Can You Hire a Chef for Christmas Day?

Of course! Imagine a Christmas where you can devote your full attention to creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones. A day where you can engage in spirited board games and capture heartwarming photos without the stress of cooking or cleaning. That’s what hiring a private chef for Christmas Day can do for you.

Think about it – how many hours do you typically spend preparing a festive dinner? From menu planning, accommodating dietary needs, grocery shopping, prepping, cooking and serving to the constant kitchen check-ins, it can add up to nearly nine hours. That’s almost an entire day that you could spend soaking up the festive spirit!

Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring a Private Chef for Christmas

1. Choose the right chef

Do you crave a traditional Christmas lunch, or are you looking for something a bit different this year? The key to a memorable Christmas meal is choosing a chef whose experience and specialities align with your taste. If you’re a fan of classic holiday dishes, opt for a chef with a background in traditional cuisine. If you’re adventurous, why not explore a chef who specialises in other dishes and create a fusion dinner or something radically different? A unique meal can make your Christmas truly unforgettable.

2. Check availability 

Demand for chefs skyrockets on Christmas Day. With restaurants and hotels bustling with holiday celebrations, they often need additional staff and turn to private chefs for help. Thus, finding a private chef for the holidays can be a challenge. 

Fortunately, yhangry is here to connect you with a professional when you need it. Browse the chefs’ menus and get ahead of the holiday rush today. In addition, if you’re struggling to find a chef for your occasion, consider adjusting your service time. A chef who’s preparing a 1pm Christmas Dinner could be available to serve a second festive feast at 7pm.

3. Consider dietary requirements

Before you finalise your menu, check in with all your guests for any dietary requirements. Even if you’ve known them for years, dietary preferences and restrictions can change. There might be a cousin who’s gone vegan or a friend who’s now on a keto diet. A simple text at the start of December can help you plan a menu that caters to everyone’s needs.

4. Plan for travel

On Christmas Day, public transport options are limited, and chefs often rely on taxis. This can be one of the factors that increase the cost of Christmas Day. While many private chefs drive, some don’t. To avoid any delays that could impact your lunch, consider offering to pick up the chef from a meeting point. Remember, it’s often more challenging for the chef to reach the booking location with the weight of groceries and rush hour traffic.

5. Inspect your equipment

Ensure your kitchen equipment, especially the oven, is in good working condition. Trust us; you don’t want any surprises on Christmas Day!

6. Offer refreshments

Chefs need to keep hydrated, so a glass of water or juice will be gratefully received! They will usually help themself to water as they go – they’re next to the tap already. If you’d like to offer them wine or a beer, then you can. Not all chefs will want to drink, while some enjoy a glass or two while they work. It can be a nice way to break the ice and welcome them to your home. Don’t worry, they know their limits, and they know they’re there to work!

7. Communicate effectively

Open communication ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. When the chef arrives, make sure to discuss important details such as:

• Dietary requirements – it’s good to double-check any allergies beforehand
  
• Equipment – where everything is and what they can use
  
• Service – what time you would like to start (confirm the time from your booking), how you would like the food served and what plateware you’d like to use
  
• Cleaning – where are the bins and the cleaning products?
  
• What point you’re happy for them to leave – would you like them to leave dessert out and go once the mains are served, or would you like them to help serve desserts and put the leftovers in the fridge? Open conversation so everyone knows what they’re doing is always best.

However, when the prep begins, don’t be offended if they’re too busy to chat. After all, they are there to work, allowing you a well-deserved break from the kitchen and more time with your loved ones.

8. Respect the chef’s space and schedule 

You might be wondering if the chef will eat too. Usually, they will time their meals around their jobs and won’t sit down to share your food. The delicious meal they prepare is all for you and your guests! Though, if they have back-to-back jobs that day, they may eat a small, discreet snack. 

9. Plan for leftovers

If you want to embrace the tradition of Christmas leftovers, you can enjoy turkey sandwiches for days afterwards. However, if you’re going away or don’t want any more food, feel free to offer the leftovers to the chef. They might appreciate taking some home and avoiding food waste.

By following these steps, you’re well on your way to a stress-free, delicious Christmas celebration with your loved ones.

Book Your Private Chef Now and Experience an Unforgettable Christmas Celebration 

Now that you’re equipped with all the tips and tricks for hiring a private chef, it’s time to take the next step.

At yhangry, we’re passionate about bringing you restaurant-style dining to the comfort of your home (or rented venue!). When you browse our range of experienced chefs, you’ll find pre-set menus inspired by various cuisines from around the world. These menus are carefully curated by our chefs to provide a balanced and delicious meal.

However, if you’re looking for something more personalised, we’ve got you covered. Our request forms are designed to be quick and easy, typically taking just two minutes to complete. This allows you to create a bespoke menu tailored to your preferences.

Whether you have a specific meat in mind, a particular way you’d like your potatoes and vegetables cooked or a special dessert you’ve been craving, our chefs are ready to bring your vision to life. The more specific you can be, the better our chefs can meet and exceed your expectations.

So why wait? Start crafting your perfect Christmas meal today and experience the magic of a private chef this holiday season. Simply request a free quote and receive your personalised menus!