Less stress, more celebration: Mercadona's tips for an easy and successful Christmas

Every Christmas, the same wish is repeated in every home: to enjoy the holidays calmly, with time to spare and in a good atmosphere. But for this to happen, a good dose of organization and practical ideas to help simplify decisions are often necessary. With this in mind, Mercadona is once again publishing its Christmas Magazine, A publication that gathers concrete proposals to solve meals, meetings, household details and moments of personal care without complications.

More than just a source of inspiration, the magazine functions as a reference guide designed for real life: clear ideas, simple steps, and applicable solutions to make Christmas run smoothly. A practical tool to anticipate, save time, and thoughtfully handle the small and large moments of the holidays, from cooking to personal care. Suggestions designed to simplify decisions and make room for what really matters: sharing, celebrating, and enjoying.

Here's a selection of some of the practical tips included in this edition, which is already sold out in print. can be found digitally:

To start a relaxed gathering and set the tone from the outset, a good approach is to opt for simple cocktails that can easily be adapted to all tastes. The "non-alcoholic" Gin Fizz is a fresh and balanced option that combines lemon juice, peach jam, egg white, and lemon-lemon soda. A smooth and aromatic base that allows for the optional addition of a small touch of gin without having to prepare two separate drinks. This greatly simplifies organization and allows you to cater to everyone with a single offering.

Another alternative is the "non-alcoholic" Bloody Mary, made with tomato juice, soy sauce, sweet chiliLemon and spices. Intense yet light, it can be adapted by adding vodka individually. Opting for this type of recipe avoids last-minute improvisations, allows you to have everything ready in advance, and ensures a quick, comfortable, and shared welcome.

When time is limited, it's helpful to have recipes on hand that can solve a festive meal dilemma without lengthy preparations or hours in the kitchen. A prawn and pumpkin cream soup, with sofrito, cream, and a touch of brandy, allows you to serve an elegant first course with very little effort. Octopus with chestnut purée is another option that combines quality ingredients, flavor, and a festive presentation in very little time, ideal for both lunches and special dinners.

In this sense, the papillote technique, both in the oven and in theair fryerIt becomes a great ally during the holidays. Cooking fish and vegetables wrapped in it generates steam, preserves nutrients, and enhances flavor without the need for added fats. Simply add aromatic herbs, citrus fruits, or spices and let the food cook in its own juices, resulting in light, aromatic dishes that are very easy to serve.

A good wine can also make all the difference when served correctly. Young white wines and sparkling wines should be served well chilled, while red wines only need a slight cooling before serving. To achieve this, simply place the bottle in the refrigerator for a while or submerge it for a few minutes in a bowl of ice water. Choosing the right glass also influences the experience: wider glasses for red wines, slightly narrower ones for whites, and flute glasses for sparkling wines. A simple but effective trick to add a special touch to dishes is to make homemade wine salt by mixing five parts coarse salt with one part red wine and drying it in the oven. It's ideal for finishing meats, fish, or vegetables with a unique flavor without any fuss.

Creating a cozy home doesn't require elaborate setups or excessive decorations. Setting the table with festive disposable tableware saves time and maintains a polished look, especially when entertaining a large group. Playing with coordinated dessert plates, napkins, and small details helps to create a cohesive look and dress the table without overwhelming it.

Scented candles are a great way to set the mood. Spicy notes like chai They work well in the entryway, creamy scents like Santal Sanilla They fit in the living room and sweet fragrances like crème brûlée They are ideal for after-dinner conversation. The aim is to provide warmth and comfort, and to accompany gatherings without invading the space.

Celebrations are also an opportunity to pamper yourself and feel good. Festive makeup can begin by preparing the skin with an illuminating primer and continue with neutral tones combined with highlights. Pearlescent eyeshadows, eyeliner Black or gold and long-lasting lipsticks allow you to adapt the look From day to night without constant touch-ups or complications.

As for hair, half-up styles with waves or sleek buns are simple and elegant options that work for any celebration. Applying products with heat protection and light hold helps maintain the hairstyle throughout the day, with a natural and comfortable result.

A guide to having everything ready

These tips are part of a broader set that covers all aspects of Christmas: from appetizers to dessert, including decorations, beauty, and gifts. Mercadona's 'Christmas Magazine' It has been available in physical format in stores, in limited quantities, but can now be found digitally on the company's website.

A practical tool for making decisions with peace of mind and enjoying the holidays in a lighter way. Or, to put it another way: less stress, more partying.