How to throw a budget-friendly Christmas dinner party with festive flair

Cook with less stress

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For proud homeowners, it’s always a toss-up between offering guests a home-cooked meal – which, let’s be honest, can be exhausting – or ordering in.

How about solutions that show your sincerity yet ensures that everyone, including the host, enjoys the party?

One way to ease your prep work and cooking stress while still delivering a home-cooked meal is to get an air fryer. This season, the PowerPac XXL air fryer with 8L capacity and hot air flow system ($75.90 till Dec 26; UP: $299) can be your trusty kitchen assistant to whip up all things delicious.

Cook just about anything, from roast meats, crispy potatoes, pies and even cakes, while going easy on your waistline with lesser oil. Plus, less mess makes cleaning a breeze. You can also find delicious Christmas recipes on the FairPrice website.

Prepare a festive feast

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Consider also making a fish dish. With the Snow Treasures Wild Caught Cod Fish Portion 500g ($29.50 till Dec 26, UP: $61.50), make premium, protein-rich dishes such as cod bouillabaisse (French fish stew) served with air-fried garlic bread and roasted vegetables; or even try your hand at making a cod Wellington with pre-made puff pastry and baking it in the air fryer.

If time is of the essence, FairPrice’s Classic Combo ($90) will be ready in a cinch. The generous deli set comprises a traditional roast turkey, honey baked ham and German pork knuckle, as well as must-have sides: Chestnut stuffing, cranberry sauce and a gourmet sauce. Just keep the items chilled and preheat them before serving. You can also take your pick from other available deli sets, add on individual sausages, hams, cheeses and more.

Don’t forget to pre-order your premium meats and gift hampers. If you are looking for house gifts, stop by your nearest FairPrice outlet to pick up a delicate log cake on the way to the festivities (we’re eyeing the Raspberry Pistachio Log Cake).

A party isn’t complete without some merry tipples. Clink glasses with the raspberry gin from Boatrocker Brewers & Distillers ($75 till Dec 26; UP: $99), which is also great to take to any celebration you’re invited to.

Home for the holidays

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Preparing your home is probably something you haven’t really done wholeheartedly in a while. If you have yet to get back into the groove, here are some quick kits and festive decor ideas from FairPrice.

For the full Christmas feel, a tree is a must. For something fuss-free yet elegant, FairPrice carries a 6-foot-tall Partyforte Premium Christmas Tree ($169) that comes with acorns and mistletoe. Spruce up your abode further with cheery baubles, fairy lights, garlands and decals – here’s a tip: Get the whole look delivered when you order online from FairPrice rather than carting the bulky packages from the store.

Pawrents will also jump at the opportunity to dress Fido or Whiskers up as Santa. This cute 3D getup on your furkid will surely liven up any party.

Gifts from the heart

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Christmas is drawing near, and if you’re still racking your brains for gift ideas, look no further for delicious and thoughtful presents.

No one can resist this cute and tasty snack pack of Redondo Christmas Cream Wafers in Cookies & Cream + Chocolate flavours ($12.80 till Dec 26; UP: $14.25). It’s also a fantastic stocking stuffer, and each mini 100g tin will be perfect for the kiddos at your gathering.

For the adults, Guinness Mini Pints Creamy Chocolate ($9.95 till Dec 26; UP: $12.45) will surely lift up their spirits.

Other premium and healthful presents include the festively packaged Nature's Nutrition Christmas Box Raw Honey 50g Random Colour ($38.40 till Dec 26; UP: $96), and exclusive two-for-one offer on the Kinohimitsu Bird's Nest Beverage Gift Box ($49.90 for two till Dec 26; UP: $49.90 each), which is also perfect for your elders, clients and the women in your life.

FairPrice has also compiled gifts under $30 for both him and her, as well as star buys and Christmas snacks. Find the full range of gifts on FairPrice’s gifting page.

Fans of Marks & Spencer can rejoice – for the British retailer’s beloved food products are now available online at FairPrice as well, with delivery to selected areas: Buy two or more items to enjoy 15 per cent off.

Or how about a true gift from the heart? From now till Dec 31, donate to the Boys' Brigade in-store or online via food hampers in $20, $50 and $80 denominations. The 35-year-old initiative in collaboration with FairPrice is targeting to benefit over 40,000 beneficiaries this year.

Stand to win an SUV when you shop with FairPrice this Christmas

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This season of giving, FairPrice is also rewarding shoppers with the chance to win a brand new MG HS sports utility vehicle.

From now till February 8, 2023, every $30 spent nets you one chance, with additional chances awarded with the purchase of participating products.

With FairPrice’s deals and festive catalogue, make this Christmas a truly unforgettable one as you put your best feast forward without so much as breaking a sweat.

Share the Christmas joy with FairPrice here, merry Christmas!