Christmas hosting doesn't have to break the bank, even when grocery bills have jumped by more than $1,000 this year. While many Australian families are feeling the pinch with average grocery spending now at $213.64 per week—an extra $1,143 annually compared to 2024—there's some welcome news arriving just in time for the festive season.
Coles has unveiled what might be the Christmas hosting hero we've all been waiting for: a spectacular chicken centrepiece that serves four to five people for just $5.60 per person.
At a time when more than a quarter of Australians say groceries are their most worrying bill, this kind of value feels like a Christmas miracle.
The show-stopping dish everyone's talking about
The Coles Finest Boneless Chicken Prosciutto Wrapped Fromager d'Affinois with Honey & Fig Sauce is a 1kg indulgent centrepiece featuring tender chicken wrapped around an entire block of creamy Petit d'Affinois, priced at just $5.60 per serve.
Think about that for a moment—you're getting restaurant-quality presentation, gourmet ingredients, and enough to feed your family for what you'd pay for a single cafe meal.
When you carve into this beauty, that creamy cheese centre creates the kind of 'oooh' moment that makes Christmas hosting memorable.
'I love nothing more than an Aussie Christmas table packed with seafood, beautiful fresh ham and desserts which are full of festive spirit'
The timing couldn't be better. While just over one in ten shoppers say they'll spend more this Christmas, with 71 per cent prioritising food and 37 per cent seeking premium products, this dish delivers that premium experience without the premium price tag.
Smart budget hosting that doesn't compromise on taste
With more than one in three people reducing their Christmas spend and budget-conscious shoppers turning to specials and loyalty programs, it's reassuring to see genuinely impressive options that won't derail your holiday budget.
The supporting cast is equally wallet-friendly. The new Australian-made Coles Pulled Ham with Smokey Maple Glaze costs $2.50 per 100g—a fraction of what you'd pay at a specialty deli.
Those perfectly crispy Coles Finest Duck Fat Potatoes are ready in just 20 minutes in the air fryer for $5.50—ideal for anyone who wants impressive sides without the fuss.
Christmas hosting made simple
New entertaining options include Coles Finest Cacio e Pepe Arancini and Fondue Bites, both $7 each—perfect for welcoming guests while you put finishing touches on the main event. These aren't your average party pies; they're conversation starters with proper grown-up flavours.
The bigger picture: making Christmas affordable again
Let's be honest about what families are facing this Christmas. Grocery prices have increased between 3 per cent for bread to 12.3 per cent for fruit between January 2024 and 2025, with fruit being the hardest hit.
When you're already stretching the weekly budget, Christmas entertaining can feel overwhelming.
That's what makes this range refreshing. The hero chicken dish showcases the quality and innovation of the Coles Finest range, which achieved a 13.7 per cent increase in sales in 2025—suggesting Australians are finding real value in these premium own-brand options.
Christmas entertaining on a budget
- Plan around hero dishes like the $5.60 chicken centrepiece
- Use time-saving options like 20-minute air fryer potatoes
- Mix premium mains with affordable sides
- Available in stores and online from 5 November
Sweet endings that won't sour your budget
Dessert doesn't have to be an afterthought or budget-buster. The Coles Finest Chocolate Hazelnut Bûche, crafted in France with vanilla, hazelnut and dark chocolate flavours, serves eight people and creates that impressive finale every Christmas table deserves.
At just $2.50 per serve for the French-made bûche, you're getting genuine luxury at everyday prices.
The indulgent Coles Finest Sticky Date and Butterscotch Pudding with Candied Almonds offers that comforting, familiar taste many of us remember from childhood Christmases.
Beyond the main event: creating Christmas magic
Vegetables are taking centre stage with the Coles Finest Dukkah Spiced Cauliflower Kit—the result of two years of culinary innovation.
Coated in aromatic dukkah spices, roasted until golden, and served on whipped fetta with pepitas and cranberries, it transforms humble cauliflower into something genuinely special.
This is the kind of dish that gets people talking—and asking for the recipe. It's proof that impressive doesn't always mean expensive, and that with a bit of creativity, vegetables can be just as memorable as the meat.
The drinks that tie it all together
No Christmas celebration is complete without something special in the glass. Curtis Stone perfectly captures it: 'We're so lucky in Australia that we can create a festive menu from the fresh and in-season produce we have to offer'.
The ready-made Libertas Limoncello Spritz at $17 takes the guesswork out of cocktail mixing—just pour over ice and you've got that restaurant-quality drink that makes everyone feel special.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Recent research shows value remains front of mind for most households this Christmas, though signs of renewed confidence in spending are beginning to emerge with 12 per cent planning to spend more this year
Making memories without the financial stress
Here's the truth many of us need to hear: Christmas isn't about spending the most money; it's about creating those moments when family gathers around your table and everything feels just right.
Whether it's watching faces light up when you carve that impressive chicken centrepiece, or seeing three generations reach for seconds of that dukkah-spiced cauliflower, these are the memories that matter.
With groceries continuing to be the biggest financial burden for one in five Australians, finding ways to host beautifully without financial stress isn't just smart—it's essential for actually enjoying the celebration.
What this means for your Christmas planning
The beauty of this range is that it takes the guesswork out of Christmas hosting. Instead of frantically searching for recipes and hoping everything comes together, you've got restaurant-quality options that simply need heating and serving.
For those of us who remember when Christmas dinner meant spending two days in the kitchen, this approach lets you focus on what actually matters: spending time with the people you love.
The range launches in stores and online from 5 November, giving you plenty of time to plan without the last-minute Christmas rush that sees prices spike and options disappear.
What This Means For You
Christmas hosting at its best isn't about having the biggest budget—it's about creating those moments of genuine connection and joy.
This year, with thoughtful choices and genuinely impressive options that won't strain your finances, you can focus on what the season is really about: bringing people together.
Whether you're hosting two people or twenty, remember that the best Christmas tables are filled with love, laughter, and food that brings smiles—not stress about the bills that follow.
What are your favourite tips for hosting Christmas on a budget? Have you discovered any surprising hits that impressed your family without breaking the bank? We'd love to hear your stories and strategies in the comments below.
Primary Source
https://www.taste.com.au/food-news/coles-launches-christmas-range-2025/yhqz0nrz
Supermarket spending shock: Aussies forking out $1k more a year compared to 2024 on groceries | Compare the Market
Cited text: The research found that the average Aussie now spends $213.64 on groceries every week, equal to an 11.5 per cent increase or an extra $21.98 weekly compared t...
Excerpt: average grocery spending now at $213.64 per week—an extra $1,143 annually compared to 2024
https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/news/how-much-australians-spend-on-groceries-2025/
Supermarket spending shock: Aussies forking out $1k more a year compared to 2024 on groceries | Compare the Market
Cited text: More than a quarter of Australians (25.9 per cent) say the cost of groceries will be their most worrisome bill in 2025, up 1.1 per cent from 24.8 per cent in August 2024.
Excerpt: more than a quarter of Australians say groceries are their most worrying bill
https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/news/how-much-australians-spend-on-groceries-2025/
Coles unveils 2025 Christmas range | RW
Cited text: Coles’ festive range features more than 190 new products, including the standout Coles Finest Boneless Chicken Prosciutto Wrapped Fromager d’Affinois ...
Excerpt: The Coles Finest Boneless Chicken Prosciutto Wrapped Fromager d'Affinois with Honey & Fig Sauce is a 1kg indulgent centrepiece featuring tender chicken wrapped around an entire block of creamy Petit d'Affinois, priced at just $5…
https://retailworldmagazine.com.au/coles-unveils-2025-christmas-range/
COLES AND LIQUORLAND BRING THE MAGIC TO CHRISTMAS, WITH MORE THAN 340 FESTIVE PRODUCTS—News Hub
Cited text: According to a Coles survey just over one in ten shoppers (12 per cent) say they will spend more this year, with food and gifts topping the list. Among those ...
Excerpt: While just over one in ten shoppers say they'll spend more this Christmas, with 71 per cent prioritising food and 37 per cent seeking premium products
https://newshub.medianet.com.au/202...s-with-more-than-340-festive-products/122663/
COLES AND LIQUORLAND BRING THE MAGIC TO CHRISTMAS, WITH MORE THAN 340 FESTIVE PRODUCTS—News Hub
Cited text: The research also demonstrates that Coles’ customers are embracing the festive season with thoughtful planning and a strong focus on value, with more ...
Excerpt: With more than one in three people reducing their Christmas spend and budget-conscious shoppers turning to specials and loyalty programs
https://newshub.medianet.com.au/202...s-with-more-than-340-festive-products/122663/
COLES AND LIQUORLAND BRING THE MAGIC TO CHRISTMAS, WITH MORE THAN 340 FESTIVE PRODUCTS—News Hub
Cited text: Joining the lineup is the new Australian-made Coles Pulled Ham with Smokey Maple Glaze, priced at $2.50 per 100g—a deliciously tender, skinless and ...
Excerpt: The new Australian-made Coles Pulled Ham with Smokey Maple Glaze costs $2.50 per 100g
https://newshub.medianet.com.au/202...s-with-more-than-340-festive-products/122663/
COLES AND LIQUORLAND BRING THE MAGIC TO CHRISTMAS, WITH MORE THAN 340 FESTIVE PRODUCTS—News Hub
Cited text: Another new addition to the Coles Christmas menu is the perfectly crispy Coles Finest Duck Fat Potatoes 600g ($5.50), ready in just 20 minutes in the ...
Excerpt: Those perfectly crispy Coles Finest Duck Fat Potatoes are ready in just 20 minutes in the air fryer for $5.50
https://newshub.medianet.com.au/202...s-with-more-than-340-festive-products/122663/
COLES AND LIQUORLAND BRING THE MAGIC TO CHRISTMAS, WITH MORE THAN 340 FESTIVE PRODUCTS—News Hub
Cited text: Kick off the festive season with new additions to Coles Finest’s entertaining range, including the creamy Coles Finest Cacio e Pepe Arancini 200g with...
Excerpt: New entertaining options include Coles Finest Cacio e Pepe Arancini and Fondue Bites, both $7 each
https://newshub.medianet.com.au/202...s-with-more-than-340-festive-products/122663/
What the average Aussie spends on groceries in 2025 | Finder
Cited text: If we look at just groceries, price increases between January 2024 and January 2025 range from 3 per cent for bread to 12.3 per cent for fruit.
Excerpt: Grocery prices have increased between 3 per cent for bread to 12.3 per cent for fruit between January 2024 and 2025, with fruit being the hardest hit
https://www.finder.com.au/budgeting/average-grocery-bill
What the average Aussie spends on groceries in 2025 | Finder
Cited text: The food category hit hardest by inflation in January 2025 was fruit 12.3 per cent.
Excerpt: Grocery prices have increased between 3 per cent for bread to 12.3 per cent for fruit between January 2024 and 2025, with fruit being the hardest hit
https://www.finder.com.au/budgeting/average-grocery-bill
Coles unveils 2025 Christmas range | RW
Cited text: Priced at just $5.60 per serve, this hero dish showcases the quality and innovation of the Coles Finest range which as a brand achieved a 13.7 per cent increa...
Excerpt: The hero chicken dish showcases the quality and innovation of the Coles Finest range, which achieved a 13.7 per cent increase in sales in 2025
https://retailworldmagazine.com.au/coles-unveils-2025-christmas-range/
Coles unveils 2025 Christmas range | RW
Cited text: Products from the Christmas range is available online and in store from 5 November.
Excerpt: Available in stores and online from 5 November
https://retailworldmagazine.com.au/coles-unveils-2025-christmas-range/
Coles unveils 2025 Christmas range | RW
Cited text: No Christmas is complete without dessert, and this year’s highlight is the Coles Finest Chocolate Hazelnut Bûche 480g, crafted in France with flavours...
Excerpt: The Coles Finest Chocolate Hazelnut Bûche, crafted in France with vanilla, hazelnut and dark chocolate flavours, serves eight people
https://retailworldmagazine.com.au/coles-unveils-2025-christmas-range/
Coles unveils 2025 Christmas range | RW
Cited text: Joining the lineup is the indulgent Coles Finest Sticky Date and Butterscotch Pudding with Candied Almonds 550g, a rich and comforting classic with a ...
Excerpt: The indulgent Coles Finest Sticky Date and Butterscotch Pudding with Candied Almonds
https://retailworldmagazine.com.au/coles-unveils-2025-christmas-range/
Coles unveils 2025 Christmas range | RW
Cited text: This Christmas, Coles Finest is putting vegetables centre stage with a standout offering. The Coles Finest Dukkah Spiced Cauliflower Kit 895g, is the ...
Excerpt: Vegetables are taking centre stage with the Coles Finest Dukkah Spiced Cauliflower Kit—the result of two years of culinary innovation.
https://retailworldmagazine.com.au/coles-unveils-2025-christmas-range/
COLES AND LIQUORLAND BRING THE MAGIC TO CHRISTMAS, WITH MORE THAN 340 FESTIVE PRODUCTS—News Hub
Cited text: “We’re so lucky in Australia that we can create a festive menu from the fresh and in-season produce we have to offer, thanks to our incredible farmers...
Excerpt: Curtis Stone perfectly captures it: 'We're so lucky in Australia that we can create a festive menu from the fresh and in-season produce we have to offer'
https://newshub.medianet.com.au/202...s-with-more-than-340-festive-products/122663/
COLES AND LIQUORLAND BRING THE MAGIC TO CHRISTMAS, WITH MORE THAN 340 FESTIVE PRODUCTS—News Hub
Cited text: The launch comes as new research reveals that value remains front of mind for most households this Christmas, though signs of renewed confidence in sp...
Excerpt: Recent research shows value remains front of mind for most households this Christmas, though signs of renewed confidence in spending are beginning to emerge with 12 per cent planning to spend more this year
https://newshub.medianet.com.au/202...s-with-more-than-340-festive-products/122663/
Household Budget Barometer Report 2025 | Compare the Market
Cited text: Groceries continue to bite the hardest, with 1 in 5 Aussies (21 per cent) listing them as their most burdensome expense.
Excerpt: With groceries continuing to be the biggest financial burden for one in five Australians
https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/home-loans/features/household-budget-barometer-report-2025/
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have a lovely time together, everything is home made.