. You can also add burrata and/or basil for an Italian take. Halve or quarter the ingredients as required.

Spanish compose salad recipe

Truffle and Parmesan asparagus

For a decadent side that’s worthy of any festive table, go for this grilled asparagus. It’s lightly drizzled with truffle oil, then topped with Parmesan shavings, making it both easy and impressive. Adjust the amount of asparagus depending on how many guests you’re serving.

Truffle and parmesan asparagus recipe

Anyone for a merry dessert?

Scone trifle cups

A trifle is a must, but if a traditional one is too large for your table, serve these elegant scone trifle cups instead. Place pieces of scone in dessert glasses, before artfully topping with berry coulis, sherry, custard and cream.

Scone trifle cups recipe

Christmas spiced jam

If your guests prefer a savoury finish, put together a gourmet Christmas cheeseboard and serve it with a spicy berry-and-ClemenGold jam. If you’re really feeling fancy, add some frozen grapes to your board for a summery twist.

Christmas spiced jam recipe