Preparing Christmas dinner can feel like a full-scale operation. Between the turkey, trimmings and timing everything to perfection, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. 

That's why we've created this handy Christmas cooking guide to help your meal go off without a hitch. 

So you can focus on what matters most - spending time with loved ones. 

(Guide is based on a 7kg turkey & serving time at 2pm - please adjust accordingly)

Edwards Handy Christmas Cooking Guide:

Morning preparations:

7:00 am - Remove the turkey from the fridge, to come to room temperature. This ensures the turkey will cook evenly. 

7:30 am - Make sure the stuffing, gravy base and sauces are prepped. (Top tip - these can be prepped the night before for extra time!).

8:00 am - Ensure the oven racks are set for a turkey. Preheat the oven to 180C (fan 160C or gas mark 4).

8:15 am - Prepare the turkey by removing the giblets (if required), buttering the skin, seasoning generously and stuffing the cavity if desired. 

8:30 am - Place the turkey into a tray to retain the juices. Place the turkey into the oven and cook accordingly to the time on the packaging instructions. (For a 7kg turkey - the recommended cooking time is 3 hours and 45 minutes).

9:00 am - Peel and prep the potatoes, parsnips, carrots and brussel sprouts. (Top tip - keep in cold water to retain freshness).

10:00 am - Make the pigs in blankets and stuffing balls, then refrigerate until ready to roast. 

10:30 am - Check the turkey and baste with the pan juices. (Top tip - repeat every 30 minutes for extra crispy skin).

11:15 am - Parboil the potatoes in a pan on the hob for 10 minutes. Drain and fluff up by gently shaking the pan to aid in their crispiness when roasting. 

Afternoon preparations:

12:00 pm - Check the turkey's internal temperature. It should have a central temperature of over 65C. If you think the turkey is cooking too quickly, loosely cover with foil. 

12:15 pm - Prepare roasting trays with goose fat or butter, ready for preheating. 

12:30 pm - Take the turkey out of the oven to rest, loosely covered with foil. It is essential that the turkey rests for a minimum of 45 minutes. 

12:35 pm - Turn up the oven to 200C (fan 180 or gas mark 5) and place the fat-layered trays into the oven. 

12:40 pm - Place the potatoes, carrots and parsnips in the roasting trays. Cook for 1 hour, basting halfway through. 

1:00 pm - Place the pigs in blankets and stuffing balls on a separate tray in the oven and cook for 30 - 40 minutes. 

1:15 pm - Boil the brussel sprouts in a pan for 10 minutes. Drain and keep warm in the pan with butter and seasoning. 

1:30 pm - Pour the juices from the turkey pan into the gravy base and simmer on a low heat to reduce. 

1:40 pm - Carve the turkey and cover the slices in foil to keep warm. 

1:50 pm - Place your plates into the microwave for 1 - 2 minutes to warm. 

2:00 pm - Serve your Christmas dinner and enjoy!