Catering for Christmas House Guests: Delicious & Budget-Friendly Ideas with Waipawa Butchery
The festive season is all about togetherness—long summer evenings, shared meals, and the joy of welcoming friends and whānau into your home. But hosting Christmas house guests can quickly become stressful (and expensive!) if you don’t have a plan.
At Waipawa Butchery, we’re here to make holiday catering easy, delicious, and great value. With quality, locally sourced meats and a range of convenient products, feeding a crowd doesn’t need to be complicated.
Here are our top tips, product picks, and meal ideas to keep everyone happy and well-fed during the Christmas break.
1. Start with Versatile Cuts That Go Further
When catering for several days, versatility is key. Choose cuts that can stretch across multiple meals.
Beef Mince – the ultimate crowd-pleaser
Our premium Waipawa Butchery beef mince is ideal for:
Nacho night (fast, fun, and perfect for all ages)
Homemade burgers on the BBQ
Spaghetti bolognese for an easy, comforting dinner
Tip: Cook a large batch of mince and repurpose leftovers through the week.
Chicken Thighs – juicy, affordable, and easy
Chicken thighs stay moist and are great for:
Tray-bake dinners with seasonal veg
BBQ marinades (try our house-made marinades for extra flavour)
Summer curries or noodles
2. Create Effortless Breakfasts & Brunches
Hosting is easier when guests can help themselves.
Waipawa Butchery Streaky Bacon
Bacon makes everything better! Keep a few packs on hand for:
Bacon & egg rolls
BLTs
Weekend brunch boards
Award-Winning Sausages
Our handcrafted sausages are perfect for a no-fuss breakfast. Serve with grilled tomatoes, toast, and chutney for a hearty start to the day.
3. Stress-Free BBQs for Warm Kiwi Evenings
Nothing gathers people like a summer BBQ.
Try these favourites:
Gourmet Sausages & Grill Packs
Keep entertaining simple with a selection of our gourmet sausages, steak cuts, and lamb chops.
Marinated Meats
Let us do the prep for you! Our marinated chicken, beef, and lamb options are:
Full of flavour
Ready to cook
Perfect for feeding a crowd
Add a big salad and crusty bread—dinner sorted.
4. Keep It Budget-Friendly with Smart Planning
- Mix premium cuts with everyday favourites like mince, sausages, and chicken.
- Use Rump cuts to make skewers, this helps make your protein go further.
- Plan meals that stretch—pulled meats, curries, pasta, and BBQ leftovers.
- Stock up on freezer staples so you’re not scrambling when unexpected guests arrive.
Waipawa Butchery is proud to offer high-quality, great-value meat, helping you entertain without blowing the budget.
7. Let Our Ready Meals Do the Work for You
When the house is full and you don’t have the time (or energy!) to cook from scratch, our Waipawa Butchery Ready Meals are a lifesaver. Each meal serves 4 to 6 people, making them perfect for feeding a hungry crowd with zero fuss. Simply heat, serve, and enjoy a hearty, homemade-style dish without the prep.
They’re ideal for:
Quick lunches between festive outings
Easy dinners after a long day with guests
Backup meals when extra friends or family drop in
Stocking your freezer with these ready meals ensures you’ll always have a delicious, budget-friendly option on hand—no stress, no mess, just great food.
Make This Christmas Easy with Waipawa Butchery
Whether you’re hosting for one night or a whole week, our team is here to help you choose the perfect cuts and products for your Christmas guests.
Visit us in-store or shop online at waipawabutchery.co.nz to fill your fridge and freezer with everything you need for a delicious, stress-free festive season.