5 ways to get the kids to help at Christmas

Child helping parents prepare Christmas food

Have a think about the type of party you’re throwing and choose a few simple dishes that the kids can help to prepare. For a family-friendly Christmas buffet, dishes with readymade puff pastry such as mini sausage rolls and twisty cheese straws are a quick and easy solution. If you’re cooking a more formal meal, little ones can help to wash the vegetables or weigh the ingredients.

Find more ideas with our top party food collection.

2. Baking and desserts

Family, homemade gifts Children group shot

When it comes to sweet treats, our Christmas for kids collection is packed full of desserts and nibbles that kids will enjoy baking over the holidays. Spend some quality time together the day before the big event and choose an easy recipe they can be proud of – try these chocolate orange cookies or our fabulous winter wonderland cake.

3. Decorate with style

Before the guests arrive, the kids can help make the house feel truly festive with a few homemade Christmas decorations! Learn how to make a paper snowflake, then string some together to make a garland or display them in the windows. You can also follow our guide on how to make fake snow and how to make a snow globe – at the very least, it’ll keep them busy while you crack on with the main course!

4. Homemade menus

A group of diverse elementary age girls sitting at a table and making Christmas greeting cards and crafts together. The girls are happy and talking to one another as they decorate their cards in the living room.

If your child is old enough to write, get them to practise their handwriting by creating homemade food and drink menus. Most kids will love the chance to hand out the menus to guests as they arrive, and your visitors will appreciate the handmade charm. Very little ones can still help by colouring in the borders or adding stickers.

5. Making easy drinks

Pear, Apple & Rose Punch Spiced Piña Colada Mocktail Faux Fizz Gin-free G&T Mock Mulled Wine

For those looking to get more hands-on, offering the responsibility of taking – and perhaps even making – drinks orders can be a great opportunity. Encourage them to become a mini barista with a mocktail bar full of cordials, ice, fruit and soft drinks. Just be sure they only take one drink in each hand to avoid accidents, or provide a sturdy drinks trolley to help things along!

Our best ever mocktail recipes
Non-alcoholic Christmas drinks