9 Time Saving Christmas Essentials

1. Organic Christmas Dinner Box, £47.95, riverford.co.uk

If you can’t be bothered (or simply don’t have the time!) to cook, but still want a healthy, traditional dinner, then seasonal veg expert Riverford has you covered. The team has launched a range of organic boxes filled with festive favourites that are 100% vegan – plus, they’re delivered free to your door! Each vegan dinner box feeds two to three people generously, and includes seasonal veg, a hearty nut roast, fresh cranberry sauce, savoury gravy, mince pies, a traditional Christmas pudding and zesty clementines. Pre-order from 7th November for delivery between 20th and 24th December

2. Mr Crumb Sage & Onion Stuffing, £2, Sainsbury’s

Stuffing is an integral part of any Christmas lunch, but buying a ready-made one makes your home-cooked spread that much easier. Mr Crumb’s Sage & Onion Stuffing with Irish butter is a veggie-friendly option made with natural ingredients and fresh breadcrumbs, and it’s ready in just two minutes!

3. Butternut, Mushroom & Chestnut Wreath, £4.50, Tesco

Tesco’s eye-catching vegan wreath will make a beautiful centrepiece for your festive dinner. A crisp filo pastry is hand-filled with sweet butternut squash, mushrooms, and seasonal chestnuts, flavoured with Madeira, white wine, brandy and winter spices. Available in store and online from 16th December.

4. Plant Kitchen No Pork Pigs in Duvets, £3.50, M&S

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without vegetarian sausages! Try Marks & Spencer’s ready-made version, great as a savoury side for your Christmas dinner, or as a bite-sized treat for a festive get-together

5. Brie & Cranberry Garland, £5, Tesco

Throwing a festive soirée? It can be difficult to create showstoppers out of side dishes, but that’s where Tesco has you sorted. This vegetarian garland will be a wonderful addition to your spread. The sweet and savoury blend of cranberries and creamy Brie is a delicious seasonal combination. Encased in a flaky puff pastry and topped with crunchy pine nuts, it’s sure to impress your guests. Available in store and online from 16th December.

6. Vegan Mince Pies, £1.75 each or £16 for 12, konditor.co.uk

Family-run cake company Konditor has launched a vegan mince pie this year! Whether you’re looking for festive treats to share round the office, or goodies to add to your sweet spread, these little pies will hit the spot. A flaky vegan pastry surrounds juicy, spiced mincemeat, all dusted in sugar.

7. Chococo’s Chocolate Salami, £22, chococo.co.uk

A great addition to your festive dessert table, this handmade chocolate salami is comprised of 67% Madagascar-origin dark chocolate, dried fruits and nuts, plus a splash of brandy. It’s finished with a sprinkling of icing sugar for a beautifully presented sweet that’s vegan and dairy- and gluten-free.

8. The Best Chocolate and Salted Caramel Melt in the Middle Chocolate Pudding, £6, Morrisons

For those who have an aversion to Christmas pudding – because there’s always someone – you’ll need a chocolate pud to add to the menu. Morrisons’ chocolate cake melts in the middle for a gooey, rich dessert that’s made all the more festive by its shimmering salted caramel centre, and white chocolate drizzle. Available from 18th December.

9. LillyPuds Vegan Christmas Pudding, £12.75, lillypuds.co.uk

Vegans shouldn’t miss out on pudding, but it’s quite a time- consuming cake to make, especially as you dash around doing last-minute bits and bobs ahead of Santa’s arrival. LillyPuds’ Vegan Christmas Pudding is a great go-to that’s a light and delicious take on a festive classic. It’s packed with vine fruits, gluten-free ale, ginger, ground almonds, apple, and spices for a fragrant finish.

Looking for festive recipes to go with these corner-cutting ideas? We have plenty of vegetarian and vegan recipes for creating the ultimate Christmas feast!