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.
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.