Creating the Perfect Christmas Day: Let Your Turkey Take Centre Stage

Christmas Day is a whole host of moments. It’s the quiet excitement of the early morning, the rustle of wrapping paper, the gathering of family, and the festive scent that fills the house. At the heart of it all, anchoring the day, is the Christmas lunch—a meal we plan and anticipate all year long.

And at the very centre of that feast, in the place of highest honour, sits the turkey.

A perfect Christmas dinner doesn't just happen by magic. It’s a combination of planning, atmosphere, and, most importantly, starting with the very best ingredients. This is our guide to making your Christmas Day not just delicious, but truly memorable and stress-free.

Start with the Right Centrepiece

A great Christmas Day begins with a great bird. You can have the fluffiest potatoes and the most flavourful sprouts, but the turkey is what everyone remembers.

Choosing a slow-grown, free-range turkey from Morton's Farm is the single most important step you can take towards a successful dinner. Why? Because quality makes everything easier. Our turkeys are raised for flavour and tenderness, meaning they are incredibly succulent and forgiving to cook. You don't have to battle to make our birds taste good—that’s already been taken care of by months of free-range living and expert husbandry.

Starting with a premium, flavourful centrepiece removes the biggest source of stress and sets the foundation for an unforgettable meal.

Stress-Free Christmas Cooking

The cook should be able to enjoy Christmas, too! The secret to a stress-free day is all in the planning.

1. Order Early: This is step one. Secure your perfect-sized turkey, crown or rolled breast joint and your order will wing its way to you on the 22nd December. If you live local to the farm you can collect your bird on the 23rd or 24th December.  That’s one huge job ticked off the list.
2. Plan Your Menu: Decide on your trimmings well in advance. Many, like cranberry sauce or braised red cabbage, can be made days—or even weeks—ahead.
3. Write Your Timeline: A simple plan for the day is a game-changer.

• • Christmas Eve: Peel your veg and keep them in pans of water. Make your stuffing.
  • Christmas Day:

Morning: Take the turkey out of the fridge! A room-temperature bird cooks far more evenly. (Allow at least 1-2 hours).

• Lunch-minus 4-5 hours: Preheat your oven. Get the turkey in. (Check our cooking guide for exact times).
• Lunch-minus 1 hour: This is the magic hour. Take the turkey out to rest. Cover it loosely with foil and tea towels. It will stay piping hot for up to 90 minutes.
• The "Rest" Window: With the turkey out, your oven is now free. Turn up the heat, get the potatoes and parsnips in, and finish all your other side dishes. This is the secret to a calm, collected Christmas kitchen.

Setting the Scene

With the cooking under control, you can think about the stage for your star performer. A beautiful table sets the mood for a special meal.

It doesn’t need to be complicated. A festive table runner, some simple candles, and a few sprigs of fresh holly or ivy from the garden can look stunning.

Most importantly: warm your plates! It’s a tiny detail that makes a huge difference, keeping that beautifully carved turkey and hot gravy perfect from the first bite to the last. And don't forget a festive playlist to provide the soundtrack to your day.

Make it Memorable with Morton’s

Christmas is built on memories. It's about the traditions we share and the moments we create around the table. We believe that the quality of the food is directly linked to the quality of the moment. When you serve a centrepiece that has been raised with care, grown slowly, and prepared by hand, you are showing your guests that you value this shared time.

We know from experience that the “oohs” you hear as you carry the golden-brown turkey to the table is the magic of Christmas for grown ups! 

All orders can be placed directly through our website for delivery on 22nd December or collection from the farm on the 23rd or 24th of December. Ordering early ensures you won't be disappointed.

Click Here to Order Your Christmas Turkey

Make your Christmas unforgettable – order your free-range Morton’s turkey today and let it take centre stage.