{
 "schema": "whattobuyfor/v1",
 "type": "situation",
 "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/hosting-christmas/",
 "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/hosting-christmas.json",
 "publisher": "What to Buy For",
 "method": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/how-we-build-a-basket/",
 "pricesAsOf": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z",
 "priceNote": "Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.",
 "affiliateDisclosure": "Links to Amazon are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.",
 "title": "What to buy for hosting Christmas",
 "section": "home",
 "answer": "Six things for hosting Christmas: a fridge thermometer, a lidded roaster and a raw-meat chopping board the week before, a meat thermometer on the day, and containers and freezer bags for leftovers. Food, drink, decorations and extra seating are not included.",
 "published": "2026-09-28",
 "updated": "2026-09-28",
 "noindex": false,
 "whyThisBasket": [
  "Every role follows the Food Standards Agency's Christmas and food storage guidance: defrost in the fridge, cook until steaming hot, and cool and store leftovers within two hours.",
  "The two thermometers turn the FSA's numbers into checks: a fridge at 0 to 5°C, and a turkey that reaches a safe core temperature.",
  "Leftover storage is sized for a big meal, with 2.2 litre boxes and large freezer bags rather than lunch tubs.",
  "Serving dishes and extra chairs are left out, because what you need depends on your table and your guest list."
 ],
 "basket": [
  {
   "id": "week-before",
   "label": "The week before",
   "intro": "A frozen turkey can take days to defrost, so start early.",
   "countsTowardTotal": true,
   "roles": [
    {
     "role": "A thermometer for the fridge and one for the freezer",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/hosting-christmas/#role-fridge-thermometer",
     "quantity": "1 pack of 2",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B07JN1DJSV",
      "name": "INRIGOROUS Pack of 2 LCD Digital Fridge Freezer",
      "amazonTitle": "INRIGOROUS Pack of 2 LCD Digital Fridge Freezer Thermometer Monitor with Hanging Hook and Retractable Stand",
      "brand": "INRIGOROUS",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41kqeRmu+UL._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07JN1DJSV",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B07JN1DJSV.json",
      "price": {
       "amount": 7.29,
       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
       "status": "IN_STOCK",
       "amazonMessage": null
      },
      "subscribeAndSave": {
       "amount": 7.29,
       "currency": "GBP"
      },
      "signal": null,
      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:20:50.322Z",
       "rating": 4.3,
       "ratings": 4870,
       "boughtLastMonth": "1K+",
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 3,
        "category": "Fridge Thermometers"
       }
      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 8,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "Readings look accurate against what the fridge should be",
         "count": 4
        },
        {
         "text": "Big, clear display that is easy to read",
         "count": 3
        },
        {
         "text": "Cheap for a pair of thermometers",
         "count": 4
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": []
      },
      "ourName": "INRIGOROUS fridge thermometers (2)",
      "ourTake": "The FSA says a fridge should run between 0 and 5°C and suggests checking it with a thermometer every week. This pack has two digital thermometers with a range of -20 to 60°C, per the listing, so the fridge and the freezer each get one."
     },
     "budget": null,
     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Food Standards Agency: How to chill, freeze and defrost food safely",
       "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-chill-freeze-and-defrost-food-safely/how-to-chill-freeze-and-defrost-food-safely",
       "checked": "2026-09-26"
      },
      {
       "name": "Food Standards Agency: Christmas food hygiene",
       "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/christmas-food-hygiene/christmas-food-hygiene",
       "checked": "2026-09-26"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    },
    {
     "role": "A deep lidded roaster for defrosting and roasting",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/hosting-christmas/#role-roaster",
     "quantity": "1",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B083379D88",
      "name": "VonShef Enamel Roaster with Lid",
      "amazonTitle": "VonShef Enamel Roaster with Lid - Self-Basting, Deep Oval, Non-Stick Black Steel Oven Roasting Tin Heats up to 230°C for Stews, Casseroles & Roast Dinners - Gas/Electric, Easy Clean - 38cm",
      "brand": "VonShef",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41avbktEmdL._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B083379D88",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B083379D88.json",
      "price": {
       "amount": 16.99,
       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
       "status": "IN_STOCK",
       "amazonMessage": null
      },
      "subscribeAndSave": null,
      "signal": null,
      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:20:52.200Z",
       "rating": 4.5,
       "ratings": 387,
       "boughtLastMonth": "200+",
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 3,
        "category": "Roasters"
       }
      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 8,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "Roomy enough for a large chicken or joint plus vegetables",
         "count": 4
        },
        {
         "text": "Easy to clean after a roast",
         "count": 3
        },
        {
         "text": "Feels sturdy and built to last for years",
         "count": 3
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": []
      },
      "ourName": "VonShef 38 cm roaster with lid",
      "ourTake": "The FSA says to defrost a turkey in the fridge, on the bottom shelf, in a covered container big enough to catch the drips. A deep roaster with a lid does that, then goes in the oven. This VonShef is a 38 cm enamel roaster, oven safe to 230°C, the listing says. Check the size of your bird first."
     },
     "budget": null,
     "upgrade": {
      "asin": "B0CD87S9PX",
      "name": "Salter Self-Basting Roaster with Lid",
      "amazonTitle": "Salter Self-Basting Roaster with Lid, 38 Cm Oval Roasting Tin",
      "brand": "Salter",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31sFqw-QGfL._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CD87S9PX",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0CD87S9PX.json",
      "price": {
       "amount": 24.99,
       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
       "status": "IN_STOCK",
       "amazonMessage": null
      },
      "subscribeAndSave": null,
      "signal": null,
      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:20:50.514Z",
       "rating": 4.6,
       "ratings": 167,
       "boughtLastMonth": "50+",
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 17,
        "category": "Roasters"
       }
      },
      "buyersSay": null,
      "ourName": "Salter 38 cm roaster with lid"
     },
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Food Standards Agency: Christmas food hygiene",
       "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/christmas-food-hygiene/christmas-food-hygiene",
       "checked": "2026-09-26"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    },
    {
     "role": "A chopping board kept for raw meat",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/hosting-christmas/#role-raw-board",
     "quantity": "1",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B07FSSYLVM",
      "name": "Chef Aid White Poly Chopping Board",
      "amazonTitle": "Chef Aid White Poly Chopping Board, Multipurpose Anti-Slip Surface, Easy Clean and Dishwasher Safe with Handle, 35 x 24cm, Other Colour Options Available.",
      "brand": "Chef Aid",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41KNdP3+XcL._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FSSYLVM",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B07FSSYLVM.json",
      "price": {
       "amount": 5.69,
       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
       "status": "IN_STOCK",
       "amazonMessage": null
      },
      "subscribeAndSave": null,
      "signal": null,
      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:20:50.348Z",
       "rating": 4.4,
       "ratings": 4767,
       "boughtLastMonth": "1K+",
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 1,
        "category": "Chopping Boards"
       }
      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 13,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "The large board gives plenty of room to chop",
         "count": 6
        },
        {
         "text": "Simple to keep clean, and fits in the dishwasher",
         "count": 3
        },
        {
         "text": "Very cheap, so easy to keep one just for raw meat",
         "count": 5
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": [
        {
         "text": "Thin and bendy compared with a thicker plastic board",
         "count": 4
        },
        {
         "text": "Slides on the worktop, with no grip underneath",
         "count": 2
        }
       ]
      },
      "ourName": "Chef Aid white chopping board",
      "ourTake": "The FSA suggests separate chopping boards for raw meat, for fruit and vegetables, and for ready-to-eat food. A plastic board kept only for the raw turkey, sausages and bacon does that. Chef Aid's goes in the dishwasher, the listing says, but it is only about 4 mm thick and can slide on a smooth worktop, so lay a damp cloth underneath before you cut."
     },
     "budget": null,
     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Food Standards Agency: Why avoiding cross-contamination is important",
       "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/why-avoiding-cross-contamination-is-important/why-avoiding-cross-contamination-is-important",
       "checked": "2026-09-26"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "id": "on-the-day",
   "label": "On the day",
   "intro": null,
   "countsTowardTotal": true,
   "roles": [
    {
     "role": "A probe thermometer for the turkey",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/hosting-christmas/#role-meat-thermometer",
     "quantity": "1",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B08TC8W69J",
      "name": "TempPro TP03H Meat Thermometer with IPX6 Waterproof",
      "amazonTitle": "TempPro TP03H Meat Thermometer with IPX6 Waterproof, Food Thermometer",
      "brand": "TempPro",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41vo9ElsHfL._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08TC8W69J",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B08TC8W69J.json",
      "price": {
       "amount": 8.99,
       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
       "status": "IN_STOCK",
       "amazonMessage": null
      },
      "subscribeAndSave": null,
      "signal": null,
      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:20:52.658Z",
       "rating": 4.6,
       "ratings": 136052,
       "boughtLastMonth": "4K+",
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 1,
        "category": "Barbecue Thermometers"
       }
      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 13,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "Accurate readings that match pricier probes",
         "count": 7
        },
        {
         "text": "Magnet on the back keeps it handy on the fridge or hood",
         "count": 5
        },
        {
         "text": "Clear backlit screen and a solid, well made feel",
         "count": 6
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": [
        {
         "text": "Not instant, so hold it in place a few seconds to settle",
         "count": 3
        }
       ]
      },
      "ourName": "TempPro TP03H meat thermometer",
      "ourTake": "The FSA gives safe core temperatures for a turkey, including 70°C for 2 minutes and 75°C for 30 seconds. A probe thermometer in the thickest part tells you when you are there. The TempPro TP03H has a 10 cm probe and is accurate to 0.5°C, per the listing. Hold it still in the meat until the number stops changing."
     },
     "budget": null,
     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Food Standards Agency: Christmas food hygiene",
       "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/christmas-food-hygiene/christmas-food-hygiene",
       "checked": "2026-09-26"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "id": "leftovers",
   "label": "Leftovers",
   "intro": "Into the fridge or freezer within two hours of cooking.",
   "countsTowardTotal": true,
   "roles": [
    {
     "role": "Large airtight boxes for leftovers",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/hosting-christmas/#role-containers",
     "quantity": "1 pack of 3",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B08PNQFM3G",
      "name": "Sistema Klip It Plus Leakproof Food Storage Containers",
      "amazonTitle": "Sistema Klip It Plus Leakproof Food Storage Containers, 2.2L, Airtight, Stackable, 3 Count",
      "brand": "Sistema",
      "image": null,
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08PNQFM3G",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B08PNQFM3G.json",
      "price": null,
      "availability": null,
      "subscribeAndSave": null,
      "signal": {
       "label": "Always \"on offer\"",
       "note": "17 of 17 days",
       "basis": "our daily price checks"
      },
      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:20:59.758Z",
       "rating": 4.2,
       "ratings": 6889,
       "boughtLastMonth": null,
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 3,
        "category": "Container Sets"
       }
      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 13,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "Clip lids seal tightly, with no leaks from sauces or broth",
         "count": 6
        },
        {
         "text": "Stack neatly in the fridge and freezer to save space",
         "count": 3
        },
        {
         "text": "Sturdy boxes that survive freezing and repeated washing",
         "count": 3
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": [
        {
         "text": "Lids can be awkward to line up so all four clips close",
         "count": 2
        }
       ]
      },
      "ourName": "Sistema Klip It 2.2 L boxes (3)",
      "ourTake": "The FSA says to cool leftovers and get them into the fridge or freezer within one to two hours, in airtight containers, and to eat them within 48 hours or freeze them. These Sistema boxes hold 2.2 litres each and are airtight and freezer safe, per the listing."
     },
     "budget": null,
     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Food Standards Agency: How to chill, freeze and defrost food safely",
       "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-chill-freeze-and-defrost-food-safely/how-to-chill-freeze-and-defrost-food-safely",
       "checked": "2026-09-26"
      },
      {
       "name": "Food Standards Agency: Christmas food hygiene",
       "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/christmas-food-hygiene/christmas-food-hygiene",
       "checked": "2026-09-26"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    },
    {
     "role": "Large freezer bags for what you will not eat in two days",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/hosting-christmas/#role-freezer-bags",
     "quantity": "1 box of 100",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B0F24X8FY5",
      "name": "100 TidyZ Large Slide Zip Freezer Bags. Resealable.",
      "amazonTitle": "100 TidyZ Large Slide Zip Freezer Bags. Resealable. Zip Lock Food Bags. BPA Free. For Freezing Fruit, Vegetables, Meat. Keeps food Fresh. In a Dispenser Box",
      "brand": "Tidyz",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41PeqD20KuL._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F24X8FY5",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0F24X8FY5.json",
      "price": {
       "amount": 5.99,
       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
       "status": "IN_STOCK",
       "amazonMessage": null
      },
      "subscribeAndSave": {
       "amount": 5.99,
       "currency": "GBP"
      },
      "signal": null,
      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:21:02.769Z",
       "rating": 4.5,
       "ratings": 573,
       "boughtLastMonth": "4K+",
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 4,
        "category": "Food & Sandwich Bags"
       }
      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 8,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "Sturdy slide zip that seals well",
         "count": 4
        },
        {
         "text": "Good for batch cooking and freezing portions",
         "count": 4
        },
        {
         "text": "A useful size that holds a fair amount",
         "count": 3
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": [
        {
         "text": "Thinner plastic than other freezer bags buyers have used",
         "count": 2
        }
       ]
      },
      "ourName": "TidyZ slide zip freezer bags (100)",
      "ourTake": "For leftovers you will not eat within 48 hours, the FSA says to freeze them, wrapped well in freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. TidyZ bags are 23 x 23 cm with a slide zip, 100 to a box, per the listing."
     },
     "budget": null,
     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Food Standards Agency: How to chill, freeze and defrost food safely",
       "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-chill-freeze-and-defrost-food-safely/how-to-chill-freeze-and-defrost-food-safely",
       "checked": "2026-09-26"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    }
   ]
  }
 ],
 "totals": {
  "today": {
   "amount": 44.95,
   "currency": "GBP",
   "itemsPriced": 5,
   "itemsMissingPrice": 1
  },
  "monthlyRunningCost": null
 },
 "canWait": [
  {
   "what": "Serving dishes",
   "why": "The VonShef listing says the roaster can go to the table; anything more depends on your menu."
  },
  {
   "what": "Extra chairs or a table extension",
   "why": "Only worth buying if you host often; for one day, borrowing chairs from family or neighbours is an option."
  }
 ],
 "skip": [],
 "questions": [
  {
   "question": "How long does a frozen turkey take to defrost?",
   "answer": "Around 10 to 12 hours per kg in the fridge, says the FSA, so a large 6 to 7 kg turkey needs about 4 days. Defrost it on the bottom shelf of the fridge, not at room temperature, in a covered container big enough to catch the drips."
  },
  {
   "question": "How do I know the turkey is cooked?",
   "answer": "Cut into the thickest part: the FSA says it should be steaming hot all the way through, with no pink meat and clear juices. With a probe thermometer, the FSA lists safe combinations including 70°C for 2 minutes, 75°C for 30 seconds and 80°C for 6 seconds."
  },
  {
   "question": "Should I wash the turkey before cooking it?",
   "answer": "No. The FSA says washing raw poultry does not get rid of harmful bacteria, which only thorough cooking does, and can splash them onto hands, worktops and other food."
  },
  {
   "question": "How long can I keep Christmas leftovers?",
   "answer": "Eat them within 48 hours or freeze them, says the FSA. Cool cooked food and put it in the fridge or freezer within one to two hours. Once frozen leftovers are defrosted, eat them within 24 hours, reheat until steaming hot, and do not refreeze."
  },
  {
   "question": "What temperature should the fridge be?",
   "answer": "Between 0 and 5°C, says the FSA, which suggests checking it with a fridge thermometer every week. Keep raw meat covered and on the bottom shelf, away from ready-to-eat food."
  }
 ],
 "sources": [
  {
   "name": "Food Standards Agency: Christmas food hygiene",
   "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/christmas-food-hygiene/christmas-food-hygiene",
   "checked": "2026-09-26"
  },
  {
   "name": "Food Standards Agency: How to chill, freeze and defrost food safely",
   "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-chill-freeze-and-defrost-food-safely/how-to-chill-freeze-and-defrost-food-safely",
   "checked": "2026-09-26"
  },
  {
   "name": "Food Standards Agency: Why avoiding cross-contamination is important",
   "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/why-avoiding-cross-contamination-is-important/why-avoiding-cross-contamination-is-important",
   "checked": "2026-09-26"
  }
 ],
 "related": [
  {
   "title": "What to buy for a Christmas tree",
   "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-christmas-tree/",
   "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-christmas-tree.json"
  },
  {
   "title": "What to buy for a deep clean before Christmas",
   "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-deep-clean-before-christmas/",
   "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-deep-clean-before-christmas.json"
  },
  {
   "title": "What to buy for guests staying over",
   "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/guests-staying-over/",
   "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/guests-staying-over.json"
  },
  {
   "title": "What to buy for a first kitchen",
   "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-first-kitchen/",
   "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-first-kitchen.json"
  }
 ]
}