Last minute ring-ins for your Christmas table.

Christmas is just a few days away and – to be completely honest – if you don’t already have your menu for the day locked in, now is the time to start panicking!

Most of us plan our Christmas lunch or dinner well in advance, but there’s always going to be some last minute tweaks needed. Just found out you’ve got a vegan guest coming to dine? Need to feed a few more people than you expected? Or maybe you’re invited to a last-minute boxing day luncheon?

Whatever the reason, it always pays to be prepared with extra sides and sweets that can be thrown together at a moment’s notice.

We’re rounded up some of our best last minute ring-in dishes for the holiday season, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Avoid the store-bought cakes, and keep these recipes up your sleeve – they’re all super easy to make, and are packed with healthy nutritious ingredients.

Gingerbread men

A little sweet, a little spicy, and so much fun to make. Get the kids involved on Christmas Eve, and you’ll be busy snacking on these Gingerbread Men throughout the holidays.

Chocolate chia brownies

Made with sweet potato and coconut flour, these brownies are the perfect dessert or afternoon tea treat for your gluten free guests.

Chia green dip with feta 

A super easy, delicious dip that’s whipped up in seconds. Serve with toasted baguette or crackers as a snack, or use as a spread on sandwiches. Once made, it will keep up to two days in the fridge.

Spring salad

With zucchini, broad beans, fresh peas and asparagus, this salad a nutritional superhero. The perfect light lunch for those days when you need to take a break from the indulgence.

Spicy red pepper and chia dip

This spicy, fragrant spicy dip is the answer to all your vegan snack food problems! Serve with vegetable crudites or vegan-friendly corn chips.

Apple, walnut and celery salad

Fresh, crunchy and delicious. If you’re looking for one final salad to add to your Christmas table, this is the one you’ve been looking for.

Strawberry and Coconut popsicles

Another great activity to get the kids involved in! Make these popsicles on Christmas Eve, and the whole family will enjoy pulling them out on those hot holiday afternoons.