Check out our list of 9 holiday co*cktails for tips on batching or our appetizer and co*cktail pairing guide to ensure every bite—and—sip is full of holiday cheer!
Tip #3: Plan ahead and prep where you can
Two Weeks Before
Shop for ingredients.
Once you’ve decided on a menu for your Christmas dinner, it’s time to shop for ingredients.
Make a list of everything you’ll need for each dish, and check it twice to make sure you’re not forgetting anything. Once you have your list, start shopping as early as possible. Take advantage of sales and stock up on any non-perishable ingredients you need. This way, you won’t be scrambling for last-minute items day of.
Take stock of your tableware.
It’s also a good idea to make sure you have all your Christmas entertaining tableware, with enough plates, cutlery and glasses for everyone on your guest list. Lay out the table in advance and decorate it with festive touches such as evergreen branches and a centerpiece.
Clean and calibrate your oven.
It’s important to clean your oven to promote even, efficient cooking. If you didn’t calibrate your oven for Thanksgiving, this is a great opportunity to do so. Calibrating your oven ensures that the temperature it says is actually correct. To do this, you’ll need to test your oven temperature with a portable thermometer. This step-by-step guide helps walk you through it based on the type of oven you have.
One Week Before
Prepare some side dishes or sauces.
If you know you’ll be short on time on Christmas, consider making some dishes ahead of time, like sauces and casseroles, and storing them in the freezer until you’re ready to cook.
Finish shopping for fresh ingredients.
Veggies and dairy items, in particular, are best fresh—so be sure to wait until the week of to gather these key ingredients.
Create a timeline for Christmas Day.
Figure out everything you’re cooking and when you want to eat your main course, then create a timeline working backwards. Determine what needs to be cooked when based on cooking time and cooking space (like oven versus stovetop), noting when guests will arrive. This will help you create a guide for the day and ensure everything goes off without a hitch.
Two to Three Days in Advance
Set the table and get decorations up.
This simple but important step is often an afterthought but can be done ahead of time to save you stress on the actual holiday. Plus, it’ll get you in the Christmas spirit and excited for your big dinner.
Start prepping dishes.
Does one of your dishes need chopped vegetables? Can you create your appetizers and dips a few days before the main day? Think about everything you’re cooking, and prep ahead where you can.
The Day Of
Follow your timeline to stay on track
You’ve got your timeline, now you just have to stick to it!
When it’s time to serve, make sure to have all the dishes laid out in an organized manner. Place the main course in the center of the table and arrange the side dishes around it. Then, let each guest serve themselves.
So, now that you’re armed with these tips and tricks, it’s time to start planning! Even if you’re hosting a small and intimate affair, your loved ones will surely enjoy the time spent together sharing a homecooked meal.
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