- 40% of non-hosts don’t think they will EVER host a Christmas dinner and 4 out of 5 don’t plan to do so for the first time this year (83%)
- A further third said they don’t know how to cook Christmas lunch (33%), which rises for Generation Z (42%) and Millennials (39%)
- Noël novices can learn to create showstopping spreads at FREE ‘Ho Ho Hosting’ masterclasses with Sainsbury’s on Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd November
- Joined by fellow first-time Christmas host, Jamie Laing, they’ll learn how to host the perfect seasonal soirée and serve a superb festive feast
Britain is in a Christmas hosting crisis, as a third of both Millennials (38%) and Generation X¹ (33%) have never hosted Christmas before.
The new research from Sainsbury’s revealed 40% of non-hosts don’t think they will EVER play host for Christmas dinner, and four out of five (83%) don’t plan to take the plunge for the first time this year. Almost a quarter blame a lack of space for not hosting (23%) and a further one in five (20%) wouldn’t like the pressure of hosting.
The absence of Christmas hosts is also down to a lack of confidence in the kitchen (14%), whilst a further third (33%) said they don’t know how to cook Christmas lunch, which rises for Generation Z (42%) and Millennials (39%).
Millennials, however, are now feeling the pressure to host their first Christmas from their friends and family (31%). In addition, a quarter (26%) of Baby Boomer hosts Christmas and over a third (35%) of Generation X wished their family and loved ones who have not yet hosted would take on the responsibility this year.
For the same generation, two in five are frequently the hosts in their family and would like to take a break from doing so (42%), as would almost a third of The Silent Generation (31%).
With nearly one in ten (8%) between the age 35-44 still living in their childhood home, it’s no wonder the older generation are still picking up the slack when it comes to hosting. Which is compounded by the almost one in ten (9%) that don’t feel comfortable hosting in rented accommodation and are waiting until they own a property.
To get first-time hosts of any age who might be nervous to take the plunge this year, Sainsbury’s is launching FREE ‘Ho Ho Hosting’ masterclasses. Led by experts at Sainsbury’s, with products from the new Taste the Difference range, guests will learn a whole host of tips and tricks for first-timers and everything they’ll need to impress their friends and family this year. What’s more, guests will be able to learn the ropes alongside TV and podcast star and first-time host Jamie Laing.
Claire Hughes, Director of Product & Innovation at Sainsbury’s said: “Food and drink is at the heart of Sainsbury’s and we’re on a mission to get people hosting this Christmas. Our research shows that Brits think it’s more of a mountain than it is, and with a few little tips and tricks it can be a breeze. That’s why we’ve launched the Ho Ho Hosting masterclasses, to share the knowledge we’ve built over many years and get Brits to take on the hosting challenge this festive season. Having hosted for many years, I can promise them it’s worth it!”
Jamie Laing said: “Christmas is my favourite time of year. There’s nothing like spending time with friends and family and enjoying delicious food and drink in each other’s company. This year I’m taking on the hosting challenge for the first time and am looking forward to having all those little questions I’ve had for years about it answered, as well as learning the basics from the experts at Sainsbury’s.”
For the tree-mendous hosts in training, they’ll learn how to perfect the most common Christmas quandaries and give them the confidence to host their inaugural Christmas. Questions such as how to make the perfect consistency of gravy (26%), cook a traditional Christmas pudding (41%) and prepare appetizers (26%) could all be answered. As well as the obvious staples of how to perfect the fluffy roastie (29%), the optimal way to carve a turkey (30%) and the question on everyone’s lips – how to not get a soggy bottom on the Yorkshire puds (33%).
‘Ho Ho Hosting’ masterclasses are available to book in two-hour sessions running on Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd November between 16:00 – 21:30.
Those attending the classes will learn to prepare items from across Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference range, including the Buttermilk Turkey with Maple Cured Bacon and the Spruced Up Sticky Toffee.
‘Ho Ho Hosting masterclasses with Sainsbury’s’ Details:
Opening Days: Tuesday 21st November – Wednesday 22nd November
Address: Studio 8, 6 Hornsey St, London N7 8GR
Nearest Stations: Holloway Road (Piccadilly line) is a 3-minute walk, Highbury & Islington (Victoria & London Overground) is a 10-minute walk.
Session Times: 16:00-18:00 and 19:30-21:30
Cost: FREE – a £10 booking deposit for two people (£5pp), which will be refunded providing the booking is fulfilled or can be donated to Comic Relief via Sainsbury’s Nourish the Nation programme
Booking Via: Ho Ho Hosting Masterclasses with Sainsbury's | London Food & Drink Reviews | DesignMyNight
Guests will also be able to donate to Sainsbury’s Nourish the Nation programme through the booking platform Design My Night, where there’ll be an optional donation upon checkout, as well as via a QR code at the event itself. Working in partnership with Comic Relief, the programme supports organisations such as Feeding Britain and The Bread and Butter Thing in their work to help alleviate food poverty in communities across the country.