Catering for a Crowd This Christmas: How Much to Serve and How to Keep It Simple

The festive season is all about good food and great company, but if you’re feeding a crowd, it can be tricky to know just how much to buy. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a long lunch under the trees, or a full Christmas dinner, getting your portions right means less stress and more time to relax with friends and family.

We’ve made it easy with a simple guide to how many people our hams, turkeys, and lamb hams will feed, plus some cost-friendly side dish ideas to help your budget go further this Christmas.

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How Many People Will Our Hams & Turkeys Feed?

Our locally prepared meats are made for sharing — and designed to make your Christmas table the star of the show.

Half Ham – 4.5-5.5 kg

Feeds 8–10 people.
Perfect for smaller gatherings or when you’re serving multiple meats.

Whole Ham – 8.5-10 kg

Feeds 20–24 people.
The show-stopping centrepiece for a big family Christmas lunch.

Champagne Ham (Boneless)

Feeds 8–10 people.
A convenient, easy-carve option that’s just as delicious — great for buffet-style entertaining.

Turkey – 4.5 kg

Feeds 8–10 people.
Ideal for traditional Christmas dinners — golden, juicy, and sure to impress.

Lamb Ham – 2.5–3.5 kg

Feeds 6–8 people.
A Kiwi favourite with a twist! Perfect for smaller groups or as a second meat option alongside turkey or ham.

Tip One: If you’re serving a mix of meats and hearty sides, plan for 250–300g of meat per person. For meat lovers or buffet-style dining, allow up to 350g per person.

Tip Two: Make the budget go further and keep the kids happy – add sausages and burgers to your Christmas meats . 

Our Top Tips for Stress-Free Christmas Catering

  • Order early! Our hams and turkeys are always popular, and certain sizes sell out quickly.

  • Know your crowd. Bigger appetites? Add a lamb ham or champagne ham for variety.

  • Balance the menu. Pair rich meats with fresh salads or simple roast veggies to keep things light.

  • Think ahead. Leftover ham is perfect for Boxing Day sandwiches, quiches, and breakfast fry-ups!

  • Pre-made genius. Pre-make or buy pre-made, like our delicious Ham Glaze.

Easy, Cost-Effective Side Dishes That Stretch Your Feast

You don’t have to spend big to serve up a top quality Christmas spread. Fresh, local, and seasonal sides can make your meal shine — without breaking the bank.

Try these festive favourites:

  • Roast Veggies: Toss kumara, pumpkin, and carrots in olive oil and fresh rosemary for colour and comfort.

  • Crispy New Potatoes: Boil, crush, and roast with butter and herbs — simple and always a hit.

  • New Potato Salad: No need for peeling, boil potatoes, cool and dress with olive oil, crushed garlic, dijon mustard (to pair beautifully with your ham), white wine vinegar and season with salt and pepper. 
  • Fresh Summer Salad: Combine leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta for something light and bright.

  • Stuffing Balls: Cook separately to keep them crispy — they’ll feed more people and stretch your roast.

Pro tip: Plan a mix of warm and cool dishes so prep is easier — and you’re not juggling oven space on Christmas Day.

Make This Christmas Effortless

Take the guesswork out of entertaining and let Waipawa Butchery supply your Christmas centrepieces — premium, locally prepared, and made with care.

Order your ham, turkey, or lamb ham now at waipawabutchery.co.nz and make this Christmas feast one to remember.

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